Day 1: Safe transfer from Cape Town to Plettenberg Bay via Clarence Drive

Distance: 750 km, 6-8 hours After picking you up from your accommodation in Cape Town, we will make our way towards Clarence Drive. This stunning coastal road was built in 1940 by Italian prisoners of war from the Second World War and runs between the naval town of Gordons Bay and the windy hamlet of Rooi-Els, situated in the north-eastern corner of False Bay in the shadow of the Hottentots-Holland Mountains. This beautiful coastal road stretches for 21 km between the two towns and follows the wild turquoise coastline of the Cape. We will then make our way to the rocky promontory of Cape Agulhas, the place where two great oceans meet – the Indian and the Atlantic. It is also the place where you can have your photo taken at the official southernmost point of Africa, where a stone slab marks the spot – right on the beach… and then on to Plettenberg Bay. Accommodation: Barrington’s Small Hotel – barringtonsplett.co.za

Day 2: Plettenberg-Knysna

Distance: 80 km, elevation gain: 1400 m The first day is a good wake-up call. There are some challenging climbs and loose gravel to contend with. Almost like a slap in the face that tells you, “Hey, this isn’t going to be a walk in the park.” It’s good because it keeps you honest and prepares you for what’s to come. Diepwalle Forest is definitely one of the most beautiful parts of the entire route. Driving through the dense indigenous forests, seeing the elephants that once roamed freely and secretly hoping to spot a rare one is pure bliss. Once you reach the forestry station, it’s almost all downhill to Knysna. Kom se Pad has some decent climbs, but as soon as you reach Simola you can smell the sea breeze. Accommodation: Fish Eagle Lodge – fisheaglelodge.com

Day 3: Knysna-Montagu Pass

Distance: 97 km, elevation gain: 2040 m Today we embark on an exhilarating gravel tour through breathtaking landscapes as you take on the challenge of tackling 7 scenic passes, including the iconic Montagu Pass. Feel the breeze in your face as you cycle through undulating terrain, with each pass offering a unique blend of scenic beauty and adrenaline pumping climbs. Montagu Pass, with its historic appeal and winding path, stands as a testament to the engineering wonders of yesteryear. This gravel adventure promises not only a physical journey, but also an immersion in the splendor of nature and a connection with the history of the land you are traversing. Accommodation: Over the Mountain – overthemountain.co.za

Day 4: Montagu Pass – Calitzdorp

Distance: 110 km, elevation gain: 515 m It’s all downhill through the fascinating landscape of the Klein Karoo until you finally arrive in the charming town of Calitzdorp. This cycling adventure takes you through rugged terrain that showcases the unique beauty of the region’s semi-arid vistas, rolling hills and striking rock formations. The ride offers a harmonious mix of challenging trails and quiet sections that allow you to immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the vast landscape. On the way to Calitzdorp, the magic of this picturesque town, known for its historic architecture and famous port wines, awaits you. Accommodation: Queen of Calitzdorp – queenofcalitzdorp.com

Day 5: Calitzdorp – Rooiberge Lodge

Distance: 50 km, elevation gain: 1040 m Don’t be fooled by today’s shorter route as we face the famous, breathtaking Rooiberg Pass, which leads you to the picturesque Rooiberg Lodge. As you traverse the rugged terrain of the pass, you will be mesmerized by the breathtaking views of rolling hills and lush valleys. The winding pass offers an exciting but rewarding challenge for gravel bike enthusiasts, combining the joy of adventure with the beauty of nature. Upon arrival at Rooiberg Lodge, set amidst this picturesque landscape, you will find an oasis of relaxation and comfort that will make your journey not only a physical feat, but also an invigorating experience for the soul. Accommodation: Rooiberg Lodge – rooiberglodge.co.za

Day 6: Rooiberge Lodge – Barrydale

Distance: 106 km, Elevation gain: 1316 m This has to be one of our favorite days on the bike as we once again cross the vastness of the Little Karoo semi-desert, hoping to spot giraffe and springbok as we cycle along the smooth roads less traveled to the small town of Barrydale. Barrydale lies at the foot of the beautiful Langeberg Mountains in the heart of the Tradouw Valley, where we will enjoy the famous milkshakes at Diesel & Creme on arrival. Accommodation: Karoo Art Hotel – karooarthotel.co.za

Day 7: Barrydale – Montagu

Distance: 127 km, elevation gain: 1350 m The queen stage… A tough climb where we retrace our tire tracks from the previous days encounter as you feel the exhilaration of conquering unpaved trails as we venture from the artistic charm of Barrydale to the historical charm of Montagu. Today’s route takes us along the gravel roads used in the South African version of L’Eroica. Accommodation: Montagu Vines – montaguvines.co.za

Day 8: Montagu – Greyton

Distance: 107 km, elevation gain: 975 m As we leave Montagu, we wind our way through the Cogmanskloof Mountain Pass, one of the first inland routes through this mountain range, completed in 1877, and continue towards the town of Ashton. Here you will experience another dramatic change of scenery as we now head over the Riviersonderend mountain range towards the country town of Greyton, not without a stop at the famous pie store Ou Meul Bakkery! This is probably one of the most enjoyable sections of the route, with only a few hills to climb. After leaving Riviersonderend, you’ll cross a picturesque bridge over the Sonderend River as you make your way to the quaint oak-lined village of Greyton. Here you’ll find excellent food and craft beer as well as some lovely accommodation. Accommodation: Hemelsbreed – hemelsbreed.co.za

Day 9: Greyton – Stellenbosch

Distance: 130 km, elevation gain: 1475 m On this section, the riding is smooth and mostly paved, with the iconic Franschhoek Pass to contend with. Traffic on this section is generally slow, but keep to the side of the road to be on the safe side. Check the weather forecasts as the winds at Theewaterskloof Dam can make cycling challenging. Take advantage of the coffee shops and patisseries in Franschhoek to fortify yourself for the final climb. Today you cycle over one of the oldest passes in the Cape, built in 1854. The Helshoogte Pass or “Hell’s Heights” is very popular with cyclists who consider this pass to be safe, especially since the modernization with a cycle path in 2010. The climb is steep and not for the faint-hearted, but the view from the top is worth the effort, and of course it’s much easier downhill! You will be riding alone on this day, without your guide. The Helshoogte Pass is one of the most popular and most traveled roads in the Western Cape and connects Stellenbosch with the Drakenstein Valley. It is a very scenic pass that takes you through the small villages of Kylemore, Johannesdal and Pniel, passing numerous orchards and vineyards along the way. Accommodation: L’Aviner Country Lodge Estate – lavenirestate.co.za

Day 10: Stellenbosch – Stellenbosch

Distance: 75 km, difference in altitude: 800 m

Our SPICE ROUTE GRAVEL EXTRAVAGANZA will be a mixture of impressive gravel sections and asphalt recreation on the dirt roads of the Cape Winelands and the surrounding hills of the Simonsberg and Paarl Mountains… Be prepared for dusty, sandy, in some places undulating African gravel roads!!! Have fun and we end the day at a boutique winery with flatbread and wine tasting.

We would schedule time in the early afternoon to arrange a meeting with SONGO.

SONGO has humble beginnings: a dream to create a safe space for children to ride bicycles has evolved into an education and sports program that aims to create long-term impact for the children of Kayamandi, Stellenbosch.

Included in the price:

Total cost per driver R65,250 Approx. €3,330/$3,425/£2.785 (2 participants sharing) Transfer from Cape Town to Plettenberg Bay 10 nights accommodation in selected guest houses/hotels or similar accommodation including breakfast (Classic room) 10 full days private gravel touring (for 2 guests) with a qualified, support vehicle with driver guide for the duration of the Cross Cape 10 lunches (for 2 guests – on tour days) including all bottles of ice water/food supplements/gels Gravel bike rental for 10 days (Pearl SL Carbon Gravel 2023/24) + helmet + SPD pedals Transfer to Cape Town International Airport