Cape Town to Garden Route and Karoo Gravel Cycling Tours

Experience South Africa’s legendary Garden Route on a scheduled gravel cycling tour with AWOL Tours, departing monthly from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth & Addo Elephant National Park.

Choose between two options: a 6-day or 12-day fully supported journey that combine the best of the Cape coast and Karoo. Ride through lush forests, over historic mountain passes, along breathtaking coastal scenery, and into Big Five game reserves — all while enjoying delicious food, local wines, and handpicked guesthouses. With small-group departures and the option of electric bikes, you can cycle as much or as little as you like while we take care of the details – the ultimate South African adventure by bike.

The 6-day Cape Town to Addo traces the dramatic Atlantic coastline, winds through the lush Knysna forests, and explores the wild Tsitsikamma coast before culminating in an unforgettable safari at Addo Elephant National Park. You’ll cycle historic routes like the Seven Passes, visit vibrant Plettenberg Bay, and relax each night in handpicked,comfortable lodges.

The return 6- day journey from Addo to Cape Town option extends into the rugged Little Karoo. You’ll conquer the legendary Swartberg Pass, explore the otherworldly Cango Caves, wind through the sandstone Seweweekspoort gorges, and end with a celebratory wine tasting in Bonnievale before returning to Cape Town.

For the ultimate journey, combine both itineraries on an 12-day epic cycling adventure that combines daily supported rides with rich cultural and natural experiences — from braais under the stars to optional Robberg hikes, vintage car sunset drives, and game drives where you might spot the Big Five. With distances tailored for capable cyclists and a full support crew handling luggage, mechanicals, and snacks, you can simply focus on the ride.

Itinerary Options

6 Days / 5 Nights: Cape Town → Addo (Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha – Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport)
6 Days / 6 Nights: Addo → Cape Town (includes complimentary pre-night in Addo)
12 Days / 11 Nights: Cape Town ↔ Addo return

Join a group of like-minded cyclists on one of our scheduled departure dates below, or let us tailor-make a privately guided Garden Route itinerary to match your travel style and preferences. Every tour is fully supported by a backup vehicle, giving you the flexibility to cycle as much or as little as you choose. Electric bikes are also available on request at an additional cost, making the journey accessible for riders of all fitness levels.

Tour Highlights

🚴 Cycle quiet backroads and scenic mountain passes with full vehicle support
🌊 Explore the world-famous Garden Route coastline, forests, and lagoons
🐘 Guided game drives in Addo Elephant National Park and Hartenbos Game Reserve
🍷 Taste local cuisine and enjoy authentic hospitality in 3- and 4-star accommodation
🌅 Optional activities: hiking, canoeing, safari drives, and more

Scheduled Departures

Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 4 participants (maximum 12)
Solo travelers welcome – we’ll match you to a group, with single supplement available
Depart the first Tuesday of every month as follows:
- Tuesday 4 Nov – Saturday 15 Nov 2025
- Tuesday 2 Dec – Saturday 13 Dec 2025
- Tuesday 6 Jan – Saturday 17 Jan 2026
- Tuesday 3 Feb – Saturday 14 Feb 2026
- Tuesday 3 Mar – Saturday 14 Mar 2026
- Tuesday 7 Apr – Saturday 18 Apr 2026
- Tuesday 5 May – Saturday 16 May 2026
- Tuesday 2 Jun – Saturday 13 Jun 2026
- Tuesday 7 Jul – Saturday 18 Jul 2026
- Tuesday 4 Aug – Saturday 15 Aug 2026
- Tuesday 1 Sep – Saturday 12 Sep 2026
- Tuesday 6 Oct – Saturday 17 Oct 2026

Tour Prices (Per Person, Fully Inclusive)

One way – 6 days (sharing): R48,000
One way – 6 days (single room): R56,000
Both ways – 12 days (sharing): R78,000
Both ways – 12 days (single room): R89,000

*Prices valid from 1st Nov 2024 to 31st Oct 2026

What’s Included

Professional cycling tour guide & support vehicle driver (guide doubles as driver for smaller groups)
Accommodation in handpicked 3- and 4-star lodges & guesthouses with breakfast
Airport transfers (Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha for one-way trips)
Quality mountain bikes & helmets with full mechanical support
Luggage transfers and backup vehicle assistance
Snacks & bottled water on cycling days
Entrance fees, permits, and guided game drives in Addo & Hartenbos
One special safari-style dinner (weather permitting)

Excluded

Flights (domestic & international)
Lunches, dinners, and drinks (except where specified)
Optional activities & personal expenses

Guests are also welcome to bring your own bike, pedals and/or seat that we will fit for you. Or we can provide you with a variety of bikes such as either hardtail, full suspension or electric bike: (Please specify which option you prefer)
• Giant Fathom Hardtail mountain bike is a versatile rental bike with a lightweight aluminum frame for agile handling across various terrains. Hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, and the 29-inch wheels. A dropper seatpost allows on-the-fly saddle adjustments, making it a dependable choice for riders of all skill levels.
• Giant Toughroad bridges the gap between mountain and road bikes. It will be very comfortable for touring with aluminum frame and carbon fork with Shimano M315 hydraulic disc brakes and Low Rise MTB handlebar with gear ratio at front 44/32/22 and rear cassette 11/36, Shimano shifters Acera 27 speed, tyres 700x45c
• Giant Talon e-bikes with 29er wheels, 10 speed rear derailleur, 180mm hydraulic disc brakes and SyncDrive Core motor, 50Nm, Powered by Yamaha. You can ride these pedal-assist electric bikes for an optional extra rate on request.

For a recent first-hand account of the experience, read our blog. To start planning your own adventure, enquire about our Garden Route itineraries.