Dates: 27/07/2012 - 03/08/2012
04/08/2012 - 11/08/2012
13/08/2012 - 20/08/2012
21/08/2012 - 28/08/2012
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 July 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
Day 1:
Early breakfast, then we cycle to Keimoes amongst the
vineyards along the Orange River. Drive towards
Kakamas & 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 DBBL
(30 km - 50km 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? For the adventurous, we cycle along the Orange River, appreciating the solitude of this area!! The rest drive to collect the cyclists & continue to Pella, where we will visit the old Cathedral & have tea with the “Sisters”.
Overnight: Klein-Pella Guest House DBBL (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 DBBL
(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 DBBL
(48 km cycle)
Day 5:
Depart early and weather dependent, we will cycle up the Kamiesberg Mountain Pass stopping for tea & scones along the way. Continue on the circular route via Arkoep through a beautiful valley. Rack bikes before the main road & drive back to Kammieskroon.
Overnight: Guest House in Kamieskroon DBBL
(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 DBBL (???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
Tea & scones at Pella
Tea & scones at Teebos
Lunch at Bazelel
Wine + Mampoer tasting
EXCLUDES:
Lunch if travelling in the bus from/to Joburg.
Bike hire (can be arranged)
Return flights to Upington (can be arranged)
Insurance
PLEASE NOTE:
All cycling is dependent on weather conditions.
Email: info@escapecycletours.com
Tel: 011 646 9970
Cell: 083 453 5216 Liz
Cell: 082 568 6651 Chris
