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For other destinations and types of holiday, visit Kuoni
For other destinations and types of holiday, visit Kuoni 

Things to do in South Africa

Explore the Cape Peninsula by sidecar

You’ll whizz along the coast in a 1950s vintage sidecar, with the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other…

By Tim Clarke
Owner of Cape Sidecar Adventures

Whizz along the Cape Peninsula in a 1950s sidecar for incredible coastal views. The whole idea for Cape Sidecar Adventures came about when I met an Australian expat in China who had this beat-up old sidecar, which I loved. So, back in Cape Town I bought a dozen vintage 1950s models and started offering tours along the peninsula and the winelands. Since then, it’s become very popular – we now have a fleet of over 40 vehicles, about 50 driver-guides and our mascot Brody, a rescue dog who loves to ride with us.

On the full-day tour, we start with a hotel pick-up around 9am and get you geared up in retro leather jackets, goggles, bandanas and helmets. You’ll be paired with one of our brilliant drivers from Cape Town; they’re all big personalities with lots of stories to tell. Leaving the waterfront, we head out along the Atlantic Seaboard through coastal suburbs like Clifton and Bantry Bay. The ocean is on the right and the Twelve Apostles mountain range on the left – it’s a beautiful drive. When you’re whizzing along on this noisy, 60-year-old sidecar you get lots of smiles and waves. Many people haven’t been on a motorbike before but within 20 minutes they’re relaxed, laughing and enjoying the ride.

Highlights include passing Llandudno and the fishing village of Hout Bay before we reach famous Chapman’s Peak drive. This is known as a spectacular scenic route, winding right along the coast next to mountains and through tunnels. When we arrive at Cape Point you get the option of taking the funicular up to the lighthouse, which is a great place to take photos. The trip continues all the way to the Cape of Good Hope where we have a lunch stop at a local seafood restaurant. The highlight of the afternoon is visiting the Boulders penguin colony before heading back towards Cape Town.

If you don’t have time for the full-day tour, we also offer a shorter two-hour option along the peninsula. Whichever trip you choose it’ll change your perspective, you’ll feel the wind and smell the salty air, you’ll see the ocean, mountains and vineyards. I think the sidecar tour appeals to people because it feels adventurous and quirky – it’s not your typical Cape Town tour. There’s a motorbiking quote that goes something like this: “when you’re travelling by car it’s like watching a movie but when you’re on a bike, you’re actually in the movie” – that’s the experience we want guests to have.

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  • Scenery
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Alfred & Tim Clarke

Born and raised in South Africa, Tim Clarke has spent most of his life asking himself the question: “Well, why not?” This philosophy has taken him on multiple journeys around the world seeking adventures and business opportunities. While living in Shanghai in the early 2000s he discovered the classic cj750 motorbike with sidecar and returned to Cape Town, where he set up Cape Sidecar Adventures.
Tim Clarke, founder of Cape Town Sidecar Adventure tour

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Laura, who's travelled extensively in South Africa. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - ex banker who can show you the hottest foodie spots in Cape Town, the award-winning young sommelier who can introduce you to Stellenbosch's finest wines and the walking safari ranger who can guide you to the best game.

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