Did you know that South Africa’s Mother City is one of the bike-friendliest places in the world? The city hosts numerous cycling events and boasts a variety of cycling routes ranging from single tracks and scenic mountain routes to tracks that will take you along the Atlantic Ocean. Here is our list of the best cycling routes in Cape Town.
1 Sea Point Promenade
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A charming beach-front route, Sea Point Promenade is only seven kilometers long and suitable for both beginner and experienced cyclists. The good news is that the road is flat and the path runs along the gorgeous coastline and passes by several play parks. When you reach the Green Point Lighthouse in Mouille Point, expect to find lovely gardens where you can stop and rest for a while.
2 Camps Bay to Hout Bay
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There are several cycling routes in Cape Town that offer stunning views of Clifton and Lion’s Head, but the Camps Bay to Hout Bay is definitely the best one. The route starts at the beachfront in Camps Bay and takes you through Suikerbossie to Hout Bay Village. If 22 km of cycling is not enough for you, you can continue your journey all the way to Chapman’s Peak Drive.
3 Table Mountain
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Table Mountain boasts dozens of mountain bike and cycling trails. The good news is that it’s just a short walk from the city center and there are various route options to choose from. For instance, travelers can bike along the Kloof Nek Road which will lead you to the Lower Cableway Station. From here, it’s best to continue to the end of Tafelberg Road or enter the Rollercoaster path where you will find dozens of mountain bike tracks. It is recommended to purchase a Table Mountain MTB map from one of the small bike shops, so you don’t get lost. Keep in mind that cyclists need to obtain a Sanparks permit for biking on Table Mountain. It costs R500 and you can use it for a year.
4 Cape Point Nature Reserve
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Located about 60 km from the center of Cape Town, Cape Point Nature Reserve is part of the well-known Table Mountain National Park and boasts dozens of pristine beaches, steep cliffs, hiking trails, and most importantly cycling routes. The main cycling trail here is 40 km long and starts at the entrance of the Cape Point Nature Reserve. This road will take you all the way to the Old Light House and along the way; you will have a chance to spot an abundance of wildlife including zebra and antelope. There are several vantage points where you can take short breaks and enjoy gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean.
5 Cape Winelands
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Besides being home to numerous award-winning wine estates, Cape Winelands offers a number of excellent cycling routes. The most famous track is definitely the Helshoogte Pass that takes cyclists above the beautiful town of Stellenbosch and offers charming views of the vineyards. Once you reach the top of the Helshoogte Road, you can visit the lovely Tokara Wine and Olive Farm for a glass of wine or to have a snack.
