ABOUT THE ROUTE

 

If you have some previous off-road experience, although limited, enjoy remoteness, wide open and desert-like spaces, then this route is made for you.

If you add wild camping to the equation (alternating with comfortable lodges) then you’ll get the ultimate off-road motorcycle adventure of South Africa, the kind of once in a lifetime riding and human experience.

The Richtersveld is regarded as the only arid biodiversity hotspot on earth and the majority of the area is inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List due to its cultural values.

The Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa, featuring a gigantic ravine, in total about 160 kilometres long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 meters deep.

As the longest 4×4 route in the country, the Namakwa Eco Trail is also one of the prettiest. The countryside is characterised by winding rivers and dramatic mountain ranges.

We take it at a leisurely pace, which means there is plenty of time for breaks, photo shooting, or simply relaxing and enjoying the moment.

The terrain comprises a combination of gravel, rock and deep sand, with some exciting river crossings and dongas to negotiate. Riders can expect a number of steep slopes (both inclines and declines) and some serious zig-zags to test their skills. Some of the stages might appear short, but remember: rather count in hours than in km… The trails can be very exhausting for both the bikes and the riders.

We have been riding this tour from both E to W and W to E, and this latest version is definitely the one we prefer.

 

PROGRAMME

 

Day 1:

Meeting at endurafrica, collection of rider’s apparel.

Drive by car to Springbok (560km). Collection of the motorbikes. 

Day 2: 238km

Springbok – Port Nolloth – Bakkrans caves (campsite)

Day 3: 159 or 198km

Bakkrans caves – Alexander Bay – Tierhoek (campsite)

Day 4: 100km

Tierhoek – Smith’s Pass – Eksteenfontein – Helskloof Pass – Vioolsdrift (cottages)

Day 5: 199km

Vioolsdrift – Noordoewer (Namibia) – Aussenkehr trail – Gamchab trail – Ai Ais (lodge or campsite)

Day 6: 238km

Ai Ais – Fish River Canyon – Ai Ais

Day 7: 200km

Ai Ais – Noordoewer – Eco Trail – Kamgab (campsite)

Day 8: 101km

Kamgab – Ramansdrif – Groot Melkboom  (campsite)

Day 9: 76 or 132km

Groot Melkboom – Klein Pella (lodge or campsite) – optionally Charle’s Pass

Day 10: 266km

Klein Pella – Pofadder – Okiep – Springbok (guesthouse)

Day 11: 

Drive back to Bellville-Cape Town by car, 560km – Restitution of the bikes and equipment – End

 

DURATION & DIFFICULTY

 

Duration: 11 days

Riding days: 9

Difficulty: overall moderate to difficult, with numerous challenging stages, sandy and rocky terrain.

Participants: maximum 5

Start/End: Bellville (Cape Town)

 

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ACCOMMODATION

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Campsite and guesthouse

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PRICE

 

All-inclusive package with rental motorbike:

Tour code: NAM-11

ZAR 75’300

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Minimum number of participants: 4