Namaqualand MTB Trails (Closest City/Town: Kamieskroon)
Namaqualand MTB TrailsCLOSEST TOWN > Kamieskroon TRAIL DESTINATION > Kamieskroon Regional Road DISTANCE > 7.5km to 50km
GRADING > Moderate |
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OVERVIEW Kamieskroon, situated approximately half an hour to the south of Springbok, arguably rates as one of South Africa’s best-kept mountain-biking secrets. Set amid the granite rock formations of the Kamiesberg range, the name ‘Kamies’ is thought to be derived from the Nama word ‘kam’, which means ‘two’. This is a reference to the twin peaks of the mountain, the ‘kroon’ (or crown) of which towers 330m high. The peak, just on a kilometre from the village, is topped by a huge cleft rock. On your bike Four routes traverse the Kamiesberg area to the east of the tiny dorp, and the riding here will delight greenhorns and gear-heads alike. The bad news is that the Leliefontein, Vissersplaat and Nourivier routes are no longer operated by the local Kamiesberg communities. This means that the routes have fallen into disrepair due to a lack of trail maintenance, with no route signage along the way. However, don’t let this put you off as much of the riding is along public roads anyway. Nourivier (29km) offers a moderately easy circular route. Leliefontein – 30km to the southeast of Kamieskroon and reached via a series of picturesque mountain passes – offers a short 8.2km ride perfect for the whole family. There is also a longer route that can be done either as a straight-line 30km (you would need to arrange a pick-up), or a challenging circular return ride of 49km. This is for the more accomplished rider. Vissersplaat circular ride (7.5km) boasts excellent scenic views. Your crank follows an extensive network of gravel roads past small settlements such as Witwater, Platbakkies, Goraap, Vaalputs and Kammassis for an excellent day or two out on the bike. Off the bike Namaqualand is renowned for prolific floral displays during the annual flower season from August to September. In spring, the arid landscape is transformed into a vibrant flower garden filled with a thousand different colours. Amateur geologists flock to the Northern Cape to explore the outback for abundant mineral deposits in a region where semi-precious stones, crystals and other geological treasures are a dime a dozen. 4x4 excursions to the starkly beautiful Richtersveld National Park and rafting trips along the Gariep River (once the Orange) and several hiking trails are other outdoor options. CONTACT: Route information: Wouter Jordaan, Garies Tourism Office Address: 16 Main Street, Garies Telephone: 027 652 1220 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Website: www.south-north.co.za Tel: +27 27 672 1948 or 712 8035 GPS: 30°18’54.1”S 18°04’57.4”E Weather: {weather Kamieskroon, South Africa} |
FAST FACTSGRADING: Moderate DURATION: 1 to 5 hours CONFIGURATION : Various return or circular options from 7.5km to 50km START POINT: Various (Leliefontein) TERRAIN: Gravel roads MAP: Try to get hold of a 1:50 000 topographical map of the area CELL RECEPTION: No reception en route ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Trails are all along public roads FACILITIES: A range of accommodation options in Garies and Kamieskroon; no ablutions en route BEWARE OF: Summer heat, lack of water |
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HOW TO GET THERE: Kamieskroon is approximately 68km south of Springbok on the N7 towards Cape Town, and Garies is another 48km further south. To get to the Leliefontein settlement, turn off the N7 at Garies and then pass eastwards under the highway and along a dirt road towards the Kamiesberg area. After 45km or so, you will reach a sign on the right-hand side indicating the turn-off to Leliefontein – turn here and continue for another 10km until you reach the town. Alternatively you can approach from the north via Kamieskroon. MORE INFORMATION: District road riding, so watch out for that lone bakkie; road surfaces are generally good, but rain quickly changes this; extreme corrugations on some sections; if you are doing this in summer, remember your protective gear and at least 4 litres of water per person. |
BEST TIME OF YEAR No doubt about this one – spring, flowers, cooler weather … it’s got to be August or September. The flower display may start as early as July and end as late as November – the duration depends on rainfall, wind and temperature. |
