Namaqualand MTB Trail

About Namaqualand MTB Trail

Where: Kamieskroon, 30 minutes south of Springbok
Level: intermediate
Type of route: four routes across the Kamiesberg. Note: the Leliefontein, Visserplaat and Nourivier routes are navigable, but not well maintained as they are no longer run by the local Kamiesberg communities
Best: spring, when the flowers are in full bloom (but autumn is just as beautiful, as the succulents of the area are as amazing)

This is one part of the world where you are unlikely to see other bikers, particularly if you ride outside of spring. Kamieskroon lies in a part of the Northern Cape that is at once barren and beautiful, 68 km south of Springbok on the N7.

Despite the heat during summer, and the freezing temperatures of winter's early mornings and evenings, you will be tempted to think you've stumbled across paradise, and that someone simply forgot to mention it to the rest of the world.

The two Leliesfontein routes are vastly different. Leliesfontein lies 30 km south east of Kamieskroon. The first route is 9 km, an easy circular route that suits the whole family. The other is a more difficult route that you can do as a one-way of 30 km, or a circular route of 49 km. For both you need a mountain bike permit.

The Nourivier route starts at Kamieskroon and is an intermediate circular ride of 29 km. Most of the ride is fairly easy, but there are difficult spots. You can extend the ride by including Leliesfontein, east of Nourivier.

The Namaqualand MTB Trail is also an easy route of 8 km. It has the best scenery of the routes.

Over and above these trails, there is a major network of gravel roads connecting the towns of Kammassis, Vaalputs, Platbakkies, Goraap and Witwater.

The Richtersveld National Park is one of the most starkly arid, yet surprisingly beautiful, parks in the country. Whilst here make sure to visit.