VBT Bicycling Vacations
Country Walkers
South Africa: Cape Town & the Garden Route
Guided Biking
Scenery, wildlife, and a unique culture—this land has it all, as you’ll see on our bike tour through South Africa.
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South Africa: Cape Town & the Garden Route
Guided Biking
Starting from 9 days at
$4,795
Scenery, wildlife, and a unique culture—this land has it all, as you’ll see on our bike tour through South Africa.
Discover South Africa
South Africa is many things: sandstone mountains, brilliantly hued gardens, rolling hills cloaked in grapevines, vibrant townships, family-run wine estates, and the cosmopolitan flair of Cape Town. From the heights of Table Mountain with its stunning views of the Cape Peninsula to the rugged red landscapes of Little Karoo, the blooms of the world-famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and the scenic roads of the Garden Route, VBT’s bike tours in South Africa reveal the country’s staggering magnificence to you on two wheels.
At Boulders Beach, penguins waddle among massive stones. As you reach the crest of Meiringspoort mountain pass, black eagles soar above you on warm thermals and springer antelope leap from rock to rock. In Oudtshoorn, the feathery residents of an ostrich farm greet you. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to the nation’s first game reserve, Kruger National Park, to seek out the Big Five.
Discover centuries of cultural influences, from Dutch-flavored Oudtshoorn to the “French Corner” of Franschhoek, settled by farmers who emigrated from France and brought their winemaking traditions with them. Ascend Table Mountain by cableway. Hike among the forests of Tsitsikamma National Park or swim in the Indian Ocean. Enjoy a wine-tasting and kick back at a traditional braai (barbecue). VBT’s bike tours in South Africa help you experience it all.
Braai
In the simplest sense of the word, braai is a synonym for barbecue. But any South African will tell you that this widely observed custom is so much more than that. A braai (pronounced like “fry”) is a social event that brings friends and families together to enjoy food cooked over an outdoor fire. Join local hosts to partake in this beloved staple of South African life.
Wine
South African wines offer great value, with delicious bottles available at surprisingly reasonable prices. Try the country’s flagship grape, Pinotage, or the popular Chenin Blanc which makes impressive dry and sweet wines. Visit the magnificent Franschhoek Valley to attend a wine tasting at a generations-old vineyard.
Country Highlights
- Ride a cable car to the top of Table Mountain for spectacular views.
- Take in the flowers at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
- Delight in a unique penguin colony on Boulders Beach.
- Track the legendary Big Five, plus an abundance of plains animals and a huge variety of birds.
Big Five
The term “Big Five” was coined by hunters to describe the five most difficult animals to hunt in Africa. On a VBT Adventure, we track these famed animals—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and water buffalos to photograph them and simply revel in their presence. There’s nothing quite like seeing these powerful creatures in the wild.
Braai
In the simplest sense of the word, braai is a synonym for barbecue. But any South African will tell you that this widely observed custom is so much more than that. A braai (pronounced like “fry”) is a social event that brings friends and families together to enjoy food cooked over an outdoor fire. Join local hosts to partake in this beloved staple of South African life.
Wine
South African wines offer great value, with delicious bottles available at surprisingly reasonable prices. Try the country’s flagship grape, Pinotage, or the popular Chenin Blanc which makes impressive dry and sweet wines. Visit the magnificent Franschhoek Valley to attend a wine tasting at a generations-old vineyard.
Country Highlights
- Ride a cable car to the top of Table Mountain for spectacular views.
- Take in the flowers at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
- Delight in a unique penguin colony on Boulders Beach.
- Track the legendary Big Five, plus an abundance of plains animals and a huge variety of birds.
Big Five
The term “Big Five” was coined by hunters to describe the five most difficult animals to hunt in Africa. On a VBT Adventure, we track these famed animals—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and water buffalos to photograph them and simply revel in their presence. There’s nothing quite like seeing these powerful creatures in the wild.
My daughter and I had a great time on this trip. We were able to see and experience everything we wanted with this itinerary. The guides/leaders for the visit were outstanding in every way. There was so much beautiful scenery and interesting wildlife. The trip exceeded our expectations. It is a long way to go, but worth every minute.
South Africa: Cape Town & the Garden Route
The guides were the highlight of the trip. Their knowledge of South Africa and their palpable love of their country made each day an amazing, life-changing experience. The scenery on the bike rides was incredible and the cultural experiences were unforgettable. I fell in love with the country and its people and was sad to leave.
South Africa: Cape Town & the Garden Route
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