If you’re visiting South Africa in spring, there’s no better way to take it all in than from the saddle of a bike. The cool air, orchards bursting with blossoms, and valleys draped in fresh green set the stage for slow travel at its best.
Cycling heritage routes isn’t just exercise – it’s a journey through time, where Cape Dutch gables, old monuments, and quiet village streets tell stories as you ride past. Whether you’re pedalling gently between wine estates or chasing gravel roads into the Karoo, spring makes South Africa’s heritage landscapes feel especially alive.
Stellenbosch: Cape Dutch grandeur on two wheels
Lanzerac Entrance/Jensn/Wikimedia Commons
Stellenbosch is South Africa’s oldest wine region, and its cycling culture is just as rich as its vineyards. Start your ride in the oak-shaded town centre, where Cape Dutch facades and Victorian townhouses tell tales of the 17th century. From here, pedal out toward estates like Lanzerac or Spier, both with deep cultural roots and cycling-friendly grounds.
Yes, you can cycle through and around both estates, with options for guided tours or self-guided exploration by bike or e-bike. Lanzerac is home to the Vine Bikes Trail Centre, offering rentals and tours, while Spier features marked trails and a permit system that allows riders to explore its vineyards and surrounding landscapes.
In spring, the valley floor is a patchwork of green vines and pink blossoms. Many estates welcome cyclists with wine and cheese tastings or shaded garden cafés, making Stellenbosch one of the most rewarding heritage loops in the country.
Franschhoek: French Huguenot legacy meets blossom lanes
Tucked between mountains, Franschhoek wears its French Huguenot roots proudly. The Huguenot Monument anchors the village, while boutique wine farms stretch across the valley floor. Cyclists can choose from gentle farm loops to the more challenging Franschhoek Pass – a climb that rewards with panoramic views and springtime wildflowers clinging to the cliffs.
This is also orchard country. September and October bring apple and pear blossoms in full bloom, framing your ride in soft pink and white. End your journey with a stop at a farm stall for artisanal breads, preserves, and (of course) a sip of the valley’s signature wines.
Tulbagh: A valley frozen in time
Tulbagh landscape/South African Tourism from South Africa/Wikimedia Commons
Few towns preserve Cape Dutch architecture as completely as Tulbagh. The town’s historic Church Street boasts the largest collection of heritage buildings in a single street in South Africa. Cycling through this valley feels like gliding through a living museum.
The Tulbagh Valley Circular Route offers a relatively flat ride suitable for leisure cyclists. In spring, the orchards around the town turn into an artist’s palette of colour, making it one of the most photogenic rides of the season. Along the way, stop to admire the restored gables or visit a working farm for a glass of local Chenin Blanc.
Paarl and Drakenstein: Where history and scenery collide
Afrikaanse Taalmonument/Kennekam/Wikimedia Commons
Cycling through Paarl feels like riding with one foot in history and the other in wide-open landscapes. The town is home to Paarl Rock, a granite outcrop that dominates the skyline, and to the Afrikaanse Taalmonument, celebrating the Afrikaans language. For heritage on the move, cycle past Cape Dutch estates on the slopes or make a meaningful stop at Drakenstein Prison, where Nelson Mandela walked free in 1990.
The routes here range from gentle wine farm rides to longer circuits out toward Wellington. In spring, vineyards and fynbos-covered hillsides set the stage for unforgettable heritage cycling.
Karoo Villages: Gravel roads and forgotten histories
Valley of Desolation, Graaff-Reinet/South African Tourism from South Africa/Wikimedia Commons
For cyclists craving solitude, the Karoo’s small towns like Prince Albert or Graaff-Reinet deliver. Whitewashed churches, Victorian-era homes, and quiet dirt roads form the backbone of rides that feel suspended in time.
In spring, the otherwise arid landscapes surprise with bursts of wildflowers and soft green grazing fields. Gravel bikes are best here, opening up endless dusty tracks where you’re more likely to pass a windmill than a car. Heritage in the Karoo isn’t manicured; it’s raw and authentic – best explored slowly, under the wide skies.
Practical tips for heritage cyclists
- Best time to ride: September and October, when the blossoms are in bloom and temperatures are mild.
- Bike hire: Available in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek; many wine estates also rent out e-bikes.
- What to pack: Helmet, sun protection, layered clothing (mornings can be crisp), and plenty of water.
- Safety: Stick to marked trails, avoid riding alone in remote areas, and respect private farmland.
- Local flavour: Plan snack stops at farm stalls for fresh fruit, homemade bakes, and strong coffee.
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ: 6 historic farmstalls with serious heritage charm
