Exploring South Africa by bike is an experience like no other. Cape Town is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and provides a stunning backdrop to our cycling holidays in South Africa. The spellbinding scenery, rich cultural history, unique flora and endemic wildlife make South Africa a spectacular destination to cover on two wheels.
Wildlife lovers will be in their element with unforgettable game drives through Kruger National Park, while the Drakensburg Mountains provide an incredible backdrop for aspiring photographers wanting to capture some of South Africa’s most breath-taking scenery. As you cycle among lush vineyards, along pristine coastline and beneath awe-inspiring waterfalls, you’ll discover diverse and unparalleled landscapes like you’ve never seen before.
Known for its magnificent wildlife, South Africa is home to more than 20 national parks, and Kruger is one of the most revered for its epic game. Embark on thrilling safari experiences that take you to the heart of the country’s wilder side where great beasts such as lions, rhinos, elephants and giraffes will leave you in awe as you observe them in their natural habitats.
Oenophiles (wine lovers) can sample some of the world’s finest wines in the Cape Winelands region which are produced at vineyards in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. This celebrated region is also renowned for its fascinating history, natural beauty and delicious cuisine. Cycling South Africa winelands steers you through scenic landscapes to see the iconic Table Mountain, along the Franschhoek Pass and to local villages and towns where you’ll be immersed in ancient traditions.
South Africa Cycling Holidays
12 Daysfrom3 240 €
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Vineyards, mountain passes and South Africa's coastline
Top 5 Experiences on Cycling Tours in South Africa
Cable Car Ride up Table Mountain: Looming over the city of Cape Town, Table Mountain is one of the most famous mountains in the world, known for its unusual flat top. The summit lies at just over 1,000 metres but the views over the city, coast and the surrounding landscapes are phenomenal. Riding the cable car to the plateau is a smooth journey that lets you soak up 360-degree panoramas incorporating the Lion’s head on one side and city skyscrapers on the other.
Cycling Along the Franschhoek Pass: Located between the Wemmershoek Mountains and the Franschhoek Valley, the Franschhoek Pass snakes along the north of the Franschhoek Mountains to almost 2,500ft. Also known as Lambrechts Road, the pass is a favourite with avid cyclists owing to the extraordinary mountain views that reach across valleys and gorges. There are also switchbacks and corners along the route that add to the thrill of the ride and returning along the Villiersdorp side introduces you to some of the most beautiful scenery when cycling South Africa.
Cape Peninsula Ride: Incorporating some of the most beautiful views in South Africa, the Cape Peninsula is a stunning route for cycling. Ride through the Cape Point Nature Reserve which lies at the tip of the peninsula and along the picturesque coastal road where vistas seem to stretch on forever. At Cape Point, you’ll have the opportunity to spot local wildlife and a wide variety of flora. Keep your eyes peeled for whales as they swim through the waters in search of fish.
Cycling the Drakensburg: There are few greater adventures than cycling through the spectacular mountain scenery of Drakensburg. The area is famous for both its hiking and cycling routes that steer you between dramatic rock formations where you can see ancient rock art created by the indigenous San people. The area is also home to abandoned gold mines, wildlife-rich forests and cascading waterfalls. At every twist and turn through the mountainous landscapes, a new and wildly beautiful vision unfolds.
Game Drive in Kruger National Park: As well as giving you a well-earned break from the saddle, a game drive through Kruger National Park is filled with thrilling wildlife experiences. Begin your adventure early in the morning to increase your chances of spotting some of the world’s most revered animals as you go in search of South Africa’s famous Big Five: the elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo. Hiding in the mountains, forests and plains are hundreds more species of mammals and birds that live among the staggering 2 million hectares of national park.
Fascinating trip through interesting cities and countryside in the Baltics, led by the brilliant Lina. I was surprised to read recent negative reviews of this tour as it certainly didn’t match our experience. We were lucky to have a great group that really gelled and we all thought Lina was a brilliant leader. It is more of a cruising sight seeing tour then a full on cycling trip, the cycling is incidental on some days and the bikes are heavy shopping type bikes, but the terrain is generally flat and the riding is easy. The hotels were fine, though towels in the in Baltics are very thin and cheap and the trip would perhaps benefit from a non cycling day in the middle with a free afternoon to allow time for laundry and chilling.
Really loved the cycling, it was challenging and very rewarding .Our guides Mohamed and Yusuf were excellent as were the drivers. And the food was wonderful. Apart from the hotel in Agadir which survived very ordinary buffet food. Sadly neither the bikes or the transfer vehicles were up to the job. The bikes were worn out and constantly needing attention and the vehicles did not have enough legroom for comfort, particularly the Prado, which was painful if you were unlucky enough to be in the back.
I do feel a little mean just giving 4 stars but there were a few niggles. It’s a great trip and particularly satisfying in that there are no transfers until the end – you cycle from hotel to hotel for 6 days. Lovely scenery, though not quite as gorgeous as described in other reviews. Accommodation basic but clean – no luxury but you don’t spend much time in it. Sardinian food and wine is pretty awesome but mostly fish based.
Gripes. Bikes are old and heavy which make the second and third rides more onerous than they should be- 3400 feet ascent in 36 miles does not usually faze me but knees were complaining for a few days after. I experienced a degree of bike envy for the guide’s lightweight gravel bike. As noted elsewhere the flight times are awkward and we were pretty bored by the end of the last day awaiting our transfer to the airport- a late check out from our rooms on a hot sticky day would have been good. The trip notes were inaccurate which, sadly, is a common issue with Exodus trips. Biggest grouse was, however, that there was only ever one guide on the rides, which meant that the weakest member was either cycling alone or dependent on the good nature of other participants for company. To my mind a bit of a safety risk but I guess we might have been spoilt after our trip to Indonesia where there were always three guides.
I am sounding a bit negative. We had a great time but some minor alterations would improve the experience substantially.