
South Africa Multisport
Let us introduce you to the remarkable diversity of South Africa - discover the country's wonders actively, becoming in tune with the area's sights, scents and sounds. Hike along Cape Town's Table Mountain and gaze upon the coastline Sir Francis Drake heralded as the "fairest cape we saw in the whole circumference of the earth." Bike to the tip of the Cape Peninsula, past zebras and penguins. Ease into the gracious Winelands lifestyle, and walk amid brightly colored proteas and a rich variety of birdlife. In the Drakensburg Mountains, hike on the Great Escarpment and be awed by the breathtaking scenery. Then experience a taste of classic Africa during a thrilling safari, on foot and in open-top Land Rovers, in a private portion of Kruger National Park, one of the world's most magnificent wildlife sanctuaries.
Days 1-2 cape town
Meet in Cape Town
Hike along Table Mountain, the city's cloud-draped landmark
Bike the length of the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point, with chances to spot ostriches, cape mountain zebras, baboons and rare African penguins.
Days 3-4 franschhoek
Our morning tour of a vibrant local township provides an intimate introduction to a part of Cape Town that few tourists see
While baboons bark in the surrounding hills, hike in Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, famous for its variety of proteas
Stroll through beautiful Franschhoek (French Glen), renowned for its long tradition of viticulture
Bike a section of the famous Winelands Route
Come face-to-face with a cheetah at a rehabilitation center for the big cats.
Days 5-6 graskop
Fly from the hills, farms, valleys and vineyards into the vast savanna of "classic" Africa
Walk to the edge of the Great Escarpment, a tremendous plateau brimming with indigenous forests, pine plantations, streams and waterfalls
Shop for crafts in the small town of Graskop.
Days 7-9 kruger national park
Travel to Ngala, a private reserve within Kruger National Park, for unforgettable excursions into the bush
On foot and in open-topped Land Rovers, view of the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos) and other fascinating creatures like the dung beetle and lilac-breasted roller
Delight in a thrilling nighttime game drive
Visit a nearby staff village and meet local school children
Fly to Johannesburg.
INFORMAL OASES: Casual Inns
Alphen Hotel (2 nights): This casually elegant and historic hotel is a national monument, located in a beautiful setting of ancient oaks and gardens.
Protea Hotel Franschhoek (2 nights): Enjoy a swimming pool and comfortable accommodations just a stone's throw from town.
Graskop Hotel (2 nights): Guest rooms are quaint and full of character at this casual bed-and-breakfast, which also offers a swimming pool and gardens.
Ngala Private Game Reserve (2 nights): Featured on Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List, this classic Colonial-style African luxury lodge features authentically decorated chalets, a large swimming pool, open-air dining and a spectacular location overlooking a busy waterhole.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2
2 Route Options Available
- Walk 2, 6 miles
- 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4
3 Route Options Available
- Biking 18, 30, 50 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2
1 Route Option Available
- Walking 5 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2
2 Route Options Available
- Biking 12, 25 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- Walking 1 hour
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 2
2 Route Options Available
- Walking 4.3, 6.7 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Levels 1 to 2
1 Route Option Available
- Walking 2 hours
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Levels 1 to 2
1 Route Option Available
- Walking 2 hours
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 9
- Conclusion of Trip
Trips For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Recommended Kids Ages
Minimum age for the trip: 12 years.
Guest Trip Reviews
Excellent trip that covered a LOT of ground and gave a good overview to South Africa, its people, scenery and animals.- Scarsdale, NY

This trip was special. I am thrilled to have been able to experience South Africa with my kids as well. People who had traveled to South Africa before had told me how much they loved the country. But words don't describe the physical beauty of the country. Backroads did a super job of getting us to see and experience the highlights of this amazing place.- New York, NY

The regal leopards at Londolozi. Herds of trumpeting elephants in Botswana. Breathtaking scenery of Cape Town and the Drakensburg Mountains. I've been fortunate to see South Africa's great diversity and beauty as a student on anthropological expeditions, and our new family multisport trip gives you the opportunity to show this incredible world to your children. Special activities just for the kids include tracking animals and searching for ancient rock paintings. Evenings, you'll relax amid the luxurious comforts of our lodges and feast on the delicious fresh cuisine of the region. A true family adventure!- Regional Manager Asia, South Africa & the East Coast
