The Cross Cape Traverse

The Cross Cape Traverse

A seven-day premium gravel journey from Plettenberg Bay to Stellenbosch

The Cross Cape Traverse is a fully supported gravel cycling holiday across the Western Cape, following the Cross Cape route from Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route to Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands.

Over seven riding days, you will cover approximately 750 km and 10,000 m of climbing across forest roads, mountain passes, Karoo gravel, quiet farm lanes and vineyard country. The route is roughly 60% gravel and 40% tar, with nine significant passes along the way. It is a serious ride, but not a race. The aim is to ride well, recover properly and take in the places that make this route far more than a line between two towns.

Your week starts on the coast in Plettenberg Bay and quickly enters the indigenous forests above Knysna. From there, you ride the old Seven Passes Road towards George, climb Montagu Pass into the Klein Karoo, follow gravel beneath the Swartberg Mountains and work through the remote country around Van Wyksdorp, Riversdale and Grootvadersbosch.

The final stages carry you through long farm roads and open Overberg landscapes to Greyton, before a last push past Theewaterskloof Dam, over Franschhoek Pass and into Stellenbosch. Each day brings a different surface, climate and rhythm—from cool forest tracks and loose mountain gravel to dry Karoo roads and smooth Winelands tar.

South Side Cycles takes care of the logistics so you can give your attention to the ride. You will stay in carefully selected bike-friendly accommodation, with your luggage moved ahead each day, route support close by and time to enjoy a proper meal, a cold drink and a comfortable room at the end of each stage.

This is for riders who enjoy a demanding week in the saddle, appreciate a well-run trip and want to see the Western Cape at the pace it deserves.

At a glance

• Duration: 7 riding days / 8 nights
• Start: Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape
• Finish: Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands
• Distance: Approximately 750 km
• Climbing: Approximately 10,000 m
• Terrain: Approximately 60% gravel / 40% tar
• Route highlights: Diepwalle Forest, Seven Passes Road, Montagu Pass, Klein Karoo, Swartberg foothills, Rooiberg Pass, Garcia’s Pass, Grootvadersbosch, Greyton, Theewaterskloof Dam, Franschhoek Pass and Helshoogte Pass
• Riding style: Supported endurance gravel tour
• Group size: Small groups
• Level: Experienced intermediate to advanced gravel riders

Who this trip is for

The Cross Cape Traverse is suited to experienced gravel and endurance riders who are comfortable spending several consecutive days on the bike.

You should be able to manage daily distances of approximately 65–150 km, sustained climbing and long stretches between services. You should also be confident on loose gravel, corrugations, rocky sections, farm roads and long descents. A strong endurance base, sensible pacing and a willingness to ride in changeable conditions are essential.

This is not a race, and nobody needs to chase a finish time. It is, however, a substantial point-to-point ride with real climbing, remote sections and seven full days of riding.

What is included

• 8 nights of bike-friendly accommodation
• 7 supported riding days from Plettenberg Bay to Stellenbosch
• Experienced South Side Cycles ride leader and local route support
• Support vehicle for luggage, ride nutrition, hydration and mechanical assistance
• Daily luggage transfers
• Route briefings, GPX files and daily ride notes
• Secure bike storage where available
• Bike set-up and packing support
• Selected meals and local experiences, as listed in the final itinerary
• Final group celebration in Stellenbosch

What is not included

• Flights and travel to Plettenberg Bay
• Travel, medical and bicycle insurance
• Bike hire, unless arranged as an optional extra
• Meals and drinks not listed as included
• Personal spending and optional activities
• Transfers outside the specified arrival and departure arrangements
• Gratuities

The route

Day 1: Plettenberg Bay to Knysna
78 km | 1,361 m climbing
Begin at the coast and ride into the indigenous forest around Diepwalle before finishing in Knysna.

Day 2: Knysna to George
80 km | 1,704 m climbing
Take on Seven Passes Road, with forest climbs, old gravel passes and a rewarding finish in George.

Day 3: George to Oudtshoorn
64 km | 868 m climbing
Climb Montagu Pass and watch the Garden Route landscape give way to the dry, open Klein Karoo.

Day 4: Oudtshoorn to Rooiberg Lodge
124 km | 2,113 m climbing
Ride long gravel roads beneath the Swartberg Mountains, stop in Calitzdorp and climb Rooiberg Pass to your overnight lodge.

Day 5: Rooiberg Lodge to Grootvadersbosch
129 km | 2,333 m climbing
A remote and demanding stage through Van Wyksdorp, Garcia’s Pass and the green slopes around Grootvadersbosch.

Day 6: Grootvadersbosch to Greyton
148 km | 1,560 m climbing
The longest day of the journey, linking farm roads, gravel stretches and quiet country lanes before arriving in Greyton.

Day 7: Greyton to Stellenbosch
108 km | 1,417 m climbing
Finish the route via Theewaterskloof Dam, Franschhoek Pass and Helshoogte Pass before rolling into Stellenbosch.

Ready to ride the Cross Cape?

The Cross Cape Traverse is available as a scheduled small-group departure or a bespoke private cycling holiday for clubs, friends, brands and corporate groups.

Paying today reserves your place with a deposit only. The remaining tour balance and payment schedule will be confirmed after booking.

Enquire now to receive departure dates, pricing and full itinerary details.