West Coast Explorer

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A mountain biking journey discovering the West Coast of South Africa – beautiful beaches, indigenous coastal flora, unique cultures, ancient artefacts, delicious seafood, all within 2½ hrs of Cape Town

Highlights of this experience include beautiful beaches; great mountain biking accessible to all levels of ability; a visit to the San Centre at !Khwa ttu; digging for fossils at the West Coast Fossil Park; sea kayaking and the wonderful West Coast seafood.

The trip is intended to appeal to guests who enjoy mountain biking, have a good level of cycling fitness and can ride off road and on easy single-track routes. Note that E-bikes are available on request.

Day One

Our guide collects travellers at their hotel for a road transfer towards the West Coast.

The first stop is at !Khwa Ttu. We spend some time discovering the story of the San at the Bushman Culture Centre before heading out on mountain bikes for a morning ride in search of plains game. We return to the centre for lunch.

Back in the saddle, our afternoon ride takes us from !Khwa Ttu to the pretty coastal village of Yzerfontein. We end the ride at the brilliant white sand beach to toast the views with good South African sparkling wine – on a clear day the outline of Table Mountain can be seen across the bay…

A transfer of an hour brings us to the fishing village of Paternoster and our home for the next 2 nights. We dine tonight at the hotel.

Day Two

Join your guide for a pre-breakfast walk on the beach to watch the fishermen bringing in the early catch before returning to the lodge for a scrumptious breakfast.

The morning ride leaves the lodge to the nearby Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, stopping to explore the inner workings of an operational lighthouse before looping back towards Paternoster.

There is an optional additional 30km road ride on offer to bring you to the West Coast Fossil Park, our next destination.

On arrival we enjoy a casual lunch and take time to learn about some of the Cape’s important place in archaeological history before getting back on the saddle for an afternoon ride around the park.

Returning to Paternoster, there is time to freshen up before meeting your guide for a stroll into town and a delicious seafood dinner at a local restaurant.

Day Three

We rise early and start the day with a short paddle in a sea kayak, in search of seals and penguins before returning to the lodge for breakfast.

Bidding farewell to Paternoster, we begin the journey back towards Cape Town, stopping at the West coast National Park for our last ride.

Entering at the Langebaan gate, our route overlooks the Langebaan lagoon, offering spectacular views. Regular sightings of game and many birds makes this the perfect ride to end the trip.

During the flower season (late Aug – early Sept), we offer an optional additional visit to the Postberg Reserve to see the wildflower display.

We enjoy lunch in the park before returning to Cape Town.

Please contact us for a detailed itinerary!
L to R: biking on the beach in Paternoster; Cape Mountain zebra in the West Coast National Park
  • TRIP PRICE

    Please contact your DMC for updated rates

    If you are a tour operator, please contact us for STO rates

  • TRIP INCLUDES

    All transfers

    Professional Active Africa Adventure driver-guide

    Mountain Bike & associated equipment (Dual suspension Mountain Bikes with 29-inch wheels)

    Kayaking and associated equipment on Day 3

    Mineral water, trail snacks and refreshments during riding activities

    2 x breakfast, 3 lunches & 2 x Dinners, including mineral water and hot beverages

    Sunset Drinks on Day 1

    All entrance fees and costs pertaining to the tour

    Access to Active Africa personal equipment – cold weather gear, back packs, water bottles.

  • TRIP EXCLUDES

    All Alcoholic beverages except at Sunset Drinks on Day 1

    Single accommodation supplement

    Personal purchases

    Guide Gratuities

  • YOU SHOULD KNOW

    Most dietary requirements can be catered for provided ample advance notice is given, although please note that strict Kosher or Halaal diets may be limited and attract a surcharge.

    The winter months (June – September) can be cold and wet, but this often does not detract from the beauty of the hikes. December and January can be very windy on the West coast.

     

     

  • GRADING
    • Day 1: Moderate.  Undulating trails over a mix of sandy and rocky ground – 50% single track and 50% jeep track.  Some steep but short ascents and descents.  Most technical riding can be avoided with easier options.  Morning session – 10km / 1½hrs, afternoon session – 17km / 2hrs
    • Day 2: Moderate. Undulating trails over a mix of asphalt roads, sandy tracks and rocky ground – 25% asphalt, 25% single track and 50% jeep track.  Some sustained ascents and short technical rocky sections of single track can be expected.  Morning session – 15km / 2hrs, afternoon session – 10km / 1½hrs
    • Day 3: Moderate.  An undulating mix of asphalt and jeep tracks – the route offers the option to reach two high points.  13/17km / 2hrs
  • FACT SHEETS

    For takeaway information, please download our West Explorer fact sheet

  • ACCOMMODATION

    Abalone House is a 5-star lodge and spa located in the quiet suburbs of Paternoster, offering great views of the sea and a short walk down to the beach.

    However, should Abalone House not be available for your chosen dates, your Active Africa Consultant will advise suitable alternatives – please note that this may impact the trip price.

    Please note a single room supplement will apply

     

L to R: Abalone House Deck; a room; pool deck

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