With sustainability and wellness high on the agenda of the post-pandemic traveller, biking tours have become a popular experience in South Africa’s cities.
Cape Town, as Africa’s Leading City Destination for 2021, is a fantastic city to explore by bike. “Rather than simply seeing Cape Town through the window of a car or the lens of a camera, we believe that immersing yourself in the rich, diverse, natural wonders that the city and region have to offer will leave you with fonder memories and an unforgettable connection to South Africa,” says Quintin Smith, founder of Bikes ‘n Wines.
Bikes ‘n Wines runs guided bicycle tours through the Cape’s famous winelands. The company recently also introduced Cape Town bike tours, which offer guests a unique opportunity to explore the city’s arts, culture and best kept secrets in terms of local food and beer, as well as longer, guided road bike tours that steer guests around the Cape Peninsular and exquisite Coastal Roads.
As Smith explains: “On our Winelands tours we encourage our guests to stop and smell the roses, literally, to take the time to dip their toes in the rivers and dams dotted across the acres of vineyards, feel the lush green grass under foot and really embrace and learn about the historically diverse area by experiencing it in its entirety. On our city and surrounds tours we invite guests to taste, touch, feel, see and hear what Cape Town is about, to experience the city in all her beauty from sunrise to sunset.”
Here are five of the most creative biking tours of the area offered by Bikes ‘n Wines:
Art & Bikes in the City
Embrace Cape Town’s urban heartbeat and experience the soul and creativity of the Mother City on our Discover Cape Town Tour, a four-hour city tour that weaves you through a network of backroads to show off the city’s iconic street art and graffiti and tasting some of the local culture. Visit the historically significant District Six, the colourful Bo Kaap and cruise through the Company’s Garden, stopping at the National Gallery on route to round off your art tour.
Discover Stellenbosch with the family
Travelling with the whole family, but still keen to visit the winelands? The Stellenbosch Family Tour is perfect for you. This gentle, six-hour tour is accessible to all ages and fitness levels, plus it has loads of child-friendly activities. Kids are entertained with their own exciting pairings, while the parents get to soak in the sights and of course, sample some local wines. It’s a win-win for all! Children 6 & over pay full price, as they receive a full tasting and pairing schedule, of non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.
Enjoy some luxury in Franschhoek
The Luxury Bike Tour is a gentle, 15km (9mi) guided cycle designed to overload the senses. The gourmet culinary experience combined with the exquisite surroundings make this a truly exclusive bike tour. Expect to visit four, unique wine estates and indulge in boutique wine tastings, food pairings and a cheese and charcuterie platter that will leave your soul happy and your taste buds content.
Discover Klein Constantia by eBike
Take a guided tour through the expertly nurtured vineyards of Klein Constantia, one of the “world’s most beautiful wine estates”. Access exclusive, private vineyards and build up a thirst before enjoying an MCC tasting served at a picturesque farm dam. Follow this up with a premium wine tasting at the private estate cellar, home to the iconic Vin de Constance sweet wine.
Conquer the Cape Peninsula by bike
Don’t just see the Cape Peninsula on your holiday; feel, hear, breathe, smell, taste and really experience it on the Cape Peninsula Pedal, a 60km (37mi) road cycle tour around the iconic Cape Peninsula. Cycle through the historic navy suburb of Simon’s Town, visit the penguins at Boulders Beach and meander through the Cape Point Nature Reserve. A support vehicle allows you to determine how much of the route you’ll cycle, hop-on, hop-off style.
If you’re looking for an authentic South African touring experience, chat to the people at Bikes ‘n Wines, or explore their website for more exciting tours.