At the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Ocean meet, it’s not uncommon along South Africa’s Historic Routes to see a cluster of Harley-Davidson’s flitting along the Western Cape amid ancient forests, rugged mountains and sprawling golden beaches.
Before skedaddling up the coast for any number of adventures, Cape Bike Travel’s Harley groups are regulars on N2, the most popular stretch of highway on the Garden Route—running south to east—with golf courses, artist communities, the world’s highest commercial bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge and occasional views of frolicking killer whales and bottlenose dolphins interspersed. The latest addition to the Garden Route is the family-run Bramon Wine Farm, a first for the area, located just outside Plettenberg Bay. Here, groups of up to 180 can gather around a fireplace or sit among the vines for tastings and fresh tapas-style dishes. Up to 150 can settle in for an evening of wine, dining and music in the cathedral-like cellar, which overlooks the Tsitsikamma Mountains and its beloved elephants.
Of course, Bramon isn’t the only watering hole in the area. Eighteen official wine routes and two brandy routes, collectively called the Cape Winelands, offer a feast for the senses throughout the Western Cape—from regional wines and cuisine to eco-adventures and luxury accommodations in unforgettable locations. Scenic Route 62, equivalent to US Route 66, connects the east to the west and is often the route of choice for experiencing the winelands. Route 62 is kind of an all-in-one, offering a range of nature-inspired experiences—from Big 5 game drives to ostrich farm tours in Oudtshoorn and penguin spotting at Boulders Beach.
Three of South Africa’s eight World Heritage Sites are also close to Route 62, including the Cape Floral Region, home to about one-fifth of Africa’s vegetation. Top to bottom, groups will find an interesting blend of modern, convention-ready venues in South Africa that are also in proximity to a myriad of incentive opportunities. Just a stone’s throw from the Pilanesberg National Game Park, the 5-star Sun City Resort is a top choice for active groups; the newly built Sun International Boardwalk Convention Centre in Port Elizabeth is just a 30-minute drive from Addo Elephant National Park, and Cape Town’s convention centre and plethora of 5-star rooms are complimented by a thriving waterfront scene and multitudes of YOLO adventures, like Table Mountain and UNESCO Robbin Island.
