The Unexpected Delights of Cycling South Africa

Ask most people what they expect from a vacation in South Africa, and you’re likely to get a one-word answer: safari! And cool though safaris are, there’s so much more to VBT’s South Africa: Cape Town & the Garden Route Guided Tour than a mere safari. On this exceptional cycling adventure, you’ll explore the many diverse landscapes of South Africa—from the wild Atlantic coast to the arid veldt, exploring the thick forests and crystalline waterfalls along the way. And as for the all-important safari, our Greater Kruger Private Game Reserve Pre-Trip Extension is the perfect way to unwind after a long flight, relax in a luxurious resort, and see South Africa’s “big five.”

Starting in the multifaceted metropolis of Cape Town, your journey brings you along the scenic Atlantic coast—perhaps catching glimpses of penguins and sugarbirds at Boulders Beach. From there, you’ll pedal inland—past the charming vineyards of the Franschhoek Valley before exploring the arid plains and farmland of Little Karoo. You’ll spin along lush, leafy paths around Knysna Lagoon and peruse the dense surrounding forest. Finally, you’ll find yourself cycling along a fresh coast—this time, it’s the sights and sounds of the Indian Ocean that delight the senses. Along the way, your expert South African trip leaders regale you with tales of South Africa’s diverse culture and history.

The Spectacularly Diverse South African Landscape

With such a large country as South Africa, there’s a wealth of incredible scenery and culture to explore—and no better way to enjoy this deep sensory experience than on two wheels. During your stay in the sensational wine-growing region of Little Karoo, you’ll enjoy pedaling the stunning landscape of the Meiringspoort mountain pass—and a spectacular ride through the valley of the majestic Swartberg Mountains. “It almost looks like the American southwest with those big red mountains on either side,” recalls VBT Trip Designer Katerina Bacevicius. “On the way back, we stopped at this amazing waterfall—which was perfect because it was a warm day. A few of us decided to jump in and take a swim—and we even saw a family of baboons splashing around in the water.” The roads through Meiringspoort are amazingly smooth with fresh, well-maintained pavement. Perfect for cycling!

Other moments will find you pedaling a scenic coastline—replete with oceanside wildlife such as seals, dolphins, cormorants, and at one special spot, the iconic African penguin. “One of my favorite moments was at Boulders Beach,” recalls Katerina. “When we arrived, we discovered a group of local conservationists happened to be in the process of releasing a group of rehabilitated baby penguins back into the wild. It was so cute to watch the little penguins finding their way into the water for the first time!” Your ride that afternoon features a landscape thick with vibrant fynbos flowers and the crashing waves of the deep cerulean Atlantic Ocean.

Perhaps the crowning glory of your South African cycling adventure is the very last ride over Bloukrans Pass. One of the single most diverse days of the entire adventure, this ride takes you from an arid Garden Route plateau on a buttery smooth paved road. Soon, the route drops down through a series of well-controlled switchbacks to land in a forested valley—a totally different natural environment than the start. From there, the road brings you into your first big ascent. “The trip leaders let us know to expect a climb,” recalls VBT Field Operations Manager Matt Lyon. “They gave everyone the option to climb the hill or take the shuttle to the top—so it really was optional. We rode maybe six or seven kilometers to the top—where the view was one of the best of the whole experience.” Descending from the plateau in gentle switchbacks, the road culminates in a small bridge, then slowly narrows into a bike path which opens into a dense sub-tropical forest—home to lizards, baboons, and exotic birds. Emerging from the woods, another short climb brings you to a pine forest, and eventually to the seaside and the crowning jewel of the day at Tsitsikamma National Park. Here, you’ll enjoy a celebratory lunch as the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean congratulate you on completing the most stellar ride of your South African adventure.

But Before We Start, This Pre-Trip Safari Is a Must!

Those longing for the classic South African safari experience needn’t despair: before your cycling adventure even begins, a Pre-Trip Extension to the Greater Kruger Private Game Reserve is the perfect way to unwind from the long journey—and experience a not-to-be-missed South African tradition, the safari. “This safari takes place on a private nature reserve that’s adjacent to Kruger National Park,” explains Katerina. “You’ll see all the same animals you would see in the national park, but on a private game reserve that’s fenced in and safe—and includes many comforts and amenities you wouldn’t normally expect to find on safari.” At Kapama River Lodge, you’ll find a charming timber-framed lounge with a central fireplace, a delightful pool with a cocktail bar, an award-winning spa and wellness center, and exceptional dining options with a complete wine cellar. As you relax and enjoy the amenities, it’s always possible to spot impalas, gazelles, and even lions at a safe distance beyond the lodge’s protective fence.

When the time comes to start your game drive, you’ll hop into an open Land Cruiser and drive through the gates of the resort—and that’s when the real action begins. “The safari was a real adventure,” says Matt. “We started pretty early in the morning. There were about six of us in an open Land Cruiser with two local guides. It was amazing to watch the guides track the animals. We were driving along at a pretty good clip, and they would see a track. We’d stop so the guide could get a good look, then we’d start off again in the direction they believed it was going. And sure enough, whether it was a leopard or some other animal, they found it.” After an exciting day spotting South Africa’s “big five” (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhinoceros), there’s nothing better than coming back to a relaxing spa treatment, or cocktails by the pool, before a delicious dinner at your luxurious lodge.