‘It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them.’ — Ernest Hemingway

Inspiring words?  We’ve put together just a small taster of some of the many sensational destinations in South Africa where cycling is on offer.  Explore, adventure, sweat or coast.  Grab a bike and spend some time in the saddle as we Explore…On Two Wheels.

The Plettenberg Hotel – Plettenberg Bay

The Plettenberg Hotel is ideally situated a stone’s throw from some of the best beaches South Africa has to offer, perfect for a cycle adventure.

Fat bike riding is permitted on two of the blue flag beaches in the surrounding area and the hotel will prepare special picnic rucksacks (at an additional cost) to make the most of this adventure.

Guests can choose between a 10 or 20 km ride along the scenic beaches where they will most probably not only spot pods of dolphins but could even see a whale breaching!

The hotel can also arrange a cycle route in the Harkerville forest that will meander from the Forrest down to the beach. The scenery is breathtaking. These rides are suitable for beginners right up to the more adventurous riders.

The Plettenberg has safe and secure storage facilities for bikes brought to the hotel, but can also source bicycles for guests to hire.  Plettenberg Bay has a large cycling culture and they now boast a specialist cycle shop, for any special repairs or last-minute tune ups that may be required.

The Plettenberg’s award-winning spa offers a post cycle deep tissue massage to sooth any aching muscles after a long ride or guests can choose to relax at one of the two pool terraces with cocktail in hand taking in the breath-taking scenery.

Head Over Hills – Knysna

Knysna is a beautiful part of South Africa to enjoy a bike ride.  Set off from Head Over Hills in the direction of Knysna where guests will experience some of the most magnificent views of the Heads, the ocean and the Knysna lagoon.

Head Over Hills has an excellent selection of top of the range mountain bikes for hire, all of course complete with safety helmets.

The hills around Head over Hills are not for the faint hearted!

Book a bike and join in on the fun! Guests will see that there are many mountain bikers in Knysna.

The forests are beautiful and the range of routes are suited for all levels of riders. In Harkerville there are four colour-coded routes which vary from 12-24 km.

The Homtini offers an awesome 19 km circular ride through the forest for intermediate level. The Garden Route Trail Park is a fun outing with both single tracks and a pump track to test your skills.

Family Ride Stellenbosch

Travelling with the family and looking for an exciting cycling tour?  Then the Stellenbosch Family Ride is perfect for you.

This gentle, seven-hour tour is accessible to all ages and fitness levels, plus it has loads of child-friendly activities.  Kids are entertained with ice-lolly and cool drink pairings, while parents get to soak in the sights and of course, sample some of the local wines.  It’s a win-win for all!  This tour includes a fully guided tour (1 guide per 10 guests), mountain bike and helmet rental, child seats, baby buggy or children’s bikes according to the size of the child.

Snack Packs (including bottled water, choc & peanuts/raisins), all wine tastings on route (3 estates visited) as well as non-alcoholic tastings for children under 18 are also included.  A stop at a local wine estate will be made for lunch (for own account).  And for those who prefer gliding and not so much peddling?  Upgrade to an e-bike.

Victoria & Alfred Hotel

The Victoria & Alfred Hotel is located in the heart of the Waterfront overlooking Table Mountain and the V&A basin.  From here, guests can enjoy a cycling route which leads into town and through to Camps Bay, all while taking in the spectacular views that the Waterfront and surrounds has to offer.

Cape Town is geared extremely well for cyclists, with dedicated cycling lanes that are available in town for guests to enjoy a fun cycling experience in the area.  The Victoria & Alfred Hotel works very closely with the John O’Connor cycling shop in Mouille Point which speeds any requests in terms of cycle hire, repairs or assistance.

Exhausted after your cycling experience? Feel free to unwind at The Dock House Boutique Hotel’s pool area, set in a beautifully manicured garden or get pampered at the Sanctuary Signature Spa, to relax those aching muscles.

The Leeu Collection (Leeu Estates, Leeu House, Le Quartier Francais) – Franschhoek

All 3 properties of The Leeu Collection are perfectly situated in the heart of Franschhoek making it a stunning location for guests to enjoy a cycling tour through town on their own.

Mountain bikes are available at all three properties for in house guests to use on a complimentary basis.  The Leeu Collection has easy access to shops, restaurants and cafes for guests to grab and go all while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

After exploring Franschhoek on your bicycle, why not take it easy and rejuvenate your self and your senses at the Leeu Spa.  Set among the vineyards, Leeu Spa is a wellness sanctuary that offers authentic massages and holistic treatments by expert therapists.

These tailor-made treatments were inspired by Africa’s rich heritage and traditional rituals. Premium organic products from the innovative Esse and TheraNaka™ ranges are utilised in the treatments. A range of treatments for children (aged six to 12) is also on offer.

Contact a Thompsons Africa consultant today to make a booking.

Email: info@thompsonsafrica.co.za / viki.haasbroek@thompsonsafrica.co.za

Tel: +27 31 275 3500

https://www.thompsonsafrica.com/about/contact-us