Start
CPT

End
GEO

05 Nov 2026

Road Cycle

613km / 380mi

6630m / 21750ft

3 Package options

From

ZAR104750

Choose Your Package

From

ZAR104750

Start
CPT

End
GEO

05 Nov 2026

Road Cycle

613km / 380mi

6630m / 21750ft

Choose Your Package

Ride & Explore : Cape - Karoo

Vineyards to Ostriches

Ride & Explore: Cape–Karoo is bespoke, luxury cycling with a deeper sense of place. This all-inclusive journey blends relaxed daily rides with carefully curated visits to some of South Africa’s most iconic Karoo towns, landscapes, and cultural attractions.

Choose your ideal riding option, with flexible stage distances designed to leave time for exploration beyond the bike. With exceptional support, premium hospitality, and thoughtfully planned experiences both on and off the road, this tour is about more than just the ride — it’s about discovering South Africa at its finest and creating unforgettable memories along the way.

Choose a Package Contact Us

"I am incredibly excited to add this tour to our calendar for 2026. The Ride & Explore : Cape-Karoo will be our flagship tourism cycle tour, and with good reason. This is going to be a very special way to cycle the best roads in South Africa and enjoy local tourism and hospitality."

Wesley Drake - Tour Director

Why Ride With Us

Join the Ride

All-Inclusive, Thoughtfully Curated

This is a true all-inclusive cycling and travel experience. From riding and logistics to accommodation, meals, and excursions, every detail is taken care of — allowing you to focus on riding well, exploring deeply, and enjoying the journey.

Local Experiences & Attractions

This tour goes beyond the bike. Expect curated visits to local landmarks, small towns, and cultural highlights along the way — giving you a deeper connection to the landscapes, people, and stories of the Cape–Karoo.

Bike Care & Hassle-Free Transport

Your bike receives the same attention you do. The Drake Cycle Tours crew will wash and prepare your bike after each ride. If you choose to take a day off riding or join an off-bike excursion, your bike will be safely transported in our enclosed bike trailer.

Water Points & Relaxed On-Route Dining

Well-spaced water points and planned refreshment stops ensure you’re well fuelled throughout each stage. Lunch is enjoyed either on route or at the finish venue, depending on the day’s distance — always allowing time to relax and take in the surroundings.

Character-Filled Accommodation

Each evening, relax in carefully selected premium hotels and lodges that reflect the charm and character of the Cape and Karoo regions. Accommodation is a minimum of three to four star, subject to availability, with shared rooms limited to a maximum of two guests.

Fully Supported & Safe

With comprehensive on-route support and experienced crew on hand, you can ride with confidence. Whether on quiet Karoo backroads or scenic tar sections, your safety, comfort, and enjoyment remain our top priority throughout the tour.

Recovery & Relaxation

With slightly shorter daily ride distances, there’s more time to unwind and recover. A professional masseuse will be available in the afternoons and evenings to help keep your legs fresh and ready for the next day’s adventure.

Airport Transfer

A dedicated tour shuttle will collect you from the arrival airport and transfer you to the start hotel to settle in ahead of the tour. All local flights and scheduled transfers during the tour are included, ensuring a seamless, relaxed, and stress-free start and finish to your Cape–Karoo experience.

DAY 1 05 November, 2026

Kickoff to Adventure

Your journey begins with a warm welcome in Cape Town, where you'll check in, meet the crew, and get settled into your accommodation.

After registration, take time to prep your bike, connect with fellow riders, and soak in the excitement of the days ahead. The atmosphere is relaxed yet buzzing with anticipation as everyone gears up for the adventure. That evening, join the group for a welcome dinner and tour briefing, where you’ll get an overview of the route, support structure, safety protocols, and daily schedule. It’s also a chance to mingle, ask questions, and ease into the tour mindset—built on camaraderie, scenic rides, and unforgettable experiences.

shuttle from airport: Pick-up at 15h00
ARRIVAL AT HOTEL: Check-in from 14H00
Dinner: V&A Waterfront
Accommodation: Antrim Collection

DAY 2 06 November, 2026

Cape Peninsula Exploration

Kick off your Ride & Explore adventure with a ride through Cape Town’s iconic peninsula, where world-class cycling meets the city’s spectacular scenery—from dramatic coastal vistas to the majestic Table Mountain.

Day 2 offers a scenic and social ride of approximately 90 km, taking you along the eastern Cape Peninsula and north toward Melkbosstrand. The route is designed for a relaxed pace with full support, allowing plenty of time to enjoy stops along the way. After the ride, unwind with lunch and an afternoon excursion to Table Mountain, experiencing one of South Africa’s most celebrated landmarks. This day perfectly blends unforgettable cycling with the sights and culture of the Mother City.

Ride Distance: ± 90km | 56mi
Ride Route: Cape eastern peninsula and north to Melkbosstrand
Lunch: Table Mountain
Experience: Table Mountain
Dinner: Bloubergstrand
Accommodation: Antrim Collection

DAY 3 07 November, 2026

Riding & Wine Country

Today blends iconic cycling with the natural beauty and wildlife of the Cape Peninsula, showcasing why this region is celebrated worldwide.

Day 3 features a 60 km ride along Chapman’s Peak, one of the most breathtaking and iconic rides in the world, with dramatic coastal views at every turn. The ride is complemented by time to enjoy the scenery and camaraderie on the bike. Afterward, the experience continues with a visit to Cape Point, where you can take in sweeping ocean vistas, spot local wildlife, and enjoy the rugged beauty of this unique nature reserve. The day concludes with a return to Antrim House for a group dinner and an evening to relax, reflecting on the unforgettable sights and experiences of the day.

Ride Distance: 60km | 37mi
Ride Route: Cape Town - Chapman's Peak - Cape Town
Experience: Cape Point
Lunch: Simonstown
Dinner: Hotel
Accommodation: Antrim Collection

DAY 4 08 November, 2026

From City Streets to Winelands

Day 4 delivers an iconic cycling experience as you take on the legendary Cape Town Cycle Tour route, offering a unique perspective with flowing roads, coastal stretches, and classic Cape Town climbs.

Widely regarded as one of the most scenic road races in the world, you'll ride this famous loop with the protection of Think Bike Marshals, ensuring you're just as safe as on race day. Covering approximately 109km, the route showcases the city’s diverse landscapes before finishing near the V&A Waterfront for a well-earned lunch. From here, the journey transitions inland with a transfer to Stellenbosch, where the setting shifts from ocean views to rolling vineyards.

Ride Distance: 109km | 68mi
Ride Route: Cape Town Cycle Tour Route
Lunch: V&A Waterfront
Transfer: Cape Town - Stellenbosch
Dinner: Stellenbosch Town
Accommodation: TBC - Stellenbosch

DAY 5 09 November, 2026

The Iconic Bain's Kloof

A classic day in the saddle, where mountain passes, quiet backroads, and the flavours of the Cape Winelands come together.

Day 5 sees you ride from Stellenbosch toward Wellington on an 85km route highlighted by the legendary Bain’s Kloof Pass. Renowned for its dramatic rock faces, sweeping bends, and tranquil mountain scenery, the climb is both challenging and deeply rewarding. After lunch in Wellington, the day transitions from riding to relaxation with a return transfer to Stellenbosch. The afternoon is spent enjoying a curated wine tasting experience, before regrouping in Stellenbosch town for dinner and a relaxed evening, rounding off another memorable Ride & Explore day.

Ride Distance: 86km | 53mi
Ride Route: Stellenbosch - Bain's Kloof Summit - Wellington
Lunch: Wine Farm
Experience: Wine Tasting
Dinner: Stellenbosch Town
Accommodation: TBC - Stellenbosch

DAY 6 10 November, 2026

From Vineyards to Whales

Leaving the rolling vineyards of the Cape Winelands behind, today’s stage carries you steadily toward the wild beauty of the southern coastline. This is a transition day in every sense — from mountains and wine farms to ocean air and wide coastal horizons.

The route rolls out from Stellenbosch toward Hermanus, weaving through vineyards, quiet backroads, and scenic coastal stretches as the landscape gradually opens up. A relaxed group lunch punctuates the ride before the final kilometres lead you into one of South Africa’s most iconic seaside towns. In the afternoon, weather permitting, enjoy a boat-based whale-watching experience along this renowned coastline, before rounding off the day with a group dinner and an overnight stay in Hermanus, lulled by the rhythm of the ocean.

Ride Distance: 110km | 68mi
Ride Route: Stellenbosch - Hermanus (via Pringle Bay)
Lunch: Hermanus
Experience: Boat Tour or Food & Culture Town Walk
Dinner: Hermanus Waterfront
Accommodation: TBC - Hermanus

DAY 7 11 November, 2026

Transition to the Karoo

A day where landscapes shift dramatically, carrying you from the ocean air of the Cape to the wide-open spaces of the Klein Karoo.

After an early transfer to Cape Town International Airport and a short flight to George, the group regathers for lunch before setting off on a memorable ride over the Outeniqua Pass. This ±60km stage delivers a fitting transition into the Karoo, with one long climb on the menu, taking you up the Outeniqua Pass. The day concludes in Oudtshoorn with a relaxed group dinner and overnight stay, marking the beginning of the Karoo chapter of the Ride & Explore journey.

Ride Distance: 64km | 40mi
Ride Route: George - Oudtshoorn
Lunch: George
Dinner: Oudtshoorn
Accommodation: Buffelsdrift Game Lodge

DAY 8 12 November, 2026

Karoo Exploration Day

After several rewarding days in the saddle, Day 8 is a chance to slow the pace and explore the unique character of the Klein Karoo off the bike.

The day is spent discovering Oudtshoorn’s most iconic attractions, beginning with a visit to a working ostrich farm, where you’ll learn about the region’s rich farming heritage. The experience continues after an enjoyable lunch, with an exploration of the spectacular Cango Caves, a vast underground world of ancient limestone formations and cathedral-like chambers. With no riding on the agenda, there’s time to relax, take in the surroundings, and enjoy the quieter rhythm of Karoo life before regrouping in Oudtshoorn for dinner and another overnight stay.

Ride Distance: No Ride
Morning Experience: Ostrich Farm
Lunch: Buffelsdrift Game Lodge
Afternoon Experience: Cango Caves
Dinner: Oudtshoorn
Accommodation: Buffelsdrift Game Lodge

DAY 9 13 November, 2026

Waterfalls, Rock & Vines

Day 9 delivers one of the most scenic rides of the tour, showcasing the rugged beauty and wide-open spaces of the Karoo.

The ride loops from Oudtshoorn through the dramatic landscapes to Meiringspoort, following roads framed by towering rock faces and beautiful waterfalls. Covering approximately 95km, the route deeply rewarding, with ample time to absorb the scale and stillness of the Karoo. After the ride, the experience continues with a visit to De Krans and Boplaas in Calitzdorp, for lunch and a wine/spirits tasting. The group then returns to Oudtshoorn for a relaxed group dinner and a final evening immersed in Karoo charm.

Ride Distance: 95km | 59mi
Lunch De Krans Wines
Ride Route: Oudtshoorn - Meiringspoort - Oudtshoorn
Experience: Wine/Spirits Tasting @ Boplaas
Dinner: Oudtshoorn
Accommodation: Buffelsdrift Game Lodge

DAY 10 14 November, 2026

A Wild Farewell

The final day offers a relaxed and memorable send-off, rounding out the Ride & Explore Cape–Karoo adventure with one last uniquely African experience.

The day begins with an early morning game drive, offering the chance to spot local wildlife as the Karoo comes to life. After the drive, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and time to reflect on the journey through the Cape and Karoo landscapes. The tour then concludes with a transfer to George Airport for onward travel, marking the end of an unforgettable Ride & Explore experience defined by iconic rides, rich scenery, and lasting connections.

Ride Distance: No Ride
Experience: Game Drive
Transfer: Oudtshoorn - George
Domestic Flight: George - CPT/JHB

ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE

All expenses paid including;

Our all-inclusive package is designed to make your Ride & Explore : Cape - Karoo Tour completely hassle-free.

◎ Premium Accommodation
◎ All Meals & Beverages (ex alcohol)
· Starting dinner on 05 November
· Ending brunch on 14 November
◎ Think Bike Marshals
◎ Massage Therapist
◎ Private Shuttle
◎ Support Vehicle
◎ Bicycle Transfer
◎ Tour Apparel
◎ Exciting Goodie Bag
◎ Nutrition & Fully Stocked Water Points
◎ Domestic Flights
· Cape Town - George
· George - Cape Town / Johannesburg
◎ Daily Experiences
· Wine & Spirits tastings will be covered by Drake Cycle Tours
· Additional excursion tour snacks, apparel, souvenirs not included

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
- A helmet @ ZAR100 / €10 once off
- Water bottles available on request
Aluminium Frame: – ZAR800 | €40 per day
Carbon Frame: – ZAR1000 | €50 per day
CARBON FRAME / CARBON WHEELS: ZAR1500 | €75 per day
E-BIKE (MTB): ZAR1500 | €75 per day
Refundable Damage Deposit: Aluminium Bikes – ZAR 3000 | € 200 and Carbon & E-Bikes – ZAR 5000 | € 300

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. 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 brunch 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.

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.
- Mandatory stops | 10min - water points, 30min - lunch
- Shuttle follows; rest or skip a day if needed.

CYCLING PACKAGES

Discover Your Ideal Route

Enjoy the full riding experience across all 10 days from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn. This is a single, complete tour option — every rider experiences the full journey. From start to finish, the premium experience is guaranteed.

Platinum Package

Single Supplement

R 119250

7015

05-14 November, 2026
9 Nights
9 Days
8 Experiences
7 Stages

Exciting goodie bag
DCT cycling jersey & socks
Airport transfer
Premium accommodation
All meals daily
All non-alcoholic beverages
Massage therapist
Bike wash & transport
Think Bike Marshals
Rolling water points
Domestic flights
Daily excursions (entry fee)

Book Now

Gold Package

Twin Sharing

R 110250

6500

05-14 November, 2026
9 Nights
9 Days
8 Experiences
7 Stages

Exciting goodie bag
DCT cycling jersey & socks
Airport transfer
Premium accommodation
All meals daily
All non-alcoholic beverages
Massage therapist
Bike wash & transport
Think Bike Marshals
Rolling water points
Domestic flights
Daily excursions (entry fee)

Book Now

Non-Rider Package

Twin Sharing

R 104750

6150

05-14 November, 2026
9 Nights
9 Days
8 Experiences
7 Vitality Activities

Exciting goodie bag
DCT apparel
Airport Transfer
Premium accommodation
All meals daily
All non-alcoholic beverages
Massage therapist
Shuttle to activities
Vitality activity options
Activity equipment hire
Domestic flights
Daily excursions (entry fee)

Book Now

PAYMENT PLAN: Pay a non-refundable deposit of R10 000 or €500 or $500 and pay the balance over the coming months, divided by the number of months remaining until October 2026. The final instalment is to be paid by 05 October, 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)
- Starting dinner on 05 November
- Ending brunch on 14 November
Think Bike Marshals
Massage Therapist
Shuttle (During Tour)
Support Vehicle
Bicycle Transfer
Tour Apparel
Nutrition & Fully Stocked Water Points
Domestic Flights
- Cape Town - George
- George - Cape Town / Johannesburg
Daily Experiences (entry fee)
· Wine & Spirits tastings will be covered by Drake Cycle Tours

We cover almost everything but the following must be arranged/ordered separately:

Travel Insurance
Medical Aid
Alcoholic Beverages
Bike Rental
International Flights
Additional excursion/activities, tour snacks, apparel & souvenirs

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 Ride & Explore : Cape - Karoo, 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 Drake Cycle Tours 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