Mpumalanga - Southern Region Mp

CLOSEST TOWN »     Wakkerstroom    
DISTANCE »     Variety of return routes and circuits from 12 km to 60 km in length
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GRADING »    
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[ OVERVIEW ]

The area is world renowned as one of the foremost bird-watching destinations in Africa. Some 302 species of birds have been seen in this area with new arrivals being spotted regularly. This diversity is due to the local habitat, which can be divided into wetlands, grasslands, forest, scrub, as well as some man-made habitats.

Wakkerstroom itself only possesses two tarred streets. All the other roads around the town are dirt tracks, which makes for pleasant hours of gentle cruising with the kids. The riding in general is challenging but not difficult or dangerous and anybody with a reasonable bicycle and an average level of fitness will be able to complete most of the routes.

On your bike

What follow are just a few route options; all of them along the dirt roads of the area.

There are lots of other roads for the MTB riders in the area; all on secondary and challenging dirt roads. This includes the airstrip road, Volksrust road, Derdehoek road and Amersfoort road. For the fitter riders there is the Jantjieshoek road that goes up to the top of the Grasslands Mountains. The roadies can do an easy 50 km ride from Wakkerstroom to Volksrust and back or a challenging “Highveld Argus” from Wakkerstroom to Dirkiesdorp and back.

Wakkerstroom Wetland Ride (12 km circuit) :
If you are not so fit or are pushed for time, the Wakkerstroom Wetland Ride is an ideal excursion. This 12 km loop starts and finishes in town. Be sure to travel anti-clockwise as the long downhill back home is most rewarding.

Ossewakop Challenge :
Ossewakop mountain dominates the skyline of Wakkerstroom and a cell phone company has built a steep road up to the radio towers on top. Any vehicle may negotiate this road, especially human powered ones driven by strong wills and legs! You’ll need to arrange your ride and pay a key deposit for access.

Paulpietersburg Road (50 km one way) :
Ride mostly downhill from Wakkerstroom to Luneberg, a 50 km epic along the Paulpietersburg road; a good secondary dirt road with stunning scenery.

Zaaihoek Dam/Groenvlei Road (57 km circuit) :
For those prepared to spend a full day exploring the area, Zaaihoek Dam is the answer. To avoid a deadly hill at the end of the journey remember to cycle in a clockwise direction. A 57 km dirt road loop on provincial roads follows some challenging terrain around the dam itself while offering incredible views of the surrounding countryside and the northern KwaZulu-Natal escarpment. Along the way you’ll cross the aptly named Snake River that meanders through the countryside.

Off your bike
Bird-watch by bike or canoe. There is canoeing on various dams and local rivers in the rainy season. Wakkerstroom is also known for its challenging 4x4 roads that are also suitable for quad bikes.

CONTACT
Route information: Pieter de Jager
Telephone: 017 730 0200 or 083 324 9830
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

[ FAST FACTS ]

GRADING: Easy to Difficult

DURATION: Various

CONFIGURATION : Variety of return routes and circuits from 12 km to 60 km in length

START POINT: Various start points

TERRAIN: Dirt roads

MAP: Available from Glen Ramke 017 730 0001 or at the ‘Wild Turkey’ in Wakkerstroom.

MORE INFORMATION:

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Public roads. Special access to surrounding privately owned land can be arranged. Contact Pieter de Jager (017) 730 0200 / 083 324 9830

FACILITIES: A number of accommodation options in town

BEWARE OF: