Self-Launched Cycling South Africa's Route 62: Cape Town to Knysna

Fly into Cape Town International Airport and make your own way into the city centre — the Gautrain-equivalent here is the MyCiTi bus, which runs from the airport to the Civic Centre for around £1.50. Check into a centrally located hostel or guesthouse in the De Waterkant or Green Point area, close to Harbour Bridge. Spend the afternoon exploring the V&A Waterfront or Bo-Kaap. Head out for dinner at a local spot — try Bree Street for great value South African food and craft beer. Use the evening to pick up any last supplies and confirm your bike hire for tomorrow.

🚌MyCiTi Airport Bus from Cape Town International to city centre (~£1.50)

🛏Ashanti Lodge Green Point or similar guesthouse/hostel (~£25-35/night)

• →Arrive and transfer to accommodation via MyCiTi Airport Bus (~£1.50)
• →Explore V&A Waterfront or Bo-Kaap neighbourhood
• →Dinner at a local Bree Street restaurant (~£10-14)
• →Confirm mountain bike hire booking for Day 2 (recommend Bikes n Wines or similar Cape Town MTB hire, ~£20-25/day)

Collect your hired mountain bike (Silverback or similar hardtail, bookable through Bikes n Wines Cape Town or local hire shops, ~£20-25/day). Arrange a shuttle or Uber to Hout Bay (about 25 mins from central Cape Town, ~£8-10). From Hout Bay, ride the spectacular Chapman's Peak Drive south along sheer coastal cliffs, continuing to Cape Point via Kommetjie. Finish at Boulders Beach in Simon's Town to see the famous African penguin colony (entry ~£5 via SANParks). Return bikes or arrange for bike transport, then take the train from Simon's Town to Cape Town (Metrorail, ~£1.50) and connect by intercity shuttle (Baz Bus or shared transfer service) to Stellenbosch (~£12-15). Check in and explore Stellenbosch's historic oak-lined streets.

🚌Uber to Hout Bay; Metrorail Simon's Town–Cape Town; Baz Bus/shuttle to Stellenbosch

🛏Stumble Inn Stellenbosch or Hotel Krige (budget room) (~£30-40/night)

• →Collect hired mountain bike in Cape Town (~£22/day)
• →Uber/shuttle to Hout Bay start point (~£9)
• →Cycle Chapman's Peak Drive and Cape Peninsula (50km, 100% paved)
• →Visit Boulders Beach African penguin colony (~£5 SANParks entry)
• →Simon's Town to Cape Town Metrorail train (~£1.50)
• →Intercity shuttle Cape Town to Stellenbosch via Baz Bus or shared transfer (~£13)

Pick up your bike from a local hire shop or arrange for it to be transported (Bikes n Wines also operates wine-route cycling tours from which you can take inspiration). Ride the scenic route through Stellenbosch's vineyard roads to Franschhoek — about 42km, a mix of paved estate roads and gentle gravel tracks through world-famous wine farms. The Helshoogte Pass route is a popular self-launched option. Stop at a wine estate tasting room for a late morning break (~£5-8 for a tasting). Arrive in Franschhoek, one of South Africa's most picturesque towns, for lunch at a local café. Check into a guesthouse and explore the village.

🚌Self-powered cycling; bike transport by local hire company shuttle if needed

🛏The Elephant House Backpackers Franschhoek or Centre-Ville Guesthouse (budget room) (~£28-38/night)

• →Cycle Stellenbosch to Franschhoek via Helshoogte Pass (42km, 90% paved/10% gravel)
• →Stop at a Cape Winelands estate for a wine tasting (~£6)
• →Explore Franschhoek village and the Huguenot Memorial Museum (free entry)

Arrange an early morning shared shuttle or Uber from Stellenbosch/Franschhoek area to Gordon's Bay Harbour (~£10-14 shared). From Gordon's Bay, ride the stunning coastal R44 south through Pringle Bay and Betty's Bay — look out for the penguin colony at Stony Point (free to view from outside). Continue to Botrivier (~71km, fully paved, flat to rolling). After the ride, arrange a local taxi or Uber to Houw Hoek area (~£8). Houw Hoek Hotel is a historic property in apple-growing country; book a standard room directly for the best rate. Freshen up and enjoy a Karoo braai (barbecue) dinner.

🚌Shared shuttle to Gordon's Bay; self-powered cycling; taxi to Houw Hoek

🛏Houw Hoek Hotel (budget room, book direct) or similar guesthouse (~£35-45/night)

• →Shuttle from Stellenbosch area to Gordon's Bay Harbour (~£12 shared)
• →Cycle Gordon's Bay to Botrivier via Pringle Bay and Betty's Bay (71km, 100% paved)
• →View Stony Point penguin colony near Betty's Bay (free)
• →Local taxi/Uber Botrivier to Houw Hoek (~£8)
• →Braai dinner at Houw Hoek Hotel (~£12)

Arrange a morning shuttle from Houw Hoek to the Robertson Valley starting point — options include shared Baz Bus to Worcester and a local taxi onward (~£15-18 total). Ride the Robertson Valley's tranquil back roads through vineyards, olive groves and fruit farms (~66km, mix of paved and gravel). Robertson is a wine region in its own right — stop at a cooperative winery for a tasting (~£5). Arrive in Robertson town and check into a guesthouse. The town's Robertson Wine Valley cooperative offers free self-guided wine route maps.

🚌Baz Bus or shared taxi to start point; self-powered cycling

🛏The Grand Robertson or theLAB Robertson (book direct for budget rates) (~£30-40/night)

• →Morning shuttle/Baz Bus to Robertson Valley start (~£16 shared)
• →Cycle Robertson Valley wine and olive route (66km, 60% paved/40% gravel)
• →Wine tasting at Robertson Winery or similar cooperative (~£5)
• →Evening stroll along Robertson's main street

Ride from Robertson through the wide Breede River Valley to Montagu (~63km, fully paved), taking in rugged mountains, orchards and hot spring landscapes. Montagu is a lovely stop for lunch — try the local deli or a café on Bath Street (~£6-8). Optionally take a quick dip at the Montagu Hot Springs (entry ~£6) before catching a local shuttle or taxi the 30km to Barrydale (~£8-10). Check into a guesthouse in Barrydale, a creative Route 62 village with art galleries and a micro-distillery.

🚌Self-powered cycling; shared taxi or local shuttle to Barrydale

🛏Barrydale Karoo Boutique or Diesel and Creme Guesthouse (~£28-38/night)

• →Cycle Robertson to Montagu via Breede River Valley (63km, 100% paved)
• →Lunch in Montagu at a local café (~£7)
• →Optional visit to Montagu Hot Springs (~£6)
• →Shuttle Montagu to Barrydale (~£9 shared/taxi)

Start the morning with a transfer along Route 62 toward the ride start near Ronnie Sex Shop — a legendary roadside pub and unmissable Route 62 landmark (stop for a photo and a cold drink, ~£3). From here, ride into the Klein Karoo on gravel roads through Van Wyksdorp and descend into the Rooiberg Valley (~52km, 85% gravel). Watch for wildlife including baboons, duiker and birdlife on the open plains. Arrive at Rooiberg Lodge — book directly for the best rate on a self-catering chalet or lodge room.

🚌Local taxi/Uber to ride start; self-powered cycling

🛏Rooiberg Lodge (self-catering chalet or standard room, book direct) (~£35-50/night)

• →Morning transfer along Route 62 to ride start near Ronnie Sex Shop (arrange local taxi or Uber ~£8)
• →Stop at Ronnie Sex Shop — iconic Route 62 roadside pub (drink ~£3)
• →Cycle Klein Karoo gravel roads to Rooiberg Valley (52km, 85% gravel)
• →Wildlife spotting en route (baboons, birds, antelope)
• →Sunset drinks at Rooiberg Lodge (~£5)

A well-earned rest day at Rooiberg Lodge in the heart of the Little Karoo. Swim in the pool, explore nearby walking trails, or simply do nothing and watch the extraordinary star-filled Karoo night sky later. The Klein Karoo has virtually no light pollution, making it one of South Africa's best stargazing spots. The lodge has a restaurant and bar on site — ask about the local braai option for dinner. Alternatively, hire a bicycle and explore the surrounding gravel roads independently.

🚌None — full rest day

🛏Rooiberg Lodge (second night) (~£35-50/night)

• →Rest and recovery — pool, spa (if available), or hiking trails around Rooiberg Lodge
• →Karoo stargazing in the evening (no equipment needed — just step outside)
• →Optional short local gravel ride on lodge roads
• →Braai dinner at lodge restaurant (~£12-16)

Today's highlight is the Rooiberg Pass — a challenging gravel climb with sweeping Karoo panoramas from the summit. Ride to Calitzdorp (~42km, 65% gravel), a small town famous for its port wines. Stop for a port tasting at one of Calitzdorp's celebrated cellars (~£5). After the ride, arrange a local shuttle or taxi onward to Oudtshoorn (~30km, ~£8), the ostrich capital of the world. Check into a guesthouse and book an ostrich farm visit for tomorrow morning. Oudtshoorn has good budget dining options in the town centre.

🚌Self-powered cycling; local taxi to Oudtshoorn

🛏Riempie Estate Oudtshoorn or Oudtshoorn Guest House (~£28-38/night)

• →Cycle Rooiberg Pass to Calitzdorp (42km, 65% gravel/35% paved)
• →Port wine tasting at Calitzdorp Cellars (~£5)
• →Shared taxi or local shuttle Calitzdorp to Oudtshoorn (~£8)
• →Book Cango Caves tour or ostrich farm for tomorrow (~£10-12)

Check the Swartberg Pass road status the evening before (Cape Nature website or local advice). If open: take a local taxi to the Cango Caves (~£8 return), one of South Africa's great natural wonders — book a standard tour (£10) or the adventure caving experience (£16) directly at the caves. Transfer to Kobus se Gat farm stall to try the famous Karoo roosterbrood (fire-roasted bread with jam, ~£3). Gear up and ride the legendary Swartberg Pass to Prince Albert (~32km, 85% gravel) — one of South Africa's most spectacular road passes, built by Thomas Bain in 1886. If closed: ride a Lategansvlei gravel loop from Oudtshoorn instead (~60km, 67% gravel). Stay in Prince Albert (if pass ridden) or return to Oudtshoorn.

🚌Local taxi to Cango Caves and Kobus se Gat (~£8-10); self-powered cycling

🛏The Swartberg Hotel Prince Albert or Dennehof Karoo Guesthouse (~£30-42/night, book direct)

• →Visit Cango Caves — standard tour (~£10) or adventure caving (~£16, book direct)
• →Stop at Kobus se Gat farm stall for Karoo roosterbrood (~£3)
• →Cycle Swartberg Pass to Prince Albert (32km, 85% gravel — if open) OR Lategansvlei loop (60km) if closed
• →Explore Prince Albert village — Victorian architecture and Karoo hospitality

Depending on yesterday's route: if you stayed in Prince Albert, ride the quiet Karoo backroads that skirt the northern flank of the Swartberg Mountains (~73km, 100% paved), looping through open farmland and koppie-dotted landscape to De Rust. If you remained in Oudtshoorn, ride the more rural Vergelegen Road east toward Dysselsdorp (~32km, 74% gravel), passing ostrich farms and Karoo wildlife. Either way, this is a classic Karoo riding day with big skies and empty roads. Picnic lunch with provisions bought the previous evening (~£5). Arrive at a guesthouse in De Rust or Dysselsdorp and enjoy a home-cooked dinner at your accommodation.

🚌Self-powered cycling

🛏House Martin Guesthouse De Rust or similar (~£28-38/night)

• →Cycle Prince Albert backroads to De Rust (73km, 100% paved) OR Oudtshoorn to Dysselsdorp (32km, 74% gravel)
• →Picnic lunch on the roadside (~£5)
• →Spot Karoo wildlife: ostriches, antelope, eagles
• →Home-cooked dinner at guesthouse (~£10-14)

After breakfast, arrange a local taxi or bakkie (pickup truck) transfer east from De Rust into the remote backcountry roads leading toward the Kammanasie Mountains (~£10-12). This is the wildest and most remote day of the ride — 51km of 100% gravel through river crossings, rocky ridgelines and untouched mountain valley. Carry extra water and snacks as facilities are non-existent en route. Finish at Mountain Pastures Game Lodge (or a nearby guesthouse in the Uniondale area), where a self-catering option keeps costs down. Braai your own dinner on the lodge fire for a true Karoo experience.

🚌Local taxi to start; self-powered cycling

🛏Mountain Pastures Game Lodge or Uniondale Guesthouse (~£32-45/night)

• →Transfer to ride start near De Rust (~£10 local taxi/bakkie)
• →Cycle Kammanasie foothills gravel route (51km, 100% gravel)
• →River crossings and remote mountain valley riding
• →Self-catered braai dinner at lodge (~£8 provisions from local shop)

The final riding day — begin from the game lodge and climb into the cool, green Outeniqua Mountains, a dramatic contrast to the arid Karoo you've spent the last week exploring (~64km, mixed terrain). The route descends toward the coast with views of the Indian Ocean opening up ahead. This is a satisfying and emotional finale to the route. Arrive in Knysna, the jewel of the Garden Route, and celebrate with a late lunch of famous Knysna oysters at the Waterfront (~£8-12 for half dozen). Check into a hostel or guesthouse on the Knysna Lagoon.

🚌Self-powered cycling for final day

🛏Knysna Backpackers or Island Vibe Knysna Hostel (~£20-30/night)

• →Cycle Outeniqua foothills to Knysna coast (64km, mixed terrain)
• →First views of the Indian Ocean — a milestone moment
• →Celebrate with Knysna oysters at the Waterfront (~£10)
• →Sunset over Knysna Lagoon and the famous Heads

Return hired bike to the agreed drop-off point (confirm with your hire company at the start — Bikes n Wines and several Knysna shops handle one-way hire returns). Spend a final morning exploring Knysna — walk to the Heads viewpoint (free), browse the Waterfront market, or take a short ferry across the lagoon (~£3). Depart by Baz Bus back to Cape Town (~£22, scenic Garden Route journey) or onward to your next destination. Alternatively, the Outeniqua Passenger Train (check seasonal availability) offers a nostalgic departure through the mountains.

🚌Baz Bus Knysna to Cape Town (~£22) or onward

🛏N/A — departure day

• →Return hired mountain bike at Knysna drop-off point
• →Walk to Knysna Heads viewpoint (free)
• →Optional lagoon ferry crossing (~£3)
• →Depart via Baz Bus to Cape Town (~£22) or onward Garden Route destination