Garden Route Tour
From
Garden Route Tour
Why you'll love this trip
Bespoke, experiential cycling touring at its best! Join us on this seven day, seven night all-inclusive tour from Gqeberha to Cape Town along South Africa’s majestic Garden Route.
The iconic Cape Town Cycle Tour awaits on day seven, so extend your tour experience with the Platinum Package, closing out a superb week of riding. With the very best support around you, on and off the bike, you’ll be treated to a world class cycling experience. Let’s make memories!
"Our tours are about shared experience, not competition. We ride together, supporting one another, keeping a steady pace and maintaining a solid rhythm - enjoying every stretch of road. It’s not about how fast you are, it’s about how much you enjoy the ride."
Why Ride With Us
Join the Ride
All inclusive
Enjoy a truly all-inclusive experience where every detail is taken care of. All you need to do is ride, relax, and take in the incredible scenery. We handle the rest.
Premium Accommodation
Every evening, premium accommodation will be provided in hotels, with a minimum of three-four star, depending on availability. Maximum two persons per room will be assigned for shared accommodation.
Fully supported & safe
Safety is one of our biggest concerns when we think cycling in South Africa, whether it be on tar or dirt roads.The amazing Think Bike Marshals will be on hand to assist with traffic control and rider safety along the route.
Water Points & Lunch On Route
We carefully plan out the water points and lunch stop for each stage. At roughly 40km apart, you will have rolling water points on every stage. Depending on the distance of the stage, lunch will either be enjoyed on route or at the finish venue for the stage.
Masseuse & Recovery
The long days out are a little easier with fresher legs. We will have a masseuse on hand for afternoon and evening massages, which helps immensely with recovery after consecutive days in the saddle.
Bike Wash & Transport
Your bike is taken care of for the tour, as much as you are. After each ride, your bike will be cleaned by the Drake Cycle Tours crew. If you need time off the bike, we'll safely and carefully transport your bike on our enclosed bike trailer.
Goodie bag
The amazing partners and sponsors have provided great samples, vouchers & useful products for a special goodie bag. We’re sure some of the goodie bag items will come in handy through the tour. Enjoy!
Airport Transfer to Hotel
The tour shuttle will collect you from the airport and take you to the hotel to get settled in for the start of the tour. Check-in at the hotel will only be from 14H00. One shuttle will collect everyone collectively at 15H00. Please plan your flights accordingly.
START 07 March, 2027
Kickoff to Adventure
Your journey begins with a warm welcome in Gqeberha, where you'll check in, meet the crew, and get settled into your accommodation.
Our airport shuttle will depart Gqeberha Airport at 15:00, transferring riders to The Paxton Hotel for check-in and some time to settle in.
We'll get together later that evening for our welcome dinner and tour briefing, where you'll meet the team, go through the week ahead and get to know your fellow riders before we set off the following morning.
Latest Suggested Flight Arrival: 14H00 in Gqeberha
Airport Transfer: 15:00 from Gqeberha Airport
Evening: Welcome dinner & tour briefing
Accommodation:
The Paxton Hotel
STAGE 1 08 March, 2027
Gqeberha - Kareedouw
After an awesome dinner and drinks on the opening night, you’ll depart after breakfast for Stage 1 of the Garden Route Tour.
The route takes us towards Kareedouw, with rolling hills, Van Stadens Pass and beautiful Eastern Cape countryside providing a great introduction to the days ahead.
Passing Jeffreys Bay, you’ll ride through Humansdorp, deviating off the coastal road as you climb your way to Kareedouw. It’s a good welcome stage to the tour with nothing too crazy – just enough to get your legs warmed up for the passes on Stage 2.
Distance: 127km | 79mi
Elevation: 1300m | 4265ft ascent
Accommodation:
Assegaaibosch Country Lodge
STAGE 2 09 March, 2027
Kareedouw – Wilderness
After a great welcome to the Garden Route on Stage 1, it’s time to experience the true beauty of what the Garden Route offers.
Stage 2 serves up three spectacular passes for an epic day on the bike. From Assegaaibosch Lodge, riders will be transferred over the Kareedouw Pass. Enjoy a coffee while bikes are offloaded, then it's onto the forest roads through Tsitsikamma. The Bloukrans Pass is a tough but special pass - you'll descend down in the Eastern Cape, then take the climb up out the valley in the Western Cape. After refuelling, it’s on to Grootrivier Pass in Nature’s Valley. Skirting Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, there’s one final climb for the legs before a rolling descent into Sedgefield.
Distance: 165km | 102mi
Elevation: 1660m | 5450ft ascent
Accommodation:
Fairy Knowe Hotel
STAGE 3 10 March, 2027
Wilderness – Calitzdorp
One of the big highlights of the tour – The Outeniqua Pass! But first, we'll take on the beautiful Seven Passes Road from Wilderness to George.
The Outeniqua Pass is spectacular – a long but steady pass that words cannot do justice. From the Outeniqua Pass, the profile is fairly easy on the way to Calitzdorp. Use this time on the bike to recover slightly from Seven Passes and the Outeniqua Pass.
You have an awesome lunch "under the vines" waiting for you in Calitzdorp. Time to relax, unwind and enjoy the special Port Wine that this region is famous for.
Distance: 147km | 91mi
Elevation: 1830m | 6005ft ascent
Accommodation:
Queen of Calitzdorp
Port Wine Guesthouse
STAGE 4 11 March, 2027
Calitzdorp - Swellendam
The Queen Stage… and oh! does it start with a bang. This is what we came for!
Huisrivier Pass 1 will wake the legs up with the climb out of Calitzdorp. After a short descent the big pass of the day begins – Huisrivier Pass 2. After summiting Huisrivier Pass, the day will remain up and down with truly spectacular scenery. After lunch in Barrydale, the Tradouw Pass will show off, as you descend your way to Swellendam.
Distance: 160km | 100mi
Elevation: 1950m | 6400ft ascent
Accommodation:
Aan de Oever
STAGE 5 12 March, 2027
Swellendam – Wellington
After breakfast at Aan de Eike in Swellendam, we'll transfer riders to Montagu, where we'll begin our ride through the beautiful Cape Winelands towards Wellington.
From Montagu, we make our way through Ashton and into the Robertson Wine Valley, a region known for its vineyards, charming towns and spectacular mountain scenery. The route takes us through open countryside, with rolling hills and beautiful views of the surrounding valleys.
Worcester will be our lunch stop before we head towards one of the real highlights of the day, the magnificent Bain's Kloof Pass. The climb is just under 10km at a steady average gradient of around 3.5%, winding its way through rugged mountains with incredible views along the way. It's one of those roads where you'll want to take your time and appreciate the surroundings.
From the summit, we enjoy the descent into Wellington, where we'll settle in for the afternoon at Diemersfontein Wine & Country Estate, surrounded by the vineyards and relaxed atmosphere of the Cape Winelands.
Distance: 128km | 79mi
Elevation: 970m | 3180ft ascent
Accommodation:
Diemersfontein Wine & Country Estate
STAGE 6 13 March, 2027
Wellington – Cape Town
A smooth and elegant Merlot, this 96 km stage flows effortlessly, balancing a quick pace with the depth of the landscape.
From Wellington and slightly more sleep from the previous nights' wine enjoyment, riders head out for a shorter 96km spin to Cape Town. The profile is still fairly lumpy until the coast line in Melbosstrand, followed by a pan flat 30km ride into the one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Finishing across from Cape Town Stadium, riders will refresh at Antrim House, the hotel for the evening for those staying an extra day.
For our Gold and Bronze riders, Cape Town marks the end of their Garden Route Tour. Those joining us on the Platinum and Silver packages will spend another night in Cape Town before taking on the Cape Town Cycle Tour the following morning.
Distance: 96km | 60mi
Elevation: 820m | 2690ft ascent
Departures: Gold & Bronze package
Accommodation:
Antrim Collection
STAGE 7 14 March, 2027
Cape Town Cycle Tour
There’s not much in words that can give justice to the Hoopla experience that 20 000 riders take on every year.
Having booked at Antrim House & Villa, we have a great location within Cape Town. Logistically this brings ease of cycling to the start and back from the finish. The final stage of 108km or 67mi of the Cape Town Cycle Tour is exhilarating but also the last kilometres/miles of the tour from Gqeberha to Cape Town. Race or take it easy and enjoy all the day has to offer. We’ll be waiting for you at the finish to celebrate another successful day out. After a quick shower at Antrim House, it's bitter sweet as we say farewell from an epic experience.
Distance: 108km | 67mi
Elevation: 1200m | 3950ft ascent
Late Check Out: 13H00
Airport Transfer Departing Hotel at 14H00
All-Inclusive Package
All expenses paid including;
Our all-inclusive package is designed to make your Garden Route Tour completely hassle-free.
From accommodation and meals to transfers and on-route support, everything is taken care of so you can focus on enjoying the ride and the beautiful surroundings.
◎ Premium Accommodation
◎ All Meals & Beverages (ex alcohol)
◎ Think Bike Marshals
◎ Massage Therapist
◎ Private Shuttle
◎ Support Vehicle
◎ Bicycle Transfer from JHB to PE
◎ Bicycle Transfer from CPT to JHB
◎ Exciting Goodie Bag
◎ Nutrition & Fully Stocked Water Points
*Private Rooms: You may request your own private room for the duration of the tour. Upgrade your package for single supplement.
*Substitutions: Price adjustments will not be made for substitutions, changes or exclusions. This is an all inclusive package to be provided for, per person, as advertised.
Bike Rental
Take the stress off of flying with your bike. Check out the various options below of bikes available for hire.
The bike will come with the following:
- Pedals of your choice, unless you prefer to use your own.
- Bottle cages.
- Saddlebag containing a repair kit.
- Adjusting seat height, handlebar reach, and saddle angle to your preference.
- Helmet.
- Water bottles available on request.
Price: Price on request - subject to requested bike specs, ie. aluminium/carbon, mechanical/electronic shifting.
From snacks to sips, we’ve got you covered
FOOD & BEVERAGES
We take care of all your meals and refreshments throughout your booked Garden Route Tour.
Your package includes dinner on arrival day, followed by breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout your touring days, and breakfast and lunch on your departure day.
Lunch is arranged along the route at our planned stops, giving everyone a chance to enjoy a proper break before continuing the ride. You won't need to arrange or pay for your own standard touring meals.
All non-alcoholic beverages are included, along with refreshments and riding nutrition at our fully stocked water points. Alcoholic beverages and personal purchases are for your own account.
Whether you're joining us for the full tour or one of our shorter packages, the same meal and refreshment arrangements apply to your booked dates.
Fuel Up & Refresh at Every Stop
Fully Stocked Water Points
Each water point on the tour will be fully stocked with 32GI, water, Coke, bananas, Crunchies, and sweets to keep you energized and refreshed. To ensure variety and keep things interesting, we’ll rotate some of the offerings at different water points, so you won’t be eating the same thing all day.
In addition to the standard snacks, you may find occasional surprises at select water points, including coffee and baked goods, designed to cater to your needs and preferences.
Your final itinerary will include detailed information on water point locations and lunch distance markers for each day, helping you plan your stops and stay hydrated throughout your journey.
What You Need to Know
General Info
Airport Transfer to Hotel: Airport transfers are included as part of your booked tour arrangements. For guests joining us in Gqeberha, our scheduled airport shuttle departs at 15:00 on 7 March 2027. We recommend planning your arrival accordingly so you have time to check in, settle into your accommodation and join the welcome dinner and tour briefing. Guests joining the shorter Silver and Bronze packages in Wilderness will receive their joining and transfer arrangements separately. Cape Town departure transfers will be coordinated according to the booked package and final departure schedule.
Registration: Registration with the tour organisers will happen as you arrive at the hotel and check in to your room.
Goodie Bag: The amazing partners and sponsors have provided great samples, vouchers & useful products for a special goodie bag. We’re sure some of the goodie bag items will come in handy through the tour. Enjoy!
Daily Itinerary: An itinerary will be sent out closer to the tour date, which will have detailed daily check-in times, stage timings, hotel information and anything you need to know about the day-to-day happenings on tour.
Small/Day Bags: Your small bag will be packed daily into the following support shuttle. This will be packed in an accessible area for you to make use of at any of the water points or lunch stop. The small bag can be packed with any spares, nutrition, chargers, etc. that you may need throughout the day.
Large Bags / Luggage: All your large bags / luggage needed for the trip will be packed into the bicycle trailer, available when you arrive at the finish destination daily. Ideally you do not want to pack anything in your luggage that will be needed during the days stage.
One group, one ride.
Rider Guidelines
Group Dynamics:
- This is not a race!
- Ride together, steady pace, not racing nor crawling.
- Ride the advertised speed, don't break the group.
- Stay together daily for safety and shared tour ethos.
- Stronger riders help weaker riders, especially on climbs.
- Stronger riders lead; weaker riders ride middle for support.
- Group leader controls pace; respect instructions and rhythm.
- Weather may change pace; average speed is only a guideline.
- Group stops collectively at all water points and lunch.
- If one punctures, the entire group stops.
- Expect 3–4 water stops and one lunch stop, all mandatory.
- Mandatory stops | 10min - water points, 30min - lunch
- Shuttle follows; rest or skip a day if needed.
CYCLING PACKAGES
Discover Your Ideal Route
Starting in Gqeberha, choose your package to end on arrival in Cape Town, or to extend to the Cape Town Cycle Tour. If you want a shorter tour experience, fly into George and opt for the 4-stage or 5-stage option.
7 - STAGE
Platinumᐩ Package
R 39500
2450
07-14 March, 2027
Single Supplement
📍Port Elizabeth
🏁 CPT Cycle Tour
Single Supplement
📍Port Elizabeth
🏁 CPT Cycle Tour
- → 932 km | 579mi
- ↑ 9710m | 31860ft
- Fully Catered Meals
- Airport Transfer
- Masseuse & Recovery
- Bike Wash & Transport
- Goodie Bag
- Think Bike Marshals
- Rolling Water Points
7 - STAGE
Platinum Package
R 36000
2250
07-14 March, 2027
Twin - Sharing
📍Port Elizabeth
🏁 CPT Cycle Tour
Twin - Sharing
📍Port Elizabeth
🏁 CPT Cycle Tour
- Fully Catered Meals
- Airport Transfer
- Masseuse & Recovery
- Bike Wash & Transport
- Goodie Bag
- Think Bike Marshals
- Rolling Water Points
- → 932km | 579mi
- ↑ 9710m | 31860ft
6 - STAGE
Goldᐩ Package
R 34000
2150
07-13 March, 2027
Single Supplement
📍Port Elizabeth
🏁 Cape Town
Single Supplement
📍Port Elizabeth
🏁 Cape Town
- → 889km | 556mi
- ↑ 9390m | 30810ft
- Fully Catered Meals
- Airport Transfer
- Masseuse & Recovery
- Bike Wash & Transport
- Goodie Bag
- Think Bike Marshals
- Rolling Water Points
6 - STAGE
Gold Package
R 31000
1950
07-13 March, 2027
Twin - Sharing
📍Port Elizabeth
🏁 Cape Town
Twin - Sharing
📍Port Elizabeth
🏁 Cape Town
- Fully Catered Meals
- → 889km | 556mi
- ↑ 9390m | 30810ft
- Airport Transfer
- Masseuse & Recovery
- Bike Wash & Transport
- Goodie Bag
- Think Bike Marshals
- Rolling Water Points
5 - STAGE
Silverᐩ Package
R 28250
1765
09-14 March, 2027
Single Supplement
📍Wilderness
🏁 CPT Cycle Tour
Single Supplement
📍Wilderness
🏁 CPT Cycle Tour
- → 660km | 413mi
- ↑ 7250m | 23790ft
- Fully Catered Meals
- Airport Transfer
- Masseuse & Recovery
- Bike Wash & Transport
- Goodie Bag
- Think Bike Marshals
- Rolling Water Points
5 - STAGE
Silver Package
R 25750
1600
09-14 March, 2027
Twin - Sharing
📍Wilderness
🏁 CPT Cycle Tour
Twin - Sharing
📍Wilderness
🏁 CPT Cycle Tour
- Bike Wash & Transport
- Fully Catered Meals
- Airport Transfer
- Goodie Bag
- Masseuse & Recovery
- → 660km | 413mi
- ↑ 7250m | 23790ft
- Think Bike Marshals
- Rolling Water Points
4 - STAGE
Bronzeᐩ Package
R 22000
1375
09-13 March, 2027
Single Supplement
📍Wilderness
🏁 Cape Town
Single Supplement
📍Wilderness
🏁 Cape Town
- → 530km | 331mi
- ↑ 5430m | 17810ft
- Fully Catered Meals
- Airport Transfer
- Masseuse & Recovery
- Bike Wash & Transport
- Goodie Bag
- Think Bike Marshals
- Rolling Water Points
4 - STAGE
Bronze Package
R 20000
1250
09-13 March, 2027
Twin - Sharing
📍Wilderness
🏁 Cape Town
Twin - Sharing
📍Wilderness
🏁 Cape Town
- Fully Catered Meals
- → 530km | 331mi
- Bike Wash & Transport
- ↑ 5430m | 17810ft
- Goodie Bag
- Masseuse & Recovery
- Airport Transfer
- Think Bike Marshals
- Rolling Water Points
PAYMENT PLAN: Pay a non-refundable deposit of R3000 or €300 and pay the balance over the coming months, divided by the number of months remaining until January 2027. The final instalment is to be paid by 31 January, 2027.
Price adjustments will not be made for substitutions, changes or exclusions. This is an all inclusive package to be provided for, per person, as advertised.
What's Included in Your Tour:
- Premium Accommodation
- All Meals & Beverages (ex alcohol)
- Think Bike Marshals
- Massage Therapist
- Shuttle (During Tour)
- Support Vehicle
- Bicycle Transfer from Johannesburg to Qheberha
- Bicycle Transfer from Cape Town to Johannesburg
- Nutrition & Fully Stocked Water Points
- Exciting Goodie Bag
You may request your own private room for the duration of the tour. Upgrade your package for single supplement.
We cover almost everything but the following must be arranged/ordered separately:
- Cape Town Cycle Tour Entry
- Travel Insurance
- Medical Aid
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Bike Rental
- Flights
- Additional excursions and activities
Should you need assistance with any of the above, let us know so we can update your package.
All cyclists wanting to enter the tour are required to have Medical Insurance with at least a hospital plan in place.
By entering the Garden Route Tour, entrants acknowledge that they are required to have valid medical insurance that covers them for the duration of the event. It is the sole responsibility of each entrant to ensure that they have adequate medical insurance coverage, and the organizers of the Garden Route Tour will not be held liable for any medical expenses incurred by entrants during the event.
Entrants who do not have valid medical insurance will not be permitted to participate in the event.
By entering the Garden Route Tour, entrants acknowledge that they are required to have valid medical insurance that covers them for the duration of the event. It is the sole responsibility of each entrant to ensure that they have adequate medical insurance coverage, and the organizers of the Garden Route Tour will not be held liable for any medical expenses incurred by entrants during the event.
Entrants who do not have valid medical insurance will not be permitted to participate in the event.
Kit for Every RIDE
Unique Tour Apparel
Garden Route Tour Jersey
R1750
Coral
DCT25 Road Jersey
R1750
Blue / White *Limited Stock
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DCT25 Gravel Jersey
R1750
Blue / Navy *Limited Stock
Frequently Asked Questions
A luxury multi-stage, all inclusive cycling tour from Gqeberha to Cape Town, covering up to 1000 km and 10 570 m elevation.
All packages are all-inclusive: premium accommodation, all meals (excluding alcohol), refreshments, a massage therapist, shuttles (during tour), support vehicle, bicycle transport, nutrition and fully stocked water points, and an exciting goodie bag.
No, no mechanic will travel on tour. Basic bike spares are available on consignment to fix basic mechanical issues. Should your bike have a more serious issue, we will call ahead to the next town to arrange the local bike shop to assist.
Yes! Take the stress off of flying with your bike. Request a bike rental - let us know what bike you currently ride and we'll cost you on a rental according to frame type, size, shifters, etc.
Yes! Round-trip bicycle transport from Johannesburg to Gqeberha and Cape Town to Johannesburg is included for Gauteng residents. A bike trailer is also provided during the tour from Gqeberha to Cape Town.
Yes, a bike wash is available after each stage, included in your package!
This tour is not a race so no license is required.
A goodie bag with a special gift and samples/vouchers from the tour sponsors, as well as any ordered event apparel.
Yes, all riders require valid medical insurance with hospital coverage for the duration. No insurance, no entry.
Let's Give Back
Riding with Purpose
Drake Events proudly supports Pug Rescue South Africa, a nonprofit that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes over 210 Pugs each year. Their Benoni sanctuary provides lifelong care to unadopted and elderly Pugs, with a strong focus on matching the right dog to the right home.
Through the Thanda Inja Project, they also offer free basic vet care and food to over 450 dogs and 80 cats in under-resourced communities every two weeks.
Join us in making a difference.
As part of our commitment to giving back, Drake Events donates
R200 / €10 / $10 from every tour entry to support this life-changing work.
Our Valued Partners
Backed by Excellence
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Experience South Africa by Bike
Book Your Journey
Experience South Africa by Bike
Quick links
Contact
Wesley Drake
+27(72) 076 9245
wesley@drakecycletours.com
Xanné Drake
+27(82) 370 8614
xanne@drakecycletours.com
© Copyright 2025 Drake Cycle Tours | All Rights Reserved
In collaboration with Perfect Circle and SimonSAYS
© Copyright 2025 Drake Cycle Tours | All Rights Reserved | In collaboration with Perfect Circle and SimonSAYS
