Cycling in South Africa guide

Find out how you can pedal off into South Africa's national parks, wine lands and coastal communities as you take a peek at our South Africa cycling holidays travel guide that also explains what this type of trip entails as well as how to make the most of your time both on and off the bike. From whale routes to wildlife reserves, Cape Town to Kruger, here's where you click through the gears.

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Cycling in South Africa guide

Whether you're looking for world famous wine and coastal roads in the Western Cape, wildlife safaris in Kruger, or river canyons in the Drakensberg Mountains, cycling in South Africa reveals a kaleidoscope of naturally colourful contrasts. South Africa cycling holidays roll out along the tarmac roads leading between fishing villages and farmlands in Overberg, or game reserves and mountains in Mpumalanga.

South Africa mixes moderate challenges with smooth surfaces to ease cyclists into whale watching, wine routes and watering holes.

Daily distances of around 50km leave afternoons free to rest or explore. Joining a small group, with group leader and back up vehicle, takes the stress out of cycling in unfamiliar territory, with the added bonus of luggage transfers in between guesthouses or safari lodges allowing for an enjoyable experience rather than an uphill slog. Make the most of mountain passes along the Panorama Route or whale watching from Hermanus as seasonal variations offer a wonderfully varied choice of South African scenery to match these classic cycling itineraries.

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Best time to go cycling in South Africa

Whales appear from Oct to Dec whilst warmer weather from Jan to Mar also brings strong winds which can be a blessing or a curse. Eastern areas in the summer, around the Drakensberg and Panorama Route, will be hotter and wetter than the west. Mar and Apr are generally the best time to go on a South Africa cycling holiday in the east as temps are comfortable, rainfall low and wildlife watching in Kruger is less congested. Autumn is one of the best seasons to go cycling around the wine regions as it’s harvest time which adds a splash of colour to country scenes close to Cape Town.

Western Cape Weather Chart

MIN °C

MAX °C

RAIN (mm)

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

110

JUN

130

JUL

125

AUG

120

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

a month by month guide

In January and February, cyclists will want to pack their breathable waterproofs around the Drakensberg Mountains and Kruger National Park. If you're cycling around the Western Cape, conditions are much drier. Very high winds blast through in South Africa in March although competing in the annual Cape Argus Cycle Tour can be thrilling if you fancy cycling 109km in under seven hours. As South Africa enters autumn, in April and May, cycling the wine routes around the Western Cape can be really rewarding with colourful vineyards a hive of activity during the harvest. Temperatures will drop in the west and rain increases. In the east, however, dry conditions are ideal for cycling in the Drakensberg and for game drives in Kruger National Park. June and July are not the best months to go cycling around the Western Cape as it's wet and cold. The north and east of the country, on the other hand, have comfortable temperatures and hardly any rain making the Panorama Route a real joy. Extra layers are key if you're cycling on the Western Cape during August as evenings can be cold and rain is still very much a feature. September in Hermanus signals the start of the whale watching season with lots of festivities to enjoy out of the saddle. Cycling conditions are perfect in the northeast during August with the added bonus of minimal foliage and dried up watering holes allowing wildlife watching to take centre stage. Temperatures start to increase in the west during October and November with cycling tours along the south coast often built around whale watching. The rest of the country, including the Drakensberg and the Panorama Route, can experience a fair amount of rainfall during December and January so not the best time of year to go cycling in the east and northeast of South Africa. December can also be a very crowded month as kids break up for the school holidays, so roads will be busier and accommodation along the wine routes may be taken by summer wine enthusiasts.

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David Sear, from our partner Exodus

“The best time of year to go to SA really depends on what you want to see. If you are going for the flora and fauna then early in the year is recommended as the countryside is much greener after the rainy months. Whilst later in the year ( Oct – Dec) is best for whale spotting on the south coast and animal spotting in the game parks as the bush is less dense making animals easier to find.”

For more information on the best time to visit South Africa, check out our South Africa travel guide.

What can we expect?

Tarmac roads are the norm apart from a small percentage of routes which take you over hard pack dirt tracks, away from traffic. Some sections may take place on busy roads and also feature a couple of challenging climbs, followed by long flowing descents, although, in the main, South Africa cycling itineraries are fairly relaxed. Average daily distances are approximately 55km, with two-day safaris in Kruger National Park or a free day in Hermanus (depending on which tour you choose) offering a different perspective as well as a break from the bike. Most mornings you’ll be in the saddle, leaving afternoons free to get orientated before exploring at leisure or as part of an organised group tour.

What is included?

Although bike hire is included you’ll still need to bring your own safety helmet as well as suitable clothing, such as padded shorts, cycling gloves, wraparound shades and breathable cycle jersey. In addition, some cyclists like to bring their own saddle, pedals and/or gel saddle cover. A full kit list will always be sent out in advance.

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Written by Chris Owen

Cycling in South Africa guide

Cycling in South Africa guide