South Africa: Coast to Karoo

07.11 – 22.11.2026

From the rugged west coast up into the vastness of the Karoo mountains

From the Atlantic Ocean to the vast semi-desert of the Karoo, this tour takes you through some of the most fascinating landscapes in southern Africa. We start in Cape Town and follow the wild west coast, passing small fishing villages and lonely coastal plains, before the route takes us inland – through fertile valleys, over passes and into the Cederberg Mountains.

 

Vast plains, wild rocky landscapes, endless horizons, and warm South African hospitality make this trip a very special experience. At Aquila Game Lodge, we experience the wilderness up close – a place where the Big Five are at home and the starry sky seems close enough to touch.

 

Finally, the route takes us through the wine regions of Paarl, Franschhoek, and Stellenbosch, where enjoyment and joie de vivre provide the perfect ending. This trip combines everything that makes South Africa so unique – from coast to mountains, from adventure to enjoyment.

Trip Overview

16 / 14

Days / Nights

Approx. 900

Kilometers

Approx. 7’500

meters of elevation gain

2

fitness groups

Gallery

Stageplan

Day 1

Saturday, November 7, 2026

Travel from Zurich to Cape Town

We will all meet at Zurich Airport and start our journey to South Africa with a 12-hour night flight to Cape Town.

Day 2

Sunday, November 8, 2026

Arrival in Cape Town, bike setup, and acclimatization

After landing in Cape Town and transferring to the hotel, we will check into our rooms and enjoy our first impressions of this fascinating city at the Cape of Good Hope. Cape Town is nestled between the ocean and Table Mountain – a place where nature, culture, and joie de vivre come together. Once all the bikes have been adjusted, we will meet later for dinner, get to know the guides, and receive exciting information about the upcoming tour. The anticipation for the “Coast to Karoo” adventure begins.

Day 3

Monday, November 9, 2026

City tour of Cape Town

Today we have plenty of time to explore the city. We will take a city tour together and browse through beautiful shops selling African wood carvings and souvenirs. Over dinner, we will share our experiences of the day. Tomorrow we finally get started!

Day 4

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Cape Town – Langebaan (96 Km / 440 Hm)

We leave Cape Town early. The sun is just above the horizon and Table Mountain rises in the background. The city slowly awakens as we drive north through the suburbs. As soon as we reach the R27, it becomes quieter. The road is well constructed, with a shoulder wide enough for relaxed driving. The Atlantic Ocean appears repeatedly on the left, while the dry bush landscape stretches out on the right – typical of the west coast. With a tailwind, we quickly find a steady pace. The landscape appears barren but impressive. Every now and then we spot ostriches or antelopes behind the fences. As the sun rises, it quickly gets warmer – water and sunscreen are essential. After about 96 kilometers, we reach Langebaan. Ahead of us lies the turquoise lagoon, over which kitesurfers glide elegantly. We let the bikes roll to a stop, grab a hot or cold coffee on the beach, and enjoy the moment. The first stage is complete!

Day 5

Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Langebaan – Lamberts Bay (116 Km / 620 Hm)

The tour begins in the morning with a short transfer to Velddrif along the open coastal landscape. The Atlantic Ocean stretches out to the left. After St. Helena Bay, it becomes noticeably quieter and the surroundings change to expansive fields. There is little traffic and the roads are easy to ride on. Later, we pass Elands Bay. The sun is high in the sky and there is hardly any shade. After around 116 kilometers, we reach Lamberts Bay, a small town right by the sea, famous for its bird island and fresh fish. We ride to the harbor, take a break with a view of the waves, and bring this varied stage to a close together.

Day 6

Thursday, November 12, 2026

Lamberts Bay – Clanwilliam (80 Km / 720 Hm)

The air is fresh, and the sea is still roaring behind us as we turn inland. The road takes us through open, dry countryside. Soon we leave the coast behind us. The vegetation becomes sparser and the sun is high in the sky. The route is slightly hilly but easy to ride. The closer we get to Clanwilliam, the greener it becomes. The Cederberg Mountains appear on the horizon and suddenly the landscape changes: citrus plantations, reservoirs, and more shade. The last few kilometers are slightly uphill, but the view of the valley is beautiful. When we arrive in Clanwilliam, we find a place with historical flair – perfect for a break in the shade and a cool drink.

Day 7

Friday, November 13, 2026

Clanwilliam – Citrusdal (45 Km / 450 Hm)

The stage first takes us through the Olifants River valley. Again and again, the view opens up to the Cederberg Mountains towering in the distance – an impressive backdrop. We ride along the Olifants River and slowly approach Citrusdal. The last few kilometers lead through fertile farmland that lives up to its name: orange and lemon groves line the way. Once we arrive in Citrusdal, a small town with beautiful accommodations awaits us.

Day 8

Saturday, November 14, 2026

Citrusdal –Tulbagh (110 Km / 950 Hm)

Today we start along the Olifants River before slowly gaining altitude. The landscape changes – it becomes drier, rockier, and the Cederberg Mountains move closer. We ride through wide valleys, past farms and settlements. The vegetation changes between scrubland and scattered trees – depending on the season, there are also wildflowers. In the evening, we enjoy a delicious dinner at our hotel.

Day 9

Sunday, November 15, 2026

Tulbagh – Aquila (100 Km / 1,450 Hm)

We drive through the Koue Bokkeveld, a remote, mountainous region with little traffic. The road winds over hills, past rocks and scrubland. The landscape becomes sparser, the colors more earthy – a foretaste of the semi-desert around the Touws River. The last few kilometers take us through open plains with views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Then the entrance to Aquila Game Lodge appears – a private game reserve with the Big Five, nestled in a beautiful natural setting. We will spend two nights at this lodge.

Day 10

Monday, November 16, 2026

Aquila / Rest day

Today is a rest day – the road bike stays behind. First thing in the morning, there is a traditional game drive where we can observe the animals. This is followed by a delicious breakfast at the lodge. The air is dry, the sun is warm, and the surrounding mountains glow red in the light. It's a contrast to the road: instead of asphalt and wind, today there is silence, wonder, and deceleration. In the afternoon, we relax by the pool or in the spa. Our legs thank us for it. The view sweeps over the vast landscape – a perfect place to recharge our batteries for the next stages.

Day 11

Tuesday, November 17, 2026

Aquila – Montagu (95 Km / 880 Hm)

The stage begins in the middle of the dry Karoo landscape. The air is clear, the sun is slowly rising, and the first few kilometers lead through wide, barren plains that have an almost desert-like quality. Gradually, the road gains altitude. We drive into the Hex River Valley, past rocky slopes and surprisingly green oases that look like splashes of color in the harsh surroundings. The scenery is spectacular. Behind the Rooihoogte Pass, a green valley opens up and we approach the region around Robertson. Vineyards and orchards now accompany us, the mountains receding into the distance. The last few kilometers to Montagu lead through a gorge whose red rocks and sweeping curves frame the road.

Day 12

Wednesday, November 18, 2026

Montagu – Worcester (90 Km / 500 Hm)

We start today's stage through the narrow Kogmanskloof Valley – red rocks, a short tunnel, and spectacular rock formations accompany us on the first few kilometers. We ride through the Breede River Valley, one of South Africa's most beautiful wine regions. To the left and right, we see vineyards and orchards. We pass through Ashton and Robertson before continuing on toward Worcester. The landscape remains green and fertile, framed by mountain ranges. The wind can play a role here – sometimes a friend, sometimes an enemy. Shortly before Worcester, it becomes a little more urban, but the view of the surrounding mountains remains. Another wonderful stage ends with dinner with the group.

Day 13

Thursday, November 19, 2026

Worcester – Paarl (90 Km / 820 Hm)

After a restful night, we set off from Worcester and soon begin the climb to Bainskloof Pass. The road winds through spectacular mountain scenery. Rock faces, watercourses, and dense bush line the route. The pass is long but steady. Once at the top, we enjoy the view and take some photos. The descent is winding – a real highlight for road cyclists. After the pass, the landscape becomes gentler again. We ride through the valley towards Paarl. When we reach the stage destination, a cool refreshment awaits us.

Day 14

Friday, November 20, 2026

Paarl – Stellenbosch (85 Km / 600 Hm)

Surrounded by vineyards, we start the last stage through the Winelands area – green vines, old farmhouses, and well-kept avenues line the way. Of course, a detour to Franschhoek is a must. Shortly before Stellenbosch, things get a little livelier again. The city welcomes us with oak-lined avenues, Cape Dutch architecture, and student flair. We ride eagerly into the center – ready for a coffee. In the evening, we toast the stages we have completed and are proud to have mastered these kilometers and meters of elevation together.

Day 15

Saturday, November 21, 2026

Stellenbosch / Rest day

Before heading back to Switzerland, we enjoy a rest day and the relaxed atmosphere of Stellenbosch, one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in South Africa.

Day 16

Sunday, November 22, 2026

Return trip to Switzerland

In the morning, we fly back to Zurich on a direct flight.

Services

Prices

From CHF 5,990.00 incl. Flight with Edelweiss

Guides

Rental bikes

If you do not want to bring your own bike, we also offer high-quality racing bikes from the premium brand Storck for our domestic cycling tours. Our bikes are equipped with Look or SPD-SL (road) or SPD (bike) pedals. Please bring your own pedal systems if you require a different type. If you don’t want to compromise on your usual seating comfort, bring your own saddle.

We ensure that the bikes are safely stored during the trip.

Find out more

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