Garden Route Tour

Why you'll love this trip

Bespoke, luxury cycling touring at its best!  Join us on this premium, all-inclusive cycle tour from Gqeberha to Cape Town along South Africa’s majestic Garden Route. 

The iconic Cape Town Cycle Tour awaits on day seven, so extend your tour experience with the platinum package, closing out a superb week of riding.  With the very best support around you, on and off the bike, you’ll be treated to a world class cycling experience.  Let’s make memories!

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"Our tours are about shared experience, not competition. We ride together, supporting one another, keeping a steady pace maintaining a solid rhythm, and enjoying every stretch of road. It’s not about how fast you are, it’s about how much you enjoy the ride."

Why Ride With Us

Join the Ride

All inclusive
Enjoy a truly all-inclusive experience where every detail is taken care of. All you need to do is ride, relax, and take in the incredible scenery. We handle the rest.
Luxury Accommodation
Every evening, premium accommodation will be provided in hotels, with a minimum of three-four star, depending on availability. Maximum two persons per room will be assigned for shared accommodation.
Fully supported & safe
Safety is one of our biggest concerns when we think cycling in South Africa, whether it be on tar or dirt roads.The amazing Think Bike Marshals will be on hand to assist with traffic control and rider safety along the route.
Water & Lunch On Route
We carefully plan out the water points and lunch stop for each stage. At roughly 40km apart, you will have rolling water points on every stage. Depending on the distance of the stage, lunch will either be enjoyed on route or at the finish venue for the stage.
Masseuse & Recovery
The long days out are a little easier with fresher legs. We will have a masseuse on hand for afternoon and evening massages, which helps immensely with recovery after consecutive days in the saddle.
Bike Wash & Transport
Your bike is fully supported throughout the tour with dedicated transport. After each ride, your bike will be cleaned by the Drake Cycle Tours crew. If you need time off the bike, we'll safely and carefully transport your bike on our enclosed bike trailer.
Goodie bag
The amazing partners and sponsors have provided great samples, vouchers & useful products for a special goodie bag. We’re sure some of the goodie bag items will come in handy through the tour. Enjoy!
Airport Transfer to Hotel
The tour shuttle will collect you from the airport and take you to the hotel to get settled in for the start of the tour. Check-in at the hotel will only be from 14H00. One shuttle will collect everyone collectively at 15H00. Please plan your flights accordingly.
GRT Goodie Bag
GRT Cyclists Stage 1
Gamtoos River
Van Stadens Pass
Jeffreys Bay
Cyclists Marshal Stage 1
Assegaaibosch Country Lodge

START    01 March, 2026

Kickoff to Adventure

Your journey begins with a warm welcome at the starting location, where you'll check in, meet the crew, and get settled into your accommodation.
Once registered, there’s time to prep your bike, meet fellow riders, and soak in the excitement of what’s to come. The atmosphere is relaxed but buzzing with anticipation as everyone gears up for the adventure ahead. That evening, we gather for a welcome dinner and tour briefing. You’ll get a rundown of the route, support structure, safety protocols, and daily expectations. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with the group, ask questions, and ease into the tour mindset, one built on camaraderie, scenic riding, and unforgettable moments.

shuttle from airport: Pick-up at 15h00
ARRIVAL AT HOTEL: Check-in from 14H00
Accommodation: The Paxton Hotel

Book Now

STAGE 1     02 June, 2026

Gqeberha - Kareedouw

After an awesome dinner and drinks on the opening night, you’ll depart at sunrise on 02 March for Day 1 of the Garden Route Tour.
You will depart Gqeberha through to Kareedouw on what will be an up and down route for most of the day. The first spectacular pass of the tour is Van Staden’s Pass, welcoming your legs to the tour. Passing Jeffreys Bay, you’ll ride through Humansdorp, deviating off the coastal road as you climb your way to Kareedouw. It’s a good welcome stage to the tour with nothing too crazy – just enough to get your legs warmed up for the passes on Stage 2.

Distance: 150km | 93mi
Elevation: 1510m | 4950ft ascent
Average Speed: 28km/hr | 17.4mi/h
Water Points: 3 (30 min)
Lunch Stop: 0 (0 min)
Accommodation: Tsitstikamma Lodge and Spa

STAGE 2    03 June, 2025

Kareedouw – Sedgefield

After a great welcome to the Garden Route on Stage 1, it’s time to experience the true beauty of what the Garden Route offers.
Stage 2 serves up three spectacular passes for an epic day on the bike. From Assegaaibosch Lodge, riders climb through Kareedouw and over the Kareedouw Pass. Forest roads offer some respite before the descent into the Western Cape and a steady climb up the western side of Bloukrans Pass. After refuelling, it’s on to Grootrivier Pass in Nature’s Valley. Skirting Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, there’s one final climb before a fast, flowing descent into Sedgefield.

Distance: 167km | 104mi
Elevation: 1760m | 5775ft ascent
Average Speed: 27km/hr | 16.9mi/h
Water Points: 2 (20 min)
Lunch Stop: 1 (30 min)
Accommodation: Protea Hotel King George

STAGE 3    04 March, 2026

Sedgefield – Calitzdorp

One of the big highlights of the tour – The Outeniqua Pass! But first, it’s the Kaaiman’s River Pass from Wilderness to George as a shorter prelude to the main event.
The Outeniqua Pass is spectacular – a long but steady pass that words cannot do justice. From the Outeniqua Pass, the profile is fairly easy on the way to Calitzdorp. Use this time on the bike to recover slightly from the Outeniqua Pass and then the afternoon brings massages and relaxation in preparation for the Queen Stage on Stage 4.

Distance: 149km | 1850m ascent
Elevation: 93mi | 6070ft ascent
Average Speed: 26km/hr | 16mi/hr
Water Points: 3 (30 min)
Lunch Stops: 1 (30 min)
Accommodation: Mymering Wine and Guest Estate

STAGE 4    05 March, 2026

Calitzdorp - Swellendam

The Queen Stage… and oh! does it start with a bang. This is what we came for!
Huisrivier Pass 1 will wake the legs up with the climb out of Calitzdorp. It’s nothing too concerning though but after a short descent the big pass of the day begins – Huisrivier Pass 2. In 2025, riders took on this pass with temperatures in the low 40’s (celsius) and with Outenqiua Pass on the same day. Fortunately in 2026, you’ll have “fresher” morning legs in cooler temperatures. After Huisrivier Pass 2, the day will remain up and down with truly spectacular scenery. From Barrydale, riders descend the pass towards Swellendam where it will no doubt be an afternoon and evening filled with stories from a big stage on the bike.

Distance: 170km | 106mi
Elevation: 2090m | 6860ft ascent
Average Speed: 26km/hr | 16.3mi/hr
Lunch Stop: 1 (30 min)
Water Points: 3(30 min)
Accommodation: Wederdom Guest Farm

STAGE 5    06 March, 2026

Swellendam – Franschhoek

Stage 5 is the longest stage on the tour. The stage departs Swellendam towards Ashton, starting with a succession of climbs.
From Ashton the route heads towards Worcester, but just before Worcester deviates South Westerly towards Villiersdorp. The main attraction for the day is the Franschhoek Pass. With 169km in the legs for the day, it’s superb to know the scenery will distract you as you take on the 7.2km climb with an average gradient of 5.3%. Once over the top, it’s a very welcome descent into Franschhoek for the evening.

Distance: 183km | 114mi
Elevation: 1970m | 6460ft ascent
Average Speed: 26km/hr | 16.3mi/hr
Water Points: 3 (30 min)
Lunch stop: 1 (30 min)
Accommodation: Atlantic Beach Hotel

STAGE 6    07 March, 2026

Franschhoek – Cape Town

It’s a tour of the wine farms, without the enjoyment of the tasting.
From Franschhoek the route heads through Stellenbosch, Durbanville and finally into Cape Town. It’s a beautiful ride past the wine farms and into the city to rest the legs a bit before the big day that is the Cape Town Cycle Tour.

Distance: 100km | 62mi
Elevation: 720m | 2360ft ascent
Average Speed: 28km/hr | 17.5mi/hr
Water Points: 2 (20 min)
ACCOMMODATION: TBC
Lunch Stop: 0 (0 min)

STAGE 7    08 March, 2026

Grand Parade – Green Point

There’s not much in words that can give justice to the Hoopla experience that 20 000 riders take on every year.
We will book a hotel in the city for ease of cycling to the start and back. From there it’s the 108km or 67mi that follow for the race, but also the last kilometres/miles of the tour from Gqeberha to Cape Town. Race the Sunday or take it easy and enjoy all the day has to offer. We’ll be waiting for you at the finish to celebrate another successful day out. Chapeau!

Distance: 108km | 67mi
Elevation: 1200m | 3450ft ascent
Average Speed: Ride your own pace
ACCOMMODATION: TBC
Water Points: TBC
Lunch Stop: TBC

CYCLING PACKAGES

Discover Your Ideal Route

Building on the 2025 experience, the 2026 route keeps the same distance but starts a day earlier to allow more recovery and enjoyment at each stage finish. Riders flying into George can also opt for shorter 4- or 5-stage options.

7-STAGE

Platinum Package

R 33000

2400
01-08 March, 2026
7 Nights | 7 Days
945km | 587mi
  • Fully Catered Meals
  • Airport Transfer
  • Masseuse & Recovery
  • Bike Wash & Transport
  • Goodie Bag
  • Think Bike Marshals
  • Rolling Water Points
  • 7-Nights Accommodation
  • Premium Accommodation
Book Now

6-Stage

Gold Package

R 30500

2300
01-07 March, 2026
6 Nights | 6 Days
 945km | 587mi
  • Luxury Accommodation
  • A
  • B
  • Bike Marshal support
  • Masseuse & Recovery
  • Bike Wash & Transport
Save R2000 with Early Bird
Regular price R30500
Book Now

5-Stage

Silver Package

R 26000

0
03-08 March, 2026
5 Nights | 5 Days
737km | 458mi
  • Luxury Accommodation
  • Water points and Lunch stops
  • Bike Marshal support
  • Masseuse & Recovery
  • Bike Wash & Transport
  • Goodie Bag
Save R2000 with Early Bird
Regular price R26000
Book Now

4-Stage

Bronze Package

R 20000

0
03-07 March, 2026
4 Nights | 4 Days
628km | 390mi
  • Luxury Accommodation
  • Water points and Lunch stops
  • Bike Marshal support
  • Masseuse & Recovery
  • Bike Wash & Transport
  • Goodie Bag
Save R2000 with Early Bird
Regular price R20000
Book Now

PAYMENT PLAN: Pay a non-refundable deposit of R3000 or €300 or $300 and pay the balance over the coming months, divided by the number of months remaining until January 2026.  The final instalment is to be paid by 31 January, 2026.

Price adjustments will not be made for substitutions, changes or exclusions. This is an all inclusive package to be provided for, per person, as advertised.

All expenses paid including:

  • Premium Accommodation
  • All Meals & Beverages (ex alcohol)
  • Think Bike Marshals
  • Massage Therapist
  • Shuttle (During Tour)
  • Support Vehicle
  • Bicycle Transfer from Johannesburg to Qheberha
  • Bicycle Transfer from Cape Town to Johannesburg
  • Nutrition & Fully Stocked Water Points
  • Exciting Goodie Bag
You may request your own private room for the duration of the tour at a surcharge of R700 / $40/ €35 per night.

We cover almost everything but the following must be arranged/ordered separately:

  • Travel Insurance
  • Medical Aid
  • Alcoholic Beverages 
  • Bike Rental
  • Flights
  • Additional excursions and activities
Should you need assistance with any of the above, let us know so we can update your package. 
All cyclists wanting to enter the tour are required to have Medical Insurance with at least a hospital plan in place.

By entering the Garden Route Tour, entrants acknowledge that they are required to have valid medical insurance that covers them for the duration of the event. It is the sole responsibility of each entrant to ensure that they have adequate medical insurance coverage, and the organizers of the Garden Route Tour will not be held liable for any medical expenses incurred by entrants during the event.

Entrants who do not have valid medical insurance will not be permitted to participate in the event.

Kit for Every RIDE

Unique Tour Apparel

Garden Route Tour Jersey

R1750

Green

Garden Route Tour Vest

R1750

Green

Garden Route Tour Socks

R150

Green

DCT Road Jersey

R1750

Blue/White

DCT Road Socks

R150

White/Blue

DCT Gravel Jersey

R1750

Blue/Navy

DCT Gravel Socks

R150

Blue/Navy

Frequently Asked Questions

A luxury 6‑day/6‑night cycling trip (plus optional Cape Town Cycle Tour day) from Gqeberha to Cape Town, covering up to 1 054 km and 11 260 m elevation. 

All packages are all-inclusive: premium accommodation, all meals (excluding alcohol), refreshments, a massage therapist, shuttles (during tour), support vehicle, bicycle transport, nutrition and fully stocked water points, and an exciting goodie bag. 

Yes! Take the stress off of flying with your bike. Options range from aluminium road bikes (ZAR 590/day) to carbon road bikes (ZAR 850/day), carbon bike with carbon wheels (ZAR 1 250/day), and MTB e-bikes (ZAR 1 350/day). Refundable deposits apply (ZAR 3 000–5 000). 

Yes! Round-trip bicycle transport from Pretoria to Gqeberha and Cape Town to Pretoria is included. A bike trailer is also provided during the tour.

Yes, a bike wash with an eco-friendly Squirt bike cleaner is available after each ride! 

A valid Cycling South Africa (CSA) racing license or day membership is compulsory. Racing license holders register under "Licensed", others under "Open" or E‑Bike categories. Day licenses cost R50. 

A goodie bag with samples/vouchers, your rider number board, an armband for ID and feed zone access, and any ordered event apparel.

Yes, firms require valid medical insurance with hospital coverage for the duration. No insurance, no entry. 

Pug

Let's Give Back

Riding with Purpose

Drake Events proudly supports Pug Rescue South Africa, a nonprofit that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes over 210 Pugs each year. Their Benoni sanctuary provides lifelong care to unadopted and elderly Pugs, with a strong focus on matching the right dog to the right home.

Through the Thanda Inja Project, they also offer free basic vet care and food to over 450 dogs and 80 cats in under-resourced communities every two weeks.

Join us in making a difference.

As part of our commitment to giving back, Drake Events donates 
R200 / €10 / $10 from every tour entry to support this life-changing work.

Get in Touch

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