Vaalkloof MTB Route (Closest City/Town: Ceres)

Western Cape - Breede River Valley

Vaalkloof MTB Route

CLOSEST TOWN > Ceres

TRAIL DESTINATION > Vaalkloof Private Nature Reserve

DISTANCE > 15km or 49km

GRADING > Easy or difficult

OVERVIEW

The main circular route starts at reception and follows a dual-track reserve road through Karoo landscape. The trail, along rugged terrain and passing through Karoo landscape.

On your bike

The trail, along rugged terrain and passing through unique Karroid flora, is rated somewhere between easy and intermediate. If you’re a rider of average ability, you should expect to spend around two to three hours in the saddle. If, however, you want to push it into the endurance zone, join up to the 4x4 route to add an additional 34 km for a monster of a ride. Although there are many water stops along the way and you will pass a dam that is excellent for swimming, it is a good idea to bring ample water, as many of these points may be dry in summer.

Off the bike

Vaalkloof is a private nature reserve situated within the Karoo region between Ceres and Matjiesfontein. A visit to this little period village is a must – do not leave if you have not take the opportunity to down an ale at the legendary Lord Milner Hotel

The Ceres karoo consists of a diverse ecosystem that is rich in rare flora and fauna. Vaalkloof has been declared a Natural Heritage Site – it is the largest within the Western Cape. Abundant waterholes and troughs provide excellent bird viewing as well as the opportunity to see the rare and endangered Suurpoortjie tortoise.

CONTACT:

Route information: Gert Potgieter
Address: Vaalkloof Private Nature Reserve, PO Box 744, Ceres, 6835
Telephone: 023 316 1690
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website : www.naturereserve.co.za
tel: +27 21 434 1230

GPS: 33°10’57.2”S 19°53’25.3”E:

Weather:

Mostly Cloudy 14 ^oC
Humidity: 67%
Wind: SW at 6 mph

Fri	5 ⇒ 16 ^oC	» Rain «
Sat	6 ⇒ 17 ^oC	» Chance of Rain «
Sun	8 ⇒ 18 ^oC	» Partly Sunny «

FAST FACTS

GRADING:

Easy or difficult

DURATION:

90 minutes or 3 hours

CONFIGURATION :

Circular options – 15km or 49km

START POINT:

Reception at Vaalkloof Private Nature Reserve

TERRAIN:

Dual track on management roads

MAP:

Available from Reserve Manager

CELL RECEPTION: None

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Permits available from
the reserve office (023) 316 1690

FACILITIES:

Ablutions, accommodation

BEWARE OF:

Take enough water in summer as
water points may be dry

vaalkloof-map

HOW TO GET THERE

Continue through Ceres on the R46 and then the R356 to Sutherland. Look out for a right turn to Matjiesfontein. Follow this road for 6km to a Vaalkloof
sign on your right.

BEST TIME OF YEAR

Summer is warm and dry, with beautiful evenings. Winter very cold, but the days are pleasant.