Closest Town: Porterville
Grading: Intermediate | Duration: 90min - 2hrs
Location (Area/Province): Cape West Coast and Western Cape
Configuration: Circular
Start Point: Waterfalls Camp Site
Access: Overnight guests ride free
Beware of: Extreme temperatures; loose stones, erosion, thorns
Facilities: Camping ablutions
Cell Reception: Some coverage
Overview
Calling all ‘Happy Campers’! This must be one of the coolest camp sites anywhere in the Western Cape, and you’ll find it just on 5km out of Porterville. Opt to camp overnight if you want to experience all the adventures on offer, and I rate the real gem as their extensive hiking trail. You will pass no less than 22 spectacular waterfalls on a truly breathtaking walk, but will need at least 4-5hrs to complete the route.
On the bike
The 15km mountain biking route is rather rough-and-ready, with lots of loose stones and some sharp corners blitzing along the mountain side. Some pushing will definitely be required here and there, but the higher (and rather technical) Red Route eventually gets you onto a kickass section of trail berming via lush indigenous forest and to one of the most beautiful cascades imaginable. There is talk of the route being extended along the mountain all the way to Piekenierskloof.
