Zachariashoek Trails (Closest City/Town: Paarl / Franschhoek)
Western Cape - Cape Peninsula & Winelands
Zachariashoek TrailsCLOSEST TOWN > Paarl / Franschhoek TRAIL DESTINATION > Wemmershoek Dam DISTANCE > 20km - 40km
GRADING> Moderate to difficult |
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OVERVIEW Limietberg Nature Reserve encompasses an area of more than 117 000 ha in between the towns of Paarl, Franschhoek, Villiërsdorp and Rawsonville. On your bike If you’re an old hand in the Western Cape’s Polaris MTB Navigation Series, you might have ridden this one before. If not, listen up: the Zachariashoek section of the Limietberg Nature Reserve is now open to the fat track tribe. You’re in for a rollicking ride in this expansive Cape Nature reserve near Paarl, and the good news is that it is less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town. The Route: You’ll find a safe parking spot at the entrance boom to Wemmershoek Dam. From here, cut across the stream or head back along the tar road before turning right onto the jeep track into Zachariashoek. Grit your teeth, because gravity kicks in with immediate effect as you tackle the rugged Klein Drakenstein ranges. Settle into the crank for a solid 12km ascent before the terrain levels out along the hilly plateau, and then gun it as you hit the dirt chute home. Distance can be anything from 20-40km, depending on route choice.Off the bike Accommodation: There is no camping as of yet in Zachariashoek, but Cape Nature promises that this is on the cards. Other options in the area abound however, with stunning accommodation available amidst the vineyards and mountain streams of the Winelands. For affordable self-catering cottages, go to ‘Sep-se-Plek’ just outside Franschhoek – contact them on Tel. (021) 876 2142 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Don’t miss: The spectacular Wemmershoek Dam is unfortunately off-limits for mountain bikers at this stage, but Cape Nature will hopefully see the light and open this section up too. In the meantime, wine estates such as Fairview and Meerlust beckon in the immediate vicinity. Limietberg also boasts scenic hiking trails, as well as mountain biking on the gravel roads in the Stettynskloof section of the reserve. CONTACT: Tel: CAPE NATURE on (021) 4832951 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it GPS: ... Weather: {weather Paarl, South Africa} |
FAST FACTSGRADING: Moderate to difficult DURATION: Depends on the option chosen CONFIGURATION : ... START POINT: Wemmershoek Dam TERRAIN: Tar road and jeep track MAP: ... CELL RECEPTION: ... ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: ... FACILITIES: Accommodation is available BEWARE OF: ... |
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