The best cycling routes in South Africa

South Africa offers a vast network of over 590 touring cycling routes. These are diverse, with approximately 99 easy routes, 248 moderate routes, and 252 challenging routes, catering to various skill levels and preferences.

You'll encounter incredibly diverse terrain, from scenic coastal roads and lush vineyard valleys in the Western Cape to rugged mountain passes like Swartberg Pass and the dramatic semi-desert plains of the Karoo. Routes can feature smooth asphalt, gravel tracks, and challenging climbs, often with breathtaking views of mountains, oceans, and unique geological formations.

While many routes offer challenging terrain, there are numerous easier options suitable for families. For instance, the Muizenberg Promenade loop from Simon's Town is an easy 24.6 km route, perfect for a relaxed ride along the coast. The Winelands also offer gentler routes through vineyards.

South Africa's routes often pass by iconic natural features. In the Western Cape, you can cycle past the famous Table Mountain Summit, Lion's Head summit, and the Elephant's Eye Cave. The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga offers views of the Blyde River Canyon and its unique geological formations. Along the coast, you might spot the Seal Colony at Robberg Nature Reserve or the Boulders Penguin Colony.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. A popular example is the View of Hout Bay – View of Noordhoek Beach loop from Wittebome, a challenging 98.1 km route offering extensive coastal views. Another is the Boulders Penguin Colony loop from Capri, a 48.4 km difficult path featuring coastal scenery.

The best time largely depends on the region. Generally, the cooler, drier months from April to October are ideal for most areas, especially for avoiding the intense summer heat. However, the Western Cape, including Cape Town and the Winelands, often has pleasant cycling weather during its dry summer (November to March), though some areas can get very hot. Whale watching season along the Whale Coast is typically June to December.

The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in South Africa, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 280 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the stunning and diverse landscapes, from dramatic coastlines and mountain passes to lush vineyards. The variety of routes, catering to all difficulty levels, and the opportunities to encounter unique wildlife and natural landmarks are also highly valued.

Absolutely. The Boulders Penguin Colony – Simon's Town Waterfront Centre loop from Kalk Bay takes you past the famous Boulders Penguin Colony. While cycling directly within Kruger National Park is restricted, guided rides in private reserves in the Lowveld region offer chances to see giraffes, zebras, and antelope. The Cape Point Nature Reserve also provides opportunities to spot local wildlife and diverse flora.

Yes, South Africa offers several challenging multi-day adventures. The Sani Pass in the Drakensberg Mountains is a particularly demanding ascent with steep gradients and rough gravel roads, leading up to Lesotho. The Cross Cape Route, stretching from Plettenberg Bay to Stellenbosch, is another self-cycling option that covers significant distances and diverse landscapes along the Garden Route.

Many touring routes, especially those in popular regions like the Cape Winelands (Stellenbosch, Franschhoek) and along the Garden Route, pass through towns and villages with ample opportunities for cafes, restaurants, and various accommodation types. These areas are well-equipped to cater to cyclists looking for scenic rides combined with culinary experiences and comfortable overnight stays.

Yes, some areas, particularly nature reserves and national parks, may require permits or entrance fees. For example, cycling within the Cape Point Nature Reserve or accessing certain trails within Table Mountain National Park might necessitate a permit. It's always advisable to check with the specific park or reserve authority beforehand, especially for areas like the Kruger National Park where cycling is restricted to guided tours in private conservancies.

Many routes are renowned for their panoramic views. Chapman's Peak Drive, part of the View of Hout Bay – View of Noordhoek Beach loop from Cape Town Station, is famous for its breathtaking ocean vistas. In Mpumalanga, the Panorama Route offers iconic viewpoints like God's Window, providing expansive views of forested mountains and plains. The Drakensberg Mountains also feature spectacular scenery, particularly from challenging ascents like Sani Pass.