Discover the Cape - 10 Day Multi-Sport Tour

Discover the Cape - 10 Day Multi-Sport Tour

Schedule - Day 1

A moderate 11.5km hike along Table Mountain

Follow in the footsteps of the Bushmen, on a prehistoric trail through the spectacular Table Mountain National Park. Hoerikwaggo is the indigenous Khoisan word for Table Mountain, meaning “mountains in the sea”.

Depart the Cape Grace Hotel at 7am by shuttle to the lower Table Mountain Cableway Station.

After a signature breakfast at the lower cableway station, we hike up Table Mountain via Plattekloof Gorge, to the upper cableway station . From here, we traverse The Valley of the Red Gods, where we stop for a gourmet picnic lunch and tea infused with Fynbos honey. We continue on to Disa Gorge and descend into Orange Kloof Forest, an ancient Afromontane forest, via Constantia Neck, to end the day at our luxury tented camp.

Spend the evening around the fire, savour a culinary feast and enjoy ancient tales of the Bushmen from one of South Africa's pre-eminent story tellers.

Schedule - Day 2

A Tough 15.5km hike along Table Mountain

Our second day takes us from Constantia Nek to Vlakkenberg and the old Manganese mine for lunch. We traverse Constantiaberg through unspoilt fynbos with stunning views of the Cape Peninsula before descending towards Hout Bay and up Blackburn ravine. After a rewarding hike, we arrive at the stunning Silvermine tented camp. Enjoy a fascinating talk on the Southern Skies with a leading astronomer and another gourmet dinner of course!

Schedule - Day 3

A Tough 21km hike along Table Mountain

The day starts with a climb of the tough Noordhoek Peak and then Chapman’s Peak with magnificent views of the sea and the mountain range, the coastal wetlands and pristine beaches. There is no better place to enjoy your last lunch than with views over Hout Bay and False Bay. Look out for Oyster Catchers, Cape Clawless otters and whales and dolphins. We hike along the beach to Slangkop tented camp and are regaled by stories of long lost ships around the Cape of Good Hope by our very own Maritime historian.

Schedule - Day 4

Kayak & Cycle - full day

After a delicious breakfast in Simon's Town, we begin our morning kayak trip. We paddle past the Naval Harbour and out to Boulder's Beach. After visiting the penguin colony, we stop on a lovely semi-private beach for refreshments, swimming and snorkelling.

We gather in Kalk Bay for fresh fish and salad, white wine and dessert before cycling over the stunning Chapman's Peak, one of the tour highlights, sandwiched between mountain and sea!

Awaiting our arrival are the attentive staff at our five star guest lodge, Tintswalo Atlantic. There is no experience quite like watching the sun set over the sentinel, breathing in the fresh sea breeze and being surrounded by 400 year old milkwood trees, with a glass of bubbly in hand!

Schedule - Day 5

Stellenbosch - walking and cycling

After a leisurely breakfast and walk on the beach, we leave Hout Bay and shuttle to Stellenbosch in the heart of the Cape Winelands. We enjoy a guided walk through the historic town, taking in prestigious Cape Dutch buildings, some of South Africa's oldest churches, a vibrant collection of markets, museums, antique shops and much more!
 

Lunch is followed by an afternoon of cycling and wine tasting, visiting some of South Africa's most outstanding vineyards - an unforgetable experience! And we will happily ship any of your favourite wines home for you.

In the evening we check into the Devon Valley Hotel, hidden away in a lush and peaceful corner of the Winelands. The Devon Valley Hotel is a destination that promises delightful surprises at every turn and the finest of authentic 'handmade hospitality'.

Schedule - Day 6

After a spectacular buffet breakfast we transfer to Franschhoek (French Corner). The valley was originally settled in 1688 by French Huguenots, many of whom were given land by the Dutch government.

Set against the backdrop of the Franschhoek and Drakenstein mountains, this quaint village has over 30 world-class wine farms and is renowned for its gourmet cuisine to boot! Cycle down the Franschhoek Pass taking in sweeping views of the entire valley before sampling a selection of sumptuous wines. We enjoy a tantalising picnic lunch at Solms Delta, a working farm with a superb museum steeped in local history.

Jan Joubert's Gat bridge is situated on the Franschhoek Mountain pass in Cape Winelands

We will be staying at the five star Relais & Chateax auberge, Le Quartier Francais Hotel, in the heart of this quaint village. Be spoilt with a fabulous eight course food and wine pairing extravaganza, capping off another unforgettable day!

Schedule - Day 7

We transfer to Bonnievale, a welcoming town on the banks of the Breede River, surrounded by majestic mountains as well as beautiful fruit and wine farms. It really is one of the most beautiful towns in the Western Cape. We have a full day of cycling, wine and cheese tasting and exploring the surrounds before cycling to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve in the late afternoon.

We enjoy a spectacular game drive, traversing the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve with a qualified ranger in open Landcruisers looking for the Big Five, white lions, plains game and abundant plant and birdlife. We stop for sundowners as the sky turns crimson and evening approaches over the Little Karoo.

Schedule - Day 8

After a traditional breakfast we hike to a secluded rock pool which invites one to submerge into its invigorating bliss. Admire the breathtaking beauty of the indigenous fauna and flora and discover the isolated vistas and beauty of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, while feasting on another signature picnic.

After returning to base camp for lunch, we step back in time to visit Bushmen rock art sites in the reserve. The San people roamed the area for thousands of years, living in harmony with nature through their nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle.

There are 7 recorded sites throughout Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, with many more to be found. Rock art sites date back more than 3500 years and depict the spiritual beliefs and lives of these fascinating people. San people would congregate around a communal fire, weaving stories and celebrating the gift of life while the Shaman would meditate through rhythmic dancing, singing and clapping and while in a trance, receive visions and guidance.

After exploring these fascinating works of art and engaging with our expert guide, we return to the lodge for a scrumptious meal, and more informative conversations about the Khoisan.

Schedule - Day 9

Day 9 & 10

After a final early morning game drive, we head back to Cape Town and check in to the stunning Cape Grace Hotel. Located in the historic Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and with panoramic views of Table Mountain, this is surely the city's most exclusive hotel!

 

This luxury 5-star boutique hotel is in the heart of cosmopolitan Cape Town, with city-centre theatres, art galleries, plus the shops and restaurants of the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront all easily accessible.

And while you're at it why not join our Cape Town Evening by Bike trip which provides a cultural and heritage tour of the city, or our full day trip, Discover the Cape Cycle, which showcases the beauty of the peninsula and includes a walking tour of the historic Bo-Kaap.
Both trips begin and end at the Cape Grace and with our Lowest Price Guarantee you won't get a better price for the activities or accommodation anywhere else! And if you are looking for something specific, we can tailormake a tour just for you!

Discover the Cape - 10 Day Multi-Sport Tour

Simons Town

Franschoek pass

Bike and Saddle moments

Bike and Saddle Safari

Discover the Cape - 10 Day Multi-Sport Tour

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We offer two accommodation options. Option 1 is designed to provide luxury accommodation with private families in and around Cape Town - home stays where you will meet the locals. Each family are carefully vetted and long time friends of Bike and Saddle. You will be treated to Cape Town's varied people and culture and receive the best hospitality the city has to offer.

Option 2 offers you the opportunity to stay in the lap of luxury in sought after accommodation properties offering five star decadence.

In both options, there is cross-over in that two nights under option 1 are spent at the spectacular 5 star Sanbona Lodge rather than a host family and under option 2 you do meet the people and experience the local culture. Either way, you are guaranteed a level of comfort and luxury, and experiences money can't buy!

For both options, the activities presented are exactly the same.

OPTION 1 : R 27,500.00 *
£ 2257.00 / € 2492.00 / US$ 3651.00

OPTION 2 : R 86,800.00 **
(single supplement R7,800.00)

£ 6374.00 / € 7430.00 / US$ 10670.00

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.

* INCLUDES (OPTION 1):
• Bikes and all equipment
• Ground transportation
• All meals and light refreshments
• Excellent and varied Guest Family 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 attraction

** INCLUDES (OPTION 2):
• Bikes and all equipment
• Ground transportation
• 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 attraction

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 …

Discover the Cape - 10 Day Multi-Sport Tour

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 3

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.

Discover the Cape - 10 Day Multi-Sport Tour

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.

Discover the Cape - 10 Day Multi-Sport Tour

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.