Cape Winelands Cycling

This is an opportunity to experience the Cape’s finest wines while discovering the natural beauty of the Cape Winelands countryside, Wine Estates and historic towns. Sample renowned wines straight from the cellar and dine in some world class restaurants. Enjoy excellent accommodation, making this a trip to remember.

Your cycling adventure begins in the historic town of Franschhoek, known as the food and wine capital of South Africa. From Franschhoek over Helshoogte to Stellenbosch,the second oldest town in South Africa. Explore the Jonkershoek Valley and Nature Reserve, as well as estates in the Blaauwklippen Valley. The final destination is Somerset West where the historic Vergelegen- and Lourensford Estates will provide some of the highlights.

Your cycling holiday in the Cape Winelands includes four days of easy to moderate cycling. The route follows quiet roads, where possible. The daily distance is between 35/45 km (about 3/4 hours cycling).

Cycling in the Cape Winelands is recommended at any time from spring to autumn. Summer days can be hot. The cycling holiday in the Cape Winelands includes five nights accommodation in four or five star Guesthouses/ hotels, five breakfasts, baggage transfer, welcome meeting on arrival, a comprehensive information pack with directions, detailed maps and suggestions of places to eat, things to do and local detail not accessible to passing visitors.

Highlights

Mountains

Stunning views of the Hottentots Holland- , Helderberg, Stellenbosch- and Franschhoek mountains

“Fynbos” plants and wildlife

The Cape Floral Region is the smallest but richest of the world’s 6 floral regions- with no less than 9,000 species. It has been identified as one of the world’s 18 biodiversity hot spots.

Nature Reserve

Experience the beautiful Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

Views

Franschhoek Valley, Gordon’s Bay, Strand, Somerset West, False Bay, including Cape Point, Stellenbosch  & the Cape Peninsula

Wine estates

Arguably some of the most beautiful wine estates in the world, with history dating back to 1700. Larger cellars offer organised tours and tastings and their own restaurants

Accommodation and restaurant options

4 or 5 star hotel or guesthouse with prize winning restaurants.Franschhoek alone has 36 restaurants, and 4 South African 5 star chefs continuously offering world class cuisine.

Historic towns

Discover South Africa’s second oldest town – Stellenbosch. Explore Franschhoek’s interesting French connection.

• Day 1: Arrive in Franschhoek.

The Cape Winelands cycling adventure begins in Franschhoek – 70 km from Cape Town International Airport. Enjoy the village and interesting cafes and shops. Our local partner will meet you at your hotel in the evening for a brief welcoming meeting.

Overnight: Franschhoek Hotel/Guesthouse. There are a number of restaurants for Dinner- world class cuisine and wines.

Day 2: Cycle Franschhoek area

You will ride through vineyards and country roads including the Berg River Dam and a section of its catchment area. You can visit a range of interesting places, wineries and places to eat such as La Brie, Holden Manz, the Huguenot Monument and Museum.

Day 3: Cycle to Stellenbosch.

On your way from Franschhoek to Stellenbosch you can visit wine estates such as Mont Rochelle, Grande Provence, La Motte,  Antonij Rupert Wines and the Franschhoek Motor Museum. Boschendal, Zorgvliet, Tokara and Delaire Graff Estate -14th best wine tourism destination in the world. More details in your route guide. Stellenbosch was the first area in South Africa to establish a “Wine Route” in the early seventies and offers some very special estates for wine tasting.

The reserve offers a number of cycling routes over mountainous terrain, with spectacular scenery. Visit the Postcard Cafe before heading off to Blaauwklippen Valley with estates like Dornier, Mont Marie and Waterford. End the day at the exclusive winery of Peter Falke, nestled against the majestic slopes of the Helderberg Mountains, in the heart of the Stellenbosch winelands.

Distance 67 km. The distance can be increased depending on options chosen in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. The route can also be shortened to about 50 km.
Distance 50–75 km – Whole Day.

Day 5: Cycle to Somerset West.

Visit estates such as Somerbosch, Eikendal, Avontuur, Lourensford, Vergelegen and Morgenster.

Dinner & overnight: Somerset West, near prestigious wine estates in a wonderful relaxed setting.
Distance 40 km – Whole Day.

Depart

Extra day: The tour can by extended by an extra night in Somerset West or a hiking activity in Franschhoek before  departing on the cycling trip. You will experience the remarkable fynbos-rich Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve – abundant with a dazzling variety of birdlife – at the top of the Franschhoek Pass. A field guide will give background about the Nature reserve and the environment. From the heights you will have breathtaking views of the valley- as far as Table Mountain on a clear day. From the Nature Reserve follow the Cats Path down to the centre of the town of Franschhoek. The path is of historic value and was built during the period 1819 – 1825 for the wagons to cross the mountain to the Overberg. After lunch and a wine tasting in the middle of the day a visit the historic town.

Distance 10 km (6 miles) – Whole Day.

Stay at some of the finest hotels and guesthouses in the area and visit restaurants serving mouth-watering international cuisine. A variety of different establishments have been selected – all subject to availability. Non availability may result in a rate amendment. Click on pictures to view the high standard of accommodation:

Rates

Choice of Standard or Superior accommodation. The rate of our Cape Winelands Cycling package also depends on availability. For the Standard option the rate is around R10 640 per person, for 2- 4 people sharing. The rate will be quoted on request. Different rates will apply for larger groups and the Superior package. The superior package will be 5 star and/or superior 4 Star accommodation. The Standard package offers 4 Star accommodation. Costs for an extra night – standard and superior accommodation available – on request.

Included

 When to book Cape Winelands Cycling

The best months are from beginning of October to end of April (high season). Start on any day. Reserve early to obtain the best rooms. The route is also available during low season at a reduced rate. Please contact us for details.

 Climate

Weather in the Western Cape Coastal region is mild Mediteranean. Summer – mild pleasant evenings, can be very hot and dry during the day in late Summer Winter – very cold evenings, cold to mild days Rainfall (mostly in winter) can exceed 1 500 mm (60 inches ) per year.

Getting there

Franschhoek is 70 km from Cape Town International Airport. Private transfers and rates) available on request.

What to take

Wearing a helmet while cycling is mandatory and bicycles need to be equipped with basic repair kit. These items can be provided with bicycles rented via us. Bring your own if you prefer so. If you decide to bring your own, a MTB is the best choice (not a road bike or hybrid). 

It is important to be comfortable when cycling. The best is to wear thin layers of clothing. Fast drying and hard-wearing synthetic fabrics are ideal as a base layer. These allow your skin to breathe and wick the moisture away from your skin to the next layer, avoiding the chill which cotton T-shirts can cause.  A thin fleece or sweatshirt is ideal as the next layer. Also take a lightweight waterproof jacket (breathable and windproof material is best). Sport shoes are fine for cycling and for when you stop off to visit places on foot. For your daily needs, you are advised to have a day-bag, a plastic bag to line your day-pack (to protect the contents from rain), sunglasses, sun block, a water bottle, plastic picnic box (for transporting lunches), first-aid kit, camera and an extra plastic bag for litter.

Insurance

It is recommended that appropriate holiday insurance is arranged with cover for illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of any cancellations.

Route description

Our detailed route notes and -description allow you to ride self-guided and at your own pace amid splendid scenery while we transport your luggage. As soon as we have finalised your booking we will specify your hotel schedule. (We are using different hotels/guest houses from time to time). The tailor-made Route guide include hotel details, route notes, maps and GPS references. Going self-guided is simple and convenient with our Route guide. It allows you to set out when you like, stop where you want and visit sites en route that are of interest to you. Our notes include information on monuments, places of interest along the way and suggested stops for lunch, wine tasting etc. The Route guide will be given to you on the date of your arrival. We can provide a file which can be imported to a gps or computer for navigation on a cellphone or gps device.

Availability and Booking

To enquire or reserve a date, go to: Availability request

For general information: Contact us, or

email: info@trailsandtravel.co.za, or

Booking process and -conditions – Go to  How to book

Map

View Larger Map

Gallery

View Cape Winelands Cycling Gallery

Wine Estates

You will visit award-winning wine estates famous for their wine and unique offerings. See examples below.

Delaire Graff Estate in the Stellenbosch valley was placed 14th on The World’s Best Vineyards list and awarded the Best Vineyard in Africa in 2020. 

Reviews

Comments by guests who have experienced a self-guided walking/hiking holiday offered by Trails and Travel in South Africa- “Overall, the holiday was invigorating- You certainly went out of your way to make the whole time memorable- We are recommending it to our walking community in the States- Fantastic walks, wines and accommodation” For details go to Reviews

Cape Winelands Area info

The Cape Winelands Cycling holiday is an opportunity to experience breathtaking Cape Winelands scenery, world class cuisine and accommodation. To read more about the area, go to: Cape Winelands (Somerset West and Stellenbosch) Franschhoek

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