In a bid to get more people out, exercising, travelling, biking, and seeing the country, the Western Cape has launched its fifth long-distance bicycle ride across the province – and this one traverses the legendary Central and Klein Karoo.
The Karoo Crossing, as it’s called, is a 358 km journey that starts or ends in Knysna/Calitzdorp. You pass through historic towns like De Rust and Prins Albert, full of beautiful Victorian, Cape Dutch and Georgian architecture, and along winding mountain passes that have fascinating histories, including the iconic Meiringspoort. Then there’s the rock art and engravings dating back thousands of years.
Yesterday Premier Alan Winde launched the route, which is an initiative of the province’s tourism arm Wesgro, in the charming town of Prins Albert.
Watch the Karoo Crossing and be tempted!
The five cycling routes – ranging in distance from 123 km to 742 km – have been carefully developed and spread throughout the province to attract visitors to explore some of the smaller towns and lesser-known attractions that the Western Cape have to offer.
Western Cape Finance Minister Maynier said: “Our aim here is not only to attract more adventure tourists, but also to showcase the great attractions and experiences in small towns and rural communities across the Western Cape.”
“We encourage people to get out and explore the province by venturing off the beaten track and to stop along the way and enjoy some of the best of small town hospitality,” said Winde. “This will help support the tourism and hospitality sector which is a significant job creator, especially in our non-rural areas, and help us to save jobs in the province.”
