The CAPE ARGUS CYCLE TOUR.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience
Jump on this chance to get up close and personal with the Cape Argus Cycle Tour. Revel among the 35,000 cyclists from pros to international fun seekers at the largest cycling event on earth.
Bicycle Tour Points. Start at Cape Town
We make you feel like a VIP among the masses as our expert local guides outfit and ride alongside you on one of the most culturally enriching cycling experiences of your life. Cape Argus is not just spectacle as it is of vital importance to the culture of South Africa. Hello Yebo immerses our clients into this culture for Argus and on our soul-enriching journey on bike through the heart of the country. After we have shown you the best of our world on 2 wheels we complete your experience with a world-class safari that truly makes the Hello Yebo cycling experience not to miss.
Trip Highlights
- Cape Argus Cycle Tour
- Professionally guided Hello Yebo cycling tour
- Safari and the Big 5 animal safari adventure
- Hiking Table Mountain
- Wine tastings at South Africa’s renowned wineries and restaurants
- Exquisitely prepared meals by South Africa’s best chefs
- Cultural immersion and interaction
- Luxury accommodations
TRIP ITINERARY- MArch 2012
DAY 01- MARCH 3
ARRIVE CAPE TOWN
Upon arrival into Cape Town, the group will be met by an Immersion Journeys/ Southern Visions Travel Representative and transferred to the hotel. Rest of your day at leisure.
Overnight : Overnight: Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel
http://www.southernsun.com/hotels/waterfront-cape-town/pages/overview.aspx
DAY 02- MARCH 4
CAPE TOWN
Hiking: approximately +/-9 km (Easy to Moderately difficult)
Cycling: +/- 15 km
Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Table Mountain- Cecilia Falls Hiking Trail
Hike amidst the fantastic vistas formed by the Table Mountain range. Our walk will be through Cecilia Forest to the tranquility of Cecilia Waterfall. Admire the breathtaking views over False Bay all the way to theHottentot Holland Mountains and south to the Cape Peninsula. The hike ends the world famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and take some time to explore and marvel at the backdrop of Table Mountain and Devils Peak before returning to the city.
The afternoon will be a soft ride through Cape Town to test out your bikes followed by an evening cultural welcome dinner at Africa Café- the first of several celebrations of the eclectic culinary cuisines that the African continent offers. South Africa’s rich culinary diversity and dynamic tastes comes from various influences brought by slaves and indentured servants from Asia, visiting mariners from the Mediterranean as they rounded the Cape to replenish their supplies, and European settlers. Each carefully prepared dish is explained- from its ingredients, to its source and its importance to the culture of what defines South Africa.
Overnight : Overnight: Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel
http://www.southernsun.com/hotels/waterfront-cape-town/pages/overview.aspx
DAY 03- MARCH 5
CAPE TOWN- FISH HOEK- CONSTANTIA
Cycling: +/- 45 km (option to ride 60km to the hotel)
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Challanging
Chapmans Peak (Cape Peninsula)
Today’s ride will begin at the top of Signal Hill that offers one some of the most spectacular views of Cape Town including views down to the new world cup stadium, the port and the various peaks that ring the city. The Chapman’s Peak road out of the city is popular among riders as it winds along the coast towards the small town of Noordhoek. As we ride towards Noordoek keep your eyes open for the memorable views along the12 Apostle Ridge on of many views as we travel through the cape.
An important lunch stop at Noordhoek- best-known for its picturesque shoreline and its long, wide, sandy beach. Near the southern end of this beach is the wreck of the steamship “Kakapo”, which ran aground about a century ago when the captain mistook Chapmans’ Peak for the Cape of Good Hope.
After a leisurely lunch we continue to the fishing town of Fish Hoek. This little town began as a fishing village. One can still meet fishermen casting their lines exchanging stories of their days out at sea. Stop for a short coffee and snack before transferring by van to Constantia- one of the several wine growing regions of the western Cape.
Overnight : Highlands Country House
Note : This is one of the best rides anywhere on the Peninsula but more on the challenging side!
DAY 04- MARCH 6
CONSTANTIA- FISH HOEK- SIMONS TOWN- CAPE OF GOOD HOPE
Cycling: +/- 55km (option to ride 70km)
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Today will be a loop ride along the coast of False Bay (east coast of the Cape). Ride through Fishhoek and then south down to Simons Town and Boulder’s beach. Imagine seeing penguins in sub-Sahara Africa! In 1983 a pair of African penguins were spotted on Foxy Beach at Boulders and in 1985 they began to lay. Since then the colony has grown rapidly, increasing initially at about 60% a year. By 1997 there were 2350 adult birds. Quiet habituated by now, one can get close enough for a photo-op.
Cape Point
Our ride continues to the Cape Point entrance gate and Cape Point Nature Reserve. As you ride through the nature reserve you will begin to see baboons, ostrich, eland and bontebok. This is truly awesome scenery, some fantastic walks and deserted beaches. This is also the point of the continent where oceanographers have debated for years as to the exact spot where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet where mariners turned the “Horn” towards Cape Town and False Bay to replenish their suppliers during their long voyages.
The area’s spectacle of crashing waves, immense nature and honorary title of “Southern Western most Point of the Cape Peninsula” makes it a memorable stop for anyone visiting. You have a choice of hiking up to the Cape Point lighthouse (approx an hour) or taking your bikes up there. Vans will also be available.
Cape Point itself has a funicular railway system if you don’t wish to walk up the steps to the 200 meter ascent to the lighthouse! Optional ride back through the Cape Point Nature Reserve to meet the van at the entry gate
We will return by van back to the hotel to relax and freshen up before dinner at a local vineyard called Groot Constantia. The original estate was established in 1685 by Simon Van Der Stel and was divided up after his death in 1712. Here you begin to witness the famous Cape Dutch architecture brought over by settlers. The style and design very much remains the same except today the buildings are fully electrified with all 21st century modernity in place.
Evening dinner transfer to Groot Constantia.
Overnight : Highlands Country House
DAY 05 MARCH 7
PAARL- FRANSCHOEK
Cycling: +/- 60km (option to ride 70km)
Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Morning transfer to Paarl- one of the three major wine regions north east of Cape Town. Your bikes will be waiting for you. Your ride will take you through some primary and secondary roads past vineyards for some luscious wine tasting and awesome vistas towards Franschoek- a quaint village that brags of immense culinary diversity and an eclectic history. Stop for lunch at one of the many wineries dotted along the road. Upon arrival in Franschoek, you will participate in a true South African food demonstration at Le Quartier Francais. This famed family run B&B has won several culinary awards and people from all over the western Cape come there just to try their cuisines. Try your hand at preparing an authentic Cape Malay cuisine such as bobotie- a confluence of Asian, African and European herbs and spices. (Note: if the group size is larger than 6 people, the food demonstration will take place at a local vineyard kitchen).
Rest of the afternoon at your own leisure to enjoy the picturesque tranquil of Franshoek.
Overnight: Le Quartier Francais www.lequartier.co.za/
DAY 06 MARCH 8
STELLENBOSCH – FRANSHOEK
Cycling: +/- 48km
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Morning transfer to Stellenbosch the second of the wine growing regions. You have an option to wander around this university town or taking an optional ride through the Jonkershoek State Forest before rejoining the group continuing towards Franschoek. Cycle through the Helshooghte Pass (translation: “Hells Pass”) which circles through fantastic panoramic landscapes and vineyards. Every trip has a “must do” stop and ours includes one at Hill Crest Berry farm for coffee and their famous berry tart made from the freshly picked produce from their farms. This stop will replenish your hunger before the final push towards Franshoek. We end at Moreson Vineyards- one of the most tranquil family-run places in the Franshoek Valley. After an indulging wine tasting you have a choice to try one of their cuisines from the vineyards very own Bread & Wine restaurant. The rest of the afternoon is free to ride your bikes around the vineyards many narrow roads or simply to enjoy the atmosphere that the place offers.
Every meal ends with a dessert and on the way back to the hotel treat yourself with chocolate tasting and demonstration at Hugenot Chocolates- one of the regions well known chocolatiers. Meet the team who will tell you everything about Belgian chocolate making and why its always good to include it in your diet!
Remainder of the evening is at your own leisure. Make sure you reserve a table at the Le Quartier Francais famous Tasting Room or the many restaurants that dot the area.
Overnight : Le Quartier Francais www.lequartier.co.za/
DAY 07 MARCH 9
FRANSHOEK- KLEINMOND- HERMANUS
Cycling: +/- 120km
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging and long.
After a lovely breakfast, embark on a century ride to Hermanus today! Going over the some shallow mountain passes, we head south towards the coast line towards the small town of Kleinmond. Wedged between mountain and sea offering spectacular views over Walker Bay, Hermanus promises remarkable natural beauty in the heart of the beautiful Cape Whale Coast in the Western Cape. Hermanus is famed for its annual whale migration and during certain times of the year it’s easy for you to spot them from the shore as they spawn and feed. A delightful way to end the long ride today is to try out the spa to relax your muscles followed by a well-deserved beverage of choice as you soak in the magnificent views of the mountains and ocean.
Just as we began this journey, we end with a celebratory farewell feast at one of local restaurants.
Overnight: Quarters Hotel
http://www.quarters.co.za/quarters-hermanus/accommodation.html
DAY 08 MARCH 10
HERMANUS- CAPE TOWN
After a leisurely breakfast and check out, we return back to Cape Town. En route we will visit a local Township to interact with the community and take part in one of the many corporate social responsibility programs we are involved in. We will leave the afternoon open for your own leisure to unwind and enjoy Cape Town on your own. Get ready for pre-Argus festivities.
Overnight: Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel
http://www.southernsun.com/hotels/waterfront-cape-town/pages/overview.aspx
DAY 09 MARCH 11
CAPE ARGUS CYCLE TOUR!
Join 35,000 cyclists for what is deemed to be the world’s largest attended bike tour in the world- the Cape Argus! Ride 110kms at your own pace over 6 hours to complete the route. After the race, meet back at the hotel for a complimentary full-body massage and foot rub! The Argus festivities continue late into the evening.
Overnight: Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel
http://www.southernsun.com/hotels/waterfront-cape-town/pages/overview.aspx
DAY 10 MARCH 12
CAPE TOWN- KAPAMA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Get to see all the Big 5 animals
Early morning departure for your safari adventure! From Cape Town we fly to Hoedspruit Airport (via Johannesburg). Transfer to Kapama River Lodge. Enjoy an afternoon game drive on this 33,000 acre game reserve in an open safari vehicle accompanied by a trained ranger and tracker. At sunset, stop off in the bush, and while sipping your “sundowner”, watch the sun as it sinks into the dusky horizon. As darkness approaches, the trackers will scan the bush with a powerful spotlight and will point out the elusive nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight: Kapama River Lodge
www.kapama.co.za/kapama-river-lodge/
DAY 11 MARCH 13
KAPAMA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
A typical full day at Kapama includes an early morning open vehicle game drive followed by a late breakfast. The afternoon is meant to relax and enjoy a siesta or the numerous other activities the lodge offers to visitors. Late afternoon / early evening open vehicle game drive and a hearty dinner under the stars.
Overnight: Kapama River Lodge www.kapama.co.za/kapama-river-lodge/
DAY 12 MARCH 14
DEPARTURE
After an early morning open vehicle game drive and breakfast we will transfer back to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg arriving in time to connect to your onward journey.
Ground Cost:
Based on double occupancy: $8,125 per person (sharing)
Based on single occupancy: $9,375 per person
Includes
- Team Hello Yebo Cape Argus Race entry ticket and festivities
- English speaking Guides and tour leaders during main Hello Yebo tour
- Bike Rentals & Helmets
- Transfers and transportation as per above itinerary
- Van & trailer equipped with first aid and equipment
- Detailed maps and route notes
- All inter-South Africa flights (Cape Town – Hoedspruit – Johannesburg)
- 4 Nights accommodation at Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel (Cape Town)
- 2 Nights accommodation at Highlands Country House (Constantia wine region)
- 2 nights accommodations at Le Quartier Francais (Franschoek)
- 1 night accommodations at Quarters Hotel (Hermanus)
- 2 Nights accommodations and game drives at Kapama River Lodge and all game drives with professional guide and trackers.
- 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners (beverages paid directly by clients)
- Water and snacks while cycling
- Hiking at Table Mountain
- Entrance fees for sightseeing as per above itinerary
- Porterage
- Acivities as mentioned above.
Also available at additional cost upon request:
- Room upgrades
- Mobile phone rental arrangement upon arrival at the airport.
- Pre and post trip tour and safari extensions
Excludes
- All interational airfares, air reservations and airport taxes
- All other meals not mentioned above
- All other accommodation
- All other transport
- Personal expenses such as tips for meals, gratuities for guides/game rangers, all alcoholic and other beverages, telephone calls and laundry
- Any other services not mentioned above
- Visas & vaccinations to South Africa
Getting to South Africa
We will be happy to assist you with flight planning. We recommend you fly into Cape Town (CPT) and depart out of Johannesburg (JNB).
The most popular carriers are:
South African Airways (direct to Johannesburg with connections to Cape Town)
Delta Airlines (direct to Johannesburg)
British Airways/ American Airlines (via London)
KLM (via Amsterdam)
Virgin Atlantic (via London)
Lufthansa (via Frankfurt)
Emirates (via Dubai)
