27/10/2017
The first Southern Cape Cycle Tour was in October 2017.
Timeline: You book into Over The Mountain Guest Farm. www.overthemountain.co.za
Start: Top of Montague Pass between Oudshoorn and George. You can visit the world-famous Cango caves, the Cango Wildlife Ranch or do short picturesque cycle rides if you can arrive a day early.
Stage one - down Montague pass - 12 km
Our bus picks you up, we load the cycles and drive via Mosselbay to Stilbaai, where we overnight in luxurious dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation
Stage two - After breakfast, we ride the Blombos road between Stilbaai and the little village of Vermaaklikheid, drinking in the fresh sea air while stopping every now and then to take pictures of wild flowers, tortoises or maybe the odd Puff Adder snake that may cross our path. Cyclists can choose between 35 and 20 km cycling. A light lunch is enjoyed in the shade of one of the protected Melkhout trees. We overnight in cottages along the Duiwenhoks river. Take a kayak and row down the river, or just chill on the deck overlooking the river while you study the abundant bird life. By early evening we gather for a traditional South African barbecue and sun-downer cocktails.
Stage three - We cycle from Vermaaklikheid to the lovely seaside town of Witsand, where we overnight - cyclists can choose between 30 and 15 km cycling. Some of the best gravel roads for cycling is available on this stretch. Lunch is enjoyed in a little ravine crossing where those inclined to do so, take a skinny dip in the cool clear river water pond to completely refresh. We should reach the guest house by early afternoon, giving you a couple of hours on the stunning little beach where you can surf the pleasant Indian Ocean waves.
Stage four - After an early morning swim in the white sandy breakers, then a hearty breakfast, we cycle out to Malgas, where we cross the Breë river via a manually drawn ferry. We overnight in a beautiful accommodation adjacent the river, where we are treated to a real South African dinner before going to bed in luxurious accommodation. Those who feel up to it, joins us for a late afternoon cruise on the Breë river, where cocktails will be served. Here you can unpack for the first time, since we sleep over for two nights.
Stage five - We load up our bicycles which is transported for us to De Hoop Nature Reserve, the jewel of the Southern Cape. In the nature reserve we cycle a few of the lovey cycling roads where we will come into close contact with a host of wild life, from the extremely scarce Cape Bontebok antelopes to the large Eland, ostriches, baboons an many a small animals. There are over 80 bird species and thousands of plant species. Depending on the time of year, we have sun-downers on the white dunes where we watch nearby whales form the shore.
By late afternoon we drive back to our Breë river accommodation, where we spend the last evening in the great hall while we exchange pictures, addresses and have a few goodbye drinks together after dinner.
Make the Most of Your Next Garden Route Holiday and Book with Over The Mountain Guest Farm Now!
