Discover Cape Town - 10 Day Multi-Sport Tour (BAS-04)

Hike part of the Hoerikwaggo Table Mountain Trail; kayak among the penguins of Boulders Beach near Simons Town, do the historic walk in Stellenbosh town centre, cycle the famous Franschoek pass and taste the wines of the Stellenbosh valley, overnight in world class five star luxury accommodation

• and to top it all off, cycle among the big five just outside of Cape Town during a truly amazing African Safari!

Schedule - Day 1 (A Moderate 11.5km hike)
Follow in the footsteps of the Bushmen, trailing a prehistoric route leading through the most spectacular parts of The Table Mountain National Park: Hoerikwaggo is the indigenous Khoekhoen word for Table Mountain, meaning "mountains in the sea".

After a signature breakfast at the lower cableway station, we hike up Table Mountain via Plattekloof Gorge, to the upper cableway station. From here, we traverse The Valley of the Red Gods, Echo Valley, where we stop for a gourmet lunch picnic prepared by our trip guides. After tea infused with Fynbos honey, we continue on to Disa Gorge from where we descend into Orange Kloof Forest, an ancient Afromontane forest, via Constantia Neck, to end the day at our luxury tented camp site for the first night on the trail.

Spend the evening around the fire as you enjoy a cullinary feast prepared for us by a world reknowned chef and enjoy the ancient stories of the Bushmen as brought to us by one of South Africa's pre-eminent story tellers.

Schedule - Day 2 (A Tough 15.5km hike)
Our second day takes us from Constantia Neck to Vlakkenberg and the old Manganese mine for lunch. From here we traverse Constantiaberg through unspoilt fynbos with stunning views of the Cape Peninsula before descending high above Houtbay towards and up Blackburn ravine. After a rewarding day's hike, we arrive to overnight at the Silvermine tented camp in the upland mountain wetlands near the Silvermine Dam. Evening entertainment include a fascinating talk on the Southern Skies with one of South Africa's leading astronomers and once again a gourmet dinner prepared specially for us.

Schedule - Day 3 (A Tough 21km hike)
The day starts with a climb of the tough Noordhoek Peak then Chapman's Peak with magnificent views of the sea and the mountain range, the coastal wetlands and Longbeach. No better place to enjoy our last lunch on the trail than views spanning Houtbay and Falsebay. Look out for Oyster Catchers, Cape Clawless otters and, sometimes, whales and dolphins. From Long Beach to Noordhoek to Kommetjie we reach Slangkop tented camp near the Slangkop Lighthouse. Our evening ends on a high cullinary note while we are regaled by stories of long lost ships around the Cape of Good Hope, by our very own Maritime historian.

Schedule - Day 4 (Kayak & Cycle - full day)
After a lucious breakfast at the Simon's Town Waterfront, we meet our kayak team for the morning's kayak trip. We start off by paddling past the civilian and Naval Harbour and out to Boulder's Beach. After visiting the penguin colony, we stop on a lovely semi-private beach for refreshments, swimming and snorkelling.

Then we gather in Kalkbay for a superb snoek and salad, white wine and dessert treat before scaling our bikes and heading out over Chapman's peak - this time admiring the deep blue ocean from the comfort of our bicycle seats. Probably one of the tour highlights!

Awaiting our arrival are the incredibly attentive and professional staff at our five star guest lodge (see Option 1, under Dates/Prices tab on the menu bar), Tintswalo Atlantic. We don't think that there is any experience quite like watching the sun set over the sentinel, breathing in the fresh sea breeze and being surrounded by 400 year old milkwoods. The lengths they have gone to conserve the natural indigenous surroundings and have minimal impact on the area is phenomenal.

Schedule - Day 5 (Stellenbosch - walking and cycling)
After a leisurely breakfast and walk on the beach, we leave Houtbay and shuttle to Stellenbosch, in the heartland of South Africa's wine country as well as one of its oldest towns. We start off the 2nd half of the morning with a guided walk through the old town and here are just a taster of what you can expect:

Dorp Street has the longest row of historic buildings in the country. Among these is No. 116, Voorgelegen, which contains some of its original Batavian tiles in the parlour. Also in Dorp Street, the old Lutheran Church, built in 1851 by Carl Otto Hager, is used by the university as an art gallery.

Die Braak, the village green once used for military parades and festivals.

Moederkerk / church This fascinating church was built in the Neo-Gothic Architectural Style. This is one of the only landmarks of its sort in the region.

It's rich history and the sheer beauty of the place attracts many visitors. The church is a true icon of Stellenbosch, as it formed the foundation of the development of Stellenbosch

Oom Samies se Winkel This small traditional shop sells everything from chewing tobacco, musical spittoons, biltong, sweets, spices and leather goods. Well worth a look around.

Toy and Miniature Museum Collection of 1:12 scale miniatures, room boxes, miniature houses, antique dolls and other toys! A model railway, the only one of its kind in Africa. A fantasy land of unique treasures. The Museum has a small shop where the Doll's House furniture and accessories are offered for sale.

Stellenbosch Village Museum is a collection of historic houses dating from a number of eras, they have been meticulously restored and furnished in period style, the gardens planted with the flowers, shrubs and trees that would have graced the original homes.

VOC Kriuthuis, Built in 1777, this old powder magazine is the only one to have survived from the days when the Cape was a posession of the Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Nederlandsche geOcktroyeerde OostIndiesche Compagnie, or V.O.C.) The unique little building contains a superb collection of 17th century signalling cannon as well as many other items from the military history of the town.

Wijnland Auto Museum A museum with a difference in the Gateway to the Winelands. Visit the biggest collection of South African Classic Cars under one roof en route to the Winelands.

Stellenbosch University Museum. The University Museum (incorporating the Sasol Art Museum and University of Stellenbosch Art Gallery) is housed in the old Bloemhof School. The University has rich holdings of sculpture, paintings, ceramics and graphics by South African and foreign artists as well as prehistoric artefacts, South Western and Central African domestic and ritual objects, weaponry and costumes.

Lunch is followed by an afternoon of cycling and wine tasting, visiting some of South Africa's most outstanding wine estates. An unforgetable experience. Tick your choice of wines you'd want us to ship home for you and consider it done!

We have in mind for you: Kanonkop, Slaley, Muratie, Knorhoek, Simonsig.

The evening takes us to the Devon Valley and Hotel (see Option 1, under Dates/Prices tab on the menu bar) - Hidden away in a shady, green and peaceful corner of the Stellenbosch Winelands. The Devon Valley Hotel is a destination that promises delightful surprises at every turn and the finest of authentic 'handmade hospitality'.

Schedule - Day 6
After a spectacular buffet breakfast we transfer to the small town of Franschoek. The valley was originally settled in 1688 by French Huguenot refugees, many of whom were given land by the Dutch government in a valley called Olifantshoek ("Elephants' corner"), so named because of the vast herds of elephants that roamed the area.

Set against the backdrop of the Franschhoek and Drakenstein mountains, this quaint village has over 30 wine farms: Akkerdal Estate, Allee Bleue Farms,Bellingham, Boekenhoutskloof, Boschendal Cabriere, Chamonix, Dieu Donne, Eikehof, Franschhoek Pass Winery, Franschhoek Vineyards, Freedom Hill wines, GlenWood, Graham Beck cellar, Grand Provence ,Grande Provence Wine Estate, Haut Espoir, La Bourgogne, La Bri, La Chataigne, La Chaumiere Wine Estate, La Couronne Wine Estate, La Motte, La Petite Ferme, La Roche Landau Du Val Wines, Le Manoir de Brendel, Lormarins, Lynx Wines, Mont Rochelle Mountain Vineyards, Moreson, Plaisirdemerle, Rickety Bridge Winery, Rupert & de Rothschild Vignerons, Solms, Stony Brook, Vrede en Lust.

Begin the day by cycling down the Franschhoek Pass, Boekenhoutskloof and Glenwood, taking in sweeping views of the entire valley before continuing on to visit more fabulous wineries and sampling five star wines. Our journey takes us to Solms Delta for a sumptuous picnic lunch, not only providing an authentic empowerment experience, but also showcasing a superb farm museum steeped in local history, and exposing the often harsh life under Apartheid.

Yet another highlight of the tour takes us to the exceptional five start Relais & Chateax auberge (see Option 1, under Dates/Prices tab on the menu bar), Lequartier Francais Hotel, in the heart of this quaint village. Revel in the decadence of a fabulous eights course food and wine pairing extravaganza, capping off another unforgettable day in South Africa's wine country.

Schedule - Day 7
Today we transfer to Bonnievale. With majestic mountains on the one side and the ever-flowing Breede River on the other, with beautiful fruit and wine farms lining the way, the majestic surrounds invite you to meet the people who pride themselves for their warmth and unpretentious hospitality. Bonnievale is situated on the banks of the Breede River. Surrounded by the Langeberg Mountain Range in the north-east, and the Riviersonderend mountains in the south-west, it is one of the most beautifully situated towns in the Western Cape. We have a full day of cycling, wine and cheese tasting and exploring the surrounds before cycling to Sanbona Game Reserve for the late afternoon program.

The afternoon includes a spectacular game drive - traversing the landscape of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve with a qualified ranger in comfortable open Landcruisers for sundowners, various species of plants, animals, big game and birds can be seen. Sunset offers spectacular displays of light as the evening approaches over the Little Karoo.

Schedule - Day 8
A traditional breakfast starts the day. The morning we follow a challenging trail to a secluded rock pool which invites one to submerge into its invigorating bliss. The trail gives the chance to admire the breathtaking beauty of the indigenous fauna and flora and to discover the isolated vistas that reveal the beauty of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. At the rock pool we offer another of our signature picnics, and ample time to relax under the African sky.

After returning to base camp and free time over lunch, we gather for the afternoon program. The San people of Africa roamed the area for thousands of years until 100 years ago. The /Xam tribe, the nomadic hunter-gatherers living in harmony with nature realised then that man and nature together is sustainable.

There are 7 recorded sites throughout Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, however many more can be found. Rock art sites date back to more than 3500 years and depict the spiritual beliefs and lives of these fascinating people. During their travels, members of the group would congregate around a communal fire, weaving stories and celebrating the gift of life while the Shaman would meditate through rhythmic dancing, singing and clapping and while in a trance, receive visions and guidance. This medicine man or woman would ensure the well being of the tribe, protecting them from evil and sickness, predicting the future and ensuring good hunting and rains. Certain animals such as the Praying Mantis and the Eland were honoured and revered and were considered to have great spiritual powers.

These experiences of the Shaman were depicted to the tribe in the form of the rock art seen today. The various sites that were chosen were also very symbolic, the rock depicting the medium between the different realms the Shaman had travelled in his trancelike state. Ingredients used for the paint consisted of animal blood, urine, plant sap, egg and water, the protein from blood or egg having the ability to preserve the art that exists today.

After exploring these fascinating works of art and engaging with our expert guide, we return to the lodge for a scrumptious meal, and more conversations about the Khoisan.

Schedule - Day 9 (Days 9 & 10)
After a final early morning game drive, we head back for the city lights to arrive in Cape Town, just in time to check-in to our accommodations at 11am, for the next two nights: The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa stands at the edge of the world. On one side, a line of majestic mountains - The Twelve Apostles - reaches towards the heavens; on the other, the sun sets on breeching whales, playful dolphins, and crashing Atlantic rollers.

This luxury 5-star boutique hotel is just a few minutes from worldly, cosmopolitan Cape Town. City-centre theatres and art galleries, plus the shops and restaurants of the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront are only 15 minutes away via their complimentary car transfer service - quicker still if you use their helipad.

Nearest of all is the elegant area of Camps Bay with its beautiful golden beaches. Over the two days we spend here, we have a program of free time for shopping, adventure and sun-soaked relaxation, including sea fishing, shark and scuba diving, and whale watching trips.

Accommodation:

We offer two accommodation options - in effect two different tour options: Option 1 is designed to provide luxury accommodation with private families in and around Cape Town i.e. home stays where you will meet the locals and stay with families eager to host your stay in South Africa. Each family are carefully vetted and long time friends of Bike and Saddle. You will be treated to Cape Town's varied people and culture and receive the best hospitality the city has to offer.

Option 2 we offer you the opportunity to stay with some of the area's most sought after accommodation properties and to sample the very best five star establishment the continent has to offer.

In both options, there is a little cross-over in that two nights under option 1 is spent with the spectacular 5 star Sanbona Lodge rather than a host family and under option 2 we go out of our way for you to meet the people and culture with a number of excursions to, and meals with the locals. Either way, you are guaranteed a superb level of comfort and luxury, and experiences money can't buy!

For both options, the activities presented are exactly the same.

Option 1 Includes:

• Bikes and all equipment.
• Ground transportation.
• All meals and light refreshments.
• Excellent and varied Guest Family accommodation.
• Personal service from the best guides in the industry.
• 'Special and Expert' excursions en-route.
• Back-up vehicle and driver.
• All admission fees to reserves, parks and attraction.

Option 2 Includes:

• Bikes and all equipment.
• Ground transportation.
• All meals, refreshments and alcoholic beverages.
• Excellent and varied 5 Star accommodation.
• Personal service from the best guides in the industry.
• 'Special and Expert' excursions en-route.
• Back-up vehicle and driver.
• All admission fees to reserves, parks and attraction.