Hermanus Cycling Holiday

Easy/Moderate cycling grade Overall rating is Easy/Moderate. You do not need to be ultra-fit, but certainly able to cycle between 30 and 40 km per day and be able to cope with undulating countryside and some hills. The route takes you along stony mountain paths, along field and farm tracks and country roads. There are various routes and you can choose sections which are more challenging if you feel you need an extra challenge. Refer to Cycling grades

Day 1 – arrival: Day 2 – Moderate: Day 3 – Easy/Moderate: Day 4 – Easy/Moderate

Weather in the Western Cape Coastal region is mild Mediteranean. Hermanus enjoys a mild climate. Winter, although the rainy season, has nonetheless many sunny days and is generally mild, with high winds at times. Summer is dry and sunny, with high temperatures tempered by sea breezes. Early autumn (March) is idyllic, with balmy days and late afternoon sea mists – the so-called Hermanus “champagne air”. Hermanus is truly deserving of its reputation for happy holidaying. During the summer months the white sandy beaches are filled with holiday makers enjoying the sunny weather and excellent swimming in the sea. Hermanus is the ideal overwintering resort for visitors who wish to escape the cold Northern Hemisphere.

For international visitors
Fly to Cape Town International airport and drive from Cape Town to Hermanus by car.
From Cape Town to Hermanus
Take the N2 towards Somerset West Continue on the N2 through Somerset West and over Sir Lowry’s Pass Continue for 47 km onto Botriver Take Hermanus off ramp to left (R43) Continue driving for 44 km into Hermanus Town centre
Scenic route from Cape Town
If you are driving from Cape Town and have some time to spare it is worth turning off the N2 onto the R44 (Clarence Drive). Driving from Cape Town take the N2 towards Somerset West turn left onto the R44 to Strand and proceed until you reach Gordons Bay. Travel on the R44 along the coastal road where you will pass the Kogelberg Nature Reserve which is known for its beautiful natura, “Fynbos”. Carry on with the road past Rooi Els, Pringle Bay and Hangklip. You can visit Stony Point in Betty’s Bay which is the home of the African penguins. There are numerous paths leading past the nests which will give you photographic opportunities. After Stony Point the road leads you past Harold Porter Botanical garden. Carry on with the R44 through Kleinmond for about 11 km until you reach the T-junction. Turn right onto the R43 that leads to Hermanus.
Directions from Garden Route
Drive on the N2 heading towards Cape Town, until you pass through Riviersonderend and about 8 km further you get a turn off left to Rietpoel / Stanford / Hermanus on the R326. Drive through wheat fields and sheep farms, until you reach an intersection. Drive straight across the intersection and continue driving until you reach Stanford. Before entering Stanford take the turn right to Hermanus which is  20 km away.

Wearing a helmet while cycling is mandatory and bicycles need to be equipped with basic repair kit. These items can be provided with bicycles rented via us. Bring your own if you prefer so. If you decide to bring your own, a MTB is the best choice (not a road bike or hybrid).

It is important to be comfortable when cycling so we suggest wearing thin layers of clothing. Fast drying and hard-wearing synthetic fabrics are ideal as a base layer as these allow your skin to breathe and wick the moisture away from your skin to the next layer, avoiding the chill which cotton T-shirts can cause.  A thin fleece or sweatshirt is ideal as the next layer. You should also take a lightweight waterproof jacket (breathable and windproof material is best). Sport shoes are fine for cycling and for when you stop off to visit places on foot. For your daily needs, you are advised to have a day-bag, a plastic bag to line your day-pack (to protect the contents from rain), sunglasses, sun block, a water bottle, plastic picnic box (for transporting your lunches), first-aid kit, camera and extra plastic bag for litter. Plan for swimming in Summer.

Our detailed route notes and -description allow you to ride self-guided and at your own pace amid splendid scenery while we transport your luggage. As soon as we have finalised your booking we will specify your hotel schedule. (We are using different hotels/guest houses from time to time). The tailor-made Route guide include hotel details, route notes, maps and GPS references. Going self-guided is simple and convenient with our Route guide. It allows you to set out when you like, stop where you want and visit sites en route that are of interest to you. Our notes include information on monuments, places of interest along the way and suggested stops for lunch, wine tasting etc. The Route guide will be given to you on the date of your arrival. We can provide a file which can be imported to a gps or computer for navigation on a cellphone or gps device.

The Hermanus area offer a wide range of attractions and activities that can be added to your itinerary Let us know if you have a special interest in any of the following activities. Our Route Manager can assist with bookings and advice.

Your trip can be extended or amended to include some of the activities. The costs of these options are available on request.

Hermanus Cycling is a “centre based” cycling holiday. It allows you to stay in a great location for the duration of your tour and enjoy daily cycling trips before returning back to your guesthouse. We offer the choice of two cycling bases, either the town centre or the Voëlklip beach area. You will stay in one of Hermanus’s finest hotels or guesthouses and visit restaurants serving mouthwatering international cuisine. A panel of establishments has been selected to allow for non-availability. Any of the guesthouses can be a great base for your holiday.

Any time of the year, but the weather is more predictable during “High season”. Reserve early to obtain the best rooms. “Low season” is a good option for local guests who are either prepared to accept weather risks or to change their plans at short notice. During low season accommodation is normally more freely available.

We recommend that you arrange appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.

Comments by guests who have experienced a self-guided walking/hiking holiday offered by Trails and Travel in South Africa- “Overall, the holiday was invigorating- You certainly went out of your way to make the whole time memorable- We are recommending it to our walking community in the States- Fantastic walks, wines and accommodation” For details, go to Reviews

A Hermanus Cycling Holiday offers you a relaxing self-guided cycling holiday in a town famous for beautiful beaches,mild climate, rich floral kingdom and whale watching Hermanus is a very attractive tourist destination and the best way to experience it is on a bicycle. The Hermanus Cycling holiday was structured to offer the best of Hermanus. For more information about Hermanus, go to Read more