Mountain Bike Pilgrimage

The Mountain Bike Camino isn't just a bike tour, it's a life changing pilgrimage, a physically challenging and spiritual journey like no other.

The Western Cape is not only one of South Africa’s premier tourism destination but one of the best cycling destinations in the world.

As a registered MTB Camino pilgrim you will gain access to our network of hand-picked Camino Camping partners on this 600km route of spectacular gravel back roads and bike trails, perfect for a camping adventure with your MTB.

Gravel Bikes - are welcome, but you won't be able to enjoy / explore the amazing MTB trails that you will encounter on some of the farms.

E-Bikes - also welcome, most of the campsites do have electricity, but depending on your range we might just have to ask for a special top up charge in one or 2 places.

This amazing 600km route stretches from the famous Franschhoek vineyards to the beautiful seaside village of Plettenberg bay.

The cost is R1750 per person to register as a Pilgrim, you will receive your Pilgrim passport and the exact route and pin locations to follow on Google maps. Your first 5 nights camping accommodation will also be free of charge.

If you would like to extend your passport date longer than 5 days it is R200 per person per day extra.

Camping will be available at 5 campsites and 5 working farms along the route where you can camp with your own MTB and hiking tent. no extra fees payable for as long as your passport is valid.

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Experience the soul of the Western Cape with its back roads winding through magnificent natural rivers, lush forests, wide open landscapes, deep blue oceans and small off the beaten track historic villages.

There are plenty of adventures on offer to explore along the way, and pilgrims will have the opportunity to meet our friendly local partners to experience the diverse culture of the region.

You may join the route at any point, Franschhoek, Plettenberg bay or anywhere in between. Even though the 10 campsites and farms are on average 60 km’s apart, some of the shorter distances are 20km’s, and some of the longer stretch are up to 90km’s, so you need to be relatively fit.

The route roughly passes through the following areas.

Franschhoek pass, Greyton, Riviersonderend, Bonnievale, Swellendam, Suurbraak, Gourits River near Albertinia, Hartenbos, 7 Passes, Knysna Forrest and Plett.

Please note it is not a supported slackpacking tour, and pilgrims will have to make sure they can carry everything they need for the journey on their own mountain bikes.

There are some excellent and affordable lightweight tent and sleeping bag options available these days which will save some weight on your journey. You can also have your own support vehicle follow you to the next camp as long as he / she has a passport as well of course.

Food - there is a town between each campsite where you will find a restaurant or padstal to have breakfast / lunch or a local coffee shop to kuier, meet the locals and pick up some supplies for dinner that night.

At some of the farms you can even buy some of their healthy farm fresh produce directly from the farmer! Please support our local Camino partner farmers and enjoy their hospitality!

If you are a Pilgrim that prefers a bit more comfort, 9 out of the 10 overnight stops have self catering cottages available as well, but you will have to book that yourself on arrival or contact the Camino partner in advance, when you have received the route, we don't provide that booking service and availability for other types of accommodation is not guaranteed.

Go as fast or as slow as you like. Those with moderate fitness levels wanting to sleep over at all the campsites will cover the full route in around 10 days. Fit individuals that can cover around 100km’s a day and sleeping over 1 night at each stop will be able to complete the full 600km route within a week.

Collect 5 stamps on your passport from any of our Camino partners and you will receive your prestigious Compostela certificate as proof that you have completed the Mountain bike Camino.

Guest access

Pilgrims will receive a Camino passport which will enable them to camp at any of our excellent Camino accommodation partners along the route for any length of time while the passport is valid. No advance booking or additional camping fees are required once you are registered.

Please produce your passport and have it stamped or signed by the partner. You need 5 stamps to earn your Compostella.

Camping is at safe pre-approved campgrounds or working farms that have been hand-picked for you to enhance the experience.

Each partner will have a reserved camping section dedicated to Camino cyclists where you can meet up with fellow pilgrims and exchange stories and experiences of your journey.

A short list of essentials to take along:

Mountain bike, lightweight tent and sleeping bag, water / sports drinks, snacks / energy bars, sunscreen, cellphone with data (to follow the route), Solar power bank for emergency charging. Basic bike repair kit.