Day 1: From Barrydale we head north on the R62 passing the world famous Ronnie’s Sex Shop before heading out on a rugged yet picturesque gravel road towards Van Wyksdorp. Onward to Herbertsdale
Day 2: After breakfast the road leads us to George and then Wilderness, which is perhaps one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa – purely because of its natural beauty. Staying on this excellent stretch of tarmac we proceed to Sedgefield where we will kick off our boots and have a beachfront lunch like none other. A short ride to our final destination, Knysna, rounds-off an exhilarating day. Note: There are many exciting activities in the capital of the Garden Route like boat trips on the lagoon, that we can arrange on request.
Day 3: Heading back to Barrydale we stay on the main route and soak up as much of the Garden Route, stopping at places of interest you might have noticed on the up-ride. As we bid farewell to the Garden Route at Heidelberg, an afternoon’s adventure awaits in the Tradouw Pass where our guides will share some of the best-kept secrets of the area with you.
Distance: 590 km
Riding Level: Intermediate (Lots of gravel road on Day 1, tar only on Day 2, with a short stretch of gravel on the final day)
Availability: All year
Often referred to as the gateway to heaven, Barrydale is situated on the world famous Route 62. This quaint village is a mere two-and-a-half hour drive from Cape Town International Airport and, quite uniquely, boasts the features associated with the nearby wine district while also providing guests with the tranquility that can only be found in the Karoo.
Much of the countryside around the town is conservancy, and the town lies within what is known as the Gouritz Corridor, one of 35 biodiversity hot spots in the world. Van Wyksdorp is also part of the Kanna Biodiversity Route, and the Gouritz Initiative.
Inland and nestled in the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains, Herbertsdale is a historic village with forts dating back to the South African War (1899 – 1903). The picturesque Langfontein Valley (on the road out of town towards Cloete’s Pass) is known for its witblits – a South African version of moonshine or poteen.
Drawn by the mild year-round climate and over 60 kilometres of golden beaches. Mossel Bay boasts around 320 days of sunshine per year, and receives most of its rainfall at night - allowing for maximum activity during the day, from surfing, to whale and dolphin watching.
Discover the dense old-growth forests and steep hills that compliment a beautiful stretch of coastline which has kilometres of white sand, bird-rich estuaries and sheltered lagoons. Although Wilderness is a very popular tourist destination, it doesn’t show as the myriad holiday homes blend into the verdant green hills, and the town centre is compact and unobtrusive.
The capital of the Garden Route is known for its world-class restaurants and activities that are situated within view of the Knysna Lagoon. The Lagoon opens between two massive cliffs, known as The Heads. These stand tall, acting as rugged watchmen over the pristine loveliness of the lagoon.
A masterpiece created by Thomas Bain, which was completed in 1873. The Tradouw Pass (which means Womens Path in the old Khoi language) is a 16 kilometer drive through an altitude range of 219 meters through some of the most beautiful and rugged mountain scenery on offer in the Langeberg. It has been rated as one of the top 20 mountain passes in the Western Cape.
