Best of Bush and Beach Cycle

Day 1 – Cape Point/Penguins/Peninsula Tour (LD)
You are collected from your guesthouse at 8am and we hop onto the shuttle bus for a 10-minute drive to our cycle starting point: Signal Hill, with superb views of the City, Robben Island and the Atlantic Ocean. From here the ride takes you down the slopes into the quaint seaside villages of Bantry Bay and Camps Bay. You will continue along the Atlantic seaboard past the village of Llandudno. The crest, popularly known as Suikerbossie, gives way to a 5.3km downhill ride to the Chapman’s Peak trailhead via the historic fishing village of Hout Bay. After a picnic lunch at the top of Chapman’s Peak, we shuttle visitors to the towering headland of Cape Point, where you’ll explore the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve by bike, learning about the unique Cape Floral Kingdom and spotting mountain zebra, antelope, baboons, ostriches and more! Enjoy a gourmet picnic on a secluded beach, hike to the old lighthouse and most Southwestern point on the African continent - all the time accompanied by an expert guide! We make our way to Cape Point along the western side of the peninsula, returning along the eastern stretch, stopping off at Boulders Beach for a chance to see the rare African Penguin in its natural habitat! We return to the guesthouse in the evening, giving you the night at leisure in the Mother City. Overnight Cape Town guesthouse.

Day 2 – Winelands Cycle – Paarl, Wellington & Franschhoek (BLD)
We begin the day by transferring out of Cape Town towards the rolling winelands region – where you’ll start the morning with a vineyard cycle to Welbedacht and Doolhof, two award winning wine farms. Highlights include a visit to Haut Espoire, the only farm that has the blushing bride that grows naturally - taking our time over a wine tasting, cellar tour and barrel tasting; Bread & Wine to meet the Master Chef of Charcuterie, Neil Jewell, who will entertain us with the art of curing and smoking meats, followed by a light lunch; chocolate tasting in Franschhoek village; the pristine Paarl Reserve, with the jagged peaks of the Paardeberg mountains glistening in the distance; Fairview Cheese and Wine Estate; Seidelberg Wine Estate, where our cycle ends so you are free to enjoy as much, or as little, wine as you like, without worrying about getting back on your bike. We shuttle back to the guest house for some rest and a gourmet meal after a day meandering through lush vineyards and unparalleled views. Overnight Cape Valley Manor or similar.

Day 3 – Buffelsfontein Cycle Safari – Darling & Swartland (BLD)
After breakfast, we head out along South Africa’s West Coast for a Cycle Safari experience of a lifetime! We enter the Buffelsfontein Nature Reserve, and enjoy a guided cycle through the reserve with an armed ranger and guide, getting to learn about the different animal and plant species, and of course getting up close and personal with the Big Five. Not only does cycling ensure a more intimate and personal experience, it allows us to get closer to nature than we ever expected and makes for some incredible wildlife experiences! After our Safari experience, we make our way along the West Coast past an array of charming seaside villages, keeping an eye out for whales in season (July - November). We finish the day with a long walk on the beach of Paternoster, and dinner at Gaatjie Salt Restaurant, right on the beach. Lots of fresh air, mother nature in her best dress and some of the best food this side of the mountain, including the famous West Coast rock lobster and an assortment of freshly caught fish! We roll into bed at the wonderful and warm Ah! Guest House. Overnight Ah! Guesthouse or similar.

Day 4 – Great Karoo – Fig Farm, Chef’s table & Stargazing (BLD)
After one of Arnold & Annalise’s signature breakfasts, we embark on a journey to the quaint Karoo town of Prince Albert. On the way we stop in Matjiesfontein and visit the museum. Our first cycle for the day takes on a cultural & heritage cycle along the wide streets of Prince Albert, through the olive orchards and out to the best kept secret outside of town, a working fig farm. After lunch and a tour of the farm it’s time to relax, take a swim and enjoy the comforts of your accommodation, before gathering at 4pm for an introduction to Karoo Fine Cooking at African Relish, a Recreational Cooking School and a member of the ICTA (International Culinary Tourism Association). After preparing a seven course meal, we dine and wine at the chef’s table and end the night star gazing with the town’s resident amateur astronomer. Overnight African Relish or similar.

Day 5 – Swartberg Pass, Oudtshoorn – Wilderness (BLD)
We rise early and cycle out to one of the many fig farms in this region – olive farms and ham curing farms also dot this rugged terrain. After an invigorating ride we are treated to a sumptuous breakfast prepared by African Relish. We then shuttle to the bottom of the Swartberg pass, ready for the next stage of the adventure. The Swartberg is amongst the best exposed fold mountain chains in the world, and slices through magnificently scenic geological formations. Much of the Swartberg is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was built using convict labour and opened on January 10, 1888. The dry-stone retaining walls are still in place and almost 120 years old. The pass is not tarred and can be a little treacherous after rain, but offers spectacular views. Our accommodation is Ocean view House, a magnificent modern guesthouse located on arguably South Africa’s prettiest beach, with its own private entrance to the silky sand and crashing waves. After a sunset stroll along the beach we head out for dinner at a local taverna in Wilderness village. Ocean View House or similar.

Day 6 – Wilderness – Kayaking Lagoons, Waterfall Hike, Knysna and Oyster Tasting (BLD)
After breakfast, we travel along the back roads to explore the charming countryside around the untouched Ruigtevlei, with its collection of tranquil lakes and lagoons. We take to the water of the Touws River, kayaking along the channels and getting up close with the abundant birdlife and swimming as we please along the way. We take a short walk through lush, pristine forest to a waterfall and are rewarded with a picnic lunch in the rainforest. In the afternoon we make our way by shuttle to the seaside resort of Knysna, where we shuttle in the vehicle up to The Heads with unsurpassed views into the ocean. We cycle down to the harbour where we enjoy some oyster tasting – Knysna is famous for its oysters and seafood, and a heritage walk through the town and historic Waterfront. Supper is a gourmet affair at one of the restaurants on Thesen Island. Overnight Ocean View House or similar.

Day 7 – Our Eco-Active adventure is almost over (BL)
After a hearty breakfast, we hop back on our trusty mountain bikes as we travel along the back roads to explore the charming countryside surrounding Wilderness. We then shuttle back to Cape Town in the afternoon, stopping off for a light lunch along the way, with a collection of memories to last a lifetime!