Mountain Biking Tour Garden Route Little Karoo

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Sheena Elfreda Newman
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Africa Last Review: Monday, 27th November 2017 Printed

1 Mountain Biking Tour Garden Route Little Karoo Starting Point George Western Cape Province South Africa Last Review: Monday, 27th November 2017 Printed at on Thursday, 10th January 2019 Page 1/6

2 Your Itinerary and abbreviations: KM = distance cycled by bike, AM = altitude climbed by bike, B/L/D = meals included (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner) Day 1. Garden Route: George Knysna Meet your guide and then do a short transfer to the lagoon town of Knysna, known for the Knysna Heads, a narrow entrance from the ocean, and the tranquility of the lagoon. Once settled into your accommodation, we do the final bike adjustments and then head to the picturesque waterfront known for its seafood cuisine. Vehicle transfer times: 45min Day 2. Royalty road to Uniondale and the Little Karoo Our first long day and pass awaits us. We drive deep into the forest and visit the King Edward Tree, an 800 year old Knysna Yellow Wood. From here we start our cycle, heading north we make our way through the indigenous forest and later through pine plantations and rolling hills of mountain fynbos before we stop for lunch in the remote settlement of Die Flug. After lunch we head through the narrow gorge with its high walls and wind our way up the Prince Alfred Pass, to be rewarded with a long, fast descent, passing sheep farms and spectacular views of the surrounding area and the Kammanasieberge. Our overnight stop is on a small game farm, watching the sunset from the lawn while enjoying a cold beverage. Vehicle transfer time: 1:45h KM: 53km AG: 1276m, B/D Day 3. Uniondale to Prince Albert and a 30m waterfall For those wanting to do a game drive before breakfast, an early start awaits you. You will be rewarded with eland, springbok and buffalo. On return we do a short drive to the start of our cycle route, which is a short but very beautiful ride as we pass olive groves and friendly locals as they go about their daily business. This section is very quiet and even the beetles get up onto their back legs to watch you cycle past. Lunch is in a narrow gorge with a 30m waterfall cascading into a natural pool, For those who want a swim, don t forget your costumes. After a relaxed afternoon we drive to the historic town of Prince Albert and spend the night in a comfortable hotel. Vehicle transfer time: 1:5h KM: 54km AM: 305m, B/D Day 4. The renound Swartberg Pass and Ostrich Capital After breakfast we do a short transfer to the start of this majestic mountain pass which offers views over the Little Karoo, the ostrich capital Oudtshoorn in the south and the vast Great Karoo to the north. The Swartberg is regarded as the finest exposed fold mountain chains in the world. The long downhill to our finish at the famous Cango Caves will keep your attention focused whilst negotiating the never ending curves, known for their keystone walls and hairpin bends. Here you get to learn more about this drip stone wonder and its discovery by Mr Van Zyl, during a one hour tour by a qualified caves guide. After lunch, we drive into town and relax for the rest of the afternoon. Vehicle transfer time: 1h KM: 25km AM: 905m, B/D Day 5. The Grootswartberg and the Retreat After a delicious breakfast we visit a local ostrich farm and learn more about this fascinating bird which is seen throughout the Karoo. Today's bicycle tour starts just outside the town at the foothills of the Red Stone Mountains. We follow deserted gravel roads, winding our way back towards the majestic Swartberg Mountains. Lunch is in a remote settlement and gallery where you have the opportunity of viewing work by a local South African photographer. After lunch we continue, passing local farms and breathtaking mountain scenery. We end the day's cycle and spend the night at a Victorian house. The rest of the day is free to do one of many walks in the conservancy or relax around the pool. Vehicle transfer time: 30min KM: 29km AG: 620m, B/ D Day 6. Old Smithy and back to George Today is the last of the mountain passes. We do our last transfer and leave behind the heat of the Little Karoo and start our cycle from the hotel at North Station, dating back to 1840, slowly winding our way up onto the Outeniqua Mountains for the long descent through the valley and fynbos covered slopes, passing the Old Tollhouse where once the toll of one penny per wheel and one penny per ox had to be paid. The other point of interest is that the original stone wall can been seen as we cycle down towards the fresh moist coastal air and capital of the Garden Route. After lunch you can relax at the pool, or the steam train Printed at on Thursday, 10th January 2019 Page 2/6

3 enthusiast may visit the Outeniqua Choochoo museum. (Optional) Vehicle transfer time: 1h KM: 16km AG: 280m, B/D Day 7. Bon Voyage my friends After breakfast we unfortunately have to say goodbye. For those guests flying out of George, we take you to the airport or you can join the crew and drive down to Cape Town for a possible extension taking in some of the day trips we offer in and around Cape Town. Please let us know if you require any bookings. If this mountain bike tour was of interest to you, then have a look at our other equally interesting Mountain bike tours available. Printed at on Thursday, 10th January 2019 Page 3/6

4 Tour Summary Group Size Minimum 3 and Maximum of 8 guests. Tour Prices (ZAR) Per Person Sharing: R 127 Single Supplement: R Mountain bike rental: R Tour Schedules No Current Schedules for this tour. Please contact us for information via the website. Tour duration - 7 Days 5 Days cycling Difficulty Level This tour is suited for the nature lover, cycling at a relaxed pace with lots of time to stop for pictures and admire the natural beauty. Route Starting in George on the Garden Route, then heading north into the Little Karoo and the Swartberg Mountains...then back over this impresive range via a different route, to finish back in George. Distances Average 50km per day. Terrain Back roads pure, we use gravel all the way with a few narrow walled passes. Price excludes Flights/transport to and from George. Travel insurance. Beverages and personal expenses. Service fees and gratuities. Mountain bike hire. Printed at on Thursday, 10th January 2019 Page 4/6

5 Price includes Transfers in a climatized vehicle. (backup) Hydration during the cycle. (water/bananas/energy bars) Isotonic powder. Qualified driver/guide. 7 overnight stays using hand picked accommodation (3-4*) Meals as per tour description. (see tour abbreviations) All entrance fees as per itinerary. Printed at on Thursday, 10th January 2019 Page 5/6

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SOUTH AFRICAN ADVENTURE TOUR. 5 Day/5 Night Package. 1 November Day 1. Cape Town

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