South Africa Cycling Tour
A spectacular South Africa cycling adventure that blends breathtaking landscapes, cultural diversity, and luxurious experiences. From the vibrant cityscape of Cape Town, renowned for its beauty and vibrant atmosphere, to tranquil rides through the scenic Cape Winelands and exhilarating bush biking with epic encounters amidst the Big 5 in Kapama Karula Private Game Reserve, this 12-day journey promises unforgettable moments. Designed for both avid cyclists and non-riding partners seeking a luxe holiday, the tour includes private tours of Cape Town, gourmet wine tastings, and curated experiences like Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope. With premium accommodation, plus activities ranging from safari drives to cultural explorations, this adventure invites you to indulge in the best that South Africa has to offer, ensuring lasting memories of an African cycling safari unlike any other.
TOUR INTRODUCTION
An introduction by CEO Leonard Greis.
South Africa is many worlds in one. Stunning coastlines, pristine roads through dramatic mountain landscapes, being at one with magnificent untamed wildlife roaming the game reserve…and lets not forget Cape Town, regularly voted as one of the most beautiful cities in the world!
As an ex-South African now living in Australia, I want to share with you why South Africa is truly one of the most breath-taking places on earth, its spectacular beauty and cultural diversity.
If you love the idea of spectacular road cycling around beautiful Cape Town and the quiet gravel of the scenic Cape Winelands, through to bush biking in a Big 5 African Safari – and you’re looking for a memorable luxe adventure with epic encounters, my Team and I are offering an unforgettable 12-day cycling experience that showcases the very best of South Africa's diverse terrain and unspoiled landscapes.
The tour includes:
- Cycling through beautiful Cape Town, one of the most bike friendly cities in the world.
- Exclusive private tours of Cape Town to discover the cities undeniable beauty.
- The assistance and knowledge of expert, English speaking tour guides, drivers and game rangers.
- Exploring the famous Stellenbosch and Franschoek wine regions, the country's food and wine epicentre, where you will cycle through this beautiful region as well as vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see.
- Safari with the Big 5 in all-inclusive glamping style elegance, where we will ride tracks like never before, safety intact, so we can witness majestic wildlife in their nature habitat.
- Domestic flights from Cape Town to Hoedspruit and from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg.
- Private round trip airport transfers, plus all sightseeing, park and entrance fees as per the itinerary.
Reward your life's hard work with an unapologetically indulgent vacation filled with cycling, adventure, eating and drinking in one of the world's most spectacular destinations.
This trip has been designed for both seasoned and recreational cyclists, as well as for non-riding partners seeking to experience a holiday like no other.
So, pack your bags, grab your bike and camera, and get ready to explore this vibrant and captivating country.
EXPERIENCE THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME – THE ULTIMATE LUXURY AFRICAN ADVENTURE.
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS TRIP
1. Cape Town
The accolade "Greatest City in the World to Visit Right Now" received recently from The UK Telegraph (March 2022) has South Africans beaming with pride.
Cape Town is a place of unsurpassed beauty, untamed wildlife, world class shopping, cosmopolitan friendly vibe, and a rocking nightlife. South Africa’s top tourist destination and often voted best city in the world.
2. The Cycling
Cycling in Cape Town is breathtakingly beautiful with varied terrain, incredible roads and is considered one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, playing host to many high-profile cycling events, such as the Cape Town Cycle Tour, that you have the option of partaking in (not officially part of the Après Vélo tour).
The next stage of our tour will see us cycling through the Cape Winelands region on quite roads with awe-inspiring views. Alternatively, you will have the option of switching road for mountain bikes to traverse through private vineyards in the famous Stellenbosch wine region.
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The incredible Kapama Karula Private Game Lodge will play host to the final stage of our epic adventure, where we will have the opportunity of getting up close and personal with wildlife, whilst traversing this untamed landscape. Kapama have a few preferred routes averaging between 25-30km, which are adapted and changed depending upon animal movements and weather, to ensure safety and to match your fitness levels.
Safety is focus paramount on all our rides which are fully supported with guides, mechanic, tools and support vehicle.
3. Curated Private Tours
There is so much to see and do in Cape Town, so we have arranged specially curated minibus tours with local guides to showcase and explore the best of Cape Town during your stay including:
- Table Mountain (cable car or hike...up to you)
- World famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- Cape Point
- Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
- Boulders Penguins Beach
- Local shopping areas including the V&A Waterfront
4. The Cape Winelands
One of my personal favourites - the famous Cape Winelands, the country's undisputed 'gourmet & wine capital'. A beautiful region, known for its exceptional award-winning wines, fascinating history, picturesque settings, and exquisite foods. Rolling vineyards and historical Cape Dutch houses are set against a mountainous backdrop, with excellent wine never far away. You will get to experience the best that this region has to offer, including cycling through parts of this wonderful region and indulging in a long lunch at Delaire Graaf Estate, regarded as "The Jewel" of the winelands.
5. A Big 5 Safari like never before
A once in a lifetime interactive Safari experience at Kapama Karula Private Game Reserve. With its light, airy, open spaces and views from every angle, Karula is the flagship lodge of Kapama Private Game Reserve. This luxury safari accommodation lodge in the Greater Kruger National Park is every discerning traveller’s perfect escape and one of the very few places on Earth where you're able to tick off all the Big 5 (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard) hopefully in one day – arguably one of the best reasons to visit South Africa.
Our game drives take place in the tranquil moods of sunrise and sunset from the comfort and safety of the open game viewing vehicles. Options for Safari mountain-bike rides and hikes will also be provided under the safety and direction of the game rangers. The game rangers and guides are passionate about wildlife and knowledgeable in their respective fields of expertise. Expect to take away new insights, an appreciation for Africa, and an unforgettable experience.
A golden sunset in the middle of the African bushveld is a breathtakingly magic experience. Just imagine yourself at the end of a day full of exciting wildlife encounters, whilst enjoying your sundowner's, watching the sun go down over the bushveld. Utter bliss.
6. Premium 5 Star Unique Accommodation
- Your luxury Cape Town hotel situated right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
- The sophisticated Le Quartier Francais in the Franschoek Wine region surrounded by enchanting vineyards and majestic mountains.
- The superior villas of Kapama Karula Private Game Reserve, feature wrap-around glass sliding doors that open onto an outside deck area with stunning views of the Klaserie River. The private lodge provides the ultimate retreat where you will embark upon an African Cycling Safari Adventure like no other.
7. Friendly People & Local Cultures
Visitors often comment on the fact that South Africans smile a lot and are a friendly bunch! South Africa is a melting pot of many fascinating cultures forming one rainbow nation, so you'll hear several distinct accents, notice many different faces, and taste a rich fusion of flavours in their cuisine.
8. Near-perfect Weather
South Africa is blessed with a generally temperate climate, meaning sensational summers and mild winters. Enjoying great weather is vital for a memorable vacation and for our guests from the Northern Hemisphere, this is one of the top reasons to visit South Africa.
9. Rich in History
South Africa has a large tumultuous history and is one that you will get an understand and appreciation for on your adventure.
Experience South Africa's remarkable modern history by visiting Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his incarceration alongside other political prisoners.
THE APRÈS VÉLO CYCLING TOUR OF AFRICA IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE BIKE. IT'S ABOUT THE APRÈS VÉLO LIFESTYLE AND CREATING FOND MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST FOREVER.
🚲 RIDE
Fully supported rides around one of the most beautiful cities in the world, through to biking in the bush, getting close and personal with wildlife in their natural habitat. Does it get any better?
🔎 DISCOVER
Discover the spectacular beauty and cultural diversity of South Africa including its famous wine regions and a visit to a private Game Reserve which is home to the coveted Big 5.
🚙 ACTIVITIES
Curated tours, hiking, cycling, picnicking. The list in endless.
🍴 EAT & DRINK
South African cuisine is a unique blend of cultural influences from Dutch and Cape Malay to Indonesian, resulting in European style dishes made with Eastern spices and flavours. You will get to learn why South Africa is one of the top wine-producing destinations in not only Africa, but also the entire world.
🛏 REST
We understand the importance of down time, comfort and peace, and have structured our itinerary accordingly in peaceful, unique and luxurious accommodation.
Ready to Start Planning Your Visit to South Africa?
JOIN US FOR OUR ALL-INCLUSIVE SOUTH AFRICA EXPERIENCE.
ITINERARY
From experience, it is highly recommended that you arrive in Cape Town a day prior to the tour commencement date, to enable you to unwind from your lengthy flight, relax and unwind in the comfort of your hotel. Airport transfers will be arranged accordingly.
Situated close to Cape Town's V&A Waterfront and on the edge of the Atlantic Hotel, the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront combines chic luxury with the warmth of South African hospitality.
For those who have opted to rent bikes in Cape Town, a mid-morning shuttle will be arranged to help you collect your bikes from our preferred bike partners.
In the afternoon you will have the option of a short/cruisy ride to stretch the legs and ensure the bikes are A-Okay.
Over an evening sundowner, you will get to meet your fellow adventurers and the Après Vélo team, who will provide a tour debriefing, which will be followed by a Group Welcome Dinner.
Your adventure has well and truly begun!
Dinner – Welcome dinner shouted by Après Vélo
Accommodation – Radisson Blu Waterfront
Hugging the Atlantic coast road, we ride past the “bikini glamour beaches” of Clifton and Camps Bay beautifully located at the base of the towering Twelve Apostles Mountains.
We cycle over the Suikerbossie before descending into the beautiful fishing village of Hout Bay. From here we cycle over the famous Chapmans peak to join the sea again at the quaint beach town of Noordhoek for morning coffee, before heading towards Kalk Bay, where we will meet the non-riders for a long lunch.
Our specially curated private minibus tour for the Non-Riders will include the following top attractions:
- Chapmans Peak.
- Boulders Penguin Beach
- Simonstown, Fish Hoek and Kalk Bay.
- After lunch at Kalk Bay, riders and non-riders will bus back through the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve at the end of the Cape Peninsula, looking out for some of the animals that live here, including the rare Bontebok, Eland and Cape Mountain Zebra.
Dinner – Dinner shouted by Après Vélo.
Accommodation – Radisson Blu Waterfront
The Signal Hill Road is the only way to climb Lion's Head by road bike and is situated entirely in Table Mountain National Park.
Upon our return to the hotel, we will depart for our tour of Cape Town, which includes the following highlights:
- Guided walk-through Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, one of the great botanic gardens in the world.
- Cape Town and Bo-kaap history walking tour.
- Cape Malay cooking class for a late afternoon lunch.
Dinner – This evening is free for you to do as you choose.
Accommodation – Radisson Blu Waterfront
For those partaking in the world-famous Cape Cycle Tour (not officially part of the Après Vélo tour), today will be a good opportunity to visit the Cape Argus Expo Village, to collect your Race number, timing chip and other paraphernalia for tomorrow epic Sportif. Enjoy the huge Cycle Expo with exhibitors and retailers from around Africa showcasing everything cycling related.
Afternoon optional activities are plentiful, including:
- An afternoon ride
- Visiting the Oranjezicht Food markets
- A visit to Robben Island (additional charge)
- Shopping or
- Simply do as you please at your leisure
Dinner – An early Pre-Sportif Team dinner, shouted by Après Vélo. 😊
Accommodation – Radisson Blu Waterfront
It has enjoyed well-known competitors such as Miguel Indurain, Jan Ulrich, Matt Damon, and Lance Armstrong.
The Cycle Tour provides a glorious day out for tens of thousands of cyclists from around the world. For just one day of the year, human power rules the roads of the fairest cape in the whole circumference of the earth (Sir Francis Drake, 1579).
The course starts in downtown Cape Town, covers most of the Cape’s peninsula with the finish line in Green Point Stadium, just outside the city’s centre. It is a fabulous ride, especially thanks to the spectacular views and fanfare along the way. Please note that the Cape Argus is not officially part of the Après Vélo tour, and no support will be provided during the event by Après Vélo.
For those choosing not to partake in the Cape Argus Sportif, we have planned a memorable hike up Lions Head, the most popular amongst the Cape’s many hikes. It’s moderate difficulty, offers a great 2–3-hour workout, and the views from the summit (669m above sea level) are seriously spectacular.
In the afternoon you are free to do as you please. Alternatively, we can arrange a tour for you amongst the numerous options available.
Dinner – Post Race Celebratory drinks and dinner, shouted by Après Vélo.
Accommodation – Radisson Blu Waterfront
We continue our morning adventure taking a stroll through this French inspired town followed by a Franschhoek morning winelands tour.
Thereafter we will make our way to the Jewel of the winelands, Delaire Graaf Estate, where we will have the privilege to take part in in a tutored wine experience followed by a long memorable lunch whilst enjoying a beautiful setting overlooking the gardens and the vines with the breath-taking mountains as a backdrop.
Time permitting, we will take a walk through the Estate, before being transferred to Le Quartier Francais, Franschhoek.
Dinner – This evening is free for you to do as you choose.
Accommodation – Le Quartier Francais.
- A 3-hour memorable cycling tour on mountain bikes through scenic vineyards on private wine farms, stopping for different wine tastings on route.
- Wine tasting and chilling.
Dinner – The award winning Monneaux Restaurant, voted as one of South Africa’s top restaurants, known for its innovative modern French Cuisine.
Accommodation – Le Quartier Francais.
- Wine tasting at some of the numerous vineyards throughout the region
- Long lunch at some of the many gastronomic restaurants
- Take an excursion on the Wine Tram from Franschhoek visiting the wine estates along the route.
- Cycling
- Shopping in the beautiful town of Franschoek
- Chilling by your hotel pool.
Dinner – This evening is free to do as you choose.
Accommodation – Le Quartier Francais.
Upon our arrival you will check in to your luxury lodge, providing you with the opportunity to immerse yourselves in utter tranquillity, surrounded by the rich vegetation of this unique location. This wilderness paradise (each with its own plunge pool and outdoor shower) provides privacy and a feeling of seclusion with spectacular views of the African bush.
After a welcome lunch, we will have a short orientation ride to familiarise ourselves with the mountain bikes (30 mins) before heading out on an afternoon game drive with our personal ranger.
Dinner and Accommodation – Kapama Karula
6am – Option 1 – Morning ride (approx. 3-4 hours); Option 2 – Safari Hike (approx. 3 hours); Option 3 – Morning Game Drive (approx. 3. Hours)
9am – Breakfast
1pm – Lunch
4pm – Game Drive in search of the Big Five
7pm – Luxury African Bush Dinner
Dinner and Accommodation – Kapama Karula
6am – Option 1 – Morning ride (approx. 3 hours); Option 2 – Safari Hike (approx. 3 hours); Option 3 – Morning Game Drive (approx. 3. Hours)
9am – Breakfast
1pm – Lunch
4pm – Game Drive in search of the Big Five
7pm – Luxury African Bush Dinner
Dinner and Accommodation – Kapama Karula
After an early morning Game drive followed by breakfast, our team will provide a transfer to Hoedspruit Airport where you will board a flight to Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, scheduled to arrive mid-afternoon. You will need to arrange your own connecting flights from Johannesburg to your final destination.
Speak to us about organising additional days, accommodation, and tours in South Africa both before the tour commences and after the tour concludes.
We highly recommend spending at least 2 days in Johannesburg should the opportunity present itself.
The Après Vélo itinerary may be subject to route and hotel changes, and other modifications subject to circumstances prevailing at the time.
PRICES & DATES
INCLUSIONS
LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
Single occupancy and upgraded suite packages may be available with surcharge. Talk to us when booking.
12 days / 11 nights.
Days 1-5. Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town.
Days 6-8. Le Quartier Francais.
Days 9-11. Kapama Karula Private Game Reserve.
CYCLING
- Fully supported rides in Cape Town and Cape Wine Region
- Optional participation in the Cape Town Cycling Tour
- Guided Mountain biking through the Stellenbosch Winelands
- Fully Supported biking in Kapama Private Game Reserve with equipped rangers and vehicles to ensure safety at all times.
MOUNTAIN BIKES
- Mountain Bikes in Stellenbosch and Kapama
- Should you wish to rent an E Mountain Bike, we can arrange this for you at an additional cost.
DOMESTIC AIRFARES
- Cape Town to Hoedspruit.
- Hoedspruit to Johannesburg.
MEALS
- All premium breakfasts, 7 x lunches, and 8 x dinners.
- Long lunches and wine tasting.
- Alcohol with all meals excluding French champagne and premium branded beverages.
SUPPORT
- Ride support with safety focus paramount. We recognise that no rider is the same and we ensure that no-one is left behind.
- Support vehicle/Ride captains.
- Bike mechanic.
- On road nutrition & hydration. We recommend that you bring your own specific nutrition and hydration intake, if required.
ACTIVITIES/TOURS
- 2 x day guided tour of Cape Town.
- 1 x morning tour of Table Mountain.
- Vineyard tours.
- Game viewing activities with guides/rangers (drive; cycle; hike).
TRANSFERS
- Cape Town International Airport pick up and drop off.
- Hoedspruit Airport pick and drop off.
- All other transfers throughout the duration of the trip.
- Luggage & bike transfers.
TOURISM LEVY
GEAR
- Après Vélo Tour Cycling Jersey + Souvenir T-shirt.
GRATUITIES
- We have taken the hassle out of you tipping throughout the tour. We will adequately take care of this on your behalf, for the entire support crew and service providers.
NOT INCLUDED
- International airfares to and from South Africa.
- Travel and personal insurance.
- Additional hotel expenses i.e. in-room hotel charges, incidentals.
- Road bikes and E Mountain bikes. This can be arranged for you at an additional charge. Speak to us when booking.
- Laundry. Facilities are available at your hotels for your convenience.
NON-RIDING PARTNERS
APRÈS VÉLO ENCOURAGES AND WELCOMES NON-RIDING PARTNERS TO ATTEND OUR AFRICAN CYCLING TOUR.
Riders and non-riding partners partake in all meals, tours, Safari drives and all other post ride activities making it an inclusive and shared experience for all.
A specific itinerary will be put together for non-riding partners that will ensure an equally satisfying and fulfilling experience.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
See our FAQs page for answers to common questions or contact us via email.
WHAT OUR GUESTS HAD TO SAY
See our Testimonials page to find out what our guests had to say about the tour.
NEED MORE INFO?
See our links below for more information about this tour.
