South Africa Mountain Bike Tour

Western Cape and Winelands of the Rainbow Nation

6 days / 5 nights Level: 3Price From: $6,395Collection: Classic

Tour Highlights

  • Cycle picturesque Chapman’s Peak Drive, considered the most beautiful road in South Africa
  • Spend the afternoon tasting South Africa’s top wines with a local winemaker
  • Ride some of the best MTB trails in Africa, including single tracks that sparked a countrywide mountain biking movement
  • Visit a local township and taste traditional vetkoek frybread prepared by a beloved community member
  • Reconnect with nature on a ride through Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, discovering unique South African flora and fauna like king protea flowers, gemsbok, and soaring eagles

Eat

Braaivleis (barbecued meat), biltong jerkey, pap (a type of polenta), and mieliebrood (cornbread with a South African spin)

Drink

Local Savanna cider, award-winning South African wines including Cabernet and Syrah, and especially the indigenous varietal Pinotage

As featured in:
Print Itinerary
  • Day 1

    Welcome to the Rainbow Nation

    Your guides will meet you at the Cape Town waterfront early this morning. After a bike fitting and safety briefing we set out for our first ride toward Jonkershoek, a nature reserve occupying a dramatic valley near the major wine destination of Stellenbosch. Some say that South African mountain biking was born right here, since the trails in this preserve launched the sport’s popularity. We’ll enjoy a post-ride lunch at our favorite little cyclist café. A short transfer or hilly extra ride brings us to Clouds Estate—our hotel and working wine farm surrounded by the dramatic Simonsberg and Drakenstein mountains. A special treat awaits our arrival: one of our favorite winemakers, Johan, will lead us through an introductory tasting of South Africa’s most celebrated wines. Tonight we dine among the vines at a family-owned estate recognized as one of the best in the Cape Winelands. Chef Caroline Coetzee’s food is complemented by local artwork on display in her restaurant—an all-around showcase of South African talent.

    Meals: Lunch / Dinner
    Destination: Jonkershoek, Helshoogte
    Accomplished: 16 miles / 26 km, elevation gain: 1,788 feet / 545 meters
    Longer Option: 24 miles / 40 km, elevation gain: 2,870 feet / 875 meters
    Accommodation: Clouds Estate

  • Day 2

    Cycling Stellenbosch

    Today we ride to Boschendal Wine Estate on bike trails beloved by local cyclists and pros alike—they’ve even hosted South Africa’s Cape Epic mountain bike race. But don’t be intimidated, today’s ride lends itself to cyclists of all levels: choose to rack up miles in the saddle or take it easy and treat yourself to an extra glass of wine (or wyn in Afrikaans), if you prefer. Either way, explore the country’s complicated history as we pedal on single tracks through the vineyards, passing pristine manors juxtaposed with humble agricultural villages. In the werf, or farmyard, we’ll have an al fresco lunch at a local woman’s home where we’ll try traditional roosterbood. This evening we’ll head into the historic town of Stellenbosch—one of the country’s first Dutch settlements and a treasure trove of colonial architecture—for a stroll through its oak tree-lined streets and dinner at one of our favorite restaurants.

    Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
    Destinations: Helshoogte, Kylemore, Boschendal, Stellenbosch
    Accomplished: 21 miles / 34 km, elevation gain: 1,391 feet / 424 meters
    Optional Extra: 26 miles / 43 km, elevation gain: 2,070 feet / 631 meters
    Accommodation: Clouds Estate

  • Day 3

    Local is “Lekker”

    This morning, our transfer brings us to the trails of Bottelary Hills Conservancy: an immaculately maintained network of mountain biking routes connecting nearly 40 local vineyards. Great pains were taken to preserve the native flora, including fruit orchards, lilies, and fynbos (a type of vegetation unique to South Africa). Our ride rewards us with views all the way to Table Mountain, and we’ll stop for a Pinotage-paired picnic lunch at Jordan Winery. Spend the rest of the evening at an informal South African settlement, getting to know the local personalities during a walking tour. After, we’re invited to dinner with the locals as they share their food, stories, music, and traditions with us over the course of an unforgettable evening.

    Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
    Destinations: Bottelary Hills, Stellenbosch
    Accomplished: 16 miles / 26 km, elevation gain: 1,738 feet / 530 meters
    Longer Option: 36 miles / 45 km, elevation gain: 3,284 feet / 1,001 meters
    Accommodation: Jordan Winery

  • Day 4

    Wine to Waves

    As we pedal out of Stellenbosch this morning, we may cross paths with the South African pheasants called tarentaal as they scurry noisily through the vines or eagles manning their posts, protecting the vineyards from predators. Early European settlers realized the appeal of these peaceful foothills and their exquisite terroir, and the countryside remains some of the most coveted real estate on the continent. Just ask golfer Ernie Els, who scooped up a Western Cape winery where we’ll have lunch paired with estate wines. This afternoon, check into our final hotel: the luxurious Tintswalo Atlantic, located at the base of Table Mountain National Park. Dine at the hotel restaurant and soak up the sea views, or head into Hout Bay for dinner on your own.

    Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
    Destinations: Raithby, Hout Bay
    Accomplished: 19 miles / 32 km, elevation gain: 1,430 feet / 436 meters
    Accommodation: Tintswalo Atlantic

  • Day 5

    Chapman’s Peak and Kalk Bay

    Enjoy a laid-back morning before hopping on the bike for a final day of cycling. The road to Chapman’s Peak is considered the country’s most beautiful byway, so our ride over the peninsula includes plenty of photo stops. Our destination today is the quaint fishing village of Kalk Bay, its harbor of vocal sea lions basking in the warm sun and local fishermen selling this morning’s fresh catch. A lunch of fresh seafood is only fitting! Choose to take it easy for the rest of the afternoon—maybe checking out the colorful beach cottages—or keep on riding back to Tintswalo. For our final night, it’s sundowners and dinner on the deck as we toast to our wonderful week together.

    Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
    Destinations:  Chapman’s Peak, Kalk Bay
    Accomplished: 21 miles / 34 km, elevation gain: 1,919 feet / 585 meters
    Longer Option: 29 miles / 47 km, elevation gain: 3,483 feet / 1,062 meters
    Accommodation: Tintswalo Atlantic

  • Day 6

    Totsiens!

    Spend your final morning in South Africa as you wish, whether you prefer to sleep in late or take a short hike to get your endorphins for the day. Before our guides bid you farewell, transfer with them to Cape Town International Airport or right into the city for those adding additional days to their trip.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Destinations: Kalk Bay

DuVine itineraries may be subject to slight route changes, hotel substitutions, and other modifications.



Arrival Details

Airport City: Cape Town, South Africa Pick-Up Location: One&Only Cape Town Pick-Up Time: 8:00 am
Departure Details

Airport City: Cape Town, South Africa Drop-Off Location: Cape Town International Airport or a downtown waterfront hotel Drop-Off Time: 12:00 pm
Travelers Take Note

Familiarity with mountain biking is essential for this tour, as the majority of all riding takes place on dirt roads and single tracks.

Any scheduled tour can be made private. Your group, your dates. Go Private

2024Single Supplement From: $1,700

See our cancellation policy

Weather by Month
Average Temperature + Precipitation

Average Temperature + Precipitation

Month
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
High (°F)
82°
82°
78°
74°
66°
66°
62°
66°
66°
71°
75°
78°
Low (°F)
61°
61°
57°
53°
47°
44°
43°
44°
47°
51°
55°
58°
Rain (in)
125
125
125
251
376
376
376
376
251
125
125
125

Accommodations

  • Thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region
  • Luggage transfers

Meals

  • Daily breakfasts, all lunches, nutritious snacks, and après velo cocktails
  • 4 gourmet dinners at our favorite local restaurants and renowned culinary establishments
  • Carefully selected local wine, beer, or spirits with every meal

Activities

  • Wine tastings and activities as outlined in the tour itinerary
  • Entrance fees to historic sites, museums, parks, and all other exclusive events
  • Gratuities for baggage, porters, and hotel service

Gear

  • Top-of-the-line bicycle selection
  • Bike helmet
  • Complimentary DuVine gear including a custom cycling jersey, DuVine t-shirt, water bottle, and drawstring bag
  • GPS in most destinations

Support

  • Expert bilingual guides with extensive local knowledge
  • Support vehicle that follows the day’s route, distributes refreshments, and offers lifts
  • Pick-up and drop-off before and after your tour from predetermined meeting points
  • Daily bike maintenance to ensure optimal performance
NOT INCLUDED:
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Stumpjumper Expert

Manufacturer: Specialized

Type: Mountain

Included in trip price