SOUTH AFRICA/CAPE TOWN/WINE REGION/GAME RESERVE
TOUR INTRODUCTION
An introduction by CEO Leonard Greis.
South Africa is many worlds in one. Stunning coastlines, pristine roads through dramatic mountain landscapes, being at one with magnificent untamed wildlife roaming the game reserve…and lets not forget Cape Town, regularly voted as one of the most beautiful cities in the world!
As an ex-South African now living in Australia, I want to share with you why South Africa is truly one of the most breath-taking places on earth, its spectacular beauty and cultural diversity.
If you love the idea of spectacular road cycling around beautiful Cape Town and the quiet gravel of the scenic Cape Winelands, through to bush biking in a Big 5 African Safari – and you’re looking for a memorable luxe adventure with epic encounters, my Team and I are offering an unforgettable 11-day cycling experience that showcases the very best of South Africa's diverse terrain and unspoiled landscapes.
The tour includes:
- Cycling through beautiful Cape Town, one of the most bike friendly cities in the world.
- Exclusive private tours of Cape Town to discover the cities undeniable beauty.
- The assistance and knowledge of expert, English speaking tour guides, drivers and game rangers.
- Exploring the famous Stellenbosch and Franschoek wine regions, the country's food and wine epicentre, where you will cycle through vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see.
- Safari with the Big 5 in all-inclusive glamping style elegance, where we will ride tracks like never before, safety intact, so we can witness majestic wildlife in their nature habitat.
- Domestic flights from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth and from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg.
- Private round trip airport transfers, plus all sightseeing, park and entrance fees as per the itinerary.
Reward your life's hard work with an unapologetically indulgent vacation filled with cycling, adventure, eating and drinking in one of the world's most spectacular destinations.
This trip has been designed for both seasoned and recreational cyclists, as well as for non-riding partners seeking to experience a holiday like no other.
So, pack your bags, grab your bike and camera, and get ready to explore this vibrant and captivating country.
EXPERIENCE THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME – THE ULTIMATE LUXURY AFRICAN ADVENTURE.
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS TRIP
1. Cape Town
The accolade "Greatest City in the World to Visit Right Now" received recently from The UK Telegraph (March 2022) has South Africans beaming with pride.
Cape Town is a place of unsurpassed beauty, untamed wildlife, world class shopping, cosmopolitan friendly vibe, and a rocking nightlife. South Africa’s top tourist destination and often voted best city in the world.
2. The Cycling
Cycling in Cape Town is breathtakingly beautiful with varied terrain, incredible roads and is considered one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, playing host to many high-profile cycling events, such as the Cape Town Cycle Tour, that you have the option of partaking in (not officially part of the Après Vélo tour).
The next stage of our tour will see us switch our road bikes for mountain bikes, upon which we will traverse some of the many tracks in the famous Stellenbosch wine region of South Africa.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve will play host to the final stage of our epic adventure, where we will have the opportunity of getting up close and personal with wildlife, whilst traversing this untamed landscape. Shamwari have a few preferred routes averaging between 25-30km, which are adapted and changed depending upon animal movements and weather, to ensure safety and to match your fitness levels.
Safety is focus paramount on all our rides which are fully supported with guides, mechanic, tools and support vehicle.
3. Curated Private Tours
There is so much to see and do in Cape Town, so we have arranged specially curated minibus tours with local guides to showcase and explore the best of Cape Town during your stay including:
- Table Mountain (cable car or hike...up to you)
- World famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- Cape Point
- Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
- Boulders Penguins Beach
- Local shopping areas including the V&A Waterfront
4. The Cape Winelands
One of my personal favourites - the famous Cape Winelands, the country's undisputed 'gourmet & wine capital'. A beautiful region, known for its exceptional award-winning wines, fascinating history, picturesque settings, and exquisite foods. Rolling vineyards and historical Cape Dutch houses are set against a mountainous backdrop, with excellent wine never far away. You will get to experience the best that this region has to offer, including cycling through parts of this wonderful region and indulging in a long lunch at Delaire Graaf Estate, regarded as "The Jewel" of the winelands.
5. A Big 5 Safari like never before
A once in a lifetime interactive Safari experience at the Malaria-free Shamwari Game Reserve, a favourite haunt of international celebs, and the largest private reserve in the Eastern Cape. Shamwari is one of the very few places on Earth where you're able to tick off all the Big 5 (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard) hopefully in one day – arguably one of the best reasons to visit South Africa.
Shamwari, meaning “my friend” in Shona, is the pinnacle of private game reserves and is a place where guests can exist in harmony with nature, however fleeting the moment, where wildlife roam the landscape under the relentless African sun.
Our game drives take place in the tranquil moods of sunrise and sunset from the comfort and safety of the open game viewing vehicles. Options for Safari mountain-bike rides and hikes will also be provided under the safety and direction of the game rangers. The game rangers and guides are passionate about wildlife and knowledgeable in their respective fields of expertise. Expect to take away new insights, an appreciation for Africa, and an unforgettable experience.
A golden sunset in the middle of the African bushveld is a breathtakingly magic experience. Just imagine yourself at the end of a day full of exciting wildlife encounters, whilst enjoying your sundowner's, watching the sun go down over the bushveld. Utter bliss.
6. Premium 5 Star Unique Accommodation
- Your luxury Cape Town hotel situated right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Franschhoek Country House and Villas in the Wine region surrounded by enchanting vineyards and majestic mountains.
- The Bayethe Private Safari Lodge in the Shamwari Game Reserve will provide you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in utter luxury and tranquillity of this unique location. This canopy paradise provides privacy and a feeling of seclusion with spectacular views of the African landscape. This is true glamping in the African bush under the stars.
7. Friendly People & Local Cultures
Visitors often comment on the fact that South Africans smile a lot and are a friendly bunch! South Africa is a melting pot of many fascinating cultures forming one rainbow nation, so you'll hear several distinct accents, notice many different faces, and taste a rich fusion of flavours in their cuisine.
8. Near-perfect Weather
South Africa is blessed with a generally temperate climate, meaning sensational summers and mild winters. Enjoying great weather is vital for a memorable vacation and for our guests from the Northern Hemisphere, this is one of the top reasons to visit South Africa.
9. Rich in History
South Africa has a large tumultuous history and is one that you will get an understand and appreciation for on your adventure.
Experience South Africa's remarkable modern history by visiting Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his incarceration alongside other political prisoners.
THE APRÈS VÉLO CYCLING TOUR OF AFRICA IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE BIKE. IT'S ABOUT THE APRÈS VÉLO LIFESTYLE AND CREATING FOND MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST FOREVER.
🚲 RIDE
Fully supported rides around one of the most beautiful cities in the world, through to biking in the bush, getting close and personal with wildlife in their natural habitat. Does it get any better?
🔎 DISCOVER
Discover the spectacular beauty and cultural diversity of South Africa including its famous wine regions and a visit to a private Game Reserve which is home to the coveted Big 5.
🚙 ACTIVITIES
Curated tours, hiking, cycling, picnicking. The list in endless.
🍴 EAT & DRINK
South African cuisine is a unique blend of cultural influences from Dutch and Cape Malay to Indonesian, resulting in European style dishes made with Eastern spices and flavours. You will get to learn why South Africa is one of the top wine-producing destinations in not only Africa, but also the entire world.
🛏 REST
We understand the importance of down time, comfort and peace, and have structured our itinerary accordingly in peaceful, unique and luxurious accommodation.
Ready to Start Planning Your Visit to South Africa?
JOIN US FOR OUR ALL-INCLUSIVE SOUTH AFRICA EXPERIENCE.
ITINERARY
Situated at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront and on the edge of the Atlantic Hotel, the Table Bay Hotel combines high level of luxury with the warmth of South African hospitality. In the afternoon you will have the option of a short/cruisy ride or being taken to the nearby Waterfront shops, the harbour and other must-see attractions. Alternatively spend the day at leisure unwinding from your flight.
Over an evening sundowner, you will get to meet your fellow adventurers and the Après Vélo team, who will provide a tour debriefing, which will be followed by a Group Welcome Dinner.
Your adventure has well and truly begun!
Dinner – Welcome dinner
Accommodation – Table Bay Hotel
Hugging the Atlantic coast road, we ride past the “bikini glamour beaches” of Clifton and Camps Bay beautifully located at the base of the towering Twelve Apostles Mountains.
We cycle over the Suikerbossie before descending into the beautiful fishing village of Hout Bay. From here we cycle over the famous Chapmans peak to join the sea again at the quaint beach town of Noordhoek for morning coffee, before heading back to our hotel to prepare for our guided tour of the Cape Peninsula.
Our specially curated private minibus tour will include the following top attractions:
- Chapmans Peak.
- Simonstown, Fish Hoek and Kalk Bay.
- Cape Point.
- Boulders Penguin Beach.
- After lunch we travel back through the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve at the end of the Cape Peninsula, looking out for some of the animals that live here, including the rare Bontebok, Eland and Cape Mountain Zebra.
Dinner – This evening is free for you to eat at one of our nominated restaurants at your leisure. Dinner shouted by Après Vélo.
Accommodation – Table Bay Hotel
The Signal Hill Road is the only way to climb Lion's Head by road bike and is situated entirely in Table Mountain National Park.
Upon our return to the hotel, we will depart for our tour of Cape Town, which includes the following highlights:
- Guided walk-through Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, one of the great botanic gardens in the world.
- Cape Town and Bo-kaap history walking tour.
- Cape Malay cooking class for lunch.
- Table Mountain where you will have 2 options of ascending to the peak – cable car or an adventurous 2-hour guided hike (additional charge), revealing magnificent panoramic views over the city and endless seas.
Dinner – This evening is free for you to eat at one of our nominated restaurants at your leisure. Dinner shouted by Après Vélo.
Accommodation – Table Bay Hotel
For those not partaking in the Sportif, we have a number of other optional activities planned including:
- An afternoon ride
- Visiting the Woodstock Lifestyle markets
- A visit to Robben Island (additional charge)
- Shopping or
- Simply do as you please at your leisure
Options are plentiful and recommendations will be provided.
Dinner – An early Pre-Sportif Team dinner. 😊
Accommodation – Table Bay Hotel
It has enjoyed well-known competitors such as Miguel Indurain, Jan Ulrich, Matt Damon, and Lance Armstrong.
The Cycle Tour provides a glorious day out for tens of thousands of cyclists from around the world. For just one day of the year, human power rules the roads of the fairest cape in the whole circumference of the earth (Sir Francis Drake, 1579).
The course starts in downtown Cape Town, covers most of the Cape’s peninsula with the finish line in Green Point Stadium, just outside the city’s centre. It is a fabulous ride, especially thanks to the spectacular views and fanfare along the way. Please note that the Cape Argus is not officially part of the Après Vélo tour, and no support will be provided during the event by Après Vélo.
For those choosing not to partake in the Cape Argus Sportif, we have planned a fun filled and inspiring day. After breakfast we will hike up Lions Head, the most popular amongst the Cape’s many hikes. It’s moderate difficulty, offers a great 2–3-hour workout, and the views from the summit (669m above sea level) are seriously spectacular.
Thereafter, we will have lunch in cosmopolitan Camps Bay allowing us to watch the cyclists partaking in the Cape Argus on their home stretch.
In the afternoon you are free to do as you please. Alternatively, we can arrange a tour for you amongst the numerous options available.
Dinner – Post Race Celebratory drinks and dinner, shouted by Après Vélo.
Accommodation – Table Bay Hotel
We continue our morning adventure taking a stroll through this French inspired town followed by a Franschhoek morning winelands tour.
Thereafter we will make our way to the Jewel of the winelands, Delaire Graaf Estate, where we will have the privilege to take part in in a tutored wine experience followed by a long memorable lunch whilst enjoying a beautiful setting overlooking the gardens and the vines with the breath-taking mountains as a backdrop.
Time permitting, we will take a walk through the Estate, before being transferred to our luxurious Country Villa with all rooms leading out onto private patio with magnificent views.
Recharge at one of the two pools (one heated) with beautiful mountain vistas.
Dinner – TBA
Accommodation – Franschhoek Country House and Villa
- A 3-hour memorable cycling tour through scenic vineyards on private wine farms where we will stop for different wine tastings on route.
- Leisurely 3-hour guided stroll through private vineyards where we will stop for different wine tastings on route.
- Wine tasting and chilling.
In the afternoon, we will head off for Boschendal Wine Estate, one of the Western Cape’s oldest wine farms, where we will rehydrate with some fine wine tasting, followed by a picnic lunch in the beautiful surroundings.
Dinner – The award winning Monneaux Restaurant, voted as one of South Africa’s top restaurants, known for its innovative modern French Cuisine.
Accommodation – Franschhoek Country House and Villa
Upon our arrival you will check in to your Luxury Bayethe Tented Suite, providing you with the opportunity to immerse yourselves in utter tranquillity, surrounded by the rich vegetation of this unique location. This tented paradise (each with its own plunge pool and outdoor shower), provides privacy and a feeling of seclusion with spectacular views of the African bush.
After a welcome lunch, we will have a short orientation ride to familiarise ourselves with the mountain bikes (30 mins) before heading out on an afternoon game drive with our personal ranger.
Dinner and Accommodation – Shamwari
6am – Option 1 – Morning ride (approx. 3-4 hours); Option 2 – Safari Hike (approx. 3 hours); Option 3 – Morning Game Drive (approx. 3. Hours)
9am – Breakfast
1pm – Lunch
4pm – Game Drive in search of the Big Five
7pm – Luxury African Bush Dinner
Dinner and Accommodation – Shamwari
6am – Option 1 – Morning ride (approx. 3 hours); Option 2 – Safari Hike (approx. 3 hours); Option 3 – Morning Game Drive (approx. 3. Hours)
9am – Breakfast
1pm – Lunch
4pm – Game Drive in search of the Big Five
7pm – Luxury African Bush Dinner
Dinner and Accommodation – Shamwari
After an early morning Game drive followed by breakfast, our team will provide a transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport where you will board a flight to Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, scheduled to arrive mid-afternoon. You will need to arrange your own connecting flights from Johannesburg to your final destination.
Speak to us about organising additional days, accommodation, and tours in South Africa both before the tour commences and after the tour concludes.
We highly recommend spending at least 2 days in Johannesburg should the opportunity present itself.
The Après Vélo itinerary may be subject to route and hotel changes, and other modifications subject to circumstances prevailing at the time.
PRICES & DATES
INCLUSIONS
LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
Single occupancy and upgraded suite packages may be available with surcharge. Talk to us when booking.
11 days / 10 nights.
Days 1-5. The Table Bay Hotel, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Cape Town
Days 6-7. Franschhoek Country House and Villa, Franschhoek
Days 8-10. Bayethe Luxury Tented Suites, Shamwari Private Game Reserve
CYCLING
- Fully supported rides in Cape Town
- Optional participation in the Cape Town Cycling Tour
- Guided Mountain biking through the Stellenbosch Winelands
- Fully Supported biking in Shamwari Game reserve with equipped rangers and vehicles to ensure safety at all times.
MOUNTAIN BIKES
- Mountain Bikes in Stellenbosch and Shamwari
- Should you wish to rent an E Mountain Bike, we can arrange this for you at an additional cost.
DOMESTIC AIRFARES
- Cape Town to Port Elizabeth.
- Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg.
MEALS
- All premium breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
- Long lunches and wine tasting.
- Alcohol with all meals excluding French champagne and premium branded beverages.
SUPPORT
- Ride support with safety focus paramount. We recognise that no rider is the same and we ensure that no-one is left behind.
- Support vehicle/Ride captains.
- Bike mechanic.
- On road nutrition & hydration. We recommend that you bring your own specific nutrition and hydration intake, if required.
ACTIVITIES/TOURS
- 1 x day guided tour of Cape Town.
- 1 x day guided tour of the Cape Peninsula.
- Vineyard tours.
- Game viewing activities with guides/rangers (drive; cycle; hike).
TRANSFERS
- Cape Town International Airport pick up and drop off.
- Port Elizabeth Airport pick and drop off.
- All other transfers throughout the duration of the trip.
- Luggage & bike transfers.
LAUNDRY
- Shamwari Game Reserve.
TOURISM LEVY
PHOTOGRAPHY
- Receive a gallery of lifelong memories from incredible images taken on tour.
GEAR
- Après Vélo Cycling Jersey + Souvenir T-shirt.
NOT INCLUDED
- International airfares to and from South Africa.
- Travel and personal insurance.
- Additional hotel expenses i.e. in-room hotel charges, incidentals.
- Road bikes and E Mountain bikes. This can be arranged for you at an additional charge. Speak to us when booking.
- Gratuities.
- Laundry outside of Shamwari Game Reserve. Facilities are available at your hotels for your convenience.
NON-RIDING PARTNERS
APRÈS VÉLO ENCOURAGES AND WELCOMES NON RIDING PARTNERS TO ATTEND OUR AFRICAN CYCLING TOUR.
Riders and non-riding partners partake in all meals, tours, Safari drives and all other post ride activities making it an inclusive and shared experience for all.
A specific itinerary will be put together for non-riding partners that will ensure an equally satisfying and fulfilling experience.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
See our FAQs page for answers to common questions or contact us via email.
NEED MORE INFO?
See our links below for more information about this tour.
