On E-Biking days the average cycling distance a day is planned to be between 70 and 80km
In the itinerary the times we take a shuttle are highlighted in red
Today we fly to Singapore and on arrival transfer to our hotel.
We have a day at leisure in Singapore and late this evening we transfer to the airport for our flight to Singapore. We have a late check out of 6.00pm at our hotel.
We fly to Johannesburg and transit through to our flight to Port Elizabeth.
On arrival we are met and transfer to our hotel.
Today’s the day. After a quick shuttle trip out of the busy metropolis of Port Elizabeth, we get on our e-bikes and start riding. The first few kilometres take us along the spectacularly beautiful Garden Route into the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains.
Master the first pass on this trip with ease. Despite it not being very high, it provides a great descent, sloping down to the Indian Ocean amongst splendid scenery.
Today is dedicated to the Tsitsikamma National Park. Numerous rivers have cut their way deep into the Swartberg Mountains as they flow down to meet the ocean. Admire the wild environment of the Storms and Bloukrans river valleys; with a bit of luck you may see a bungy jumper taking the leap from the 216 metres high Bloukrans Bridge.
Today’s ride ends at Monkeyland; take the time to explore the beautiful sanctuary while your bike is loaded for a quick transfer to our next destination, Knysna.
From Knysna, we take a convenient transfer to George. On the way, you can admire the rough beauty of the Wilderness National Park and mentally prepare yourself for the first real pass.
In George, we get back on our e-bikes and continue our journey up a steady incline. After we have reached the top of the Montagu Pass, we ride into the Karoo region. The South African semi-desert landscape provides a fascinating riding experience, enchanting us with its mesmerizing ochre tones.
Look forward to our first rest day in Oudtshoorn, the ostrich farming capital of the world.
Our rest day has a lot to offer. An easy bike ride gives you the perfect opportunity to explore the world-famous limestone caverns of the Cango Caves and visit an ostrich farm on the way (optional activities).
Some amazing riding challenges await those who want more e-biking. Why not climb the famous Swartberg Pass and venture deeper into the fascinating Karoo region?
Wave goodbye to Oudtshoorn as you head south, spending the morning pedalling up the Robinson Pass. This pass takes you back on the fertile plains high above the Indian Ocean. The lush green country will be a feast for your eyes, especially after having travelled along the arid heartland of Karoo.
Enjoy the gentle ride through the rolling hills and get ready for another one of our highlights: the Gondwana Game Reserve.
Today we give our e-bikes a break and set out on a safari. The Gondwana Game Reserve is an excellent Big 5 private wildlife resort. Be sure to take your camera with you and look out carefully, and you might be the first of us to spot an elephant, white rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo.
After a successful photo safari, we will be happy to get back on our e-bikes and continue riding through the rolling hills that take us closer to Riversdale, our next stop. Riversdale, situated at the foot of the Langeberg Range, is the region’s agricultural centre.
One last time, we visit the Karoo region via the Swartberg Mountains. The Tradouw Pass, which means Women’s Pass, is the gateway to our next stage. Once again, we’ll be thankful for having some electric support. This pass isn’t exactly a piece of cake. Take a deep breath at the top and look forward to a smooth ride down to Barrydale.
Our shuttle will already be waiting for us, taking us to Montagu. Montagu is famous for its 45 degrees Celsius hot springs (optional activity), whose healing effects will make you want to stay and take in the beautiful surroundings. Take advantage of this break to reminisce about the last days full of adventure.
After a hearty breakfast, we take a shuttle to the outer edge of the Karoo region. Prepare to venture into new territory. The day’s destination includes the renowned Cape winelands of Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek.
The Bainskloof Pass, which we’ll have to master along the way, is one of the main highlights of our South Africa trip. At the top, you’ll feel like the king or queen of the world, with one of the most rewarding descents ahead of you and luscious vineyards guiding the way.
Today’s rest stop is all about indulging yourself. The “French Corner” entices you to stroll through the streets, treat yourself to a cup of delicious espresso and shop at the many local boutiques.
Visiting one of the region’s world-famous vineyards and having a wine tasting is a must – not just for connoisseurs (optional excursions).
Well-rested and with renewed vigour we get on our e-bikes early in the morning, tackling the scenic Franschhoek Pass.
We continue our journey to the Theewaterskloof Dam, passing by lush green meadows and hills on our way to Hermanus, one of the world’s top whale watching destinations. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to sight the wild creatures from the beach.
We have already covered quite a distance on our journey and we are now on our way to the Cape. To get on with our journey south, we shuttle our e-bikes for the next stretch before we ride around the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. Endless, fascinating views of the rocky coast accompany us on our way. At Betty’s Bay, we can visit our first penguin colony. Having arrived at the beaches of False Bay, we’ll take the shuttle down to Simon’s Town.
What a splendid finale! From Simon’s Town, we cycle to the Cape of Good Hope. Get ready for our group photo in front of the famous sign that marks the beginnings of the headland. It is a must.
From here, the shuttle takes us to the gateway of another highlight, which is also the end of our two-week adventure trip through South Africa. Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world. We won’t be alone out here, but we simply can’t miss out on this amazing riding experience.
The last stretch of our journey takes us through the numerous suburbs of Cape Town and up to Signal Hill. This is our destination, where it’s time to get off the bike and take a moment to take in this unparalleled view: Cape Town in front of you and Table Mountain to your right is a sight that you will never forget.
Explore South Africa’s Mother City on a half-day tour that kicks off with a cable car at iconic Table Mountain (if weather allows).
The magnificent scenery continues as we are driven through Clifton and Sea Point to the city centre, where we can explore the colourful stalls at Greenmarket Square and stroll through Company Gardens, established by the Cape’s first settlers. Drive past historical attractions that include the Houses of Parliament, City Hall, the Castle and Slave Lodge before exploring the Bo Kaap, or Cape Town’s colourful and vibrant Malay quarter. We have an independent lunch and the rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner.
This morning we transfer to Cape Town airport to start our journey back to New Zealand via Singapore.
We transit through Singapore airport this morning and fly home to New Zealand with special memories of enjoying the active life in South Africa.