So you’ve seen Victoria Falls and Table Mountain. You know what a township looks like and you’ve jumped out of a plane that was far too high, for a moment that was far too short. You’re in the mood for something different. Thanks to the innovate travel and tourism minds out there, there are 5 New Routes, at least one of which is guaranteed to tickle your fancy.

1. Voortrekker Express Route

The road less travelled. That’s what this route is all about. The Voortrekker Express Trip is an overland tour offered which offers an authentic flavour of ‘real’ South Africa, visiting local destinations that really are off the beaten tourist track!

Leaving Cape Town, the trip takes you to see the massive SALT telescope, across the Karoo, to ‘old school’ Afrikaner towns, and to check out the black-maned Lions. Camp on the Orange River, experience Evita Bezuidenhout’s humble hospitality, and finish in Mother City Cape Town!

Book your spot on the Voortrekker Express now!

2. Cape Town Design Route 2011

Cape Town has recently been awarded the title of World Capital of Design 2014, so when in Cape Town, do as the Capetonians do! Revel in the relaxed atmosphere of natural beauty and creativity the Mother City has to offer. The Cape Town Design Route plots a string of extremely talented artists and designers with innovative ideas and a flair for the creative so hot, you’re guaranteed a design experience with a bang.

If you’re up for a dose of amazing design, check out the latest Cape Town Design Route 2011 and pair it with a trip starting in Cape Town!

Photo by Whale Cottage

3. New Wine Route

Swirl. Sniff. Taste. Offering a diverse glimpse of the surrounding communities, the Franschhoek Wine Valley has launched a brand new wine route: Franschoek Rond en Bont!

The route traces through Dwarsrivier, a neighbouring region of Franschhoek, communities in Wemmershoek, Bosbou, Groendal, Mooiwater, and Tyotyombeni, neighbouring farms, and the town of Franschhoek.

If you’re keen to try a wine route with a cultural twist, give this new route a swirl, sniff and a taste.

Photo by Patrick Hajzler

4. Absa Cape Epic Mountain Biking Route 2011

If you love the feeling of your thighs on fire, then the latest Mountain Biking Route is for you! This Epic Route consists of eight days, 1 200 riders and 781km. From Cape Town to Lourensford, the ultimate adventure tour of the Western Cape offers a thrilling, extreme scenic cycle of awesome! I can feel the burn just thinking about it.

“The Absa Cape Epic has again selected some of the best terrain that the Western Cape has to offer. Our route designer, Leon Evans or as he is best known amongst riders, Dr Evil, has again found the perfect balance between exciting trails, challenging terrain and wider vistas in the pursuit of the ultimate mountain biking experience.” says Kevin Vermaak, Director and Founder of the Absa Cape Epic.

The Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike Route 2012 flows through various areas of the Western Cape:

Stage 1: Loop around Robertson Valley
Stage 2: Klein Karoo
Stage 3: Robertson to Caledon
Stage 4: Loop around Caledon
Stage 5: Calendon to Oakvalley
Stage 6: Circuit around Elgin Grabow over Groenlandberg
Stage 7: Lourensford

Watch this inspiring video about the new Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike Route.

An adventure tourist route not to be missed!

5.  The Perlemoen Route

This scenic hiking trail kicks off near Gansbaai. The fun thing about this hiking trail is that it is versatile. The route you take depends on what the wind and tide are doing, and of course, how fit the hiker is.

The first day starts at De Dam just east of Pearly Beach for a day of scenic fynbos covered dunes, beaches and rocky shores. The second day on route follows the recently renovated Duiwelsgat trail passing coastal fynbos, Stanford Cove’s milkwood forest and various great archaeological sites along the way. Also, this part of the trail is great for Whale watching in season.  Day three is an optional extra, where you will spend the day tracking down a few of the caves on ‘The Five Caves Trail’. Explore the Drip Kelder Gideon’s Cave, Duiwelsgat, Dry Cave and Klipgat, on the final day of the scenic Perlemoen Trail.

When planning your next overland trip in Africa, be sure to take a few extra days to enjoy these new routes before or after your scheduled trip.

Go on… explore!

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Tags: Adventure, routes, what to do