Mountain Biking on a Karoo Farm

Day 1
Depart Johannesburg for an 8 hour drive to Graaff-Reinet, fondly known as the Gem of the Karoo.

At about 5pm you will be welcomed on the farm by your friendly hosts Doug and Liz. Sundowners will be enjoyed in the lapa followed by a traditional Karoo barbecue.

Day 2
Up early, good bowl of porridge and set off on a 25 kms cycle into New Bethesda, made famous by Athol Fugard’s “Road To Mecca.” Visit the Owl House created by Helen Martins with her vision into the past!!

Enjoy lunch or coffee and a pancake in the picturesque little village itself, then cycle in a circular route back to the farm, about 30kms.Once “home” relax next to the pool and then relish the taste of a delicious leg of Karoo lamb for dinner.

Day 3
Today we cycle into Graaff-Reinet, about 50 kms, the last 10 kms are downhill. Then the brave at heart cycle up to The Valley of Desolation, to see the series of precariously balanced dolerite columns, which rise up to 120 metres above the valley floor. These rocks have withstood 200 million years of erosion. Refreshments will be enjoyed while looking at this lovely panoramic view of Graaff-Reinet. The rest of the day will be spent wondering around the 200 buildings in town, which are national monuments. Graaff-Reinet was established in 1786 and is the 4th oldest town in the country. Well worth a visit!!

Day4
A surprise awaits you today. We drive to Nardousberg, which is 2429 metres above sea level and the second highest peak in the Cape. This is a magnificent scenic drive to the summit, where we then walk for 10 minutes to the very top! After this a delicious picnic brunch will be enjoyed. Relish the fresh air and spectacular views from here.

Day5
Sleep in or get up early, have breakfast and cycle on the mountain drive route around the farm. A packed lunch will be enjoyed at a picnic spot overlooking the spectacular mountains in the vicinity. After lunch continue on the mountain drive, keeping a lookout for bat-eared fox, jackals, kudu, ribbok, steenbok, springbok and many other different species of animals and birds. This is a nature lover’s paradise!! (distance can be at cyclists discretion).

Once home, sundowners and dinner will again be enjoyed.

Day6
Sadly pack up to return home.

Back to Cycle Tours South Africa

Click here for our reservations form