Cycling in South Africa
Including Cape Peninsula and Winelands, Cradle of Humankind, and Drakensberg Mountains. On the map.
The vibe
Hitting the road or trail here means sharing wide-open tarmac and sweeping gravel farm tracks with a deeply ingrained cycling culture, though you always need to keep your wits about you around heavy traffic. Spring and autumn deliver the golden, temperate days ideal for massive endurance rides through the valleys. It swings between organized local bunch rides on weekends and independent touring where you stop for strong coffee at farm stalls.
Cape Peninsula and Winelands
Western Cape
lumoplank / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Home to the famous Cape Town Cycle Tour, this region features spectacular coastal roads like Chapman's Peak and the rolling vineyards of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. It is arguably the most famous road cycling hub in Africa.
Access. Cape Town serves as the primary base with extensive bike shops and support services.
Notes. Strong winds are common; popular for road cyclists year-round.
Cradle of Humankind
Gauteng
Nolabob / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Located just outside Johannesburg, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a massive hub for road cycling. The rolling hills and quiet country roads are the training ground for many of South Africa's professional cyclists.
Access. Short drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria; numerous cycling-friendly cafes and hubs.
Notes. High traffic on weekend mornings; stay alert for support vehicles.
Drakensberg Mountains
KwaZulu-Natal
Nick Helme / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The 'Dragon Mountains' provide a dramatic backdrop for high-altitude mountain biking and challenging gravel touring. The region features steep, technical trails and rugged mountain passes that attract serious off-road cyclists.
Access. Accessible from Durban or Johannesburg; various mountain resorts and lodges offer trail access.
Notes. High difficulty due to altitude and steep gradients; weather can change rapidly.
Lesotho Highlands Water Project Paved Roads
Free State
Jan Giebelmann / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Smooth, high-altitude tarmac winds past massive dams and dramatic deep-cut river valleys in the 'Kingdom in the Sky'. Climbs regularly exceed 3,000 meters, offering immense endurance challenges and breathtaking alpine vistas.
Access. Accessible via Maseru; self-supported road touring or organized supported tours. Secure base camps and lodges in Katse and Mohale.
Notes. Best ridden from October to April. Expect extreme weather shifts, thin air, and steep mountain gradients. Suitable only for experienced climbers.
The Karoo
Western Cape
The vast, arid plains of the Great Karoo offer endless gravel roads through semi-desert landscapes and historic farm towns. It is the spiritual home of ultra-endurance gravel racing in South Africa, known for its solitude and stark beauty.
Access. Best accessed via road trip from Cape Town or Johannesburg; towns like Prince Albert and Willowmore serve as gateways.
Notes. Extreme temperatures in summer; best visited in winter or shoulder seasons.