Mountain Mist MTB Route (Closest City/Town: Veldrift / Piketberg)

Western Cape - West Coast

Mountain Mist MTB Route

CLOSEST TOWN > Aurora

TRAIL DESTINATION > Mountain Mist Nature Reserve

DISTANCE > 34km

GRADING > Intermediate (steep climb)

OVERVIEW

Mountain Mist Private Nature Reserve perches a lofty 1 000m along the Piketberg massif above the village of Aurora.

On your bike

One needs a fair amount of fitness to ascend the 17km gravel road zigzagging to the top of this mountain resort, but the punishing climb is certainly worthwhile. Once you summit, you will experience extraordinary fynbos and amazing views across the West Coast and Cederberg.

Your return descent will require serious concentration, but that is the fun part of the ride. Atop the plateau, the trails offer easy cruising along a network of gravel roads.

Off the bike

Come and experience the peace, tranquility and magnificent views of our Mountain-Top Private Nature Reserve. Only 180km from Cape Town, above the village of Aurora, we are as high as Table Mountain, which can be seen on a clear day. From the cottages there are views of St Helena Bay to the west and the Piketberg and Cederberg to the north and east.

Our land has a rich variety of mountain fynbos, Watsonias, Aristea, Dilataris and others litter the summer landscape in and around awesome rock formations. Klipspring, Duiker, Vaal Rhebok, Dassies, Lynx, Porcupines and Baboons share the mountain with us.

There are many Raptors, including the rarely seen Black Eagle. Birders can enjoy the easy sightings of Protea Canary, Sentinel Rock Thrush and Ground Woodpecker amongst other LBJ's (little brown jobs). The Bird List has been verified by Margaret McIver.

FACILITIES

"The Cottage"
A traditional cottage, with a huge indoor fireplace, which allows you to braai indoors in bad weather. It sleeps 6 - 8 people.

Log cabins: Eagle's, Sugarbird & Falcon's - 2 x 4 sleepers and 1 x 2 sleeper.

All accommodation has magnificent views of St Helena Bay and are fully equipped for a unique, private, self-catering experience. All you need to bring are towels, fire/braai wood, food and drink.

CONTACT
Route information: Ann, Mountain Mist
Address: PO Box 87, Aurora, 7325
Telephone: 022 952 1750
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website : www.mountainmist.co.za

GPS: 32°42’18.7”S 18°29’07.0”E

Weather:

Could not retrieve weather informations for Piketberg, South Africa

FAST FACTS

GRADING:

Intermediate (steep climb)

DURATION:

2 hours

CONFIGURATION :

There-and-back, 34km

START POINT:

At Mountain Mist Reserve

TERRAIN:

Gravel road

MAP:

Map will be supplied once booking is accepted

CELL RECEPTION: Yes

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Guests free; day-trippers
by prior arrangement

FACILITIES:

Fully equipped self-catering cottages, pool, DSTV, private braai facilities, cell phone reception

BEWARE OF:

The site borders a restricted Defence Force area and access without express permission is strictly forbidden

mountain-mist-map

HOW TO GET THERE

Take the R399 from Piketberg and turn right to Aurora. From Aurora, take the road to Redelinghuys. Mountain Mist is
a well-signposted turn-off to the right about 2km from the village.

BEST TIME OF YEAR

Aurora has a Mediterranean climate, with most of its rainfall in winter.