7 Days | Rim Of Africa Odyssey - Mountain Hiking & Cycling

7 Days | Rim Of Africa Odyssey - Mountain Hiking & Cycling

Schedule - Day 1

The Rim of Africa Mountain Passage is a mega distance walking experience stretching 650 km across the Cape's fold mountains from the Northern Cederberg to the Outeniqua mountain range.

Bike & Saddle in association with Rim Of Africa is now proud to bring you the Cederberg Odyssey, a unique cycle and hiking adventure through the most precious parts of the Cederberg allowing for personal interactions with some of this landscape's great personalities. Including the San, the Leopard and the missionary communities dotting the landscape along the way.

The journey commences from the Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town where we meet at 8am for an early morning beverage and an introduction to your guides.

From Cape Town, we transfer via the national road 7 (N7) to the Cederberg and on to the Cape Leopard Trust, our first stop.

We cycle to Bakkrans,  the very first research site of the Cape Leopard Trust. Bakkrans is a 6000ha reserve within the rugged Rooi Cederberg Karoo Park, abounding with mighty mountain ranges, indigenous plants of the Cape Floral Kingdom, antelope, birds and other wildlife. Our first night is spent under the African sky within the confines of our tented camp having, earlier in the day, traversed the same trails of the Cederberg Mountain Leopard.

Schedule - Day 2

After a hearty breakfast around the campfire, and more discussion of the Cape Leopard, we cycle out from Bakkrans to arrive mid-morning, in time for well-deserved tea and snacks, at the trust's head quarters. We then embark on foot with one of the trust's experts in tracking Cape Leopard by foot, the experience of a lifetime!

After a picnic lunch, sampling delicacies of the region, we cycle to Stadsaal (City Hall in English), a collection of caves and rock art in the Cederberg, accentuated with jagged peaks, stark landscapes and stark rock formations. At Stadsaal we are presented with the opportunity to garner a deeper understanding of the one of the world's oldest tribes and their methods of hunting and wildlife tracking. As dusk descends over the majestic Cederberg mountains, we prepare for our 2nd night out, luxury camping under the African sky.

Schedule - Day 3

On day three, witness the sun rise and illuminate this enchanted and pristine wilderness landscape. After breakfast our next stop is Driehoek cycling through prehistoric landscapes, endless skies towering above and the deafening stillness and silence overpowering the senses. Driehoek is nestled in a lush valley, where rural farm life continues its earthy existence, with a gurgling river the perfect place for a freezing dip or spot of meditation.

After lunch, it's time to swap the bikes for hiking boots. We hike out of Driehoek to Crystal Palace, crisscrossing our way across babbling brooks, over rocky outcrops and below foreboding mountains that stretch into the azure sky. A luxury tented camp is again our night's resting place, with superb vintages and heartwarming food on offer.

Schedule - Day 4

After a night spent under the stars and another gourmet breakfast, our expert guides lead us on a walk to the picturesque Crystal Pools, a suspended amphitheatre which hosts a crystal clear, cool mountain stream. The brave can wet their toes in the frigid water and then enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch on the grassy bank. In the afternoon we hike through a haunting and surreal landscape, making our way to Vangstasie (Capture Station in English), where the only thing left to catch is the breathtaking beauty and stunning views over the Cederberg.

Schedule - Day 5

Today's hike brings us to Boontjieskraal, a settlement named after the Khoi captain who had his kraal (cattle enclosure) there, a challenging walk with the wind at your back and the sun on your face. Lunch is served at Boontjieskraal whereafter we set out for Heuningvlei, a mountain village, one of fourteen outposts of the Moravian Mission Church at Wupperthal. With just twenty five families, the community is warm and welcoming. We spend the rest of the day with the village, their main activity cultivating dried fruit and Rooibos (red bush) tea. The eveing we stay with our local host families and in the voorkamer (front room) enjoy locally prepared delicacies.

Schedule - Day 6

From Heuningvlei we cycle to Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve, a stunning private wilderness retreat nestled at the foothills of the Cederberg mountains. After exerting your body, mind and soul in the best way possible, the lap of luxury is your reward. Bushmans Kloof is a Relais and Chateaux property and was voted Best Hotel in the World 2009. Pamper yourself with a massage treatment at the Spa, feast on only the best locally produced and organic cuisine, go flyfishing or stargazing by night, or just take a well-earned break!

In the afternoon, you enjoy a guided a game drive through the reserve, a South African Natural Heritage Site, home to the rare Cape Mountain Zebra, Eland, Gemsbok, countless bird species and a wonderful carpet of wild flowers in season (July-October). There are over 130 rock paintings throughout the reserve and a guided excursion to the different sites end a superb odyssey.

Schedule - Day 7

After breakfast and with a collection of unforgettable memories, we shuttled back to Cape Town.

NB: You can do this tour back to front, add or remove a day, do more/less exercise. Contact us and we can design an itinerary just for you!

We suggest a second night at Bushman's Kloof for those having the time and inclination.

7 Days | Rim Of Africa Odyssey - Mountain Hiking & Cycling

Sun rises over the Cederberg mountain range

What a way to experience the outdoors!

Standing on top of the world!

Luxury camps in the middle of nowhere

Jagged peaks and majestic mountains

The Rim of Africa is simply sensational!

7 Days | Rim Of Africa Odyssey - Mountain Hiking & Cycling

Click here to view the latest exchange rates

2010/11 Season: R 25,000.00 **


INCLUDES:
• Bikes and all equipment, camping gear and tents
• Ground transportation to and from Cape Town
• All meals, refreshments and alcoholic beverages
• Excellent and varied 5 Star accommodation
• Personal service from the best guides in the industry
• 'Special and Expert' excursions en-route
• Back-up vehicle and driver
• All admission fees to reserves, parks and attractions

** Note: Prices are quoted in South African Rand (ZAR) per person - denominations listed here other than ZAR are for reference purposes only and will differ according to the actual foreign currency exchange rates.

DATES:
Please contact us for scheduled dates. Bookings now open. This journey can run anytime with a group of 5 (five) or more

Our journeys are carefully researched and custom-designed to ensure a perfect balance of adventure and luxury - with zero hassle for you. Do you appreciate the finer things in life, yet value those experiences that money can’t buy? Do you regard a traveling holiday as an extension of your active lifestyle - a journey of body, mind and soul - rather than just another ‘tour’? Then join us …

7 Days | Rim Of Africa Odyssey - Mountain Hiking & Cycling

We provide a variety of route options so you can do as much or as little activity as you like each day. You'll pass through the area's finest scenery, each route carefully selected based on our rigorous quality standards. You'll enjoy the best of the region's cuisine, as well as Bike and Saddle’s trademark grand picnics. Our Trip Leaders have undergone hundreds of hours of training and are the best in the industry. We are local and know the locality better than anyone!

ROUTE RATING

We’ve rated this trip LEVEL 2

ACTIVITY RATING EXPLAINED

LEVEL 1
10-20 miles/day (biking)
2-5 miles/day (walking)
2-3 hours/day

LEVEL 2
21-30 miles/day (biking)
5-7 miles/day (walking)
2-4 hours/day

LEVEL 3
31-40 miles/day (biking)
7-9 miles/day (walking)
3-5 hours/day

Bike&Saddle's route rating system is the most comprehensive and accurate in the travel industry.

7 Days | Rim Of Africa Odyssey - Mountain Hiking & Cycling

Bike and Saddle Tours are guaranteed to run once 5 or more guests book other than trips defined as Special Departures,* excepting only in cases of force majeure (including but not limited to natural disasters, war, or the failure of third parties—such as hotels or campgrounds—to honor their reservations) in which case all payments received to date will be refunded, which constitutes full settlement. Bike and Saddle is not responsible for expenses that are incurred in preparation for any canceled trips, such as airline tickets, or for costs that are incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations or illness. *Special Departures are as follows: South Africa, Multi-day Trips as noted on our Web site.

Cancellation Policies

1. Rates are quoted per trip per person, in South Africa Rand, US Dollar, Euro and British Pound and are inclusive of Value Added Tax at 14%.
2. Bike and Saddle reserves the right to alter or amend rates and trip details at any time.
3. In the event of a cancellation see hereunder.
4. In the event of a “no-show” or cancellation see hereunder.
5. Please note that the cancellation must be made in writing.
6. The owners and management of Bike and Saddle cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to the property or for any possessions of the guest participating in a trip.
7. Reservations are subject to terms and conditions as set out in the detailed trip planner.
8. Please note that departure hours are not flexible; therefore kindly ensure you are familiar with the trip departure location and time as provided in your detailed trip planner.

If you must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the policy outlined below. Exceptions to our cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather, terrorism, civil unrest or personal emergencies. There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early. Private room and internal air charges are consider part of the total trip code and are subject to cancellation fees. Percentage charges are calculated on total trip cost.

Transfers: You may transfer from one trip to another up to 95 days before trip departure without penalty - except on our Special Departures,* where you can transfer up to 125 days before trip departs - after which time our cancellation policy applies.

Release of Liability: Guests are required to provide a signed "Release of Liability, Assumption of All Risks, and Arbitration Agreement" form and a completed Personal Information Form prior to trip departure; you will receive these materials shortly after reserving your trip. We are unable to allow guests to participage in any aspect of a Bike and Saddle Tour without a signed release form.

*Special Departures are as follows: South Africa, Multi-day Trips and others noted by your Trip Consultant prior to reservation.

†Rather than forfeit the cancellation fees, you may choose to keep your trip deposit ($600) in a holding account to use on a future Bike and Saddle trip (no expiration date).

Travel Protection Insurance

Bike and Saddle offers a guest protection plan that covers trip cancellation for medical reasons, trip delay, medical expenses, accidental death, lost baggage, medical evacuation and airline cancellation charges. Please call and speak with one of our Trip Consultants if you have specific coverage questions. Because so many guests purchase this plan, we have made it convenient for you to obtain by automatically adding the cost to your invoice. It's effective on the day your designated travel protection plan payment or final trip payment is received by our office. Please note that deposits may not be applied toward your travel protection plan premium. Should you not be interested in our travel protection plan, simply deduct its cost from the invoice total at time of final payment. You must comply to certain criteria as set out by the insurer to be eligible. You will receive these materials shortly after reserving your trip.

Transfering to another trip after having already made a reservation

In most cases you may transfer from one trip to another up to 95 days before trip departure without penalty, after which time our cancellation policy applies. For special departures you may transfer up to 125 days before trip departure without penalty, after which time our cancellation policy applies. When transferring to a different date or trip, if the trip costs more than your original trip, you must pay the difference.

7 Days | Rim Of Africa Odyssey - Mountain Hiking & Cycling

Q. How long has Bike & Saddle been in business and who owns the company?
A. Bike & Saddle was founded in 2007 by a group of leading southern Africa based active travel professionals, as a new and exciting international brand within the eco-active travel market. They bring to the business a combined professionalism, creativity and experience spanning 27 years. The business is proudly South African, and based in the fairest of cities, Cape Town.

Q. How can I reach Bike & Saddle?
A. You can e-mail us at trips@bikeandsaddle.com. You can also write, phone or fax us at:

PO Box 51196, Waterfront, Cape Town 8002 South Africa
tel: +27 21 813 6433
fax: +27 86 520 2216

Q. What do your trip prices include?
A.

• All accommodation
• All breakfasts, lunches and picnics and all dinners except for one, when you’ll have the opportunity to sample local fare on your own
• Personal and professional services of our experienced guides
• Snacks and beverages between meals
• Additional guides and experts from the region on all trips
• Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
• Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
• Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions
• Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
• On biking and multisport trips, use of fully equipped Bike & Saddle composite bikes plus helmet and accessories
  
• Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing, horse riding and canoeing as described in the Travel Planner
  
• All park and other entry fees
• All fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
• Select coach transfers
• Baggage transfers and porterage
• Bike & Saddle T-Shirt and water bottle gift (only on multi-day trips)
  
  Not included: airfare, some alcoholic beverages (wines and sparkling wines are mostly included), gratuities for trip leaders and personal expenses
  

Q. What kind of shape do I need to be in to enjoy my trip?
A. Bike & Saddle vacations are designed for all levels of bicyclists, walkers and multisport enthusiasts. Some trips are more challenging than others and we suggest that you refer to the Activity Level Options page or talk to one of our Trip Consultants about your current activity level and the type of adventure you're looking for. They’ll help you pick the right trip for you. Call +27 21 813 6433 to speak to a Trip Consultant daily from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. (GMT+2 local time).

Q. How should I train for my trip?
A. You’ll get the most enjoyment out of your adventure if you are reasonably fit. Try running, hiking, swimming or other aerobic activity for at least 20 minutes, three times a week, to help you stay in shape. If you’re choosing a biking trip, the best training is to get out and ride—hills and flats—several hours at a time on consecutive days. The key is to just do it—and want to do it again the next day. Once you reserve a vacation with us, we'll send you specific training tips for your trip.

Q. How do you accommodate people of varying abilities?
A. On most days of your Bike & Saddle vacation, you’ll have a choice of three mileage options. One day you might go for the most challenging. The next day, you may take it easy by choosing the shortest route, leaving more time for relaxation, exploration or mingling with the locals. You and your fellow travelers may spread out over several miles* or you may choose to ride or walk together. For your peace of mind, one leader covers the route in a Bike and Saddle van, ready to offer assistance, refreshments or a lift to the hotel (or campsite).  *Special rules apply for our Safari Cycle Trips where spreading-out is not an option.

Our trips attract people of varying abilities so there’s typically someone else traveling at your speed. This is ideal for friends and couples with different paces; they can spend the day with similarly fit travelers and then reunite for the evenings.

Q. How long will we be active each day?
A. It’s up to you to decide how far you want to travel. Depending on the route options you choose and the pace you set, you’ll typically spend three to five hours each day, biking or walking or—on our multisport trips—engaging in a combination of biking and walking along with such activities as kayaking, rafting or snorkeling.

The number of activity hours you can expect for each level per day:

Level 1:             2-4

Level 2:             3-5

Level 3:             4-6

Level 4:             5-7+

See our Route Rating info provided for each trip for more details about time and distance involved in each level.

Q. How do your leaders support the biking and walking routes?
A. On biking trips, one leader drives the support van, sweeping the route several times during the day and providing lifts and assistance as needed. Another leader rides the route, roving between groups traveling at different speeds. On walking trips, one leader usually takes the lead while the other brings up the rear. The amount of van support depends on the location of the walking routes. On trips with kayaking and rafting excursions, leaders typically team up with an experienced local guide to give you support and instruction.

Q. Do I have to carry any of my own luggage or gear?
A. The leaders transport all luggage between hotels (or campgrounds) in Bike & Saddle’ special trailers. They’ll also gladly pick up and transport any purchases you make along the way. You need only carry snacks, clothing and personal items for the day’s activities.

Q. Who travels with Bike & Saddle?
A. About half of the people who travel with us are between the ages of 35 and 55. Older and younger travelers are also well represented. Depending on your trip, you may meet solo travelers, families and couples. They’ll exhibit a diversity of interests and occupations and share a love of active travel and the outdoors.

Q. How large will my group be?
A. The average group size on all Bike & Saddle trips is 10. Maximum group size is 15.

Q. Are children welcome on all Bike & Saddle trips?
A. Bike & Saddle offers trips exclusively for families with kid-sized routes and activities. These trips feature family-friendly pricing. If you’re not able to take a Family Trip, your family may be able to join a non-family trip. We recommend that you talk to a Trip Consultant (at Call +27 21 813 6433 to speak to a Trip Consultant daily from 7 a.m.-5 p.m., GMT+2 time) to select the best trip for your family.

Q. If I'm traveling alone, will you find me a roommate or can I have a private room?
A. Our prices are based on double occupancy (two people per room). If you would like a roommate, we often can pair you with one (same gender). If no roommate is available, there is no additional charge if you sign up more than 60 days in advance of trip departure. If you sign up within 60 days, and Bike & Saddle cannot pair you with roommate, a single occupancy supplement will apply. On some occasions, twin rooms consist of one bed and one rollaway or foldout sleeper. On a few trips, twin room availability is limited; a single occupancy supplement applies if a twin room is not available, regardless of the number of days before departure.

Q. Should I bring my own bike?
A. Included in your trip price are Bike & Saddle’ high-quality, custom-designed composite bicycles for use and enjoyment on all biking and multisport trips. In rare instances when Bike & Saddle bicycles are not available, models of comparable quality will be provided. If you choose to bring your own bike, your Trip Consultant can offer tips on the best ways to ship it to the trip start.

Q. Do you provide children's bikes?
A. We offer children's bikes on all Family Trips, as well as trailer carriers to tote children 60 pounds and under, and the Giant Halfwheeler for children ages 4-10 or up to 85 pounds.

Q. Can you provide me with guest references for your trips?
A. Absolutely. Your Trip Consultant will be happy to give you the names and telephone numbers of people who have participated in the trip you're considering.

Q. How far in advance do I need to reserve my vacation?
A. The farther in advance you book, the greater availability of dates you'll find. For holiday periods and popular summer destinations, such as Cape Town & The Kruger National Park, to name two, we recommend reserving at least four to six months before the trip you’re interested in departs.

Q. Can I reserve my Bike and Saddle vacation with my travel agent?
A. Yes, Bike & Saddle accepts reservations from professional travel agents. If you prefer to have your travel agent handle your Bike & Saddle booking, please have him or her contact us directly. Pricing is the same whether you book directly with Bike and Saddle or with your travel agent. If you need an agency referral please let us know.

Q. Does information found on this Web site differ from that found in your catalog?
A. Because this site is continually updated to ensure posting of the most current information, trip dates and other details may differ from those found in our printed materials.

Q. What is Bike & Saddle's privacy policy?
A. Please refer to Bike and Saddle Privacy Policy page.