Hotazel - Vanzyls Rus

On the first day of riding we hug Kuruman river on sandy tracks that take us to the Kalahari farming community town of Van Zylsrus, where we stay in the towns name sake, Vanzyls Rus Hotel, the boutique hotel still stands as an oasis of the Kalahari, boasting antique art and décor and that evening we will enjoy a sun-downer on the red dunes near the town and dinner back at the hotel.

12 Noon Rider briefing at Hotazel Guesthouse (lunch for our own account).
13h00 Depart for Vanzyls Rus.
Vanzyls Rus Hotel B&B.
Set menu dinner (included).
Dune sun-downers in 4x4s.
**Optional extra to stay at Hotazel Guesthouse on Friday 6 Oct 2023.

Vanzyls Rus - Molopo Kalahari

We travels along the Botswana border on gravel roads to the Molopo Kalahari Lodge where you may be excused if you momentarily mistake it for a mirage when you spot this oasis in the desert, where we will arrive in time for lunch and an ice-cold beer around the inviting pool and that afternoon you will get the opportunity to ride on Koo Pan. The Dorpies (small towns) are few and far between; but we will refuel & restock in Ashkam before heading towards where the Kalahari and the Nama-Karoo deserts meet…

Molopo Kalahari Hotel B&B.
Lunch at the pool (own account).
A la carte dinner (own account).
Ride & sun-downers on Koo Pan.

Molopo Kalahari - Khamkirri - Place of the Leopard.

…The Great Gariep, known more commonly as the Orange River, winds through the landscape and brings it life to typically arid worlds on both sides, and turning the area into an oasis. The greenbelt along the river’s banks contrasts sharply with the rising rocky cliffs. Irrigation schemes have stretched this greenbelt into the desert, making acres of vineyards possible and we will be visiting one such vineyard for lunch and a Wine, Gin & Brandy tasting. Ten percent of South Africa’s vineyards are found in the Orange River valley and southern Kalahari.

Tonight we not only stay in large log cabins on the bank of, but will also enjoy a barge cruise on, the mighty Orange River.

A la carte lunch at Die Mas Wynkelder including optional Wine, Gin & Brandy tasting at Die Mas Wynkelder (own account).
Barge Cruise (weather permitting).
Braai dinner on the Barge Cruise (included | weather permitting).

Khamkirri - Pofadder

We start on tar to Riemvasmaak where we will meet & greet Norbit, famed for his involvement in the Voetspore Travel programs, at his Berg-en-Dal Padstall (road side shop) and enjoy his wife's famous Vetkoek for brunch. Also on our route today and situated in the gorge between the Orange and Molopo rivers are the hidden mineral Hot Springs of Riemvasmaak surrounded by granite cliffs. The naturally warm spring waters and the rocky terrain are a result of volcanic eruptions that occurred eons ago. The volcanoes are no longer active but the underground activity still heats the spring water, providing gloriously warm swimming pools all year round. After a short laze in the hot springs we join the Riemvasmaak 4x4 trail to overnight at the Pofadder Hotel.

Pofadder Country Hotel B&B.
Breakfast at Berg en Dal Padstal (included).
Riemvasmaak Hot Springs.
Picnic lunch (included).
A la Carte dinner in the hotel (own account).

Pofadder - Klein Pella - Vioolsdrift

After early breakfast we ride the first part of Namaqua 4x4 trail via Pella to the beautiful Klein Pella Date Farm, the biggest date farm in the Southern Hemisphere, situated on the Orange River in Namakwa Then we tackle the second half of the Namaqua 4x4 trail enjoying a snack at either Melkhoutboom or Rhamensdrift, en-route to the Namibian Border town of Vioolsdrift where we spend two nights, before heading into the Richtersveld National Park.

Frontier River Resort B&B and dinner.
Snack en-route at Melkhoutboom or Rhamensdrift (included).

Vioolsdrift

While we are in Vioolsdrift we will enjoy; river rafting on the Mighty Orange River, chill by the Orange River or take part in an optional short ride into the Richtersveld and back to get a taste of what the next day holds… one night we dine at The Grow-Cery, a play on the word ‘grocery’, and a big part of their mission is to educate people how to grow their own produce.

Frontier River Resort B&B.
Richtersveld view point out ride.
Lunch at Oewerbos (own account).
Half day river rafting (optional / weather permitting).
Dinner at Growcery (included).

Vioolsdrift - Port Nolloth

We leave the north bound Mighty Orange River and head west via the Richterveld National Park, a mountainous and vast landscape offers an unending terrain of natural wonders along wild and rugged roads through mountain passes, a biker’s dream. We will spend time soaking up the ambiance of the rocky desert and exploring the many cairns, these piles of stones continue the tradition and are left by travelers. This natural attraction is a must-see and will give you goosebumps. Criss-crossing the Helskloof Pass area in the Richtersveld will provide enough adrenaline for the day and will test any adventure biker’s mettle.

A cairn are a man-made pile (or stack) of stones. The word cairn comes from the Scottish Gaelic: càrn. Cairns have been used for thousands of years for a broad variety of purposes, from prehistoric times to the present, to mark hilltops, mountain passes and routes across rocky terrain. They are also used to mark significant sites such as burials, battle grounds and memorials.

From the heat of the mountainous desert we arrive in Port Nolloth and the cold and rough Atlantic Ocean. Here we will enjoy the sea, sand and some seafood and completing this epic tour!!

Scotia Inn B&B.
A la carte lunch at the pool (own account).
A la carte Seafood Farewell dinner (own account).

Port Nolloth - Home

Breakfast at Scotia Inn.
Participants to make their way home.