Bikepacking in South Africa is truly a dream. We loved it so much that we spent six months exploring the country off-road by bike, covering more than 4,000 km on dirt roads, 4×4 tracks, and remote trails.
To offer the most useful and practical travel advice, we’ve divided our South Africa guide into the two main regions we explored:
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The Western Cape, stretching from the Namibian border south to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of the African continent
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The Karoo, which extends from Cape Agulhas eastward to South Africa’s western border with Lesotho
The Western Cape spans the Northern and Western Cape provinces, from the edge of Namibia down to Cape Town. It delivers some of the very best bikepacking not only in South Africa, but anywhere in Africa, and sits within one of the world’s most significant botanical biodiversity hotspots.
Expect dramatic, ever-changing landscapes: haunting fog-laced coastlines, rugged hills dotted with ancient cave paintings, vast semi-deserts, and, in spring, explosions of wildflowers that transform the region entirely.
South Africa & the Western Cape: At a Glance
South Africa is roughly the same size as Colombia, yet it often feels far larger. Travel a few hundred kilometres in any direction, and the language, culture, and plant life shift noticeably. With 12 official languages, each cultural group maintains a distinct identity, adding to the country’s remarkable diversity.
For me, the most striking changes were in the landscapes and flora. The Cape Floristic Region in South Africa’s southwest is one of the richest biodiversity hotspots on Earth, home to more than 9,000 plant species – around 70% of which are found nowhere else. Moving slowly by bike through these environments allows you to truly absorb and appreciate this diversity.
Beyond its natural and cultural richness, South Africa is also a practical country to cycle through. Resupply is easy thanks to well-stocked supermarkets, good food is available even in small towns and on remote farms, and the people we met were consistently welcoming – often inviting us to stay the night in their homes. We never felt short of anything.
At the same time, South Africa’s history casts a long shadow. The legacy of apartheid and systemic racism remains visible, especially in rural areas where large farms are predominantly white-owned, while nearby townships are densely populated by Black South Africans who still face barriers to land ownership decades after apartheid officially ended.
Taking time to educate yourself before visiting helps put these contrasts into context and offers a deeper understanding of how apartheid’s legacy continues to shape South African society today.
Top Places to go Bikepacking in South Africa (Western Cape)
Richtersveld National Park
Richtersveld National Park protects a stark, mountainous desert landscape that transforms each year in October. The park is home to around 30% of South Africa’s succulent species, many of them so highly specialised that they exist only within areas as small as 100 m². The plant life is so unusual and vibrant that cycling here can feel like moving through an underwater world.
Nearly 30,000 km of riding later, this remains one of my favourite places in all of Africa. Even if your visit doesn’t line up with peak flowering season, the scenery is still immense, remote, and deeply impressive.
Access from Namibia into South Africa is via a pontoon boat border crossing, which is frequently out of service. Be sure to check the official website HERE for the most up-to-date information before planning your route.
The Cederberg Mountains
Cycling through the Cederberg Mountains is one of my favourite stretches of riding anywhere in Africa. Days are spent on quiet dirt roads, stopping for fresh meals at padstal cafés, cooling off in natural swimming holes, and fitting in amazing hikes.
Even without the food, swimming, and hiking, the Cederberg’s vast, rugged rock landscapes alone would make this one of the best regions in South Africa for cycling.
Namaqualand
Namaqualand is best known for its wildflower season, which peaks in September, but it remains a standout destination year-round. Outside of the bloom, the region’s stark, open landscapes, endless dirt roads, and excellent opportunities for wild camping make it a dream for remote cycling.
Betty’s Bay
Few rides are as special as cycling along the ocean on the iconic Clarence Drive. Keep an eye out for pods of dolphins offshore, and finish the day watching penguins waddle along the coastline near Betty’s Bay.
Where Did We Go Bikepacking in the Western Cape?
We began our ride at the Namibian border in Sendelingsdrift (see the note above regarding the pontoon’s operation), spending a full day exploring the remarkable landscapes and otherworldly plant life of Richtersveld National Park.
From there, we headed south on quiet back roads through Namaqualand, catching the tail end of the celebrated wildflower season and learning more about Khoisan culture along the way.
Our route then carried us into the Cederberg Mountains, where we slowed the pace to fully take it in. We searched out roadside cave paintings, took rest days for hiking, and visited our first South African wineries. The riding was steep and often involved tough hike-a-bike, but it was more than balanced by afternoon swims, constant floral displays, and well-earned stops for rooibos tea.
With the Cape Winelands ahead of us, we climbed over the winding Bainskloof Pass and rolled straight into vineyard country. After three demanding months in rural, dusty Namibia, the abundance of restaurants, wineries, and well-stocked grocery stores felt almost surreal.
For the final leg of our Western Cape journey, we left Cape Town and followed the coastline, riding ocean-side roads with pods of dolphins swimming below us, before continuing to Betty’s Bay and finally Cape Agulhas – the southernmost point of the African continent.
You can get the GPX file of our route HERE.
Recommended Bikepacking Routes in the Western Cape
Whether you’re starting or finishing your journey in Cape Town, the Western Cape feels noticeably calmer and less frenetic than much of the rest of Africa. It also offers conveniences that are harder to come by elsewhere on the continent.
Some travellers love this, others don’t – but for me, the easy resupply, comfortable and plentiful accommodation, and slower pace of life were a welcome contrast after the long days and careful logistics required in Namibia.
If you’re only planning to ride one off-road section in the Western Cape, the Cederberg Mountains are unmissable. The scenery is exceptional, the roads are quiet, and there’s no shortage of rewarding off-bike activities to fill rest days.
SAND Bikepacking Routes
Created by our friends Jana and Johan of Cape Town, the SAND Bikepacking Routes heavily influenced our own itinerary. While we didn’t follow the routes exactly, they provided an excellent framework and inspiration for linking together some of the region’s best riding.
If you have the time, it’s definitely worth following their routes as planned. They explore more remote and desolate landscapes than we had time for (we needed to get to Cape Town quickly to meet visiting family members).
Find SAND Route segment one HERE, segment two HERE and segment three HERE.
Rhino Run Route
The Rhino Run Route is another well-known bikepacking option in the Western Cape. This route follows less-travelled roads in a more direct way from the Cape Winelands right into Namibia.
Find the Rhino Run GPX files HERE.
Best Time To Travel In The Western Cape
There’s no truly bad time to go bikepacking in much of the Western Cape, as temperatures across the region are generally mild year-round. However, winter (June and July) can be cold and wet around Cape Town and the surrounding coastal areas.
The main exception is Richtersveld National Park and regions in the northern stretches. During peak summer (December and January), temperatures can climb to 40C/104F with very limited shade and scarce water resupply. If possible, it’s best to avoid this section during the hottest months.
For those hoping to see the region at its best, Namaqualand’s wildflowers typically peak in September, followed by Richtersveld National Park in October. These months also bring more moderate temperatures, making them the ideal window for riding if you can plan around it.
What Bike Is Best For the Western Cape?
For most of the Western Cape, a gravel bike is more than capable of handling the terrain and letting you enjoy the ride.
There are a few exceptions, though: Richtersveld National Park features rocky and sandy sections where wider tires will make the ride far more comfortable, and the Cederberg Mountains demand a low gear for climbing – especially the challenging ascent out of Wuppertal.
Food Resupply in South Africa
After the relative scarcity of grocery stores in Namibia, spotting the first Checkers supermarket in Springbok, South Africa, felt like a dream. In medium-sized towns, you can generally expect well-stocked chain grocery stores, while smaller towns usually have decent local shops.
Along the route, many farms operate padstals (Afrikaans for farm stands). The selection varies, but they’re usually a great source of sugary cycling snacks, and some even have small restaurants. That said, don’t count on them for a full restock, as fresh vegetables and larger provisions are often limited.
Accommodation & Camping in South Africa
Camping
On remote, off-road sections, finding a discreet spot for wild camping is usually straightforward. Much of the land is unfenced, and houses are mostly clustered in towns, with only a few scattered farms far out in the countryside.
There are also numerous established campsites on farms. Even if a farm doesn’t have a formal campsite, most farmers are happy to let you pitch your tent on their land if you ask politely. When camping at established sites, fees are typically charged per person rather than per tent, with most sites costing around R200 (~$12) per person.
Hotels
The route from the Namibian border down to Cape Town is a well-travelled corridor for cyclists, so finding rest-day accommodation is relatively easy. iOverlander is full of pins for both camping and hotels along the way. Basic hotels can be found for as little as R300 (~$18), though most places typically cost around R600 (~$36) per night.
Best and Worst Roads in South Africa
Heuningvlei Old Donkey Cart Road
This double-track hiking path through the Cederberg links Heuningvlei with Pakhuys Pass. The route winds through an iconic bouldering area, featuring dramatic rock formations and incredible flora. Most of the trail is hike-a-bike, but it’s well worth the effort. Biking here requires a permit, which can be purchased at the Kliphuis park office.
Richtersveld National Park
Richtersveld is home to some of the world’s highest levels of plant endemism. Without exaggeration, it’s the most stunning national park we’ve visited in Southern Africa. Every turn reveals vibrant new species and sweeping vistas. If you can spare a few days to explore, the extra time here is absolutely worth it.
Bainskloof Pass
Though paved, this 19th-century pass deserves a mention. It winds steeply up a river canyon, offering spectacular views. Overnight at the Tweede Tol campground and enjoy a refreshing swim in the river – a perfect rest stop for bikepackers.
Our Least Favourite Road: N7
The N7 connects the Namibian border to Cape Town. While it isn’t the worst road to ride (there’s usually a shoulder), it’s busy and lacks the scenery of alternative routes. Why spend your ride here when South Africa offers so many more beautiful roads to explore?
Safety Notes: South Africa and Cycling into Cape Town
South Africa has a well-known reputation for crime, particularly in urban areas. While most rural areas are much safer, it’s still important to take basic precautions wherever you are: keep your smartphone out of sight, and always keep your bike within view. These simple measures go a long way to reducing risk, and most people you encounter in rural areas are genuinely helpful rather than looking to steal.
Cycling into Cape Town can be challenging. If possible, avoid riding through townships. The safest approach is generally from the north (on M14).
We recommend avoiding the segregated cycle path as you approach the city. Although it keeps you away from traffic, it’s isolated from both vehicles and other cyclists, and it passes through rough areas where some riders have had their phones stolen. Instead, use the main highway, which has a sufficient shoulder. Traffic typically slows as you approach the city, making the highway a safer option overall.
Additional Considerations
- If you’re chasing that iconic shot of Table Mountain framed in one of the famous yellow picture frame statues, the best location is Blouberg.
- For grocery stops, the Woolworths just off the N2 in Somerset West is worth mentioning. It’s huge, well-stocked, and easily one of the best grocery stores we came across – years later, I still remember how impressive it was.