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Highlights

Day1: Travel from Johannesburg via Vryburg, Kuruman to Upington

Day2: Leave from Upington via 'Kanon Eiland', Kakamas, Augrabies
Waterfall, Pofadder to Klein-Pella

Day3: Travel to Springbok via Concordia, Okiep to Nababeep

Day4: Biking in the Namaqua National Park

Day5: Travel to Nourivier, Leliesfontein down to Garies

Day6: Travel to Lamberts Bay along the coast

Day7: Tour back via Clanwilliam, 'Agterberg' - Cederberg

Day8: Travel through Calvinia to Upington

Day9: Return via Olifantshoek and Kuruman back to Johannesburg

 

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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