Daisy Run
NAMAQUALAND AUGUST 2008
21 – 28th August 2008
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.
Day 1:
Today we will travel from Johannesburg to Upington via Vryburg and Kuruman.
On the way, we will stop in Kuruman to visit the Moffat Museum which commemorates
Robert Moffat, founder of the mission at the site in the 1820s. It is
housed in a church and several old buildings and features among its exhibits
the oldest press in the country. This press printed the first Bible in
Africa and is still in use.
We will also visit the “Kuruman Eye”, the source of the
Kuruman River. At a place known to the local tribe as Gaseonyane (“the
small calabash”), the eye gushes forth approximately 20 million
litres of water per day. Our accommodation tonight is in Upington. This
area is well known for its table grapes, raisins and sultanas. Time permitting,
a short cycle can be enjoyed to stretch the legs after the long journey!!
Overnight: Eiland Holiday Resort B&B (10kms)
Day 2:
Cycle along vineyards to the town of Keimoes for breakfast, then on to
Kakamas and 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 cycle,
to our overnight stop Klein-Pella.
Overnight: Klein-Pella Guest House DB&B (35kms + 20kms cycle)
 Day
3:
After breakfast, cycle to the Orange River and then 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 (60 kms)
Day 4:
Breakfast, then we travel via Springbok to Kammieskroon.
An afternoon cycle in the Skilpad Wild 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 spring 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 Kammieskroon DB&B (+40 kms cycle)
 Day
5:
Departing early and weather dependent, we will cycle up the Kammiesberg
Mountain Pass, then drive to Nourivier and on to the tiny mission village
of Leliesfontein. Several of its buildings, the Methodist Church and Parsonage
of the Mission Station are national monuments.
Overnight: Guest House in Kammieskroon DB&B (25 – 40 kms cycle)
 Day
6:
Today we cycle along the coast in the restricted diamond area (special
permits obtained)
Overnight: Guest House in Kammieskroon DB&B (20 – 35 kms cycle)
Day 7:
Depart early, drop clients off at Upington airport. For the guests not
flying continue to Vryburg for overnight.
Overnight: Vryburg DB&B
 Day
8:
Depart for Johannesburg
INCLUDES:
- Transport from/to Johannesburg
- Support vehicle
- Professional guides
- All accommodation DB&B (except day 1– pay for dinner, breakfast
on day1)
- Light lunches
- Entrance fees (Kuruman Eye, Moffat Museum, Augrabies Falls, Skilpad
Nature Reserve, Diamond Area)
EXCLUDES:
- Bike hire (can be arranged)
- Flights from Upington (can be arranged)
Please note: All cycling is dependent on good weather
conditions, distances dependent on the clients…..you decide. Remember
there is a back-up vehicle!!
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