HESSEQUA – The Mountain Bike Camino is not 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. The Hessequa region within the Western Cape, is regarded as a top Mountain Biking destination due to the gravel network, excellent accommodation options and support services within the area.

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 MTB camping adventure.

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

The cost is R350 per person per day (min 5 days) for a Pilgrim passport. Camping will be available at 5 campsites and 5 working farms along the route, you will receive the exact route on Google maps to follow with pin locations and includes your camp fees where you can camp with your own MTB and hiking tent, no extra fees payable for as long as your passport is valid.

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 (Albertinia), Riversdale, 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, or you can also have your own support vehicle follow you to the next camp.

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.

You can visit the website www: https://mountain-bike-camino.business.site/ for more detail.

The Mountain Bike Camino is the ideal route to explore the beauty of the Hessequa region.