Most of us hate to admit it but we all know that exercise is the answer to most of our issues – be it physical or mental. Once your heart rate is up and the blood is flowing, everything suddenly seems clear. We might hate it while in the moment but still always find ourselves saying afterwards, “Wow, I should really do that more often”.
So why not make your exercise routine that much more exciting and explore beautiful South Africa on a bike?
The Richtersveld MTB Route
Situated in the Eastern Cape, Richtersveld National Park can be found in the Green Kalahari region. Here, lies an ancient mountain desert landscape where volcanic ridges have been standing tall for over 2 billion years.
Riders will be challenged throughout the entirety of this difficult trail and MTB routes can go up to 200km if riders choose a circular route. These trails are definitely not for the experienced rider!
The terrain of the routes is mostly harsh mountain desert with sandy roads in between. So riders are definitely advised to first start off with some of the easier routes to get used to the environment before taking on the longer circular route options.
And while riding, be aware of the following:
- Snakes
- Scorpions
- Razor-sharp rocks
The best place to start your ride is from De Hoop campsite. And from here, riders can pop in and out between various MTB routes. And this campsite is right by the Orange River bank – perfect for a quick swim after a long ride!
Trails can be found either by exploring the amazing rock mounds at Kokerboomskloof or by keeping close to the river and following the jeep-track trails.
What to keep in mind
Payment is required to enter Richtersveld National Park.
There is no cell reception and there is a limited signal in the closest town, Sendelingsdrif.
Within the park, there are self-catering cottages and campsites available.
There is a kiosk, however, riders are advised to always bring enough water and sunscreen on rides.
And the best time of year to visit the Richtersveld is September to November and April to May. Dust storms are less frequent these times of the year and the heat is bearable.
What to do off the bike in Richtersveld
The Richtersveld park is the perfect place to visit for any outdoor activity. Whether you’re hiking, biking or exploring a 4×4 route, you’re guaranteed a stunning view of breathtaking nature.
And if you’re in the mood for something more relaxing, spend the day on the Orange River banks with a fishing rod or float down the gentle rapids.
The Richtersveld park is also known for its vast range of bird species and is home to over 200 species of both aquatic and desert birds. And the best place to spot them is especially along the river.