Internship Success Story: Kicking Off a New Career with Kyle and Bikes ‘n Wines

How it started

• Before he ever led a guided hiking, cycling or wine tour, Kyle was making moves on the football field. A talented athlete, he played for Stellenbosch FC and Steenberg United, and currently plays for Maties FC, part of the third highest soccer tier in South Africa.
  His path into the tourism world began thanks to a tip-off from a friend:
  “I heard about the internship through a friend of mine, Eon, who’s also a guide at Bikes ‘n Wines.”
  That recommendation sparked the beginning of a whole new journey.

Stepping Into the Cape Town Tour Guide Internship

• The Bikes ‘n Wines Internship Programme is designed to help aspiring guides gain real-world experience in cycling, hiking, and cultural tourism right in the heart of Stellenbosch and the Cape Winelands.
  For Kyle, the transition wasn’t easy at first:
  “Before joining the programme I didn’t have the best knowledge about bikes or wine. It was a difficult adjustment.”
  But what he lacked in background knowledge, he made up for in attitude.
  “I had a ‘Can Do’ mindset, and that really helped me to learn the skills and knowledge I have today.”

A Supportive Team Makes All the Difference

• Kyle credits much of his growth to the people around him.
  “Being surrounded by a team of guides who were always willing to help played a massive role in my development. They made me feel supported while I learned how to become a professional guide.”
  This peer-supported learning environment is a key feature of the programme - and one of the reasons so many interns thrive during their time with us.

Growing as a Guide and as a Person

• Kyle has now been part of the Bikes ‘n Wines team for nearly a year, leading guests on cycling tours, wine experiences, and walking adventures around Stellenbosch.
  “I feel like I’ve grown a lot. Not just as a guide, but as a person.”
  That’s exactly what we aim for. The internship programme isn’t just about technical knowledge, it’s about building confidence, professionalism, and a sense of purpose in the tourism industry.

What’s Next for Kyle?

• He’s not slowing down anytime soon.
  “My plans for the future are to continue working and growing here at Bikes ‘n Wines, and to give my guests memorable experiences they’ll never forget.”

Why We Run This Programme

• At Cape Adventure Brands, we believe in growing local talent. Our internship programme helps young people from all walks of life build a career in travel and tourism, one that’s grounded in sustainability, storytelling, and authentic Cape experiences.
  Kyle’s story is one of many - and we can’t wait to see where his path leads next.