9 Day Garden Route Tour

A Nine Day Guided Tour of The Garden Route

A guided tour through the Garden Route, Route 62, Overberg, Cape Peninsula, Winelands and Little Karoo…

AT A GLANCE

In just 9 days (8 Nights Accommodation and 8 Days Riding), experience the wild coastal shores, scenic mountain passes between twisting country roads, and rolling vineyards along precipitous gorges through the historic heart of the Cape Peninsula and Southwestern Cape.

This Tour highlights the rustic Route 62, the heavily forested Garden Route, Cape Peninsula, the breadbasket of South Africa, the Overberg, Winelands and panoramic Coastal Peaks.

Duration
8 Days and 8 Nights
Weather
Spring / Summer
Temperature
25 C – 35 C
Distance
1280 km / 918 miles
Support Vehicle
Support Vehicle, Driver/Sweeper, Luggage Transport / Assist

TOUR PRICE & DATES

Prices & Dates of this Tour

Prices To Be Confirmed Soon…

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Dates To Be Confirmed Soon…

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PRE-TRIP

Welcome to the Mother City, Cape Town!

Welcome to the Mother City, Cape Town! You will be greeted by the friendly designated shuttle service assigned by GS Africa where your driver will have an easily marked welcome sign displaying the name of your tour group.

The Portswood Hotel’s Shuttle Service will meet you at Cape Town International Airport and transport you to your hotel (about half an hour’s drive). Your hotel is walking distance (one block)! from V & A Waterfront with “millions “of restaurants, shops and activities. Collect your motorcycle and enjoy the rest of the day riding around Cape Town, familiarizing yourself with your motorcycle.

NB! This is the ideal time if you have forgotten any equipment or riding apparel to inform your Tour Guide in order to liaise with GS Africa and arrange rental apparel as needed.

Conveniently store your excess luggage at the hotel until your safe return to Cape Town post tour.
With a lobby built around an 18th century prison, this modern hotel is 1 block from the V&A Waterfront. It’s a 7-minute walk from Two Oceans Aquarium and a 10-minute walk from Cape Town.

OUR ITINERARY

Daily Distances and Destinations

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8 DAY 9

DAY 1

Your 4 Star Graded Portswood prestige hotel establishment at the highest point of the V & A Waterfront within easy walking distance one block) from all restaurants and eateries, shops etc. with breathtaking views of Table Mountain, Lions Head and Devils Peak, the Cape Town Harbour as well as the infamous Robben Island.

At the V & A Waterfront there are more than 80 restaurants, bringing a fusion of international food, from rustic al fresco fish and chips to starched tablecloth cuisine– there is just so much to do, so much to discover.

This hotel is seen as a piece of Cape Town’s history. The restaurant and lobby are built around the original well and holding cells for prisoners en-route to Robben Island 300 years ago. It is famous for its unique, personal approach to service – catering to the international traveller’s every need and anticipating their every desire. Rich in South Africa’s unique culture, a must for any traveller looking for a historical experience within luxury accommodation.

The hotel offers free wi-Fi and an outdoor swimming pool with terrace. Guests can benefit from the 24-hour room service. In keeping with its location right next to the V&A Waterfront, the hotel has a naval theme with pictures and memorabilia throughout the hotel. The décor is elegant, without being pretentious, and the staff friendly and efficient. The rooms are comfortable and stocked with the facilities and amenities you would expect from a good international hotel, including television, minibar, air-conditoning and safe.

DAY 2

CAPE TOWN > PAARL > RAWSONVILE > WORCESTER > NUY > GRAHAM BECK ESTATE (OPTIONAL) > ROBERTSON > ASHTON > MONTAGU

Montagu is nestled between the beautiful Langeberg Mountains on Route 62, about two hour’s drive from Cape Town and conveniently located halfway between the Cape Winelands and the Garden Route.

With 32 individually decorated en-suite rooms and suites, 2 swimming pools, an inhouse a la carte restaurant, a fully equipped Wellness Centre, beautiful gardens and attentive staff, this Art Deco Hotel is your ideal country break away destination.

It is centrally located in town and within walking distance of many of the activities and facilities that make Montagu one of the top destinations in the Western Cape.

Set off Route 62, this upscale hotel in a landmark 19th-century, whitewashed building with an annexe is 3 minutes’ walk from the Montagu Museum and 2 km from the Montagu Mountain Reserve. The airy, refined rooms come with fresh flowers and ceiling fans (no air-conditioning), plus free wine and fruit.

Rooms in the annexe add lounge areas, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Suites have CD players and patios; an upgraded suite features a private garden and pool. Complimentary amenities include parking and breakfast. There’s also a posh restaurant, lawn games and an outdoor pool.

Total kilometers: 185 kms / 115 miles

DAY 3

MONTAGU > BARRYDALE > LADISMITH > RONNIES “SEX SHOP” > (GIOVANNI’S ITALIAN KITCHEN) CALITZDORP > OUDTSHOORN

Today you will be traveling through the famous ROUTE 62, he most beautiful wine producing areas in South Africa and experience wine in the area surrounded by unparalleled beauty and majestic mountains.

With the Klein Karoo as their home this is a great place to stay for visitors who want to explore the beauty of the area. From the majestic Swartberg Mountains to Ostrich Show Farms, elephant and lion feeding and Bush- and Meerkat Safaris.

Visit the Swartberg Pass – a UNESCO World heritage site, go wine tasting, craft beer and gin tasting, You will pass through the picturesque little town Barrydale en-route to “the home of the ostrich” Oudtshoorn (the capital of the Klein Karoo), via Ladysmith and Calitzdorp.

Ronnies Sex Shop is a must pit stop when travelling the Karoo on Route 62. A bar unique with so much character. Buy a T-shirt and take a pic or six. Locals like to tell the story of Ronnie’s Shop, which Ronnie was fixing up to be a farm stand.

During construction Ronnie’s friends played a prank on him by painting the word “sex” on his sign. Instead of a farm stand, he left the sign as it was and opened this pub.

A perfect place to stop for refreshments before arriving in Oudtshoorn is Giovanni’s Italian Country Kitchen an Italian Kitchen/Restaurant and winery in Calitzdorp. In Oudtshoorn, visit the Ostrich Farm, experience on-going activities such as flock movement, feeding, breeding and plucking as they occur. Or the Cango Wildlife Ranch and stroke a cheetah or what about crocodile cage diving?

Total kilometers: 237 kms / 147 miles

DAY 4

OUDTSHOORN > OUTENIQUA PASS > GEORGE > SEDGEFIELD > KNYSNA

This area is a hive of activities. Take a cruise across the lagoon on the famous John Benn or River Cat ferries.

These scenic cruises depart from the Waterfront or in front of Cruise Café restaurant and take passengers across the estuary to the famous Heads.

Spend Day 4 and 5 in this amazing region, there is so much to do.

Activities to choose from – Ziplining/Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour, see the Big Tree, Loerie, Otter and Waterfall Trail, Scuba Dive Storms River, Storms River Cycle Trail, Do the World Highest bridge Bungy Jump at Bloukrans Bridge!

Knysna has two beautiful beaches which this year received Blue Flag status. These beaches have clean white sand and pristine dunes. The one beach is in a SANParks Reserve, and there are lifeguards on duty during season so you can swim there.

At low tide you can even cycle along the shore between the two beaches. The beach is popular with surfers and has a casual family-friendly restaurant.

Total kilometers: 119 kms / 74 miles

DAY 5

REST DAY > KNYSNA

Day 5 is rest day and we spend more time in this amazing region, there is so much to do.

Knysna’s many animal sanctuaries are well worth a visit. Possibly the most exciting and well known of these is the Elephant Park, which offers the opportunity to feed and get close up to these majestic animals, which once roamed free in the Knysna forests.

The National Road runs through the dramatic Garden Route (between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth) – edged by the indigenous forest and Tsitsikamma Mountains on one side and coastal cliffs with seaside inlets on the other. The Big Tree is close to the charming village of Storms River where one can stay nestled in the forest, book a zip-lining excursion, blackwater tubing or Segway adventure tour and also close to the magnificent Storms River Mouth – a jewel of the Tsitsikamma National Park that offers excellent hiking opportunities, snorkelling, swimming, scuba diving and kayaking into the ancient Storms River Gorge.

Total kilometers: Rest Day

DAY 6

KNYSNA > GEORGE > MOSSEL BAY > ALBERTINIA > HEIDELBERG > SWELLENDAM > ARNISTON

The peaceful and safe coastal village of Arniston is a leisurely 2-hour drive from Cape Town, through the colourful rolling hills of the Overberg. Surrounded by a turquoise-blue sea and endless white, sandy beaches.

Arniston was initially only a fishing village which is now characterized by its lime-washed and thatched houses which you can visit. The entire area remains unspoiled and has been declared a national monument. A superior stay in Paradise! This pretty fishing village is popular with artists and photographers because of its views of whitewashed cottages, dramatic rocks and flat stretches of beach. At low tide, take the 1.5 km walk along the beach to the massive limestone cave. Part of the walk is through some tidal pools, so take some shoes that’ll protect you from barnacles!

Total kilometers: 380 kms / 236 miles

DAY 7

ARNISTON > CAPE AGULHAS > BAARDSKEERDERSBOS > GANSBAAI > HERMANUS

Hermanus is a seaside town southeast of Cape Town, in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. It’s known as a whale-watching destination. Beaches include Voëlklip Beach and the broad Grotto Beach, overlooking Walker Bay.

The Old Harbour Museum is a site encompassing the old harbour, a fisherman’s village and the Whale House Museum. The latter has informative displays and a suspended skeleton of a whale.

On the way to Hermanus, do visit Cape Agulhas, the southern-most tip of Africa where the Atlantic and Indian ocean meet. It is only 45 minutes from Arniston and definitely worth a visit. Built in 1848, the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse was only the second one to be built in South Africa.

Today the lighthouse is a national monument, housing the unique lighthouse museum and small cozy restaurant. The coastline here is a graveyard of shipwrecks.

Total kilometers: 186 kms / 115 miles

DAY 8

HERMANUS > CAPE TOWN

Prepare for an unforgettable journey that will leave a lasting impression.

Embark on the renowned Peninsula and Chapmans Peak scenic coastal drive, starting with a picturesque route via Betty’s Bay before reaching the historic Naval town of Simonstown.

As you continue your drive, you’ll reach the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Point, followed by a drive through the coastal village of Kommetjie. The finale of your adventure includes traversing the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak Drive, after a lunch stop at the famous Hout Bay Harbour.

Finally head on back to the Portswood Hotel where you began your journey.

Total kilometers: 237 kms / 147 miles

DAY 9

CAPE TOWN

Your Final Day in CT, the Hotel’s Shuttle Service will transport to CT International Airport.

INCLUDED IN THE TOUR

Items included in the Tour

Airport Transfers from when you land at the Cape Town International Airport to when you leave Cape Town after the tour
Motorcycle of your choice with unlimited mileage
Comprehensive Motorcycle Insurance Cover on the motorcycle
Pre-departure material and route maps
7 x Breakfasts included
Accommodation for 8 nights at reputable accommodation establishments

Complimentary goodie bag for each tour participant
Support Vehicle with Driver/Sweeper, for luggage transport and assist
Services of Qualified experience local Tour Guide on a bike
BMW On-Call Roadside Assistance
Specially fitted Karoo 3 tyres applicable for the riding terrain
An opportunity to have fun!

TOUR DETAILS

Motorcycle options and terrain grading

MOTORCYCLE OPTIONS

Our motorcycles are the latest spec, low mileage, full-house models in pristine condition, as they are no older than two years, are fully serviced and maintained at official BMW Motorrad SA dealerships throughout Southern Africa, according to the manufacturer service schedule carried out by Germany factory certified technicians utilising the latest BMW approved diagnostics equipment.

We are the only company in Southern Africa that chooses not to have an in-house workshop as we believe our relying exclusively on BMW Motorrad’s expertise and knowledge to keep our bikes in perfect condition and fully maintained gives our clients better security. We have the full BMW GS range in stock. Ranging from a light manoeuvrable BMW G 310 GS to a super comfortable BMW R 1250 GS Adventure.

All the bikes are fitted with engine crashbar protection, handguard protection, headlight lamp covers and bashplate. All bikes have the upgraded 6.5 Inch TFT Screen display, keyless ride, centre stand, heated handgrips, tyre pressure monitors and you can upgrade to a quick shift gear selector assistant on your BMW F 850 GS and BMW R 1250 GS.

TERRAIN GRADING

90% of the route is asphalt/tarred with a mix of mostly secondary country roads and 10% of the route being gravelled secondary/farm roads.

DISTANCE

The trip is a total of 1478 kms of planned routing, however, on certain days there will be an opportunity for those wanting a few more hours in the saddle to do a nearby circular route. On average we do about 250kms per day. The longest day is about 384kms on Day 5 (after a rest day) and the shortest of 163kms on Day 7.

This tour is based on seeing as much as possible by bike but also allowing time to explore the popular sights along the route that will be of interest to the group to experience on foot.

WEATHER

South Africa boasts some of the best warm sunny weather all year round, although we do have winter for around 3 – 4 months of the year, we enjoy sunshine 90% of the time. This makes South Africa and the Western Cape Province one of the best locations for Motorcycle tours and travel.

The Cape region has a mild Mediterranean climate, while the rest of the country has more sub-tropical climates. During this tour, it is not the rainy season, so expect sunny days that reach about 25 – 28 degrees during the day and about 18 degrees at night. It is advisable to wear sunblock throughout the day to combat the African fiery sun and for those who feel the chill easily, bring a light jersey/jacket for at night.

MAKE AN ENQUIRY

WHY GSAFRICA

Why book the Garden Route 62 Tour through GS AFRICA?

RIDE THE LATEST BIKE MODELS

RIDE THE BEST ROADS IN SOUTH AFRICA

DON’T MISS OUT ON SEEING THE “LITTLE GEMS” OF SA

GRAB THE THROTTLE, BOOK WITH US AND LET THE BEAUTY OF SOUTH AFRICA WOW YOU!

ABOUT US

GS Africa is a professional Motorcycle Rental & Safari Touring Company located in Cape Town, with a presence in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Knysna.

We specialise in the rental of BMW, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Honda, KTM & Royal Enfield motorcycles in South Africa.

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Monday – Friday
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Saturday
09:00am – 11:00am
Sunday
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