Iconic Mountain passes, wide open spaces and outstanding hospitality
We will conquer iconic mountain passes that have found its way onto the bucket list of many international travellers. We will enjoy the space of the Karoo landscape, have a picnic out in the veld, and sit and listen to the silence. The routes run through glorious farmlands that one would seldom access - the scenery is breathtaking. This is a unique experience not available to many.
The Karoo is considered a natural wonder of limitless plains and fascinating rock formations and is perhaps one of the world's most diverse and unique arid areas. In Southern Africa, the Karoo is a rarity, which draws tourists, researchers and scientists alike. Low rainfall, arid air, cloudless skies, hot summers and cold winters characterize the climate of our destination area.
We will visit Prince Albert, the ”Jewel of the Karoo”. The town offers wide open spaces to hike and bike, crisp, clear air, star-filled skies and quiet to restore your soul. It showcases beautifully preserved Victorian, Karoo, Cape Dutch and uniquely gabled buildings. It is home to artists, crafters, purveyors of fresh produce and good food, and the friendliest people in the Karoo.
Our rides will take us along gravel roads, jeep and sheep tracks. We will ride two famous mountain passes, the Montagu Pass and the Swartberg Pass. These are spectacular climbs and are pretty tough but are an unforgettable experience and well worth the effort.
We understand the importance of a seamless and worry-free experience.
That's why we take immense pride in offering you an exceptional journey that leaves you with nothing but great memories. Our fully supported tours include transport for your luggage and refreshments during the rides.
With a support vehicle in tow, we are ready to handle any unforeseen events, from mechanical issues to tired legs.
We are passionate about good food.
Our meals are carefully crafted to fuel your body and keep your energy levels high on even the longest bike rides. You can expect nothing less than the best of authentic South African cuisine - from hearty breakfasts to refreshing picnic lunches and mouth-watering traditional braai dinners.
This trip is for fit riders who enjoy long distances in the saddle, for the nature lover and explorer who enjoys spending time in remote areas of beauty.
Highlights
- Conquering iconic mountain passes.
- Visiting the picturesque town of Prince Albert known as the "Jewel of the Great Karoo".
- Experiencing wide open spaces, the freedom and the tranquility of the Karoo.
NON-RIDING ACTIVITIES
- Olive oil tasting
- Waterfall swimming
- Hiking
TRIP SUMMARY
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Karoo, South Africa
Dates
Price per person
Group Size: 8-10 people
From 2 to 7 persons with small group surcharge.
Included Services
- Accommodation for 7 nights (Good quality chalets & cottages)
- Transfer from the airport to the starting point
- Transfer from Cape Town to George
- Transfer from Klaarstroom to Baakensrug
- Transfer from Baakensrug back to Cape Town
- 6 days of guided gravel riding (350 km in total)
- All meals, from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8
- Support vehicle
- Trailside repairs
- Transfer of bicycles and luggage
- Drinks and snacks en route daily
- English and German-speaking local female tour guides (10 years guiding experience, qualified first aiders and internationally certified MTB coaches)
Excluded Services
- Flights to/from Cape Town
- Drinks (we will have an honesty bar stocked with local beers, wines and soft drinks.)
- Rental bikes
- Rental helmet
- Bike parts
- Tips
- Cancellation costs and travel insurance
Additional bookable services
- Gravel Bike
- Gravel E-bike
- Full suspension e-mountain bike
- Analogue MTB
- Single room supplement
Our travel partner Globetrotter is happy to help with the booking of additional nights, flights, rental cars or other services.
Please note that you will be contacting our partner company Globetrotter Travel Service AG when continuing with this booking enquiry.
Program
Experience and explore the South African Karoo: unrivalled natural beauty, iconic mountain passes, spectacular views, and wide open spaces.
A gravel cycling destination that has found its way onto the bucket list of many international travellers.
We will transport you and your bikes from Cape Town to George a city nestled on the breath-taking Garden Route of South Africa's Western Cape. Our adventure begins with a warm welcome dinner, where we get to know each other and anticipate the exhilarating days ahead.
We will kick off our day with a short cycling trip around the town before embarking on our journey to conquer the Montagu Pass. This historic and world-renowned all-gravel pass is famous for its indigenous forest, mountain fynbos, and breathtaking scenery. The Montagu Pass, the oldest unaltered pass still in use in South Africa, will lead us to the heart of the Klein Karoo. Finally, we will wrap up our day by enjoying drinks and dinner at the guesthouse near Oudtshoorn.
- 78 km, 1024 m elevation
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will get ready for the Swartberg Pass, which is known as a "hors-category" climb and is a must-do for any avid cyclist!
You have two options to choose from: We can transport you and your bikes to the Cango Caves, where you can start your ride. This option will reduce the length of your ride and decrease some of the elevation. Alternatively, you can choose to climb the entire length of the pass.
While cycling up the pass, you will be amazed by the stunning scenery that surrounds you. The ever-changing views will leave you spellbound, and each one is as breathtaking as the one before.
We will finish our day by cycling through the charming town of Prince Albert to reach our guesthouse, where we can relax with a refreshing drink and enjoy a delicious dinner.
- Option1: 94km, 1808m elevation
- Option 2: 72 km, 1350 m elevation (shorter option)
On the fourth day, we will be exploring Prince Albert on and off the bike. Our day will start with a scenic ride to the Weltevrede Fig Farm, which is located about 25 km outside the town. The ride will be an undulating cruise with a short, sharp hill in the middle. At the farm, which lies like an oasis in an arid desert, you will be treated to the most delicious plunger coffee and fig tart, along with other delicacies.
Once we return, you can spend your time exploring Prince Albert: visit a lovely dairy and cheese farm, enjoy an olive tasting, or simply relax and rest your tired legs.
- 64 km, 775 m elevation
Our next day of riding will take us to the charming and historic village of Klaarstroom, whose name translates to "clear stream" in English. This authentic Karoo village has a rich history and is one of the few remaining villages that have retained their original character.
We will have lunch at the Klaarstroom Hotel, which first opened its doors in 1874. The hotel still retains many of its original Victorian features and offers guests a charming swimming pool and bar.
After lunch, we will have the opportunity to swim in the Meiringspoort waterfall. This stunning waterfall is hidden in a deep ravine, with water cascading down a smooth 60-meter rock face and ending in a 9-meter deep rock pool. Our shuttle will take us, along with our bikes, to our next destination: Baakensrug Holiday Farm.
- 50 km, 600 m elevation
We will enjoy a sumptuous Karoo breakfast before heading out into the wide open spaces. We will cycle on jeep and sheep tracks and stop to have tea and cake on the neighbouring farm and a picnic in the veld.
Back at the lodge, we will be treated to a traditional lamb braai.
- 30 km, 500m elevation
We start our day with an early coffee on the lawn. After breakfast, you will receive your "kos pakkie", a lunch package that we will enjoy during our picnic break while cycling. On the last day, our route will take us through beautiful farmlands, and we will relish in the splendour of the Karoo for one final time. To end our day, we will have a memorable farewell dinner with a delightful Sundowner picnic.
- 40 km, 500 m elevation
As we enjoy our final breakfast together, we can cherish the memories we've made and prepare for the journey back to Cape Town. Along the picturesque Garden Route, we'll pause at idyllic farm stalls, taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this incredible region.
We hope that this Karoo trip leaves you with some amazing memories that will bring a smile to your face for years to come.
Travel
By Plane
Cape Town International Airport
Accommodation
Good quality chalets and cottages.
A variety of double beds, twin sharing and single rooms (single room with supplement).
Guides
Nikki Haywood
Nikki is a mountain bike enthusiast and the owner and founder of Trail Angels. She has inspired, encouraged and empowered hundreds of women to participate in MTB. She is fascinated by the psychological effects of MTB and how it boosts confidence and facilitates personal growth. Nikki has a Human Movement Science degree and has been teaching Pilates for the last 18 years. She is a qualified and BICP accredited MTB coach. She was born in Cape Town and knows the trails in and around Cape Town like the back of her hands. Nikki has been guiding club rides for the past eleven years. She has completed four Cape Epics, six Wines2Whales, three Sani2C, the Imana Wild Ride and has cycled 2000km across South Africa with a friend for three weeks through the bush, unsupported.
Lanuguages: English, Afrikaans, Dutch
Lena Ronge
Lena is a pediatrician originally from Germany and moved to Cape Town 10 years ago. She has been a member of the Trail Angels for the past five years. She is passionate about the benefits of mountain biking for general fitness and how it can positively impact mental wellbeing. She is a qualified and PMBIA accredited MTB coach and is one of our club ride leaders and a highly regarded skills coach. Lena loves technical riding and has competed in several XCO races. She has done three Wines2Whales events.
Languages spoken: German and English
Equipment
SCOTT Addict 30 Gravel, Model Year 2023
The Scott Addict Gravel 30 will get you wherever you’re going, no matter what the trail throws at you. More progressive, more control and more mounts mean this adventure-ready machine is your ticket to getting out there.
SCOTT Speedster Gravel 20, Model Year 2023
The SCOTT Speedster Gravel is your one stop shop for when the path gets less traveled. Comfortable geometry for all-day rides, room for big tires and fully internal cable routing make this a great option for those looking to take it off road!
SCOTT Solace Gravel eRIDE 20 and 30, Model Year 2022
Expand your horizons with the new Solace Gravel. From all day Alpine epics to Saturday morning time-crunched escapes the Solace Gravel is hugely versatile.
Scott Spark (Modelyear 2022)
When you think of the perfect mountain bike, what comes to mind? For us, it's the Spark. Why, you ask? Well, beyond the fact that it is fast, lightweight and ultra capable on all sorts of terrain, it's just damned good looking.
SCOTT Lumen eRIDE 900, Model Year 2023
An E-MTB with the weight of an MTB, only 16.3kg! Take the best Cross-Country/Trail platform to date, the Spark 900, top it off with 130mm of travel, add a completely silent and powerful electric assistance, yet keep its legendary lightweight DNA, and you are ready to ride any trail at Nino’s speed.
SCOTT Patron eRIDE, Model Year 2022
From flow to rougher trails, the Patron eRIDE is like a Swiss knife, able to bring you up the trail with efficiency and ride down with confidence. It has the biggest internal battery and the latest technologies. 160mm of travel front and rear.
