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The Little Karoo is situated between two majestic mountains in the north and the south, and regarded as the most spectacular in the country. The Little Karoo a mystique landscape and friendly people, will captivate your mind as you pass through the Ostrich capital of the world and the fruit and wine growing areas of the Cape Route 62, with ever changing colour, scenic passes, vineyards and orchards.
Your Itinerary and abbreviations:
KM = distance cycled by bike, AM = altitude climbed by bike, B/L/D = meals included (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Today we get to cycle our first real mountain pass (850m) offering mountain fynbos and crisp air at the top with views over the surrounding area into the arid Little Karoo. Here the climate changes from a moist coastal to a dry warm environment and home to the ostrich farming community. The downhill is long and fast as we head towards the ostrich capital Oudtshoorn, passing inquisitive Struthio camelus with their long necks and sexy eyelashes. After lunch we head towards the limestone ridge parallel to the majestic Swartberg Mountains and do a tour of the dripstone caverns with their vast halls and towering formations. We cycle from the caves going through the Schoemanspoort valley finishing at our accommodation.
Drive time: 1.5hours, KM: 20km, AM: 798m, Meals: D
Today we change from bicycles to feathers !!!! well for the first two hours of the day that is. When in Rome, do as the Romans do..so we visit an ostrich farm and learn the ins and outs of this fascinating bird. We then cycle along the R62 stopping in at “Ronnie's Sex Shop” and slowly make our way to the port wine area of Calitzdorp. After lunch we continue, taking in the Huisrivier Pass (655m) and eventually arrive in Ladismith to spend the night in a comfortable B&B with a view onto the Swartberg Mountains. An impressive mountain peak called Towerkop (2198m) looms above Ladismith. Local legend has it that a witch, flying overhead, struck the peak in anger with her wand because it obstructed her passage over the mountain. Her anger resulted in Towerkop's unique appearance – come see for yourself. KM: 100km, AM: 655m, Meals: B/D
After a hearty breakfast we leave Ladismith and continue west, passing secluded farms and friendly locals, always happy for the contact and offering big smiles. After enjoying our lunch in Barrydale, we tackle the never ending Op de Tradouw Pass (750m) nestled within the Cape's ancient folded mountains offering picture perfect scenery. What goes up, must come down. The downhill into Montagu is a never ending 1:17 gradient, fast and offering a breathtaking patchwork of green quilted farmland and the Langeberg mountains as your backdrop. We spend two nights in this well known fruit growing region. KM: 140km, AM: 716m, Meals: B
First we cycle through “The hole in the wall” above which is an old English fort (1899). We go through the Kogmanskloof, named after a Khoi chiefdom dating back to the 18th century and a gorge almost entirely incised within intensely folded sandstone of the Table Mountain group. We then for the next few hours cycle through the wine and cheese region of Bonnievale, hugged between two majestic mountain ranges. We stop for lunch at a prominent wine estate before continuing to Robertson, where we spend the night in a comfortable B&B and do a wine/chocolate pairing. KM: 65km, AM: 699m, B/W/D
After breakfast we do a short transfer passing a sizeable area of the Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon wine growers nesttled in the Slanghoek valley. Our cycle starts at the foot of the Bainskloof Pass (570m). The never ending but gentle incline offers spectacular views into the steep valley floor, following the Witte River as it meanders silently through the fynbos covered slopes. Crystal clear pools and cape sugar birds as they feed from the protea bushes, before the long downhill into Wellington offer views fit for a King. We load the bikes and transfer into Cape Town where we spend three nights enjoying the Metropol and surrounding area. Weather permitting, you can take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain and have lunch or visit the V&A Waterfront and mix with the locals. Drive time: 1.5hours, KM: 30km, AM: 596m, Meals: B
After breakfast we do a short transfer (45minutes) to Surfers Corner in Muizenberg and then we are off.....constantly following the Atlantic coastline. In the naval town of Simon's Town we stop to learn about the famous Great Dane 'Just Nuisance' before heading on to the Penguin colony where we take a short break, to take pictures and stretch our legs. We continue heading south towards The Cape of Good Hope and the southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsular, with luck we could see baboon along the road and their ever present 'Spotters'.
Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve:
The landscape is coastal fynbos strewn with sandstone boulders. Here the decent is fast, all the way to the southern tip. We have a chance of spotting eland, bontebok, zebra, ostrich and cape mountain zebra. We also walk to the highest point and take in the view from the lighthouse before stopping for a well deserved lunch. After which we continue along the coast heading north and take in views of places like Misty Cliffs and Kommetjie before we tackle the well know Chapman's Peak and Suikerbossie, here the leg muscle will call for every bit of energy....we finish the day in Camps Bay. Drive time: 1.5hours, KM: 104km, AM: 1400m, Meals: B/D
After 6 days of cycling through the most beautiful landscape this hemisphere has to offer, we unfortunately have to part ways and say good bye. Depending on your departure times, there may be time to walk through the colourful Bokaap also known as the Malay Quarter, before your transfer to the airport. If you would like to add an extension onto your vacation please let us know beforehand so that we can make the necessary arrangements. Drive time: 30min, B
7 Days
This tour is suited for the CRUISING road cyclist - cycling average speds of 20km/hour, you will need a MEDIUM level of fitness for this tour
Starting in George on the Garden Route, we then head over the Outeniqua mountains and explore the Little Karoo (Route 62) and end in Cape Town
Average of 80km/ day
100% black top (tar) with three mountain passes to cycle over.
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