South Africa cycling trip
A cycling holiday with CvA travel through South Africa brings together safaris, the coast and gravel cycling in a unique way. You explore the bush of Greater Kruger, the Cape Town area and the vast gravel roads of the Klein Karoo on a carefully designed itinerary. You cycle on a gravel bike or mountain bike, with or without electric assistance, accompanied by a tour leader and a support vehicle.
A brief introduction to cycling holidays in South Africa
During this cycling holiday in South Africa, safaris, coastal scenery and gravel cycling alternate naturally. You begin amongst the wildlife of Greater Kruger, before continuing to Cape Town to visit Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula. You then finish with five days of cycling over the mountain passes and gravel roads of the Klein Karoo. During the cycling stages in Cape Town and the Klein Karoo, you are accompanied by a tour leader and a support vehicle.
What can you expect from a cycling holiday in South Africa?
A cycling holiday in South Africa is all about variety. One day, you are searching for elephants, giraffes and other wildlife on safari in Greater Kruger; the next, you are cycling along the Cape Town coastline with views of the ocean. Soon afterwards, the green Winelands give way to the quiet gravel roads and mountain passes of the Klein Karoo. The itinerary has been carefully designed so that each area retains its own character. You begin in Greater Kruger, where you experience the natural surroundings on game drives in an open 4×4. You then continue to Cape Town, where you explore the city and the Cape Peninsula by bike. Finally, you spend four days cycling through the Klein Karoo, a sparsely populated area with vast landscapes, quiet gravel roads and mountain passes. During the cycling days, you are accompanied by a tour leader and a support vehicle. Transfers between the different regions are included, allowing you to move comfortably from one landscape to the next.
What level of fitness do you need for a cycling holiday in South Africa?
Our cycling holiday in South Africa has a varied difficulty level and is suitable for both gravel bikes and mountain bikes, with or without electric assistance. You cycle around Cape Town as well as through the Klein Karoo. The routes range from relaxed stages to days with longer climbs. The longest and most challenging cycling days are in the Klein Karoo. Here, the stages range from 56 to 85 kilometres, with between 500 and 1,455 metres of elevation gain. A support vehicle with a driver and bike trailer accompanies every cycling stage. Those who would like some extra assistance on the longer climbs can opt for an e-mountain bike or e-gravel bike.
What is the best time of year for a cycling holiday in South Africa?
The best months for a cycling holiday in South Africa are May, July and October. Our group departures are also scheduled during these months. As South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are the opposite of those in the Netherlands and Belgium. The dry season begins in the game reserves in May. The vegetation becomes less dense, increasing the chances of spotting wildlife. Temperatures around Cape Town are still pleasant for cycling at this time of year. July is winter in South Africa and is considered one of the best months for a safari. The days are often clear, and temperatures in the Klein Karoo are ideal for longer cycling stages. The dry season comes to an end in October. Wildlife is still easy to spot, and temperatures in the Klein Karoo are pleasant. Spring is also well under way around Cape Town.
Which bike is suitable for a cycling holiday in South Africa?
For a cycling holiday in South Africa, you can choose between a gravel bike and a mountain bike, with or without electric assistance. The itinerary has been designed to suit both types of bike. The gravel roads of the Klein Karoo and the roads around Cape Town are suitable for both gravel bikes and mountain bikes. Bikes can be hired on request. You can choose from several Scott gravel bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. Current models and hire rates can be found on the tour page. Prefer to bring your own bike? During the safari section, you can store it safely at A-Tech Storage at OR Tambo International Airport. More information is available on the page about the bikes available through CvA travel and on our page about gravel bike tours.
What is included in a cycling holiday in South Africa with CvA travel?
Our cycling holiday in South Africa includes all accommodation and meals listed in the itinerary. Transfers between the different parts of the programme, coach transport, domestic flights from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit (JNB–HDS) and from Hoedspruit to Cape Town (HDS–JNB–CPT), entrance fees and baggage handling in Cape Town and Ladismith are also included. International flights, visa costs, bike hire, tips and personal expenses are not included. A complete overview of what is and is not included can be found on the page for the 12-day cycling holiday.
Can you book a cycling holiday in South Africa as a solo traveller?
Yes, you can also book a cycling holiday in South Africa with CvA travel as a solo traveller. Our group tours consist of small groups, with everyone cycling at their own pace. The group meets again at agreed points along the route, giving you the freedom to cycle independently while still enjoying the company of a group. Would you prefer a private tour? A self-guided cycling holiday in South Africa can also be arranged on request. We tailor the itinerary, difficulty level and departure period to your preferences.
Three landscapes in one cycling holiday in South Africa
A cycling holiday in South Africa with CvA travel takes you through three very different regions. You begin in the Lowveld near Greater Kruger, before continuing to Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula. The holiday concludes in the Klein Karoo. Each region has its own character: the Lowveld with its abundant wildlife, the coastline around Cape Town at the foot of Table Mountain, and the semi-desert of the Klein Karoo with its vast gravel roads and mountain passes. The regions are linked by domestic flights and road transfers, all of which are included.
Safari during your cycling holiday in South Africa
The first part of the cycling holiday in South Africa focuses on safari experiences. You explore Manyeleti Game Reserve, part of Greater Kruger, during an afternoon safari on day two, a full day of safari activities on day three and a final morning safari on day four. Together with a ranger and tracker, you set out in an open 4×4 in search of the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo. You stay at Pungwe Safari Camp, a small tented camp with four Meru tents, surrounded by nature and without Wi-Fi. Two safaris per day are included during your stay: one early in the morning and one in the late afternoon, including a stop for a drink at sunset.
Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula
After the safari in Greater Kruger, the cycling section of the holiday begins. Around Cape Town, cycling tours are alternated with visits to some of South Africa’s best-known locations. Combining cycling tours with road transfers gives you plenty of time to explore both the city and the Cape Peninsula. You visit Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Boulders Beach, Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. There is also time to explore Cape Town’s historic centre, including a walk through Company’s Garden and the colourful Bo-Kaap district.
Gravel cycling in the Klein Karoo during your cycling holiday in South Africa
The final part of the cycling holiday in South Africa takes place in the Klein Karoo, where you spend four days cycling on gravel roads from the historic town of Ladismith. Ladismith lies at the foot of the Klein Swartberg and the distinctive Towerkop peak. You cycle along quiet gravel roads, past orchards, vineyards and the foothills of the Swartberg mountains. The open landscape of the Klein Karoo is characterised by vast plains, rugged mountain ranges and distinctive rock formations. Along the way, you cross the Bosluyskloof Pass and Rooiberg Pass. Cool mornings and warm afternoons are typical of this part of South Africa.
CvA travel’s 12-day cycling holiday in South Africa
The 12-day cycling holiday ‘From the Big Five to mountain passes’ combines safaris, Cape Town and gravel cycling in the Klein Karoo in one carefully designed itinerary. Group departures are available in May, July and October. On the tour page you will find the complete day-by-day itinerary, current departure dates and the price. Our calendar provides an overview of all our group tours. “`
Contact us Why book a cycling holiday in South Africa with CvA travel?
With CvA travel, you travel in a small group of at least four and no more than eight participants. This small-group format allows for personal attention along the way and creates a relaxed pace, with time for both the group and each individual participant. The 12-day cycling holiday in South Africa combines a safari in Greater Kruger, Cape Town and the Klein Karoo in one carefully designed itinerary. A support vehicle accompanies you during the cycling days. In Cape Town and the Klein Karoo, you are also accompanied by a tour leader. Before departure, you receive clear information about the required fitness level, distances and elevation gain, so you can begin the holiday well prepared. Would you like to know more about this cycling holiday in South Africa? View the 12-day group tour or contact us for advice with no obligation. We will be happy to help you choose the right difficulty level, bike and departure period.
Frequently asked questions about cycling holidays in South Africa
How much does a cycling holiday in South Africa cost?
The current price of the 12-day cycling holiday in South Africa can be found on the tour page. The price includes all accommodation and meals listed in the itinerary, as well as domestic flights, transfers between the different parts of the programme, transport by air-conditioned coach, entrance fees and baggage handling in Cape Town and Ladismith. International flights, visa costs, airport taxes, bike hire, tips and personal expenses are not included. Bikes can be hired on request. Hire rates for each type of bike, a complete overview of what is and is not included, and any additional charges, such as the single-room supplement, can be found on the tour page.
When can you go on a cycling holiday in South Africa?
CvA travel’s 12-day cycling holiday in South Africa departs several times a year, with departures in May, July and October. These months have been carefully selected based on the conditions in Greater Kruger, Cape Town and the Klein Karoo. South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, so its seasons are the opposite of those in the Netherlands and Belgium. In May and July, the tour takes place during the dry season, providing favourable conditions for safari activities. October falls at the end of this period, while temperatures in the Klein Karoo remain pleasant for cycling. An up-to-date overview of all departure dates can be found in the group tour calendar on our website.
What level of fitness do you need for this cycling holiday?
The 12-day cycling holiday in South Africa includes stages of varying difficulty and is suitable for both gravel bikes and mountain bikes, with or without electric assistance. The longest and most demanding cycling days take place in the Klein Karoo. Here, the stages range from 56 to 85 kilometres, with between 500 and 1,455 metres of elevation gain per day. A support vehicle with a driver and bike trailer accompanies every cycling tour. You receive a route briefing before setting off, and food and hydration stations are provided along the way. A good base level of fitness and some experience with longer cycling tours will help you complete the cycling days comfortably. Those who would like some extra assistance on the longer climbs can opt for an e-gravel bike or e-mountain bike.
Which bike will you use during the cycling holiday?
This cycling holiday in South Africa is suitable for gravel bikes and mountain bikes, with or without electric assistance. Hire bikes are available on request, including the Scott Addict gravel bike, Scott Speedster gravel bike, E-Solace e-gravel bike, Scott full-suspension mountain bike and Scott electric mountain bike. Current hire rates can be found on the tour page. Prefer to bring your own bike? During the safari section of the holiday, you can have it stored securely at A-Tech Storage at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
Will you see wildlife during this cycling holiday?
Yes, the cycling holiday in South Africa begins with four safari drives in Manyeleti Game Reserve, part of Greater Kruger. The programme includes an afternoon safari on day two, morning and afternoon safaris on day three, and a final morning safari on day four. Manyeleti shares unfenced borders with Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. Together with an experienced ranger and tracker, you set out in an open 4×4 in search of the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo. During the evening safari, you stop for a drink at sunset before continuing with spotlights to search for nocturnal animals. You stay at Pungwe Safari Camp, a small tented camp with four Meru tents and no Wi-Fi. After the safari section, you fly to Cape Town, where the cycling part of the holiday begins.
How challenging are the cycling days in the Klein Karoo?
The four cycling days in the Klein Karoo vary in distance and elevation gain. The stages range from 56 to 85 kilometres, with between 500 and 1,455 metres of elevation gain per day. The biggest challenge awaits on day nine, when you cycle 85 kilometres and cross Rooiberg Pass towards Calitzdorp. On day eight, you cross Bosluyskloof Pass, which has 60 hairpin bends over 7.6 kilometres. On day ten, you cycle along the foothills of the Swartberg mountains, while the final cycling day is the easiest stage of the holiday, covering 56 kilometres with 500 metres of elevation gain. A support vehicle with a driver and bike trailer accompanies the group on all four cycling days.
Is the holiday suitable for solo travellers?
Yes, you can book this cycling holiday in South Africa as a solo traveller. It is a group tour, so you depart with a small group but can often cycle at your own pace. The group meets again at designated points along the route. Our groups consist of at least four and no more than eight participants. As a solo traveller, you will normally share a room with a participant of the same sex, where possible. If the only available room arrangement is with a participant of a different sex, we will contact you beforehand. If you would prefer not to share, we will book a single room for you. A single-room supplement of €50 per night applies. Would you prefer not to join a group? A private cycling holiday in South Africa can also be arranged on request. We tailor the itinerary, difficulty level and departure period to your preferences. Please contact us for personal advice.
What is arranged during the holiday?
During the 12-day cycling holiday in South Africa, all transfers between the different parts of the programme are arranged, including transport by air-conditioned coach and domestic flights. A support vehicle with a driver and bike trailer accompanies every cycling tour. In Cape Town and the Klein Karoo, you are accompanied by a tour leader. Before each cycling day, you receive a briefing about the route, and food and hydration stations are available along the way. Baggage handling is also arranged. Your luggage is transported between the accommodation locations and is available whenever required during the holiday. International flights, visa costs, airport taxes, bike hire, tips and personal expenses are not included. A complete overview of what is and is not included can be found on the tour page.
Do you need a visa or vaccinations for South Africa?
Travellers with Dutch or Belgian nationality do not need a visa for a tourist stay of up to 90 days. You will be granted visa-free entry on arrival in South Africa. Your passport must remain valid for at least 30 days after your departure from South Africa and must contain at least two consecutive blank pages. No vaccinations are compulsory for South Africa unless you are travelling from a country where yellow fever occurs. Vaccinations against DTP and hepatitis A are recommended for stays in the Greater Kruger area. Malaria is present in parts of Greater Kruger. Consult your GP or a specialist travel vaccination clinic to determine whether malaria prevention medication is recommended for your visit. Always check the latest entry requirements and health advice shortly before departure through NetherlandsWorldwide, the Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs and GGD Travel Vaccinations.
How do you book this cycling holiday in South Africa?
The page for the 12-day cycling holiday in South Africa contains the complete day-by-day itinerary, current departure dates and the tour price. From there, you can select a departure date and begin your booking. Still unsure about the difficulty level, bike or departure period? Please contact us for advice with no obligation. We will be happy to help. Would you prefer to view all our group tours and departure dates first? You can find a complete overview in the calendar on our website. “`
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