Karoo Lazy Hippo 3-Day MTB
3 Day/4 night Karoo MTB Tour
4 Day MTB : COST PP: Sharing R12 500 | Single R14 900
DATES AVAILABLE:
Click on the date you choose for the registration form to open
Ride the Wild Heart of the Karoo: 3-Day MTB Adventure in Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve
Saddle up for an unforgettable 3-day mountain biking escape through the rugged beauty of the Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve — a vast and awe-inspiring slice of South Africa’s untamed interior.
This is no ordinary ride. Each day leads you deeper into the heart of the Karoo, where endless horizons, dusty trails, and dramatic views create a backdrop like no other. You’ll pedal across expansive plains, wind through hidden valleys, and climb to sweeping lookouts that reveal the Karoo’s raw, captivating charm.
But here’s the twist — hippos live here. Yes, in the heart of this semi-arid wilderness, the Gariep River flows with life, and if you’re lucky, you might spot these mighty creatures cooling off in its waters as you cycle nearby. It’s a surreal and unforgettable moment few mountain bikers can claim.
Whether you’re chasing the thrill of new terrain or seeking a deep connection with nature, the Karoo Gariep MTB Adventure offers both — with unique wildlife, rich silence, and the kind of wide-open freedom only the Karoo can offer.
Come ride where the road ends and the real adventure begins.
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3 Day/4Night Karoo Lazy Hippo MTB Tour
A 3-Day Mountain Biking Adventure through the breathtaking Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve.
The Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve is home to a fascinating population of hippos! Picture this: as you cycle through certain areas of the reserve, you might just catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures wallowing in the cool waters of the Gariep River. It’s an incredible opportunity to witness wildlife in its natural habitat, adding an extra layer of excitement to your mountain biking experience. Imagine the stories you’ll tell!
While the thrill of potentially spotting hippos adds a unique element to your adventure, please remember that these are wild animals, and it’s crucial to maintain a safe distance and follow the guidance of your tour leaders at all times.
This 3-Day MTB Tour in the Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve isn’t just a cycling trip; it’s an immersive experience that combines adrenaline-pumping adventure with the serenity of nature and the richness of local culture. Book your spot now and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Karoo!
Highlights of the Tour
- Beautiful MTB Routes in the middel of the Karoo
- Qualified Northern Cape MTB Tour Guides
- Cycle in pristine areas with no other people around you
- Hippos in the middel of the Karoo
- Amazing Cuisine of New Holmes Lodge, Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve
- Wildlife along the way
- The hospitality of the Karoo
- Staying at en-suite accommodation venues
Information
MTB Tour for max 30 people, E Bikes welcome.
The Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve is a fantastic destination for mountain biking enthusiasts of all levels! Here’s a more detailed look at what you can expect:
Diverse Trails for Every Rider:
The reserve boasts a network of well-maintained dirt roads and tracks that are perfect for mountain biking. You can choose your own adventure and ride as far and as long as you desire.
As you cycle through the reserve, you’ll be immersed in the unique and captivating landscapes of the Karoo, with its vast plains, rocky outcrops (“koppies”), and the meandering Seekoei River.
Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that inhabits the reserve. While cycling, you might spot various antelope species, birds, and other fascinating creatures. Remember to maintain a safe distance and respect their natural habitat.
The chance to potentially see hippos along the Seekoei River adds a truly unique element to your mountain biking experience.
Itinerary
PLEASE NOTE: Please arrange your own transport to the start (We will send you a program where the tour will start depends on which tour you book)
DAY 1
14:00 Check in under your name at the starting venue
18:00 Dinner and Welcoming
DAY 2
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Cycle, coffe and snacks along the way
13:00 Light Lunch
17H00 Afternoon sunset drive to the hippo pool
18:00 Dinner
DAY 3
07:00 Breakfast
08:00 Cycle, coffee and snacks along te way
11:00 Coffee halfway
13:00 Light lunch
15:00 Some afternoon activity TBA
19:00 Dinner
DAY 4
07:00 Breakfast,
08:00 Cycle, coffee, and snacks along the way
17:00 Some afternoon activity TBA
18:00 Dinner
DAY 5
07:00 Breakfast and Good Byes
Venues
Venue:
New Holmes Nature Lodge in Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve:
33km from Hanover, turn off is 31 km from Hanover on the left
59 km from Colesberg, turn off is 57km from Colesberg on the right
Link to the start:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q35iL68JJC9tqzC87
How to get to the start
33km from Hanover, turn off is 31 km from Hanover on the left
59 km from Colesberg, turn off is 57km from Colesberg on the right
Link to the start:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q35iL68JJC9tqzC87
Transport of Bikes:
You can fly with your bike, but you can not fly with an E-Bike. Please contact Sonja for a reliable Bicycle Courier to get your E-Bike from where you stay to Okiep Country Hotel
Bike and E-Bike Hire
Please contact Sonja on sonja@trisport.co.za if you want to hire an MTB or E-MTB. Trisport does not hire bikes, but we have a reliable company that we will suggest you hire your bikes from. They can also organise transport.
See www.adventureshop.co.za They are based in Stellenbosh, but you can hire from them, even if you live in Gauteng
Distances
Day 1 : 65km, elevation 658
Day 2 : 50km, elevation 465
Day 3 :40km, elevation 350
Entries Available
Limited to 30 entries
Experience Level
Beginner E Bike riders with at least 1 year experience, with some technical skills and experience.
To ensure you enjoy the tour we advised that you must be able to do 15km/hr average over 40km on an MTB or E MTB (not on a road bike) and you must have experience riding in sections of sand, over some rocks (no drops) and on some rough jeep tracks with water damaged and ruts and holes.
Fitness Level Required
NOT suitable for Beginners, except E Bike beginnerswith some experience of cycling on rough terrain
Must be able to cycle some technical sections, downhills, rocky areas and at least 15 km/hr average on a flat road.
Terrain
Although the terrain is not technical, there are sections with sand, rocks, rough jeep tracks. We cycle on jeep tracks, gravel roads, some rocky sections with an elevation between 300 and 600m per day.
The terrain can vary, including sandy sections, rocky paths, and open plains, so be prepared for different riding conditions.
Entry Fee and Highlights Includes
- 4 Nights accommodation
- 3 Days riding
- All meals from dinner on arrival 1 to breakfast on departure
- Snacks and coffee on the ride
- A Proper Trisport Goody Bag
- Permission to use private property;
- Reserve fees
- Qualified SA Guides
- Back up vehicle
- Bike mechanic available on route and each afternoon, (for your own cost)
- Food and drinks and water on the route; and
- An unforgettable Karoo experience.
- All the arrangements by Trisport to ensure you have a great trip
Entry Fee Excludes
- Travel to Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Tips
- Bike Insurance
- Bike Mechanic costs
- Spares for your bike
- Mechanical backup, please bring your own tools and extras to carry or to give to us to transport
- Medical insurance
- Medical Evacuation
- Travel Insurance
- Cost of Evacuation if necessary
Compulsory Gear
As a precaution, we would like you to carry the following compulsory equipment with you during the race. It is for your own personal safety. Please adhere to the following:
- Cellphone
- Zip Lock bag to keep phone dry
- your own cup for coffee along the way
- Space blanket
- Small backpack with your own spares in case of a mechanical or puncture
- Long termal base layer (pants and top) if it is cold
- Whistle
- Helmet
- Emergency food
- Waterbottles
- Sunscreen (SPF50)
- Wind / waterproof jacket
- Small first aid kit
Safety Equipment
We have the following safety equipment with us:
- A Medical Kit, with bandages etc
- An AED (Automatic Electric Defib)
- Epipen
- Radios
- A Garmin Inreach (to be used in case of an extreme emergency only, not when you are tired. An helicopter to airlift you and you will be held liable for the cost of the evacuation)
4 Day/5 Night Namaqua To Richtersveld tour
Embark on an exhilarating 4-day/5-night mountain biking adventure that will take you from the breathtaking Nigramoep Guest Farm atop the vibrant Kasteelberg to the captivating Diamond Coast, spanning the enchanting landscapes between Namaqua and Richtersveld. Day 1 we will first cycle on the historic Copper Trail between Okiep and Nababeep.
On Day 2 you will start with the “Moep to Sea” journey as you pedal through the blooming flower-covered plateau, descending into the mesmerizing semi-desert of Richtersveld.
Prepare to be captivated by the allure of the Diamond Coast, exploring the unique cultural diversity and mineral mining history of Kleinzee and Port Nolloth in the Richtersveld. These towns, shaped by diamond mines, unveil a fascinating glimpse into the contemporary miner’s lifestyle. Port Nolloth, a charming town and domestic seaport, awaits on the north-western coast of South Africa.
Thrill-seekers will conquer over 2000 meters of exhilarating descents and ascents over the course of the three days, starting from Nigramoep Guest Farm (Namaqua) towards the West Coast town of Kleinsee (Richtersveld) and back. Day 2 promises an adrenaline-pumping descent of 1300 meters to the welcoming Houthoop Guest House. Brace yourself for the grand finale as you ascend 950 meters back to Nigramoep, completing this epic cycling odyssey with an unforgettable sense of accomplishment. Get ready to pedal through landscapes that transition from floral paradise to semi-desert wonders, creating memories that will last a lifetime!
Highlights of the Tour
- An Exciting adventure of exploring the beautiful Flowers of Namaqua and Richtersveld
- The exhilarating experience as you cycle on the historic Copper trail in the Okiep/Nababeep area
- Cycle from the top of Kasteelberg (Namaqua) to the Sea on the West Coast (Richtersveld).
- Immerse yourself in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean
- Enjoy fantastic overnight venues in remote locations.
- Cycle over pristine areas with no other people around you
- Cycling over exclusive private properties that are unique to Trisport.
- Witness the beauty of the Namaqua Daisies and uncover hidden villages along the way.
- Marvel at the views over the Schaapriver Canyon, a Namaqua Canyon, and discover the incredible hidden secrets of Namaqua, with high cliffs and rockfaces that narrate an ancient story.
- Meet knowledgeable local Tour Guides at each venue who are experts in the history, fauna, and flora of the region.
- Delight in the hospitality and delectable food of the local people of Namaqua.
- Experience thrilling transport in a custom-built pipe car to the viewpoints
- Enjoy the breathtaking vistas towards the Richtersveld and Atlantic Ocean.
- An unforgettable journey filled with adventure and natural beauty in Namaqua and Richtersveld
- Experience the contrast between Namaqua and the Richtersveld
Information
Special permission and permits are obtained to ride over many private properties and would not have been possible without the support the local farmers. Day 1 we cycle on the historic Copper trail in the Nababeep and Okiep area over private farms and communal farms. The 2nd day is the longest, but fast as it is mainly downhill. You cross many private properties, and you stay at beautiful remote areas. The terrain changes from a mountainous area to desert, red dunes to the white sand at Kleinsee. You get spoilt with great food each night. The cycling routes are mostly on hard surfaces with a sandy patch now and again, but sandy roads were avoided to ensure you have a great ride
Namakwa remained a very quiet place during the cultural evolution until about 2000 years ago. This was when the Khoikhoi or Nama arrived from the area that now encompasses northern Botswana. The region is known for its cultural history, which was preserved by the Nama and Khoisan tribes. The Nama people are the largest group of Khoikhoi people.
Venues
Okiep Country hotel
The tourist centre of Okiep is the excellent Okiep Country Hotel. The hotel houses a very popular restaurant and bar. Each room is en-suite and the hotel has a 3 star grading. The hotel is famous for it’s amazing food
Nigramoep Guest Farm, Schaap River Canyon, Northern Cape
Nigramoep consist of beautiful renovated guest cottages and old farm houses. Most cottages and houses have 2 or more rooms. You will experience the delicious farm style home cooking of Nigramoep Guest Farm. Nigramoep does have a bar, but you can bring your own drinks as well.
Houthoop Guest house:
Die Houthoop is a guest farm in the Northern Cape, Namaqualand. The name is derived from a pile of wood, packed in a semi-circle that serves as an open air restaurant and was established in 1954.
Port Nolloth, McDougal Bay Holiday Homes:
Staying in holiday homes, right on the water’s edge of the Atlantic Ocean in McDougal Bay.
Distances
Distances:
Day 1: 55 km- Elevation 750m
Day 2: 76km – Elevation 720m, Descent 1300m
Day 3: 75km – Elevation 450m
Day 4: 52km – Elevation 990m
Entries Available
Limited to 20 entries
Fitness Level
Not suitable for beginners.
Intermediate Mountain bikers and E Mountain Bikers
Entry Fee and Highlights Includes
- 5 Nights accommodation at lodges
- 4 Days of Cycling;
- All meals;
- Transport you and your bikes for 60km from McDougal’s Bay to the start of Day 4 to avoid the tar road
- Back up vehicle
- Branded Event apparel
- Drinks/Coffee and snacks along the way each day
- Guides and a support vehicle
- All permissions and costs to private land owners;
- Champagne at the finish
- All logistics and transfer of your bags
- All arrangements by Trisport
- Bike mechanic available at your own cost
Entry Fee Excludes
- Travel to Okiep
- Travel to Nigramoep Guest Farm with your own vehicle and Bike
- Drinks at each venue
- Spares, please bring your own
- Fixing your bike
- Medical evacuation
- Insurance, medical, and for your bike
- Bike Mechanic not available everywhere n route, please make sure you know how to repair a puncture etc
- Extra Snacks for during the ride; and
- Tips
- Medical insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Cost of Evacuation if necessary
Schedule
Day 1
14:00 Arrival/Check in at Okiep Country Hotel
17:30 Dinner and Welcoming
Day 2
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Ride the Copper Trail route guided by Trisport
13:00 Lunch at Okiep
14:00 Drive in convoy to Nigramoep Guest Farm with your own vehicle
Arrival from 15:00 onwards
Welcoming at Nigramoep Guest Farm and Sundowner over the Schaapriver Canyon
19:00 Dinner
Day 3
08:00 Breakfast at Nigramoep Guest Farm
09:00 Cycle from the top of the Kasteelberg mountain down towards the plains of the Namakwa coast with a few stops and snacks en route.
14:00 Arrive, Lunch at Houthoop Guest farm, chill, drink a beer,
swim and relax
19:00 Dinner
Day 4
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Cycle towards McDougal Bay, Port Nolloth at the sea snacks on route
13:00 Lunch at McDougal Bay, overlooking the beautiful Bay, catch a glimpse of some Flamingos
15:00 Check in, Relax, and walk on the beach
19:00 Dinner
Day 5
07:00 Breakfast and transport of your bikes and yourselves to the start of the last day’s MTB.
08:00 Start of the last leg of the MTB tour back towards Nigramoep Guest farm via many private farms, permission given exclusively to Trisport. Today we will ascent to Nigramoep, which is 950m climbing over 55km. We will take it easy, take a few snack and drink stops, and enjoy the beautiful views and solitude of the farms we will cycle over.
14:00 Arrive back at Nigramoep, check-in, shower, and relax, followed by a late lunch
19:00 Dinner at Nigramoep
Day 6
08:00 Breakfast at Nigramoep and Goodbyes
Safety Equipment
We have the following safety equipment with us:
- A Medical Kit, with bandages etc
- An AED (Automatic Electric Defib)
- Epipen
- Radios
- A Garmin Inreach (to be used in case of an extreme emergency only, not when you are tired. An helicopter to airlift you and you will be held liable for the cost of the evacuation)
