Nieu-Bethesda 4 Day MTB
4Day/5 Night MTB Tour
COST PP: Sharing R14 700 | Single R19 700
DATES AVAILABLE
(Register Below by clicking on the date)
If you’re seeking a mountain bike adventure amidst the breathtaking Nieu-Bethesda area, then this extraordinary mountain bike tour is tailor-made for you! Prepare to be captivated as you traverse valleys, and jeep tracks and pedal past the beautiful farms in the Eastern Cape area.
This exhilarating journey will take you across private farms and game reserves, allowing you to immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the land. Accompanied by the expert guidance of Hano and Sonja from Trisport, rest assured that you’ll witness the very best the area has to offer. With over 20 years of experience organizing events and tours, Trisport guarantees an unforgettable and exhilarating experience like no other. Get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure that will leave you spellbound by the natural wonders of Nieu-Bethesda!
4 Day/5 Night Nieu Bethesda 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 in and around the famous town, Nieu-Bethesda. Nieu Bethesda in the foothills of the majestic Sneeuberg Range sixty kilometres north of Graaff-Reinet in the Karoo Heartland.
Nieu-Bethesda was established by Rev. Charles Murray, the Dutch Reformed minister in Graaff-Reinet. On seeing the beautiful valley with its fertile soil. He is reported to have said “Laten wy deze plaats nu Bethesda noemen” (Let us now call this place Bethesda), being reminiscent of the biblical pool (John 5:2). Erroneously, the village became known as Nu Bethesda (New Bethesda in English). The name was more recently officially changed to Nieu-Bethesda.
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
- The quant village Nieu-Bethesda
- The history of Ganora Guest Farm
- The surrounding rock formations and rich fossil beds on Ganora
- The farm boasts various sites with well-preserved rock paintings and engravings, bringing to life 10 000 years of Bushman folklore.
- Circumnavigate Kompasberg
- Cycle over Sneeuberg Nature Reserve
- Staying on Sneeuberg Nature Reserve
- Cycle in pristine areas with no other people around you
- See hidden villages in the mountains/koppies
- See lots of different wildlife along the way
- The hospitality of the local people
- The food of the local people
- Staying at en-suite accommodation venues
Information
MTB Tour for max 24 people, E Bikes welcome.
Experience the thrill of a lifetime with our exclusive mountain biking adventure!
Discover hidden routes that few have ever ventured on before, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Nieu-Bethesda. Uncover the rich cultural history of this region. Join us on a journey through the Karoo landscapes.
Get ready to feel alive like never before!
Venues
Ganora Guest Farm:
Ganora Guest Farm is a sheep farm situated just outside Nieu Bethesda in the foothills of the majestic Sneeuberg Range sixty kilometres north of Graaff-Reinet in the Karoo Heartland. The accommodation at Ganora Guest Farm offers 3 star accommodation.
Sneeuberg Nature Reserve:
Situated in the heart of the Great Karoo, between Graaff-Reinet and Nieu Bethesda lies Sneeuberg Private Nature Reserve, a 14 500 hectare nature reserve, home to a variety of antelope species and Nguni. Sneeuberg provides an authentic Karoo experience in South Africa, comprising of several accommodation options.
Distances
Day 1: 59km Elevation 750m
Day 2: 30km Elevation 570m
Day 3: 70km Elevation 620
Day 4: 70km Elevation 950
Entries Available
Limited to 20 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 18km/hr average over 60km 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 500 and 950m per day.
Entry Fee and Highlights Includes
- 5 Nights accommodation
- 4Days riding
- All meals from dinner on arrival to breakfast on departure
- Snacks and coffee on the ride
- A Proper Trisport Goody Bag
- Back up vehicle
- Transport your gear to the Sneeuberg Nature Reserve and back to Ganora
- Bike wash available at your own cost
- 2 Experienced Guides
- Permission and permits of private property we cycle on
- Cost of all the permits and Game Reserves
- Food and drinks and water on route; and
- An unforgettable experience.
- All the arrangements by Trisport to ensure you have a great trip
Entry Fee Excludes
- Travel to Ganora Guest Farm
- Travel between each venue, if needed
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Tips
- Bike Insurance
- Bike Mechanic available, but at your own cost
- Spares for your bike
- Mechanical backup, please bring your own tools and extras 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
DAY 1
14:00 Check in under your name at Ganora Guest farm
18:00 Dinner
DAY 2
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Today we will do JP’s loop. The start and finish will be at Ganora. Coffee along the way
13:00 Light Lunch
16H00 Historic talk by the owner, JP, about the fossils
18:00 Dinner
DAY 3:
07:00 Breakfast
09:00 Check out of your room and cycle to Sneeuberg Nature Reserve. We transport your overnight bag for you to the Sneeuberg Leave your car and clothes at Ganora
13:00 Arrive at Sneeuberg, Lunch
14:00 Enjoy the Game Reserve and view over Kompasberg
18:00 Dinner
DAY 4:
07:00 Breakfast
09:00 Cycle around the very impressive Kompasberg back to Ganora Guest Farm via Nieu Bethesda
14:00 Lunch at Nieu Bethesda
15:00 Cycle the last 7 km back to Ganora
18:00 Dinner
DAY 5
07:00 Breakfast
08:00 Drive in convoy with your own car to Nieu Bethesda, park our cars
09:00 Do a very scenic circular route back to Nieu Bethesda
11:00 Coffee halfway
14:00 Enjoy a traditional light meal at Nieu Bethesda and drive back with our cars to Ganora
19:00 Dinner
DAY 6
08:00 Breakfast,
09:00 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.
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)