Closest Town: Wuppertal
Grading: Intermediate
Duration: 3 - 4 hours
Location (Area/Province): Cape West Coast and Western Cape
Configuration: One-way – 40km
Start Point: Cederberg Oasis
Access: Fee payable
Beware of: Snakes, scorpions and leopards. Extreme temperatures are sure to test your riding ability and endurance.
Facilities: Ablution facilities, backpackers lodge
Cell Reception: None
Cederberg Oasis is situated in the heart of the Cederburg Wilderness Area, near the famous Wolfberg Cracks and 40 km from the remote mission village of Wuppertal. There are two route options from which to choose.
On your bike
Wuppertal MTB Route: Start your ride from the Cederberg Oasis farmhouse and head north towards Matjiesriver. Immediately crank into a 2 km uphill before the gravel road levels out to Matjiesriver. Then bear right along a rough, secondary road for 3 km to Keurbosfontein. This is followed by another 4 km of uphill grinding along a 4×4 track until you reach the Voëlvlei turn-off to your left. The topography levels out again from here, leaving you to slog along a slow and testing track towards Eselbank. Get ready to plug into gravity as you reach the snaking gravel pass dropping towards Wuppertal, taking care along a downhill with a gradient of up to one in five.
Bushman Paintings Circular Route: From Cederberg Oasis, follow the same route as above along the 2 km climb to Matjiesriver. Once here, look out for a sharp left turn along a steep climb, followed by 3 km of level cranking to the Truitjieskraal turn-off. It’s worth adding on an additional 6 km here for a quick return ride to the bushman rock art sites at Truitjieskraal. Saddle up once more and follow the rough, gravel route bearing left towards Kromriver where an extreme 4 km climb awaits you. Half-an-hour or heavy breathing later, a welcome downhill onto the main road kicks in. turn right here and continue along a 3 km level section to the Stadsaal turnoff. Again there is the option of a 6 km return ride to visit the two rock painting sites. From here, you’re looking at another 5 km to Matjiesriver, where you turn right and pedal the final 6 km back to Cederberg Oasis.
Off the bike
Cederberg Oasis might be off the beaten track, but the farm boasts a restaurant, self-catering cottages and lovely campsites set amidst the rugged sandstone mountains. Hike, swim, climb and scramble to your heart’s content, or simply lie back and drink in the peace and quiet.
GPS: 32°33’04.6” South / 19°21’39.7” East
