I'm planning a cycling trip from Alfred's Bay to Cape Town in May June this year.Has anyone done this? I'm keen to get info on maps, routes, places of interest and accomodation. I'm using some good satellite photos at www. places .co.za to identify farm tracks and possible cycle tracks. I'd be grateful for any help.
Reply to this Hey Peter. I am assuming that with limited cycling over the last couple of decade you're wanting a trek that's not too strenuous hey? I would suggest the coastal route that meanders it's way from Port Alfred (why are you starting there?) down towards Jeffery's Bay (great surfing there, or spectating the super tubes), then on to Plettenburg Bay, Knysna, George by then following the Garden Route onwards to Cape Town.
It's a lovely trip, but I have never done the Garden Route by bicycle, though may attempt at some point.
Particular points of interest would be the Lagoons at Knysna, just stunning. The terrain in this area is steep grades and windy and would make the bravest of casual cyclers consider taking the Tjoe Choo Train from Knysna to George, further down the coast. It's a steam train and a lovely way to see the coast without fearing for your life. I'd recommend it actually. By the way, if you like Oysters, stop and eat them in Knysna.
Backpacker hostels are plentiful and cheap along the Garden Route. Try and find a copy of the small paperback 'Coast to Coast' guide, it lists literally hundreds and also provides info on local areas, places of interest, etc. It's a must have when I travel in South Africa. Also, it might be a good idea to check out the BAZ BUS. It's a bus service that runs travellers up and down the Garden Route, going as far as East London. It might come in handy, should you want to have an assited trek at some points, as I believe they allow bicycles.
I hope this info is helpful and not too ordinary. Though you'll likely know alot of it from your own research.
Further south I'd suggest finding your way into the colonial town of Swellendam. It's lovely for a rest.
Enjoy your trip and be safe.
With Kind Regards, Rocco
Reply to this Rocco
Thanks for your reply. The wind is something that worries me and I'm trying to get more information on. I'm hoping that May/June will be out of season so I won't have to book accomodation in advance - plus it should be cheaper. I'm also trying to find a route away from the main road. Thanks for your help. Peter
Reply to this Hi
The Garden Route is definitley your best bet, and you have two choices. Taking the main highway is the easiest route but there is a lot of traffic driving at high speed. Or you can take the old road (where it still exists) with less traffic but it is narrow and will take longer.
Good luck
Werner
Eko Tracks
Reply to this Hi
I meant to say you can cross the bridge over the Zambezi into Zambia near Katima Mulilo in Namibia. The crossing near Kasane or Kazangula in northern Botswana is still a freey system but a bridge will be built in 2 years or so.
Werner
Eko Tracks
Reply to this Hi
Sorry, my last reply was meant for another question and does not apply to your trip.
Werner
Eko Tracks
Reply to this EkoTraks
Thanks for the guidance on the old road. Can you suggest a map where the old road is easily identifiable? I want to get away from main roads as far as possible. It's good fun planning the route using a map and then checking it out on google.
Thanks for your help.
Peter
Reply to this Hi
Any good road map should show all the roads. The old road basically runs more or less parallel with the highway where it still exists. You may have to get on and off the highway to access the old road. E.g. near the Storms River the old road winds down to the bottom whereas the highway crosses the river over a high bridge. Hope this helps.
Werner
Eko Tracks
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