12-Day Cycle Tour from Stellenbosch to Port Elizabeth
Along Route 62 and Garden Route
Day 1
After arrival in University town of Stellenbosch the previous evening, your first days cycling takes you through the beautiful oak-lined roads of the Winelands and then towards Wellington, where we will stop for a rest and a drink. Then cycle over the spectacular Bain’s Kloof Pass, stopping at the summit to admire the magnificent view. For those that are hungry, there is a well-appointed restaurant. Continue towards Worcester, which is surrounded by the majestic mountains and fertile valleys of the countries biggest wine producing area.
Stellenbosch to Worcester: 110kms / Altitude 250-820-500m. Degree of difficulty: (7/10)
Overnight: Worcester
Day 2
This is an enjoyable days cycling to the quaint little town of Montaqu, which takes you through Cogman’s Kloof, with its
 geological faults and folds. Stopping for lunch en route. At the end of the day’s cycle you can immerse yourself in the pools of natural spring waters at your hotel, while you relax with late sundowners to end off the day.
Worcester to Montagu: 72kms / Altitude 500-650-500m. Degree of difficulty: (1/10)
Day 3
Day of leisure. Day trips can be arranged as per attached information.
Special mention must be made of the tractor trip. Only organized for a Wednesday and Saturday but could be organized on any other day if the group consists of 16 Pax.
Overnight: Montagu
Day 4
After your breakfast we back-track a short distance through Cogman’s Kloof taking note of the Fort built by Thomas Bain during the Anglo Boer War (1899 -1902)
 Cycling through undulating semi desert terrain towards the historic town of Swellendam, situated at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. Swellendam is the third oldest permanent settlement in South Africa. A lunch stop will be enjoyed in this area. We continue towards Heidelberg where we are welcomed by the friendly hosts of the family owned Heidelberg Hotel.
Montagu to Heidelberg: 108kms / Altitude 500-650-500m. Degree of difficulty (7/10)
Overnight: Heidelberg
Day 5
We continue our cycle towards Mossel Bay along the N2 highway, which has a broad shoulder for cycling. We pass through Riversdale which is fondly tagged as the “Floral Paradise of the Garden Route” and then on to Albertinia, where there are Aloe factories which give visitors an insight into the therapeutic wonders of this indigenous plant. Relish in the delights of the open countryside whilst keeping a look out for the Blue Crane, South Africa’s national bird. Cycle to Mossel Bay, first discovered by Bartholomew Dias in 1448, enjoy the sandy beaches and swim in the warm Indian Ocean in front our hotel.
Heidelberg to Mossel Bay: 122kms / Altitude 500-50m. Degree of difficulty (5/10)
Overnight: Mossel Bay
Day 6
This morning we cycle along the promenade towards Hartenbos and the Great Brak River where we stop for lunch. Continue towards
 Knysna. The road is undulating, with the occasional drop into, and stiff pull out of valleys, whilst enjoying the beautiful mountain ranges on one side and the crystal blue waters of the ocean on the other side.
Mossel Bay to Knysna: 108kms / Altitude 50-400-50m. Degree of difficulty (5/10)
Overnight: Knysna
Day 7
Knysna is home to the endangered Knysna sea horse, cultivated oysters and locally brewed beer. Renowned for its hospitality, this beautiful town offers many different activities for you to enjoy on your day of rest. Cruises can be organized on the Knysna Lagoon.
See website http://www.featherbed.co.za (booking essential)
Overnight: Knysna
Day 8
Continue to Plettenberg Bay, the playground of the rich and famous. Cycle through the town and enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many restaurants over looking the magnificent beach on Beacon Isle. After lunch a short cycle to our overnight stop, which is nestled on the banks of the Keurbooms River.
Knysna to Keurbooms: 42kms / Altitude 50-200-50m. Degree of difficulty (4/10)
Overnight: Keurbooms
Day 9
A steep hill awaits the start of your morning cycle as we head off towards Tsitsikamma, where we cycle amongst significant tracts of indigenous forest, with giant Yellowwood trees and abundant wild flowers. The Bloukrans River Bridge boasts one of the world’s highest bungi jumps. Lunch will be enjoyed here while watching the adventurous leap off into space!
Keurbooms to Tsitsikamma: 66kms / Altitude 50-400m. Degree of difficulty (5/10)
Overnight: Tsitsikamma
 Day 10
Day of leisure. Various hikes are available, walking through indigenous forests from the Tsitsikamma Lodge. The adrenalin junkies jump from the world’s highest bungi bridge 216m.
Tubing on the Storms River or a day spent tanning/sunning on the Storms River mouth beaches.
Monkeyland offers tours roaming through the monkey sanctuary where the primates move around in their natural habitat. Walk across Africa’s longest suspension bridge 128m, spanning a canyon above the forest canopy. See http://www.tsitsikamma.com/
Overnight: Tsitsikamma
Day 11
Today the terrain is undulating with rolling countryside. We stop for lunch in the little farming town of Humansdorp. We continue to the world-renowned surfing town of Jeffreys Bay for our overnight accommodation. Try your luck at catching a wave in the late afternoon as the sunsets over the ocean.
Tsitsikamma to Jeffreys Bay: 90kms / Altitude 400-50m. Degree of difficulty (4/10)
Overnight: Jeffreys Bay
Day 12
Our final day takes us along the N2 to the friendly city of Port Elizabeth, where the South African crew and cyclists spend their last moments together.
Jeffreys Bay to Port Elizabeth: 72kms / Altitude 50-300-50m. Degree of difficulty (3/10)
Overnight: Port Elizabeth
Day 13
Transfer to airport for flight home.
Total distance: 800 kilometers .
Terrain: Rolling countryside with some passes and hills, making this an enjoyable and varied cycling holiday.
Accommodation: Our accommodation along the way is friendly, family-owned hotels.
FOOT NOTE:
Accommodation is subject to availability (Early bookings are essential).
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