14 Days:
Safari, Cape Town, Klein Karoo
Start in Johannesburg.
Finish in Cape Town
3895 m | 230km
3 days of gravel roads & mountain passes
This 14-day journey traverses three distinct and iconic landscapes of South Africa, moving seamlessly from north to south. The adventure begins in the Lowveld, where you’ll immerse yourself in the open bushveld and follow the natural rhythm of the day on wildlife tracking excursions. The scene then shifts to the coastal beauty of Cape Town, a city defined by its dramatic Atlantic shoreline, ever-changing weather, and the constant, towering presence of Table Mountain. The final stage takes you inland to the rugged Klein Karoo. Based in the historic working town of Ladismith, you’ll take to your bicycles to explore quiet gravel roads that link remote farms, legendary mountain passes, and vast, sun-drenched valleys. All travel between these contrasting regions is fully handled, allowing you to focus entirely on the shifting scenery and the spirit of the ride.
Your 14-day South African journey begins in Johannesburg, the vibrant "City of Gold." Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to a comfortable airport hotel for a seamless transition. This first night is designed as a simple, restorative overnight stay—a chance to shake off the jet lag, reset your internal clock, and enjoy a quiet evening before the true adventure begins. Rest well tonight, for tomorrow you leave the urban bustle behind and head deep into the wild heart of the African bush
The trip starts in the Lowveld, where the landscape flattens out into open bushveld — a mix of dry riverbeds, scattered trees, and long sightlines.
Ecosystem Diversity
Multiple ecosystems intersect across the reserve: rich wildlife density and varied landscapes
Active Conservation
Ongoing conservation work within the reserve, including wildlife management and protection initiatives that support long-term ecosystem health.
Big Five
Consistent sightings of lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, supported by experienced guides and well-managed game densities.
Your safari adventure begins with a morning flight to Hoedspruit, the gateway to the Greater Kruger. From the airport, it is just a short transfer into the prestigious Kapama Private Game Reserve, where the shift into the Lowveld is immediate and sensory. You’ll feel the arrival of the warmer air and notice the softer, flatter light as the bushveld begins to stretch out in all directions toward the horizon.
After settling in, you’ll head out on your first afternoon game drive as the heat of the day begins to fade. This is when the reserve truly comes to life—as the day cools, movement picks up among the wildlife, offering your first thrilling opportunities to spot the Big Five in their natural habitat.
Two full days on safari with morning and afternoon drives.
Morning Game Drives: Head out at sunrise in an open 4x4. Rangers and trackers will take you through the reserve to spot the Big Five and watch predators while they are still active from the night before.
Midday Down Time: Use the break between drives to relax at the lodge. You can hang out by the pool, watch animals at the nearby waterhole, or go on a guided bush walk to learn about the local plants and smaller wildlife.
Afternoon & Evening Safaris: Head back out as the temperature drops. You’ll stop for a quick drink at sunset before using spotlights to find nocturnal animals like hyena and leopard on the way back to camp.
Evening Meals: Dinner is served at the lodge, often around a fire in the outdoor boma. It’s a relaxed way to end the day, grabbing a meal and chatting about the animals you saw with the rest of the group.
Kapama is well run, with experienced guides and consistent Big Five sightings. Between drives, time is your own.
From the bush, the route shifts south to the coast. Cape Town sits between mountain and ocean, with a noticeable change in climate, light, and pace.
Mountain backdrop
The city sits directly beneath Table Mountain, with the landscape always present — shaping movement, views, and climate.
Urban Constrast
Short distances between city, coastline, and quieter green spaces create a mix of environments within a single base.
Coast
A peninsula defined by ocean on both sides, where routes follow cliffs, headlands, and constantly shifting weather off the Atlantic.
After a final morning game drive through the untamed bush of the Bushveld, your journey shifts from the golden savannahs to the dramatic Atlantic coast. You will transfer to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight south, trading the roar of lions for the roar of the ocean as you descend into Cape Town.
The shift is immediate and breathtaking upon arrival: as you transfer into the city, the air turns crisp with a refreshing maritime chill, and the scent of salt water replaces the dry heat of the north. The "Mother City" reveals herself in grand fashion, with the sheer, cloud-draped face of Table Mountain dominating the skyline—a silent, ancient sentinel welcoming you to one of the world's most beautiful urban landscapes. Settling into your hotel, the vibrant energy of the coast and the mountain's imposing presence set the stage for the next chapter of your South African adventure.
Start your morning early at Table Mountain by taking the rotating cableway to the summit to explore the plateau and Maclear’s Beacon, followed by a stop at Signal Hill for iconic city vistas. For lunch, head to the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood to enjoy authentic Cape Malay flavors at Bo-Kaap Kombuis. In the afternoon, take a historic stroll through the Company’s Garden and the surrounding "Museum Mile" before ending your day at the vibrant V&A Waterfront for harbor-side dining, shopping, or a scenic sunset cruise.
For Day 7, embark on the ultimate scenic circuit of the Cape Peninsula, a journey that takes you along one of the world’s most spectacular coastal roads, Chapman’s Peak Drive. Your day starts with a visit to the rugged cliffs of Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, the southwesternmost tip of Africa, where you can ride the Flying Dutchman funicular for sweeping ocean views.
After exploring the wild nature reserve, head to Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town to see the famous colony of endangered African penguins up close. The tour winds back through the quaint seaside villages of Kalk Bay and Muizenberg, offering a perfect mix of dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife, and coastal charm.
Experience the lush "green belt" of Cape Town with a day tour dedicated to botanical beauty and historic vineyards. Begin your morning at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, where you can wander through diverse indigenous flora and stroll along the "Boomslang" Canopy Walkway for bird’s-eye views of the mountain slopes.
In the afternoon, head into the heart of the Constantia Valley, the Southern Hemisphere's oldest wine-growing region; here, you’ll enjoy cellar tours and tastings at world-class estates like Groot Constantia or Klein Constantia, famous for their Cape Dutch architecture and award-winning wines. This tour perfectly balances a peaceful nature walk with a sophisticated afternoon of fine dining and viticulture.
For Day 9 of your tour, enjoy a refreshing morning cycling along the Sea Point Promenade, Cape Town’s scenic paved walkway that hugs the Atlantic coastline. Rent a bicycle from a local hub like Up Cycles at the V&A Waterfront or Sea Point and enjoy a flat, breezy ride with panoramic ocean views, passing landmarks like the Green Point Lighthouse and quirky outdoor art installations.
After your ride, you can explore the lush Green Point Biodiversity Park or stop for a coffee at a beachfront café, making it the perfect way to soak up the "Mother City’s" active outdoor lifestyle
The final stage of the journey shifts inland into the Klein Karoo , three days of guided gravel riding through the Klein Karoo. Remote routes, mountain passes, and full support throughout.
Immersive landscape
Vast, rugged Karoo terrain, dramatic mountain passes, and open horizons that fully surround you.
Historic architecture
Ride through heritage routes and stay in a restored Victorian home that connects you to the character of the Karoo.
Working Karoo town
Start and finish in Ladismith, a real, functioning town that grounds the experience in authenticity.
Leaving the coastal beauty of the Mother City behind, today’s journey takes you inland toward the rugged soul of the Western Cape. You’ll head north on the N1, watching the cityscape transform into the rolling vineyards of the Paarl Valley before piercing through the Huguenot Tunnel into the dramatic folds of the Cape Fold Mountains.
The scenery shifts as you transition onto the iconic Route 62, the world’s longest wine route. The air becomes drier and the landscape more vast as you enter the Klein Karoo, a region of stark beauty and ancient geology. Your destination is the historic town of Ladismith, nestled at the foot of the soaring Klein Swartberg mountains and the split-peaked Towerkop. This charming town will be your home for the next four days, offering a perfect base to immerse yourself in the quiet rhythms and warm hospitality of the Karoo.
74 km | 1,290 m
The adventure shifts gears today as you enter the rugged heart of the Klein Karoo. After a morning shuttle to the starting point, you’ll hop on your bicycles to tackle the legendary Bosluyskloof Pass, a masterclass in road engineering featuring 60 hairpin bends packed into just 7.6 km. The descent offers breathtaking vistas of the arid landscape before leading you into the awe-inspiring Seweweekspoort. This UNESCO-listed World Heritage site is a geological marvel, where you’ll pedal between towering sandstone cliffs and navigate gentle river crossings that slice through the mountain.
The route continues through the fertile Hoeko Valley, passing through quiet, time-capsule mission towns where the pace of life slows to a crawl. Your journey concludes in the shadow of the Towerkop mountain in Ladismith.
After a day of epic scenery and striking geology, you’ll settle into the rhythm of true Karoo hospitality with a relaxed meal at a local family restaurant, enjoying the stillness and warmth of this unique semi-desert region.
85 km | 1,455 m
Today’s ride takes you deep into the heart of the Klein Karoo’s most dramatic landscapes. You’ll roll out from Karoocible, heading toward the remote village of Van Wyksdorp before beginning the ascent of the legendary Rooiberg Pass. This challenging climb, with its 69 serpentine bends, rewards you with breathtaking panoramas where three distinct biomes—fynbos, renosterveld, and succulent karoo—converge in a vibrant tapestry of mountain vegetation.After reaching the summit and soaking in the sweeping valley views, you’ll enjoy a thrilling descent toward Calitzdorp, the "Port Wine Capital" of South Africa. From here, you will transfer back to your base in Ladismith. The day concludes with an intimate local wine tasting, where you can sip on the region's famous fortified wines and robust reds, reflecting the unique terroir and resilient character of the Karoo.
70 km | 1,150 m
Your exploration of the Karoo continues with a morning shuttle to Oudtshoorn, the world's ostrich capital. From here, you’ll hop onto your bikes to traverse quiet gravel roads that hug the southern foothills of the majestic Swartberg Mountains. The route is a scenic tapestry of rolling orchards, sprawling ostrich farms, and the verdant, hidden landscapes of the Groenfontein Valley, where the road winds alongside mountain streams and red stone cliffs.The day’s ride culminates with a vineyard finish in Calitzdorp, allowing you to toast your journey through the valley before a transfer back to Ladismith. To round off the experience, you’ll enjoy a relaxed Italian-style meal in an intimate small-town setting—a perfect way to enjoy the warmth and local flavours of the region after a day in the saddle.
The riding experience is shaped not only by the landscape, but also by the people, food and quiet character of the region.
Enjoy authentic meals that reflect the Karoo way of life — from brunch on a local olive farm to relaxed dinners in small-town settings. Each stop adds a sense of place, connecting the ride to the culture and rhythm of the area.
Local flavours, seasonal produce, and unpretentious hospitality form an integral part of the journey — making each day as memorable off the bike as it is on it.
Your journey comes full circle as you depart Ladismith early, leaving the quiet majesty of the Klein Swartberg behind. Retracing your route along the iconic Route 62, you’ll watch the arid plains of the Karoo gradually give way to the lush, green valleys of the Boland. As you crest the final mountain passes and head toward the coast, the silhouette of Table Mountain rises once more to greet you. This final drive into Cape Town marks the end of your inland adventure, bringing you back to the vibrant energy of the city for your onward travel and a final farewell to the "Mother City."
What’s included
Return transfer flights JNB - HDS
Road transfer Cape Town - hotel
1 night City Lodge OR Tambo Hotel
3 nights at Kapama River Lodge
5 nights at Cape Town Hotel - Pineapple House
4 Cape Town Day Tours
5 Cape Town Lunches
5 Cape Town Dinners
5 Cape Town Entrances
Road transfer Cape Town to Ladismith
Road transfer Ladismith to Cape Town
Daily guided gravel rides and GPX files
Vehicle support on all gravel rides with trailer, plus water and snack stops
4 nights at Karoocible, Ladismith
4 breakfasts and 4 dinners
A selection of wine, beer, soft drinks and G&T's
What’s not included
Bicycle rental excluded. Bring your own gravel or mountain bike, or inquire about rental assistance.
Confirm your spot by paying a 50% deposit
Balance due 30 days before the tour
There are 11 Spots available on this tour
NOTES
Ride distances can be tailored to your needs. i.e. Ride the distance that suits you on the day.
Your African journey transitions from the city to the wild as you fly into the heart of the Lowveld for a three-night immersion at Kapama River Lodge. Located within a 15,000-hectare private reserve, this leg of your tour is dedicated to tracking the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) in a landscape of iconic acacia trees and sweeping savannahs.
For your 5-night city tour of Cape Town, we’ve selected the Pineapple House Boutique Hotel as your base. Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Sea Point neighborhood, this stylish getaway is the perfect home away from home. Formed from two beautifully reimagined Victorian terrace houses, the hotel features 14 uniquely themed rooms that blend bold colours and eclectic decor with modern luxury, offering a creative and comfortable retreat after a day of exploring the Mother City.
Your home for four days is Karoocible, a beautifully restored Victorian residence nestled in the heart of a working Karoo town. The accommodation is comfortable and thoughtfully considered, offering a seamless blend of heritage charm and modern ease, perfectly positioned for you to roll out of the front door and ride straight into the vast, open landscape.
After each day's adventure, you return to a sanctuary of space and stillness. Whether you are relaxing on the "stoep" or enjoying the garden, you’ll be immersed in the profound, quiet atmosphere that defines the Karoo experience.
From bushveld to coastline to Karoo, this is a continuous journey through three distinct parts of the country, finishing on the gravel roads out of Ladismith.