George is one of the beautiful towns that lie along the picturesque Garden Route in the Western Cape. It is peacefully secluded at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountain Range. In addition to being known for a fabulously fascinating history that dates back centuries, it is also acclaimed for its outstanding beauty, which acts as a breath-taking backdrop to just about every view of and around George.
Experiencing George on a bicycle is the perfect way to enjoy all of the natural beauty at a comfortable pace that allows you to be a real part of the South African outdoors, immersing yourself in its wonder. Smell the fresh mountain air, feel the sea breeze on your face and listen to the magnificent soundtrack of the unspoilt countryside and its wild inhabitants.
This entire region is particularly suitable for cycling safaris as the vegetation and landscape is so very diverse. It includes four mountain passes (Swartberg, Rooiberg, Huisrivier and Montagu); parts of the arid Karoo; dense, lush forests and vast stretches of pristine white beaches and coastal scrub. This not only provides an endless variety of beautiful settings but also creates an exciting obstacle course on which cyclists of all abilities can test their skills.
The Garden Route and Klein Karoo are popular tourist destinations. This means that they are amply equipped with accommodation and other essential amenities that visitors require. Along the route on a cycle safari, there is plenty in the way of lodges, guesthouses, campsites and bed & breakfast facilities. In addition, there are restaurants and restrooms along the way for added convenience.
While a number of local cyclists make use of the main roads, there are a number of secondary roads and trails that are not only safer (in terms of traffic), but also allow the rider to have a more intimate, unspoilt experience of the Western Cape’s beauty.
The nearby towns of George, Knysna and Mossel Bay are popular holiday hotspots that invite cyclists to enjoy a well-deserved vacation around their cycle safari. Oudtshoorn is on the other side of the mountain ranges, in the Klein Karoo, and is equally popular, although offering something completely different. This is a small, quirky town in the heart of Ostrich Country, with a fascinating prehistorical import.
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When undertaking any cycle, always put your personal safety first. Wear protective gear and bright-coloured clothing, and do not venture into dangerous areas without an experienced guide. South Africa can get extremely hot and so it is crucial that you stay hydrated at all times and wear plenty of sunscreen.
