Cycle the Little Karoo | Route 62

Cycle the Little Karoo | Route 62

Overview

Our road cycling tour of The Little Karoo will captivate your mind with mystique landscapes, vineyards, scenic passes, and friendly people. Our route runs between two majestic mountains and regarded as one of the most spectacular routes in the country.

IMPORTANT: Please note that you will be responsible for your first night's accommodation in George. The tour starts on Day 1 when you get collected from your guesthouse at 08:30 by your guide. Should you require help or suggestions, do not hesitate to ask us.

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

Day 1.  George – Robinson Pass – and the Ostrich Capital

Today we get to cycle our first real mountain pass 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. This is 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. Should time allow, you can cycle from the caves going through the Schoemanspoort valley and finish up at our accommodation. Drive time: 1.5hours, KM: 78/ 30km, AM: 1250/ 138m, D

Day 2.  Along Route 62 to Ladismith

Today we change from bicycles to feathers !!!! well for the first hour of the day that is. If 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 slowly making our way to the Port Wine area of Calitzdorp. After lunch we continue, taking in the Huisrivier Pass (655m) eventually landing up in Ladismith and spending the night on a comfortable working farm, with a view of 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: 1400m, B

Day 3.  Ladismith – Barrydale – Montagu

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 our scrumptious and well-deserved 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.  KM: 140km, AM: 1450m, B

Day 4. Through the Winelands to Robertson

First, we cycle through the Kogmanskloof, a gorge 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. The gorge is known for “The Hole in the wall” above which is an old English fort (1899). We then for the next few hours cycle through the wine and cheese region of Bonnievale. Our lunch stop is at a prominent wine estate before continuing towards Robertson where we spend the night in a comfortable B&B. A wine tasting is also on the cards.
KM: 70km, AM: 675m, B/W

Day 5.  Breede Valley - Bainskloof - Wellington - Mother City

After breakfast we do a short transfer to the start 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. We stop for a swim in the crystal clear pools before we tackle the pass and enjoy the long downhill, almost 15km into Wellington offering a view fit for a King. We load the bikes and transfer into Cape Town where we spend two nights enjoying the Metropolis 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, B

Day 6. Cape Perninsula and the Penguins

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, take pictures, and stretch our legs. We continue heading south towards The Cape of Good Hope and the southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula, with luck we could see baboon along the road.
Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve:
The landscape is coastal fynbos strewn with sandstone boulders. Here the descent is fast, all the way to the southwestern tip of Africa. We have a chance of spotting eland, bontebok, zebra, ostrich, and cape mountain zebra. After lunch, we continue along the coast heading north before we tackle the well know Chapman's Peak, voted as one of the most scenic roads in the world. We finish the day in Camps Bay. Tonight's dinner we celebrate in African style and exchange highlights from the past few days. Drive time: 1.5hours, KM: 102km, AM: 1483m, B/D

Day 7. Bon Voyage my friends

After 6 days of cycling through the most beautiful landscape, this hemisphere has to offer. We, unfortunately have to part ways and say goodbye. Depending on your departure times, there may be time to walk through the colorful 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: 45min, B 

Please have a look at the other Bicycle tours we offer.

TOUR DURATION
  • 6 Days cycling with full vehicle support
DIFFICULTY LEVEL

This tour is suited for the CRUISING road cyclist - cycling average speeds of 20km/hour, you will need a MEDIUM level of fitness for this tour.

2 Star Rating
ROUTE

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.

NOTE: You are responsible for your first nights accommodation in George. Would will gladly organise this for you.

DISTANCES

Average of 80km/ day

TERRAIN

100% black top (tar) with three mountain passes to cycle over.

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • Flights/ transport to George (GRG)
  • Road Bike hire.
  • Beverages/ personal expenses.
  • Service fees and gratuities.
  • Travel insurance.
PRICE INCLUDES
  • Transfers of persons and your luggage in an air conditioned vehicle. (support vehicle)
  • Hydration during the cycle. (Water/bananas/energy bars)
  • Isotonic powder.
  • Qualified driver/guide for the duration of the tour.
  • 6 overnight stays in hand picked accommodation. (3-4*)
  • 2 dinners included. (See tour abbreviations)
  • 1 wine tasting.
  • All entrance fees as per tour itinerary.
PACKAGE PRICE AND DATES
* Prices are based on per person sharing (double room)
* The offer is valid for a group size of 4 – 8 guests.
* Should your group be less than our minimum group size do not despair, get in touch with us.
* Prices are subject to the availability of selected accommodation.
* Dates: Give us your dates and we can work around those.
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