7 Days of wilderness mountain biking

Your Itinerary and abbreviations:
KM = distance cycled by bike, AM = altitude climbed by bike, B/L/D = meals included (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

Meet your guide and then do a short transfer to the lagoon town of Knysna, known for the Knysna Heads, a narrow entrance from the ocean, and the tranquility of the lagoon. Once settled into your accommodation, we do the final bike adjustments and then head to the picturesque waterfront known for its seafood cuisine.
Vehicle transfer times: 45min

Our first long day and pass awaits us. We drive deep into the forest and visit the King Edward Tree, an 800 year old Knysna Yellow Wood. From here we start our cycle, heading north we make our way through the indigenous forest and later through pine plantations and rolling hills of mountain fynbos before we stop for lunch in the remote settlement of Die Flug. After lunch we head through the narrow gorge with its high walls and wind our way up the Prince Alfred Pass, to be rewarded with a long, fast descent, passing sheep farms and spectacular views of the surrounding area and the Kammanasieberge. Our overnight stop is on a small game farm, watching the sunset from the lawn while enjoying a cold beverage.
Vehicle transfer time: 1:45h KM: 53km AG: 1276m Meals: B/D

For those wanting to do a game drive before breakfast, an early start awaits you. You will be rewarded with eland, springbok and buffalo. On return we do a short drive to the start of our cycle route, which is a short but very beautiful ride as we pass olive groves and friendly locals as they go about their daily business. This section is very quiet and even the beetles get up onto their back legs to watch you cycle past. Lunch is in a narrow gorge with a 30m waterfall cascading into a natural pool, For those who want a swim, don’t forget your costumes.  After a relaxed afternoon we drive to the historic town of Prince Albert and spend the night in a comfortable hotel.  Vehicle transfer time: 1:5h KM: 54km AM: 305m Meals: B/ D

After breakfast we do a short transfer to the start of this majestic mountain pass which offers views over the Little Karoo, the ostrich capital Oudtshoorn in the south and the vast Great Karoo to the north. The Swartberg is regarded as the finest exposed fold mountain chains in the world. The long downhill to our finish at the famour Cango Caves will keep your attention focussed whilst negotiating the never ending curves, known for their drystone walls and hairpin bends. Here you get to learn more about this dripstone wonder and its discovery by Mr Van Zyl, during a one hour tour by a qualified caves guide. After lunch, we drive into town and relax for the rest of the afternoon.  Vehicle transfer time: 1h KM: 25km AM: 905m Meals: B/ D

After a delicious breakfast we visit a local ostrich farm and learn more about this fascinating bird which is seen throughout the Karoo. Our cycle starts just outside the town at the foothills of the Red Stone Mountains. We follow deserted gravel roads, winding our way back towards the majestic Swartberg Mountains. Lunch is in a remote settlement and gallery where you have the opportunity of viewing work by a local South African photographer. After lunch we continue, passing local farms and breathtaking mountain scenery. We end the day's cycle and spend the night at a victorian house. The rest of the day is free to do one of many walks in the conservancy or relax around the pool.  Vehicle transfer time: 30min KM: 29km AG: 620m MEALS: B/ D

Today is the last of the mountain passes. We do our last transfer and leave behind the heat of the Little Karoo and start our cycle from the hotel at North Station, dating back to 1840, slowly winding our way up onto the Outeniqua Mountains for the long descent through the valley and fynbos covered slopes, passing the Old Tollhouse where once the toll of one penny per wheel and one penny per ox had to be paid. The other point of interest is that the original stone wall can been seen as we cycle down towards the fresh moist coastal air and capital of the Garden Route. After lunch you can relax at the pool, or the steam train enthusiast may visit the Outeniqua Choochoo museum. (Optional)  Vehicle transfer time: 1h KM: 16km AG: 280m Meals: B/ D

After breakfast we unfortunately have to say goodbye. For those guests flying out of George, we take you to the airport or you can join the crew and drive down to Cape Town for a possible extension taking in some of the day trips we offer in and around Cape Town. Please let us know if you require any bookings.