Garden Route Tour
From
Garden Route Tour
Why you'll love this trip
Bespoke, luxury cycling touring at its best! Join us on this seven day, seven night all-inclusive tour from Gqeberha to Cape Town along South Africa’s majestic Garden Route.
The iconic Cape Town Cycle Tour awaits on day seven, so extend your tour experience with the Platinum Package, closing out a superb week of riding. With the very best support around you, on and off the bike, you’ll be treated to a world class cycling experience. Let’s make memories!
"Our tours are about shared experience, not competition. We ride together, supporting one another, keeping a steady pace and maintaining a solid rhythm - enjoying every stretch of road. It’s not about how fast you are, it’s about how much you enjoy the ride."
Why Ride With Us
Join the Ride
All inclusive
Enjoy a truly all-inclusive experience where every detail is taken care of. All you need to do is ride, relax, and take in the incredible scenery. We handle the rest.
Luxury Accommodation
Every evening, premium accommodation will be provided in hotels, with a minimum of three-four star, depending on availability. Maximum two persons per room will be assigned for shared accommodation.
Fully supported & safe
Safety is one of our biggest concerns when we think cycling in South Africa, whether it be on tar or dirt roads.The amazing Think Bike Marshals will be on hand to assist with traffic control and rider safety along the route.
Water Points & Lunch On Route
We carefully plan out the water points and lunch stop for each stage. At roughly 40km apart, you will have rolling water points on every stage. Depending on the distance of the stage, lunch will either be enjoyed on route or at the finish venue for the stage.
Masseuse & Recovery
The long days out are a little easier with fresher legs. We will have a masseuse on hand for afternoon and evening massages, which helps immensely with recovery after consecutive days in the saddle.
Bike Wash & Transport
Your bike is taken care of for the tour, as much as you are. After each ride, your bike will be cleaned by the Drake Cycle Tours crew. If you need time off the bike, we'll safely and carefully transport your bike on our enclosed bike trailer.
Goodie bag
The amazing partners and sponsors have provided great samples, vouchers & useful products for a special goodie bag. We’re sure some of the goodie bag items will come in handy through the tour. Enjoy!
Airport Transfer to Hotel
The tour shuttle will collect you from the airport and take you to the hotel to get settled in for the start of the tour. Check-in at the hotel will only be from 14H00. One shuttle will collect everyone collectively at 15H00. Please plan your flights accordingly.
START 01 March, 2026
Kickoff to Adventure
Your journey begins with a warm welcome in Gqeberha, where you'll check in, meet the crew, and get settled into your accommodation.
Once registered, there’s time to prep your bike, meet fellow riders, and soak in the excitement of what’s to come. The atmosphere is relaxed but buzzing with anticipation as everyone gears up for the adventure ahead.
That evening, we gather for a welcome dinner and tour briefing. You’ll get a rundown of the route, support structure, safety protocols, and daily expectations. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with the group, ask questions, and ease into the tour mindset, one built on camaraderie, scenic riding, and unforgettable moments.
ARRIVAL AT HOTEL: Check-in from 14H00
shuttle from airport: Pick-up at 15h00
Accommodation:
The Paxton Hotel
STAGE 1 02 March, 2026
Gqeberha - Kareedouw
After an awesome dinner and drinks on the opening night, you’ll depart at sunrise on 02 March for Day 1 of the Garden Route Tour.
You will depart Gqeberha through to Kareedouw on what will be an up and down route for most of the day. The first spectacular pass of the tour is Van Staden’s Pass, welcoming your legs to the tour. Passing Jeffreys Bay, you’ll ride through Humansdorp, deviating off the coastal road as you climb your way to Kareedouw. It’s a good welcome stage to the tour with nothing too crazy – just enough to get your legs warmed up for the passes on Stage 2.
Water Points: 3 (30 min)
Lunch Stop: 0 (0 min)
Moving Time: 05hrs 21min
Stage Elapsed Time: 05hrs 51min
Distance: 150km | 93mi
Elevation: 1510m | 4950ft ascent
Average Speed: 28km/hr | 17.4mi/h
Accommodation:
Assegaaibosch Country Lodge
STAGE 2 03 March, 2026
Kareedouw – Wilderness
After a great welcome to the Garden Route on Stage 1, it’s time to experience the true beauty of what the Garden Route offers.
Stage 2 serves up three spectacular passes for an epic day on the bike. From Assegaaibosch Lodge, riders climb through Kareedouw and over the Kareedouw Pass. Forest roads offer some respite before the descent into the Western Cape and a steady climb up the western side of Bloukrans Pass. After refuelling, it’s on to Grootrivier Pass in Nature’s Valley. Skirting Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, there’s one final tester for the legs before a rolling descent into Wilderness.
Distance: 167km | 104mi
Moving Time: 06hrs 11min
Water Points: 2 (20 min)
Stage Elapsed Time: 07hrs 01min
Elevation: 1760m | 5775ft ascent
Lunch Stop: 1 (30 min)
Average Speed: 27km/hr | 16.9mi/h
Accommodation:
Fairy Knowe Hotel
STAGE 3 04 March, 2026
Sedgefield – Calitzdorp
One of the big highlights of the tour – The Outeniqua Pass! But first, it’s the Kaaiman’s River Pass from Wilderness to George as a shorter prelude to the main event.
The Outeniqua Pass is spectacular – a long but steady pass that words cannot do justice. From the Outeniqua Pass, the profile is fairly easy on the way to Calitzdorp. Use this time on the bike to recover slightly from the Outeniqua Pass and take in the still-magnificent scenery. The afternoon brings massages and relaxation in preparation for the Queen Stage on Stage 4.
Lunch Stops: 1 (30 min)
Average Speed: 26km/hr | 16mi/hr
Water Points: 3 (30 min)
Stage Elapsed Time: 06hrs 44min
Moving Time: 05hrs 44min
Elevation: 1850m | 6070ft ascent
Distance: 149km | 93mi
Accommodation:
Queen of Calitzdorp
Port Wine Guesthouse
STAGE 4 05 March, 2026
Calitzdorp - Montagu
The Queen Stage… and oh! does it start with a bang. This is what we came for!
Huisrivier Pass 1 will wake the legs up with the climb out of Calitzdorp. It’s nothing too concerning, but after a short descent the big pass of the day begins – Huisrivier Pass 2. In 2025, riders took on this pass with temperatures in the low 40’s (celsius) and with Outenqiua Pass on the same day. Fortunately in 2026, you’ll have “fresher” morning legs in cooler temperatures. After Huisrivier Pass 2, the day will remain up and down with truly spectacular scenery. After lunch in Barrydale, riders take on one last big climb for the day, taking on the Op de Tradouw Pass. From the summit of the pass, it's 40km to the stage finish in Montagu, mostly downhill but with the constant theme of the day with short, sharp, climbs.
Distance: 186km | 116mi
Elevation: 2440m | 8005ft ascent
Average Speed: 26km/hr | 16.3mi/hr
Water Points: 3(30 min)
Lunch Stop: 1 (30 min)
Moving Time: 07hrs 09min
Stage Elapsed Time: 08hrs 09min
STAGE 5 06 March, 2026
Montagu – Wellington
The day after the Queen Stage... the legs may be a bit sensitive after the Queen Stage, but Stage 5 brings some reprieve as we enter the winelands.
The stage profile is fairly kind as riders head from Montagu towards Wellington. After a short, gradual descent to Ashton, the route heads towards the famous wine region of Robertson. Out of Robetson, the gradient drags upward for 13km. It's nothing major but more like the morning after a few bottles of wine. The pain is just enough to remind you of what you did the day before. It's flat road from Robertson to Worcester and then the main event... the iconic, most beautiful, sublime and majestic route that is Bain's Kloof Pass. The full climb is just under 10km at a steady 3.5%, so nothing too concerning, allowing you to take it all in. Enjoy the descent to Wellington, where we stay overnight at Diemersfontein Wine & Country Estate.
Distance: 138km | 86mi
Elevation: 990m | 3250ft ascent
Average Speed: 28km/hr | 17.5mi/hr
Water Points: 3 (30 min)
Lunch stop: 0 (0 min)
Moving Time: 04hrs 56min
Stage Elapsed Time: 05hrs 26min
Accommodation:
Diemersfontein Wine & Country Estate
STAGE 6 07 March, 2026
Wellington – Cape Town
A smooth and elegant Merlot, this 96 km stage flows effortlessly, balancing a quick pace with the depth of the landscape.
From Wellington and slightly more sleep from the previous nights' wine enjoyment, riders head out for a shorter 96km spin to Cape Town. The profile is still fairly lumpy until the coast line in Melbosstrand, followed by a pan flat 30km ride into the one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Finishing across from Cape Town Stadium, riders will refresh at Antrim House, the hotel for the evening for those staying an extra day. We'll say goodbye to a few riders and those staying will have the choice of visiting the Cape Town Cycle Tour expo or relaxing at the hotel before the big day on Sunday, that is the Cape Town Cycle Tour.
Distance: 96km | 60mi
Elevation: 820m | 2690ft ascent
Average Speed: 28km/hr | 17.5mi/hr
Water Points: 2 (20 min)
Lunch Stop: 0 (0 min)
MOVING TIME: 03hrs 26min
STAGE ELAPSED TIME: 03hrs 46min
Accommodation:
Antrim Collection
STAGE 7 08 March, 2026
Cape Town Cycle Tour
There’s not much in words that can give justice to the Hoopla experience that 20 000 riders take on every year.
Having booked at Antrim House & Villa, we have a great location within Cape Town. Logistically this brings ease of cycling to the start and back from the finish. The final stage of 108km or 67mi of the Cape Town Cycle Tour is exhilarating but also the last kilometres/miles of the tour from Gqeberha to Cape Town. Race or take it easy and enjoy all the day has to offer. We’ll be waiting for you at the finish to celebrate another successful day out. After a quick shower at Antrim House, it's bitter sweet as we say farewell from an epic experience.
Distance: 108km | 67mi
Elevation: 1200m | 3450ft ascent
Average Speed: Ride your own pace
Water Points: Provided by Race Route
Late Check Out: 13H00
Lunch Stop: Antrim House
Shuttle Transfer Departing Hotel at 14H00
All-Inclusive Package
All expenses paid including;
Our all-inclusive package is designed to make your Garden Route Tour completely hassle-free.
From accommodation and meals to transfers and on-route support, everything is taken care of so you can focus on enjoying the ride and the beautiful surroundings.
◎ Premium Accommodation
◎ All Meals & Beverages (ex alcohol)
◎ Think Bike Marshals
◎ Massage Therapist
◎ Private Shuttle
◎ Support Vehicle
◎ Bicycle Transfer from JHB to PE
◎ Bicycle Transfer from CPT to JHB
◎ Exciting Goodie Bag
◎ Nutrition & Fully Stocked Water Points
*Private Rooms: You may request your own private room for the duration of the tour at a surcharge of R2500 or €200 or $200.
*Substitutions: Price adjustments will not be made for substitutions, changes or exclusions. This is an all inclusive package to be provided for, per person, as advertised.
Bike Rental
Take the stress off of flying with your bike. Check out the various options below of bikes available for hire.
The bike will come with the following:
- Pedals of your choice, unless you prefer to use your own.
- Bottle cages.
- Saddlebag containing a repair kit.
- Adjusting seat height, handlebar reach, and saddle angle to your preference.
- Special requests e.g Garmin mount, lock, etc.
- A helmet @ ZAR80 / USD10 once off.
- Water bottles available on request.
Aluminium Frame: – ZAR 590 | USD 35 per day
Carbon Frame: – ZAR 850 | USD 50 per day
E-Bike (MTB): – ZAR 1350 | USD 75 per day
Refundable Damage Deposit: Aluminium Bikes – ZAR 3000 | USD 200 and Carbon & E-Bikes – ZAR 5000 | USD 300
Aluminium Road Bike
- High-speed bikes that will get the job done with ease and comfort.
- 9/10 speed Shimano or Sram.
- Avg 9kgs per bike.
Carbon Road Bike
- High-speed bikes that roll faster and lighter. An absolute pleasure to ride.
- 10/11 speed Shimano or Sram or up.
- Avg 7/8kgs per bike.
E-bike (MTB)
- 27.5/29
- 500Wh+
- 50-85Nm
- 11/12 Speed
- Aluminium
From snacks to sips, we’ve got you covered
FOOD & BEVERAGES
Food and beverages for the full trip is included in your package.
Your package includes food and beverages for the entire trip. Whether you stay for four, five, six, or seven days, you can enjoy fully catered meals and beverages throughout your journey. This includes a selection of hot and cold drinks, excluding alcohol.
Meals consist of breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day during the tour, starting with dinner on your arrival day and ending with lunch on your departure day.
Fuel Up & Refresh at Every Stop
Fully Stocked Water Points
Each water point on the tour will be fully stocked with 32GI, water, Coke, bananas, Crunchies, and sweets to keep you energized and refreshed. To ensure variety and keep things interesting, we’ll rotate some of the offerings at different water points, so you won’t be eating the same thing all day.
In addition to the standard snacks, you may find occasional surprises at select water points, including coffee and baked goods, designed to cater to your needs and preferences.
Your final itinerary will include detailed information on water point locations and lunch distance markers for each day, helping you plan your stops and stay hydrated throughout your journey.
What You Need to Know
General Info
Airport Transfer to Hotel: We will ensure we have your flight details and arrival time. The tour shuttle will collect you from the airport and take you to the hotel to get settled in for the start of the tour. Check-in at the hotel will only be allowed from 14H00 for self drive options. One shuttle will be available to collect everyone collectively at 15H00. Please plan your flights accordingly.
Registration: Registration with the tour organisers will happen as you arrive at the hotel and check in to your room.
Goodie Bag: The amazing partners and sponsors have provided great samples, vouchers & useful products for a special goodie bag. We’re sure some of the goodie bag items will come in handy through the tour. Enjoy!
Daily Itinerary: An itinerary will be sent out closer to the tour date, which will have detailed daily check-in times, stage timings, hotel information and anything you need to know about the day-to-day happenings on tour.
Small/Day Bags: Your small bag will be packed daily into the following support shuttle. This will be packed in an accessible area for you to make use of at any of the water points or lunch stop. The small bag can be packed with any spares, nutrition, chargers, etc. that you may need throughout the day.
Large Bags / Luggage: All your large bags / luggage needed for the trip will be packed into the bicycle trailer, available when you arrive at the finish destination daily. Ideally you do not want to pack anything in your luggage that will be needed during the days stage.
One group, one ride.
Group Start Times & Rider Guidelines
Group Dynamics:
- This is not a race!
- Ride together, steady pace, not racing nor crawling.
- Ride the advertised speed, don't break the group.
- Stay together daily for safety and shared tour ethos.
- Stronger riders help weaker riders, especially on climbs.
- Stronger riders lead; weaker riders ride middle for support.
- Group leader controls pace; respect instructions and rhythm.
- Weather may change pace; average speed is only a guideline.
- Group stops collectively at all water points and lunch.
- If one punctures, the entire group stops.
- Expect 3–4 water stops and one lunch stop, all mandatory.
- Shuttle follows; rest or skip a day if needed.
CYCLING PACKAGES
Discover Your Ideal Route
Building on the 2025 experience, the 2026 route keeps the same distance but starts a day earlier to allow more recovery and enjoyment at each stage finish. Riders flying into George can also opt for shorter 4- or 5-stage options.
7 - STAGE
Platinum Package
R 32200
1950
01-08 March, 2026
PE - CTCT
7 Nights | 7 Days
→ 998 km | 624mi
↑ 10570m | 34680ft
PE - CTCT
7 Nights | 7 Days
→ 998 km | 624mi
↑ 10570m | 34680ft
- Fully Catered Meals
- Airport Transfer
- Masseuse & Recovery
- Bike Wash & Transport
- Goodie Bag
- Think Bike Marshals
- Rolling Water Points
- Luxury Accommodation
6-Stage
Gold Package
R 27600
1750
01-07 March, 2026
PE - CPT
6 Nights | 6 Days
→ 889km | 556mi
↑ 9390m | 30810ft
PE - CPT
6 Nights | 6 Days
→ 889km | 556mi
↑ 9390m | 30810ft
- Fully Catered Meals
- Airport Transfer
- Masseuse & Recovery
- Bike Wash & Transport
- Goodie Bag
- Think Bike Marshals
- Rolling Water Points
- Luxury Accommodation
5-Stage
Silver Package
R 23000
1500
03-08 March, 2026
Wilderness - CTCT
5 Nights | 5 Days
→ 660km | 413mi
↑ 7250m | 23790ft
Wilderness - CTCT
5 Nights | 5 Days
→ 660km | 413mi
↑ 7250m | 23790ft
- Fully Catered Meals
- Airport Transfer
- Masseuse & Recovery
- Bike Wash & Transport
- Goodie Bag
- Think Bike Marshals
- Rolling Water Points
- Luxury Accommodation
4-Stage
Bronze Package
R 18400
1400
03-07 March, 2026
Wilderness - CPT
4 Nights | 4 Days
→ 530km | 331mi
↑ 5430m | 17810ft
Wilderness - CPT
4 Nights | 4 Days
→ 530km | 331mi
↑ 5430m | 17810ft
- Luxury Accommodation
- Masseuse & Recovery
- Fully Catered Meals
- Airport Transfer
- Bike Wash & Transport
- Goodie Bag
- Think Bike Marshals
- Rolling Water Points
PAYMENT PLAN: Pay a non-refundable deposit of R3000 or €300 or $300 and pay the balance over the coming months, divided by the number of months remaining until January 2026. The final instalment is to be paid by 31 January, 2026.
Price adjustments will not be made for substitutions, changes or exclusions. This is an all inclusive package to be provided for, per person, as advertised.
All expenses paid including:
- Premium Accommodation
- All Meals & Beverages (ex alcohol)
- Think Bike Marshals
- Massage Therapist
- Shuttle (During Tour)
- Support Vehicle
- Bicycle Transfer from Johannesburg to Qheberha
- Bicycle Transfer from Cape Town to Johannesburg
- Nutrition & Fully Stocked Water Points
- Exciting Goodie Bag
You may request your own private room for the duration of the tour at a surcharge of R700 / $40/ €35 per night.
We cover almost everything but the following must be arranged/ordered separately:
- Travel Insurance
- Medical Aid
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Bike Rental
- Flights
- Additional excursions and activities
Should you need assistance with any of the above, let us know so we can update your package.
All cyclists wanting to enter the tour are required to have Medical Insurance with at least a hospital plan in place.
By entering the Garden Route Tour, entrants acknowledge that they are required to have valid medical insurance that covers them for the duration of the event. It is the sole responsibility of each entrant to ensure that they have adequate medical insurance coverage, and the organizers of the Garden Route Tour will not be held liable for any medical expenses incurred by entrants during the event.
Entrants who do not have valid medical insurance will not be permitted to participate in the event.
By entering the Garden Route Tour, entrants acknowledge that they are required to have valid medical insurance that covers them for the duration of the event. It is the sole responsibility of each entrant to ensure that they have adequate medical insurance coverage, and the organizers of the Garden Route Tour will not be held liable for any medical expenses incurred by entrants during the event.
Entrants who do not have valid medical insurance will not be permitted to participate in the event.
Kit for Every RIDE
Unique Tour Apparel
Garden Route Tour Jersey
R1750
Coral
DCT Road Jersey
R1750
Blue / White
DCT Road Socks
R150
Blue / White
DCT Gravel Socks
R150
Blue / Navy
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DCT Gravel Jersey
R1750
Blue / Navy
Frequently Asked Questions
A luxury multi-stage, all inclusive cycling tour from Gqeberha to Cape Town, covering up to 1000 km and 10 570 m elevation.
All packages are all-inclusive: premium accommodation, all meals (excluding alcohol), refreshments, a massage therapist, shuttles (during tour), support vehicle, bicycle transport, nutrition and fully stocked water points, and an exciting goodie bag.
No, no mechanic will travel on tour. Basic bike spares are available on consignment to fix basic mechanical issues. Should your bike have a more serious issue, we will call ahead to the next town to arrange the local bike shop to assist.
Yes! Take the stress off of flying with your bike. Options range from aluminium road bikes (ZAR 590/day) to carbon road bikes (ZAR 850/day), carbon bike with carbon wheels (ZAR 1 250/day), and MTB e-bikes (ZAR 1 350/day). Refundable deposits apply (ZAR 3 000–5 000).
Yes! Round-trip bicycle transport from Johannesburg to Gqeberha and Cape Town to Johannesburg is included. A bike trailer is also provided during the tour.
Yes, a bike wash is available after each stage, included in your package!
This tour is not a race so no license is required.
A goodie bag with a special gift and samples/vouchers from the tour sponsors, as well as any ordered event apparel.
Yes, all riders require valid medical insurance with hospital coverage for the duration. No insurance, no entry.
Let's Give Back
Riding with Purpose
Drake Events proudly supports Pug Rescue South Africa, a nonprofit that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes over 210 Pugs each year. Their Benoni sanctuary provides lifelong care to unadopted and elderly Pugs, with a strong focus on matching the right dog to the right home.
Through the Thanda Inja Project, they also offer free basic vet care and food to over 450 dogs and 80 cats in under-resourced communities every two weeks.
Join us in making a difference.
As part of our commitment to giving back, Drake Events donates
R200 / €10 / $10 from every tour entry to support this life-changing work.
Our Valued Partners
Backed by Excellence
Book Your Premium Cycling Experience Today
Your Luxury Ride Awaits, Book Today
Book Your Premium Cycling Experience Today
Your Luxury Ride Awaits, Book Today
Quick links
Contact
Wesley Drake
+27(72) 076 9245
wesley@drakecycletours.com
Xanné Drake
+27(82) 370 8614
xanne@drakecycletours.com
© Copyright 2025 Drake Cycle Tours | All Rights Reserved
In collaboration with Perfect Circle and SimonSAYS
© Copyright 2025 Drake Cycle Tours | All Rights Reserved | In collaboration with Perfect Circle and SimonSAYS
