This 6-hour circuit is a combination of gravel roads, single track and river crossings. Riding from Semonkong Lodge to the falls takes about 3 hours, there and back. Gravel road rides are one of the most abundant species in the region, so you can make up your own route and distance, should this not tickle your fantasy.

On your bike

Start at Semonkong lodge and ride out through town. Once you’re 2 km outside, turn right onto the gravel road and climb 700 m up the pass over about 9 km. When you (eventually) reach the top, drop down to a right turn at the 3-way intersection. From here, there will be good gravel road climbing to 3000 m. Be warned, if you are from anywhere considered to be just about sea-level, you will be puffing here. Passing the Vodacom tower on your right (take your mobile, good reception), you can ride on about 6 km. Soon enough, the school will be clearly visible on your ride-hand(lebar) side. Drop down towards it; here, you will pick up the beginning of the track (again, on the right) just before reaching the buildings.

Stop and have something to eat, take in the view, get your bearings. The Malatsenyane gorge is visible, and your route will be following the ridgeline down single animal tracks. You will see a track leading over a neck from a valley far below you. This is where you’re heading. If you are good on technical bits, you will probably be able to ride almost the entire decent!

All tracks lead back to Semonkong, as the proverb states. After climbing the neck, the gorge should be on your left and town should be ahead. Enjoy the ride back – gnarly rocky sections and all. If are unsure, however, it might be better to push this piece. From then on, it’s rolling undulations all the way home into town. Not for the faint hearted, I’ll tell you that much. Because this is high country, weather often changes fast. Make sure to tell lodge where you are going, just in case.

Beware of the Anatolian Mountain dogs – they are fond of going at bikes. Pull a postman quick jump off, grab a rock and launch it at the beasts. They often attack in two, so look behind you as well. We recommend practising your klipgooi beforehand.

Off the bike

Visit the mighty Maletsunyane Falls, one of the highest single dropping waterfalls in Africa, and marvel at the haze created by the water plummeting 186 m into the spectacular gorge below. Hiking trails also abound – as do pony tracks, 4×4 routes and some amazing fauna and flora.

GPS: S29˚50’35.3” E28˚02’36.4”