We are currently working hard to develop the most suitable route for you and to check it on site. The routes, locations and distances shown show the current planning and may change slightly in the coming months. The final routes will be available around 4 weeks before the start of the tour.
Itinerary
Day 1: Stellenbosch — Paarl / Malmesbury
We start our South Africa tour with a first drive through the beautiful wine-growing area between Stellenbosch and Paarl, in the famous Cape Winelands region of South Africa. The route starts right at our guesthouse in Stellenbosch, a historic town known for its magnificent wineries and rich history. The route runs through green valleys and along vineyards that make this region so special.
From Stellenbosch, the route heads north, past rolling hills and charming rural areas. The route offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the fertile soils that are perfect for growing wine. A highlight of this tour is the drive along small, quiet roads that wind through the scenic surroundings and give us an intense impression of the region's untouched nature.
Just before the route reaches Paarl, we pass through some rural areas and have the opportunity to see the famous Paarl Mountain in the background. The town of Paarl itself is picturesquely nestled in the vineyards.
After a circuit through the Paarl area, the tour heads back towards Stellenbosch. The return journey is characterized by the vastness and tranquility of the landscape before we arrive back at our accommodation late in the afternoon.
Route 2 does not go to Paarl, but west of it to Malmesbury, a charming town in the Western Cape province. It lies in the heart of the Swartland region, a well-known agricultural area known primarily for its wheat fields, vineyards and olive groves. The town has a long history dating back to the 18th century, when it was founded as a spa for the hot sulphur springs.
Today, Malmesbury is an important center for agriculture and wine production. The Swartland Wine Route, which connects some of South Africa's most renowned wineries, is particularly well known. Wine growing in this region is characterized by dry soil and a warm climate, which produces particularly robust and intense wines, including Shiraz and Chenin Blanc.
Day 2: Stellenbosch - Theewaterskloof Dam - Stellenbosch
The tour starts again in Stellenbosch, a town that is considered the cradle of South African winemaking. The town is known for its charming Cape Dutch houses, its lively atmosphere and of course its numerous wineries.
From here we head south-east this time, passing more lush vineyards that characterize the region. The roads are as always well paved and lead gently uphill through the picturesque Helderberg area, which is known for its green valleys and breathtaking panorama.
A significant section of the route leads over the Helshoogte Pass, which is a bit of a challenge for us but rewards with an unforgettable view of the Franschhoek valley. This historic town in the heart of the Cape Winelands is known for its French culture and award-winning wineries. Here there is the opportunity to take a break, enjoy a coffee or take a short tour of the charming little town.
After refreshment in Franschhoek, we continue up the famous Franschhoek Pass, which winds over the mountains and offers breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding peaks. This climb is challenging, but the reward comes in the form of the long descent that leads down to the Theewaterskloof Dam. The pass offers spectacular photo opportunities, especially when the views of the surrounding mountains and dam are clear.
Theewaterskloof Dam, one of the region's largest water reservoirs, is the southern turning point of the tour. Surrounded by scenic hills and sweeping banks, the dam is an impressive sight, especially when the water is calm and the surrounding mountains are reflected in it. The dam is a popular spot for water sports, and the surrounding region is known for its tranquility and scenic beauty. Here we can take a long break to enjoy the views and peaceful atmosphere.
The return journey to Stellenbosch follows a similar route for Track 1, but offers different perspectives on the wine region. The ride back over the Franschhoek Pass is easier as it is mostly downhill, which offers cyclists a welcome break. After returning to the valley, the route once again heads through the rolling vineyard hills before finally ending back in Stellenbosch.
Instead of turning around at the dam and heading back, Track 2 continues east to Grabouw, a town surrounded by apple and pear orchards. Grabouw is considered the centre of apple production in South Africa.
After Grabouw, the route continues over the famous Sir Lowry's Passss, one of the most impressive passes in the Western Cape. The pass offers spectacular views of the vast Cape Plains and the Atlantic Ocean. The climb to the pass is challenging, but the reward is the long, winding descent down to Somerset West. During the drive, a wonderful panoramic view of False Bay and the coastline opens up.
Somerset West is the next town, a lively town at the foot of the Helderberg and offers a mix of urban flair and rural tranquility. From here, the tour returns to Stellenbosch via flatter roads.
Day 3: (Stellenbosch —) Cape Town — Table Mountain (— Cape of Good Hope) — Cape Town (— Stellenbosch)
The third day offers a spectacular circuit around Table Mountain and, for Track 2, even with a detour to the Cape of Good Hope, the most south-western tip of Africa. The route starts in the heart of the Cape Peninsula and leads through the rough terrain of the coast, shaped by wind and sea. You'll soon be treated to incredible views of the dramatic cliffs and foaming waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
We then drive through Hout Bay, a picturesque fishing village known for its beautiful bay and surrounding mountains. Later we pass Simons Town, a historic naval port known for its penguin colony at Boulders Beach.
The route continues along undulating roads through the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Table Mountain, where the pristine nature and rich wildlife are impressive.
Track 2 takes a detour to Cape Point, the striking lookout point at the Cape of Good Hope, to enjoy breathtaking views of the open sea and the rugged coastline.
Day 4: Stellenbosch — Wellington (— Bainskloof Pass —) — Stellenbosch
From Stellenbosch we head north again to the wine region around Paarl and Wellington. The road initially runs through flatter plains and agricultural fields, with views of the imposing mountains dominating the horizon.
Wellington is a picturesque town at the foot of the Hawequa Mountains, known for its wineries and historic buildings. Here you can take a short break to enjoy the surroundings or refresh yourself in one of the cafes.
Track 1 ends here and then heads back to Stellenbosch.
Track 2 continues after a break. Behind Wellington, the ascent to the Bainskloof Pass begins, one of the oldest and most spectacular passes in South Africa. The climb is challenging, but the breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding mountains make every effort worthwhile. The winding roads offer a steady incline lined with lush vegetation, rocks and rushing mountain streams. On the way up, an unforgettable panorama opens up over the Cape Winelands and the valleys below. Once at the top, the Bainskloof Pass offers a beautiful backdrop and a well-deserved break after the strenuous climb. The road continues to meander through the Hawequa Mountains, with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and occasional picnic spots that invite you to linger. The pass is both a historic monument and a popular destination for nature lovers and adventurers.
After crossing the pass, there is a spectacular descent through dense mountain forests and along steep cliffs. The road leads towards the wine region near Paarl and from there back together with Track 1 into the wide valleys of the Cape Winelands. On the return journey to Stellenbosch, the route takes you along quiet country roads, past more wineries, farms and orchards. The last few kilometers lead back through the gently rolling terrain of the Helderberg region before the tour ends in Stellenbosch.
Day 5: Stellenbosch - Pringle Bay - Stellenbosch
The round trip on our last day from Stellenbosch to Pringle Bay and back again connects the Cape Winelands with the impressive coastline of False Bay. It leads through various landscapes: from vineyards and forested mountains to dramatic coastal sections. This route is a mix of sporting challenge and relaxed driving along the coast and offers breathtaking views of the sea and the mountains.
The route first leads through the gently rolling hills of the region before heading towards False Bay. Soon the Hottentots-Holland Mountains follow, where the climb over Sir Lowry's Pass awaits. The pass offers breathtaking views of the coastal plain and False Bay. The view from above after the climb of the sprawling coast and the valley below is a highlight of this stage.
After the descent from Sir Lowry's Pass, a more relaxed drive follows along the coastal road, also known as Clarence Drive. This road is considered one of the most beautiful coastal roads in South Africas and meanders along the cliffs with spectacular views of the deep blue waters of the ocean and the rugged mountains in the background. On this section, bays and small beaches can be discovered time and again, inviting you to take a break and take photos. The journey leads through the charming coastal towns of Gordon's Bay and Rooi-Els, where Track 1 already asks you to turn around.
Track 2 continues to Pringle Bay, a quiet, picturesque coastal town nestled between mountains and sea. This is the perfect opportunity for a longer break to enjoy the fresh sea air or to refresh yourself in one of the cafés or restaurants. The view of the wild coast and the rocky bays makes this place particularly attractive.
After the break in Pringle Bay, the return journey leads inland again. Via Sir Lowry's Pass, it goes back towards the Cape Winelands. The drive from the coast over the pass road offers more impressive views before the route winds through the fertile vineyards and orchards back to Stellenbosch. The last part of the route leads again through the quiet country roads, which are framed by vineyards and mountain landscapes.
Track 1 - Route and Profile
Track 2 - Route and Profile
Track 1
Recommended for all types of bikes, including racing bikes. The route runs exclusively on asphalt roads. If it is necessary to use some (short) gravel sections, these are also accessible with racing bikes. Where possible, the route follows cycle paths. Shorter and less demanding than route 2.
Track 2
Recommended especially for racing bikes, but possible for all types of bikes. The route runs exclusively on asphalt roads. If it is necessary to use some (short) gravel sections, these are also accessible with racing bikes. Where possible, the route follows cycle paths. The route is longer and has more climbs than route 1.
