Namaqua To Richtersveld 4-Day MTB Tour
4 Day/5 Night Namaqua To Richtersveld Flower MTB tour
COST PP: Sharing R17 900 | Single R22 900
DATES AVAILABLE
Please get in touch with Sonja for a group booking—a minimum 18 people.
Embark on an exhilarating mountain biking expedition through the awe-inspiring Namaqua and Richtersveld regions.
Immerse yourself in the semi-desert landscapes, where vibrant greenery emerges after the scorching summer, and the flowers unveil their magnificent blooms. Brace yourself for an adrenaline-fueled adventure, as you traverse the breathtaking terrain between Namaqua and Richtersveld over an unforgettable 4-day/5-night journey.
Day 1 will be on the historic Copper Trail in Namaqua and Day 2 will commence from the majestic Nigramoep Guest Farm, nestled in the heart of Namakwa. You’ll pedal your way to the west coast, Kleinsee and Port Nolloth in the Richtersveld, before returning triumphantly to Nigramoep on the epic “Moep to Sea” route. Begin your expedition atop the majestic Kasteelberg, descending into the captivating semi-desert of the Richtersveld, only to complete the exhilarating circle back to your starting point. Get ready to experience the thrill of a lifetime!
3 Day/4Night Flower MTB Tour
We are happy to announce an absolute unique MTB experience! VERY few people have ever seen these areas or know of some of their existence! This tour takes place during the Flower season in Namaqua.
You will see flower covered valleys, rugged mountains, an ancient canyon and you will experience natures’ magical show of colour and beauty during the world’s largest and most spectacular natural flower display in Namakwa, Northern Cape. You will cycle over many private farms, and game reserves. You will see the famous copper trail and experience the flowers of Namakwa.
Hano and Sonja from Trisport will cycle with you to make sure you see the best flowers in the area. Trisport has been organising events and tours in Namakwa for more than 10 years.
E Bikes are advised if you are 65 and older or if you are just not fit enough at the moment. Anybody above 70, are strongly advised to use E Bikes. Anybody above 75 must please send us a doctor’s certificate to confirm you are fit enough for the tour
Highlights of the Tour
- Beautiful Flowers of Namaqua during the Flower season
- Experienced local MTB Tour Guides of each venue that know the history, Fauna and Flora
- Cycle in pristine areas with no other people around you
- The Namaqua Daisies of Nabapeep, Goegap and surroundings
- Cycling on the old Copper trail used for transporting the copper
- See hidden villages in the mountains/koppies
- See lots of different wildlife along the way
- The hospitality of the local people of Namaqua
- The food of the local people of Namaqua
- Staying at en-suite accommodation venues, hotel and or lodges
Information
MTB Tour for max 20 people, E Bikes welcome.
Go where you feel most alive! We are happy to announce an absolute unique Mountain bike experience! VERY few people have ever done this mountain bike routes, or know of its existence! You will experience Namakwa during the flower time where the arid terrain is covered with flowers. 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. Namakwa is an arid region of Namibia and South Africa, extending along the west coast over 1,000 kilometres and covering a total area of 440,000 square kilometres. It is divided by the lower course of the Orange River into two portions – Little Namakwa to the south and Great Namakwa to the north.
Venues
Venues on the Flower MTB: Depending of the time of year, we will use 1 or more of the following venues. We will use max 2 venues per tour.
1. Jakkalswater Guest Farm: Nestled between the slopes and granite boulders of the Kamiesberg Mountains, Jakkalswater guest farm is situated 9.9 miles from Springbok. The spacious big rooms are en-suite.
2. 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
3. Mountain View Guest Lodge, Springbok: The award-winning Mountain View Guest House sits high on a hill overlooking the picturesque and bustling Northern Cape town of Springbok. Each suite is fully air-conditioned with a mini bar fridge, TV, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities. Enjoy the beautiful and tranquil garden with pool.
4. Daisy Country Lodge, Springbok: With magnificent views overlooking the Koppies and Valleys, Daisy Country Lodge is truly an oasis in this semi desert area.
5. Liefland Guest Cottages, Springbok: Liefland Cottages is situated on Lammerhoek Farm near Springbok and offers quality accommodation for a couple, family or group of friends
Distances
Day 1 : 40 to 45km (500m elevation gain)
Day 2 : 45 to 50km (450m elevation gain)
Day 3 : 55 to 60km (650m elevation gain)
Entries Available
Limited to 22 entries
Experience Level
Intermediate 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. Suitable for Intermediate MTB and E Bike Riders. 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.
Entry Fee and Highlights Includes
- 4 Nights accommodation
- 3 Days riding
- All meals from breakfast on day 1 to dinner on the last night;
- Snacks and coffee on the ride
- A Proper Trisport Goody Bag
- The Okiep copper mine tour
- Permissions to use private property;
- Rserve fees of Goegap Nature Reserve
- Guides;
- Food and drinks and water on route; and
- An unforgettable Namaqualand experience.
- All the arrangements by Trisport to ensure you have a great trip
Entry Fee Excludes
- Travel to Springbok, Northern Cape
- Travel in between each venue
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Tips
- Breakfast on departure
- Bike Insurance
- No Bike Mechanic
- Spares for your bike
- Mechanical back up, please bring your own tools and extras to carry with you
- 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
Schedule
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 (the starting venue will be one of our venues we use in the Springbok area)
18:00 Dinner
DAY 2
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Today we will bike around and explore a private farm with amazing views and beautiful veld. Coffee along the way
13:00 Light Lunch at our finishing venue
17H00 Mine tour at Okiep Country hotel or sundowners on the granite koppie
18:00 Dinner
DAY 3
07:00 Breakfast
08:00 Drive in convoy with your own car to Goegap Nature Reserve outside Springbok
09:00 Bike in and around Goegap Nature Reserve, Namakwa and enjoy the beautiful views and flowers of Goegap
11:00 Coffee halfway
14:00 Enjoy a traditional light meal at Goegap Nature Reserve made by the locals
19:00 Dinner
DAY 4
07:00 Breakfast,
08:00 Cycle the Copper trail MTB route, cycle to Jakkalswater Guest farm, cycle past and over local farms. Cycle through the historical town, Nabapeep, an old Copper mine town. See the amazing Namaqua Daisies in Nabapeep and along the way. See amazing Quiver trees and old bridges built on the copper trail. Have a coffee and a snack at Jakkalswater Guest farm. Cycle a circular route back to Okiep Country hotel
14:00 Arrive at Okiep Country Hotel, light lunch and relax
18:00 Dinner
DAY 5
07:00 Breakfast (optional) and Good Byes
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.
Itinerary
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
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.
How to get to the start
Start venue: Okiep Country Hotel
The tourist center 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 grade. The hotel is famous for its amazing food
Okiep is 5km outside the town of Springbok, Namaqua, Northern Cape.
Springbok is 500km from Cape Town and 300km from Upington.
Methods to get to Springbok:
1. Fly to Cape Town and hire a car to travel to Okiep. There are no shuttles from Cape Town.
2. Fly to Upington and hire a car or get a shuttle from Okiep Country Hotel, please make your own arrangements with Okiep Country Hotel
3. Drive to Okiep Country Hotel
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
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)
