Ramabanta MTB Trail
10/12/2019Roma MTB Trail
10/12/2019Riemvasmaak MTB Trail
Trail Info
Closest Town: Kakamas
Grading: Difficult to Extreme
Duration: Up to 4–8 hours
Location (Area/Province): Green Kalahari and Northern Cape
Configuration: Various return and circular routes; 6–71km
Start Point: Riemvasmaak Information Office
Trail Basics
Access: Regular entrance to the reserve
Beware of: Extreme heat, thorns and snakes
Facilities: Ablutions at the information office; no kiosk
Cell Reception: None
Riemvasmaak, encompassing 74 000ha of fascinating desert wilderness, offers harsh rides along a dedicated MTB trail and three 4X4 routes. Terrain varies from thick sand and rugged tracks to deep dongas and rocky plateaus – expect to suffer and push at times. On the Molopo 4X4 trail, you will find the hot mineral springs in a deep ravine – take time to relax in one of the two pools while being dwarfed by the 80m granite cliffs. Your ride within this dramatic landscape traces the course of the spectacular granite canyon carved by the seasonal Molopo River.
Maps for Perdepoort, Molopo, Deurspring and the MTB route are available from the Information Office at Riemvasmaak.
Off the bike
Various tourism activities are run by the Nama community living at Riemvasmaak and visitors can feast on traditional dishes, learn to dance the vastrap or learn more about their interesting history. Hiking, rock-climbing, birdwatching, a stunning outdoor mineral spring and challenging 4×4 trails are other highlights enjoyed by visitors to Riemvasmaak.
The friendly Riemvasmaak people take pride in preparing delicious traditional meals or performing traditional dances if you’re staying over in one of their 6 self-catering chalets set amongst the craggy mountains.
GPS: 28°26’59.6” S 20°18’24.8”