Ou Wapad MTB Trail (Closest City/Town: Uniondale)

Western Cape - Central & Klein Karoo

Ou Wapad MTB Trail

CLOSEST TOWN > Uniondale

TRAIL DESTINATION > Ou Wapad

DISTANCE > 26km

GRADING > Difficult

OVERVIEW

This challenging ride forms part of the annual Karoo-to-Coast Mountain Bike Race.

On your bike

Start off along the 26-km circular ride in the pretty town of Uniondale, then crank into the spectacular Uniondale Poort and onwards to Avontuur. The clearly marked route then bangs onto the Ou Wapad trail to return to Uniondale. The road surface varies from harsh to hectic and this, in conjunction with extreme temperatures during the summer months, makes this a testing ride.

Carry ample water, slap on the sun protection and make sure you have a spare tube in your tubby bag. The diverse scenery of the Kammanassie and Kouga Mountains unfolds along the green valleys, scenic passes and dramatic rock formations with the vegetation varying from fynbos to arid Karoo succulents.

Off the bike

Kammanassie comes from the Khoisan language and means ‘Mountain of Water’. This rain-fed mountain sustains a small herd of endangered Cape mountain zebra.

Day hikes within the Kammanassie Nature Reserve afford the opportunity to see the Zebra, as well as klipspringer, kudu, duiker, grysbok, rhebuck and of course baboons. Waterfalls provide relief from the summer heat and there is a self-catering guest house in Uniondale, a few kilometers from the reserve.

CONTACT:

For local MTB info: contact Knysna Cycle Works, tel: +27 44 382 5153

Website: www.uniondale.co.za

Tel: +27 44 752 1266

GPS: 33°39’30.2”S 23°07’24.2”E

FAST FACTS

GRADING:

Difficult

DURATION:

2–3 hours

CONFIGURATION :

Circular – 26km

START POINT:

Start in Uniondale and follow the route markers

TERRAIN:

Extreme rock; rutted erosion from harsh to hectic!

MAP:

Maps available from Uniondale Tourism

CELL RECEPTION:

None on route

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Permit payable at
Uniondale Tourism (044) 752 1266

FACILITIES:

None en route

BEWARE OF:

Extreme summer temperatures; dehydration

ou-wapad-map

HOW TO GET THERE

Follow the N9 from George; Uniondale is en route to Graaff-Reinet.

BEST TIME OF YEAR

All year round, although summer and winter temperatures are extreme.