THE CEDERBERG
TRAVERSE.
More than
just a bike ride.
The Cederberg is one of the last truly quiet places in the Western Cape. Ancient sandstone formations, fynbos turning gold and wildflower-yellow in spring, and some of the darkest night skies left in South Africa.
A trip for keen gravel riders who want the rawer side of the Cape. Wide tyres, steep rocky passes and nights spent under more stars than you’ve ever seen – bookended by two days of Cape Town’s best attractions on and off the bike.
Let us take care of every detail. All you have to do is ride.
“This isn’t a ride you do for the finish line. It’s a ride you do for the silence, the stars and the climbs that earn both.”
Nic Lamond — Mapmaker Co-Founder
The Itinerary
9 days · Cape Town · Cederberg · Stellenbosch
Itinerary is indicative — exact stops finalised around accommodation availability.
Rustic, restful
Cederberg.
Farmstead and trailside stays, at a fraction of city prices. Character over polish, every night. Wide open skies for stargazing, home-style cooking and fire kitchens where possible – city comfort and class when needed.
Arrival & farewell.
Two tiers, your call.
Nights 1–2 on arrival and Nights 8–9 to close. Choice confirmed with your deposit.
Cable car or hike · Half day · World iconic
Coastal road cycle or drive · Cape Point option
Jonkershoek · Morning ride · 1 hr from Camps Bay
Built for a small group
of keen gravel riders.
What’s taken care of.
A Mapmaker guide and mechanic for all nine days — full toolkit, spares and a floor pump travel in the vehicle.
Daily GPX files provided as a backup, with your guide leading every kilometre from the front.
Daily nutrition and on-road hydration top-ups through every riding day in the Cederberg.
45–50C tyres recommended. We run both SPD and SPD-SL. Wider-tyre bike hire available on request.
Laundry is available at most stops, so two or three sets of kit is all you need to bring.
Some Cederberg stops have limited power — bring a power bank. South Africa uses the Type M plug.
Your Guides
Interior architect and lifelong explorer. Nick designed luxury safari lodges across Southern Africa before founding The Handle Bar, one of Cape Town’s first bicycle and coffee stores. A former South African triathlon representative, he once sold everything to ride through 23 countries.
Journalist, athlete manager and cyclist whose work lives at the intersection of sport, storytelling and adventure. Known for his sharp wit, Nic has ridden on all seven continents, connecting with the characters who animate endurance sport.
Tell us your group size and budget. We confirm dates and route together. A 50% deposit secures your place immediately.