Richtersveld National Park MTB Trail (Closest City/Town: Sendelingsdrift)
Northern Cape - Green Kalahari
Richtersveld National ParkCLOSEST TOWN > Sendelingsdrif TRAIL DESTINATION > Richtersveld National Park DISTANCE > up to 200km
GRADING > Difficult to extreme |
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OVERVIEW This ancient mountain desert landscape brims with lava, porphyry and rocks more than 2 billion years old. Volcanic ridges rear up along alluvial plains, making for extremely challenging riding. Once your headspace adjusts to the vastness of the land and the ferocious elements, the allure of the Richtersveld will surreptitiously weave its spell within you. On your bike The sandy gravel roads grinding through this land of wide horizons and stacked rock are sure to remain the domain of endurance mountain bikers, so be warned. Start off with easier rides and only take on the longer circular route options once you’ve ascertained your riding ability within the desert environment. The first would be to base yourself at one of the camp sites and do daily outrides from there; De Hoop, right on the river banks, is an excellent place to pitch your tent. Plan B would be to use a support vehicle while you circumnavigate the park, riding to a different camp every night. It’s your choice, but my suggestion is to sleep in one place to avoid breaking camp every night after a full day of cycling. Various rides can be planned from De Hoop along the extensive network of gravel roads and 4X4 tracks. Set off early to go and explore the phenomenal rock mounds at Kokerboomskloof, or keep close to the river along the jeep-track trails. This is hardcore riding for outdoor adventurers keen to test their endurance levels, so make sure you pack enough water and apply high-end sun block. Spare tubes, liners and tyre slime are minimum requirements, and opt for a full suspension bike and tyres able to handle both sand and gnarly rock.
Off the bike The vast Richtersveld Transfrontier Park will not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it offers exceptional hiking, biking and 4X4 options to the converted. If you feel the need to take time out, relax on the banks of the Orange River where you can fly-fish for yellow-fish or tube the gentle rapids. Otherwise, watch the diverse range of aquatic and desert birds congregating along the river, or just lose yourself in the complete peace and tranquillity of this amazing space.
CONTACT: Route information: Richtersveld National Park
GPS: 28°07’25.3”S 16°53’29.8”E Weather: {weather Richtersveld, South Africa} |
FAST FACTSGRADING: Difficult to extreme DURATION: Anything from 2 hours to multi-day riding CONFIGURATION : Hardcore return rides; circular routes up to 200km START POINT: De Hoop Camp Site
TERRAIN: Harsh, mountain desert, gravel park roads, 4x4 tracks, sand, rock MAP: Available from Sendelingsdrif Office and park gates CELL RECEPTION: None; limited signal near Sendelingsdrif ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Paying park visitors only FACILITIES: Self-catering cottages, campsites, ablutions, kiosk BEWARE OF: Snakes, scorpions, razor sharp rocks, the ‘Malmokkies’ fog, weird halfmens trees, nomadic goatherds and stars the size of street lights |
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MORE INFORMATION: Extreme corrugations, deep sand, pebble fields, thorns, rutted tracks and lack of traction will test your endurance to the limit; never mind the heat and dust storms – the endless vistas and wide open spaces are sure to recharge your soul
HOW TO GET THERE
BEST TIME OF YEAR September to November and April/ May are excellent times to get away to the Richtersveld. Hoary nights are not too severe, daytime temperatures are not yet at their full intensity, and dust storms are less frequent. Surprisingly, the weather is rather fickle, with mist, winds and cold fronts rolling in from the nearby coast. |
