Cape Winelands

Outdoor Sports

Depart from the convenient meeting point in Stellenbosch by e-bike for the first part of the exciting trip to Franschhoek. Cycle along mostly jeep tracks and mountain bike trails over the Helshoogte Pass, a route used by the first Dutch and French families who settled in the Olifantshoek valley in 1688.  Enjoy fantastic views and sites along the way and learn about small mission stations and local people living in the Banghoek Valley. Get a chance to spot eland and blue wildebeest as you cycle along multiple mountain streams in the Banhoek Conservancy. Enjoy a mouthwatering lunch and wine tasting on a Franschhoek wine estate and have time to explore the beautiful town of Franschhoek. The tour concludes with transport by vehicle back to Stellenbosch.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Stellenbosch and transport will be provided to the starting point of the walk. The vineyard trail meanders through beautiful wine farms in the Banhoek Valley between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. While walking through this beautiful landscape, you'll learn more about winemaking, the indigenous flora and fauna, and life on the estate in general. During the walk, visit two wine estates for tastings and a cellar tour before heading to the final stop for lunch. For lunch, taste the famous chef’s selection of cheeses, antipasti and charcuterie platters (vegetarian options are also available). Sample these local delicacies while enjoying amazing views of the mountains and vineyards of the Banhoek valley. Transportation back to your hotel will be provided. The distance covered is 7- 9 km (there are variations on the route) and the level of difficulty is moderate.

Have fun exploring the quaint village of Franschhoek and the scenic wine region on a bike. Learn more about the valley as you cycle on back roads amongst beautiful vineyards and take in the scenic views. Make stops for wine tastings at different wine estates and later, enjoy a gourmet lunch.  Start your tour at the Dutch Reformed Church grounds, along the main road in the quaint village of Franschhoek. After a brief introduction and orientation make your way to the farms first cultivated by the French Huguenots back in 1688. Farm names such as ‘La Motte’, ‘Bourgogne’, ‘Champagne’ and ‘La Provence’ were reminiscent of their homeland, and cultivated wines here began to gain a formidable reputation for their quality. Following a brief stop at the Huguenot Memorial for a quick history lesson, weave your way through vineyards, steeped in tradition. Your knowledgeable guide will call in at award-winning wine farms for memorable tastings and a traditional wine pairing at some of the most renowned wine farms in the valley. The route is carefully designed for all levels of fitness so feel free to cycle as long or as little as you want. Kids are catered for and looked after by the experienced guide with a back-up vehicle always being close by.

Spend a day cycling along the Cape's historic wine route. Enjoy the natural scenery as you sample local wines. You will begin cycling approximately 20 to 40 km from Franschhoek. The Groot Drakenstein Mountains will be your backdrop as you pass by beautiful wine estates. Cycling through the historical town of Franschoek to the Huguenot Monument, you might be tempted to pop into its many boutique shops and art galleries. At Paarl, the birthplace of the Afrikaans language, you will see Paarl Rock, one of the largest granite boulders in the world. In Stellenbosch you can visit the Stellenbosch Village Museum and wander down oak lined avenues, exploring Cape Dutch architecture. A picnic lunch will be provided at one of the region's award winning vineyards.