Deelfontein MTB Trail (Closest City/Town: Parys)

North West - Southern Region NW

Deelfontein MTB Trail

CLOSEST TOWN > Parys

TRAIL DESTINATION > Deelfontein Farm, Vredefort Koepel.

DISTANCE > 50km

GRADING > Intermediate

OVERVIEW

Deelfontein lies in the heart of the Vredefort Dome, a unique geological formation caused by the impact of an asteroid roughly 10 kilometres wide about 2 200-million years ago which is South Africa’s newest world heritage site. The farm lies on the southern side of the Vaal River, nestled between two of the concentric ridges typical of the dome area. It is here, on 170 hectares of bergland covered with near-pristine bushveld that you will find more than 50 kilometres of mountain-bike trails to explore.

On your bike

The terrain is mountainous bush- and grassveld. The mountain-bike routes include dirtroad, farm tracks and at least 19 kilometres of single-track sections on which you can explore the mountain tops. Configured as a network of single-track loops branching off a jeep track backbone, the trails offer many options of distance and grading. There are easy, level and short options for the young, the unfit or those who want to enjoy the magnificent views. For serious training, the highly technical routes take advantage of the more than 200-metre elevation differences and offer serious challenges.

Despite the secluded setting, Deelfontein is only 40 kilometres from the N1 freeway and 140 kilometres from Johannesburg. Riding opportunities are not limited to Deelfontein – the rest of the dome beckons, with more than 100 kilometres of dirt road winding through the mountainous terrain. This is the home of the Crater Cruise MTB race, one of the premium mountain-bike events in South Africa.

Off the bike

Deelfontein offers a variety of exciting outdoor activities:

Swimming in the heated 15 m pool
Hiking on a variety of shorter and longer day hikes or on the five day Meteorite hiking trail
Mountain biking on more than 50 km of trail, ranging from easy to extreme.
Stargazing in the equipped observatory
Birdwatching in a variety of habitats

CONTACT:

Route Information: Gerhard Benade

Tel: 083 280 9784

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website: www.deelfontein.co.za

GPS: 26°56́́́′37,80″ S 27°16′16,48″ E

Weather:{weather Parys, South Africa}

FAST FACTS

GRADING:

Intermediate

DURATION:

1-4 Hours

CONFIGURATION :

Various circular and return options.

START POINT:

At the Deelfontein Guest house.

TERRAIN:

Dirt roads, jeep tracks, and single-track, mountainous topography.

MAP:

Not available

CELL RECEPTION:

Intermittent.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Contact for entry requirements.

FACILITIES:

Accomodation, everything you need.

BEWARE OF:

xxx

HOW TO GET THERE

From Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom, take Govan Mbeki Avenue in a southerly direction. Continue straight at the turn-off to Viljoenskroon, in the direction of Vredefort. Cross the Vaal River. At the T-junction beyond the river, turn left. After 8 km, you will find the turn-off marked ‘Deelfontein, Gerhard Benade’ on the left. Turn left and drive through the gate. After 500 m, there is another gate; please follow the signage. The guest houses and mountain bike trailhead are on the left. The arts centre, observatory and workshop are 300 m further. For the bush camp, continue for 1 km until the road forks. Keep left. The campsite is 200 m further. Please close all gates.

BEST TIME OF YEAR

Summer is wet and hot, but never blistering. Winter is dry and mostly sunny, even though the nights may be freezing.