Karoo

Arriving in George, we will head into the Outeniqua Mountain Range which forms the divide between the lush coastal belt and the semi-arid Klein Karoo. We will cross the seemingly impenetrable mountains via the Outeniqua Pass, which replaced the old Montagu Pass built in 1848 by Colonel Montagu. The landscape changes drastically as we drive north to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world and home to beautiful architecture that betrays its cultural influences. Finally we reach the oasis of Prince Albert, where we begin our journey on two wheels tomorrow. Enjoying local cuisine, stories of Boer wars and British occupancy, we will experience the first star filled sky of the week, from the comfort of one of the oldest local homesteads.

We will need a hearty breakfast before climbing the 150 year-old Swartberg Pass, the crowning achievement of prolific road engineer Sir Thomas Bain. The views over the Klein and Great Karoo are well worth the effort. We slowly snake our way down the pass and into a land of sheep farms that is also home to a huge variety of bird life, unique vegetation and even the odd buck. Tonight’s accommodation is in the Cango Valley north of Oudtshoorn, under the milky way.

Leaving our accommodation we will cycle south, descending gradually along a picturesque river valley with fields of tobacco, lucerne and deciduous fruit. We will visit resident crafts’ people before lunch in the bush, Slow Cyclist style. Our slightly shorter afternoon cycle takes us through the striking red hills that give the Klein Karoo its unique character and sees us end the day in the saddle in plenty of time for a late afternoon swim. Our overnight stay is beautifully situated and a place to slow down, absorb its tranquillity and take in the setting sun.

Today is a longer cycle that sees us meander through rolling hills as we make our way closer to the coast. Crossing dry river beds and seeking shade under Acacia trees, we will have plenty of time to take in the stillness of our surroundings, and the occasional baboon. Our lunch stop is the shady veranda of a delightful old school house, providing us with a perfect oasis to escape the midday heat. Back on the bike, we’ll roll on down into a tranquil, working farm. We’ll be staying in a beautiful homestead with wooden floors, sash windows and high ceilings, typical of the region’s Cape Dutch architecture.

Delving deeper into the history of this land, we will take a morning walk in search of the Koi Koi rock paintings, some 2,000 years old. Then it’s back on the bike to cover the last stretch of semi-arid desert before we enter the verdant Outeniqua Mountain Range. There are endless delights here, and challenges for those living within the range’s folds. We will meet local people living off-grid and hear their stories. Our overnight accommodation is nestled deep in a valley with abundant fresh mountain pools and pecan trees.

We continue this morning along a mountain pass, with views over the Knysna rainforest canopy. By mid-morning we’ll benefit from the shade of the forest as we follow a secret path down to the coast, rooted in time, where elephants roamed, forest trains toiled and where the echoes of a woodcutter’s axe can still be heard. We will have lunch in an 18th century property before descending into the deep, pristine and indigenous forest. The final descent takes us to our accommodation outside of bustling Knysna. Set on a 4 hectare farm, the private house is perched on a high outcrop surrounded by a nature reserve with breathtaking views of the Knysna River. 

Despite our proximity to the Garden Route, we will not feel like we’re anywhere near modernity. We cycle over the Red Bridge that takes us over the Knysna River. We continue the journey along the famous 7 Passes Road, the oldest direct road link between George and Knysna. Completed in the late 1800’s and still mostly untarred, it dips down into the many river crossings, giving us a magnificent feeling for what the settlers of that era experienced by horse cart and wagons. With incredible views of the Indian Ocean, we hug the foot of the Outeniqua Mountain Range, just on the other side of where we were on Day 5. For lunch we visit a project for children of the area. We will chat with the founders and experience what they have to offer and enjoy a hearty lunch. The afternoon cycle is 7 km downhill as we make our way down to the coast. We celebrate the completion of our journey with the most spectacular view of the South African coastal region. Depending on time, weather and mood, we visit one of the wildest and most beautiful beaches along the east coast.

It is easy to find wilderness even on the Garden Route. This morning we will invite you to join us for an hour-long walk on one of the wildest beaches on the east coast of South Africa. The sand is fine and white; the sea turquoise and warm.