NAMAQUALAND
31st July 2010 to 7th August 2010 &
21st to 28th August
2010
For at least nine months of every year Namaqualand is a dry and barren
semi-desert area on the West Coast of Africa. However, between August
and October the life-giving rains transform the ordinarily arid landscape
into a thick and lush wildflower carpet of every colour. In terms of natural
selection, the flowers of Namaqualand have been chosen for their ability
to survive and multiply in a somewhat hostile environment. The climate
is semi-arid to arid, the coast is sandy and there are rocky hills towards
the escarpment. The coastal areas of this region are cool, but the inland
areas are very hot and dry in summer. Join Escape Cycle Tours
as we explore this fascinating area of South Africa.
Drive to our overnight accommodation – Johannesburg
to Upington.
Overnight: Oranjerus DB&B
This route was designed to experience the extreme Namaqualand in all its facets – from sandy stretches to rocky paths and beautiful mountain passes.
Day 1:
 Early breakfast, then we cycle to Keimoes amongst the
vineyards along the Orange River. Drive towards
Kakamas, then start cycling again towards the famous
Augrabies Waterfall situated on the Orange River, the longest
river in South Africa. Just before the Falls, the wide river
flows through a narrow gorge from which it bursts explosively
and plunges 65 metres into a deep pool. The churning black
cauldron at the bottom of the Falls is said to contain a fortune
in diamonds washed down by the river! After a light lunch,
we drive to Pofadder and later we will have a cycle to our
overnight stop Klein-Pella.
Overnight: Klein-Pella Guest House DB&B (30 km -
60km cycle)
Day 2:
 After breakfast, cycle to the Orange River and then take a
walk amongst 1700 date palms. Did you know that South
Africa is the largest exporter of dates in the world? Cycle
along the Orange River, appreciating the solitude of this
area!! Continue to Pella, where we will visit the old Cathedral.
Overnight: Klein-Pella Guest House DB&B (15 - 54km)
Day 3:
Today we travel via Springbok to Kamieskroon, enroute we
do a circular cycle in the Goegap Nature Reserve on a well
known mountain bike trail. Have lunch in the reserve & then
drive to our overnight stop.
Overnight: Guest House in Kamieskroon DB&B (22 km
cycle)
 Day 4:
Breakfast and then we cycle in the Namaqualand National
Park (“Skilpad” Flower Reserve) Savour the closeness to
nature and the absolute beauty of the surrounds. The 1000-
hectare reserve is renowned as one of the best places to see
flowers in Namaqualand. It catches much of the rain that blows off the sea and has
magnificent flower displays even when the surrounding areas do not.
Overnight: Guest House in Kamieskroon DB&B (48 km cycle)
Day 5:
 Depart early and weather dependent, we will cycle up the
Kamiesberg Mountain Pass, towards Nourivier and on to the
tiny mission village of Leliefontein. Several of its buildings,
the Methodist Church and Parsonage of the Mission Station
are National Monuments and are 150 years old.
Overnight: Guest House in Kamieskroon DB&B (30 –
60 km cycle)
Day 6:
 We start our return journey to Upington via Springbok,
Pofadder and enjoy a delicious lunch with some local wine
plus Mampoer tasting at Bazelel. Then head to Kanoneiland
for our last night together!!
Overnight: Oranjerus DB&B (???kms after wine
tasting!)
Day 7:
 Drive back to Johannesburg.
Drop folk off at Upington airport if required.
INCLUDES:
7 x night’s accommodation DB&B
Light lunches
Bike & cyclist transport from/to Johannesburg
Support vehicle
Professional guides
Entrance fees- Augrabies Falls, Goegap & Skilpad Nature
Reserves
Lunch at Bazelel
Wine + Mampoer tasting
EXCLUDES:
Food on 31/07/10 & 07/08/10, 21/08/10 & 28/08/10 if travelling in the bus from
Joburg.
Bike hire (can be arranged)
Return flights to Upington (can be arranged)
Insurance
PRICE: R7,200.00 p/p sharing
PLEASE NOTE:
31st July & 7th August are travelling days.
21st & 28th August are travelling days
All cycling is dependent on weather conditions.
Back to Cycle Tours South Africa
|
