Kluitjieskraal MTB Route

About Kluitjieskraal MTB Route

Where: between Tulbagh and Wolseley, start at Kluitjieskraal Forestry Station
Level: challenging
Type of route: mainly gravel road and narrow jeep track over rocky terrain (lots of loose shale)
Distance: 41 km, although it is adaptable to various routes (copy of the map from the 7-11 or Wolseley or Tulbagh tourism)
Best: During the rainy season you will get your feet wet during river crossings; water is drinkable

Anyone who has cycled the Cape Epic is no stranger to the Kluitjieskraal kloof. In years gone by it has formed part of the route between Worcester and Ceres. Renowned for its incredible scenery and particularly challenging ride it is a steady climb to 400 metres above sea level with descents that will have the brain and the legs working together seamlessly, or you will find yourself coming a cropper.

The ride lies just west of Wolseley mainly through forestry reserve, and the initial 5 km climb has been described, even by hard-core cyclists, as a back breaking steady climb on gravel, the seven percent gradient up from the Wolseley Valley into the valley between Elandsberg and Wolseley beautiful nonetheless.

The forest in this usually inaccessible valley is available for the route, and during the annual Wolseley MTB race. Once on the plateau things flatten out through acres of pine plantation.

One descends into the Suurbraak Valley after which one again turns to re-visit the Watervalberg. This is where it gets a little technical, although the crossing above the waterfall, and the loop onto the mountain slopes, is incredibly beautiful with views of Tulbagh.

The home run is again through pine plantation and on contour path, so easier all the way. Watch out for the southeaster through the Wolseley Valley.