South Africa Mountain Bike Tour

Our guides will pick you up from Cape Town International Airport. After a bike fitting and safety briefing, set out for our first ride: a mostly downhill route that follows jeep trails through the Banhoek conservancy and leads us to a local winery that’s focused on simplicity and sustainability. Enjoy a light lunch of South African biltong and local cheese as we overlook the Helshoogte Valley, plus a wine tasting that’s complemented by a sensory exploration of fynbos (a type of vegetation unique to South Africa). Tonight, we dine just up the road at Tokara, a wine estate that’s recognized as one of the best in the Cape Winelands. Chef Caroline Coetzee’s food is complemented by local artwork on display in the restaurant—the perfect introduction to the talents of the rainbow nation.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destination: Helshoogte
Accomplished: 6 miles / 10 km, elevation gain: 745 feet / 227 meters
Longer Option: 16 miles / 26 km, elevation gain: 1,555 feet / 474 meters
Accommodation: Molenvliet or Clouds Estate

After breakfast we’ll ride to Boschendal winery via immaculate bike trails beloved not only by local cyclists, but also the pros—in fact, Boschendal has played host to South Africa’s Cape Epic mountain bike race. Today’s ride lends itself well to every type of cyclist, so get in plenty of miles or take it easy and treat yourself to another glass of wine (or wyn in Afrikaans), if you prefer. We’ll spin through vineyards, gradually working our way up Simonsberg mountain and descending once again into the vines for a picnic lunch. Choose to keep riding or catch a lift in the van back to our hotel. We’ll head to the artsy town of Franschoek this evening, exploring its lively little streets before dinner at celebrity chef Reuben Riffel’s restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Boschendal, Franschoek
Accomplished: 19 miles / 30 km, elevation gain: 1,063 feet / 324 meters
Longer Option: 28 miles / 45 km, elevation gain: 2,893 feet / 882 meters
Accommodation: Molenvliet or Clouds Estate

Depart the countryside for Stellenbosch, discovered by Simon van der Stel when he first arrived in South Africa—the farm he built on the Western Cape was the beginning of the oak tree-peppered paradise the area has become. Spin on quiet little roads or take a single track towards one of our favorite wineries, an unpretentious spot owned by the Momberg family. Their reputation for receiving visitors in true South African style means a raging fire is ready to cook our lunch of traditional braai barbecue. Our feast pairs perfectly with Pinotage—a distinctly South African grape variety you’ll get to know during a lesson in blending a custom bottle of wine. Retire with a full belly to our boutique hotel at the Jordan Winery. Tonight will be another culinary experience to remember as the hotel chef prepares a private dinner on the terrace, with romantic views of a little lake (and lots of vineyards).

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Stellenbosch
Accomplished: 20 miles / 32 km, elevation gain: 1,699 feet / 518 meters
Longer Option: 34 miles / 55 km, elevation gain: 3,300 feet / 1,006 meters
Accommodation: Jordan Wine Estate

The trails leaving Jordan Wine Estate are truly spectacular—on today’s ride, 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. On this cyclist-friendly wine trail, a tasting stop (or two) is a must. We’ll loop back to Jordan Wine Estate for an indulgent lunch, then transfer to 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: Bottlerary Hill Trails, Hout Bay
Accomplished: 19 miles / 31 km, elevation gain: 2,155 feet / 657 meters
Accommodation: Tintswalo Atlantic

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. We’ll stop for lunch in Kalkbay and dig into the catch of the day while overlooking the harbor. Choose to take it easy on the beach for the rest of the afternoon, or keep 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: Camps Bay, Chapman’s Peak
Accomplished: 18 miles / 29 km, elevation gain: 1,801 feet / 549 meters
Longer Option: 29 miles / 47 km, elevation gain: 3,483 feet / 1,062 meters
Accommodation: Tintswalo Atlantic

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: Kalkbay