Swartberg Pass Gamkaskloof (Die

F L E E T F O O T S A F A R I S P R E S E N T S . . . SWARTBERG PASS & GAMKASKLOOF (DIE HEL)

M O U N T A I N B I K I N G T O U R

2 N I G H T S 3 D A Y S

2 Nights 3 Days Swartberg pass & Gamkaskloof (Die Hel) Mountain Biking Tour

Route Map (158 km Mountain Biking; 365 km Road Transfer)

General Area Description

The sheer remoteness of Gamkaskloof (Die Hel), no electricity, no cell reception, no TV, not even radio reception creates a unique wilderness experience. The true spirit of mountain biking, and this tour, are rooted deep in the To Hell and Back stage race. It is South Africa’s first mountain bike stage race and undoubtedly attributed a great deal to the development of subsequent MTB events.

The secret to experiencing the soul of Die Hel, is to tour and not race. This tour combines the 27km gravel road Swartberg Pass from the Cango Valley to Prince Albert with the scenic 126km gruelling and exhilarating pass into Die Hel, and back, over 3 days. Die Hel Pass is known as the longest mountain pass in South Africa, the road either going up or coming down. It is a trip not easily forgotten with sweeping views of mountains, gorges, unique vegetation and clear air that inspires. Vertical slabs of rocky layers echo against one hairpin bend after the next as the road to hell zigzags below and disappears into the distance. Millions of years ago the Swartberg Mountains were a seabed, a century ago this road did not exist, but now there are creases to your left, folds to your right and peaks towering above with hair raising sheer drops en route. Isolation sets in as you meander along the dramatic Swartberg Mountain roads into Gamkaskloof, one of South Africa’s most fascinating once-upon-a-time settlements. Rugged, remote and resilient is one way to describe Gamkaskloof, better known as Die Hel (“The Hell”).

Declared a World Heritage Site in 1997, the Gamkaskloof, represents one of the most hidden- away valleys in South Africa. It is where in the 1830’s, during the time of the Great Trek, a group of trek Boers stumbled on this fertile hidden valley and never left. These trek Boers lived in almost total isolation from the outside world. All produce from farming had to be carried out on pack donkeys via a few routes and even up the now famous Ladder Route. Life certainly carried on at a very leisurely pace during those years – in relation to other parts of South Africa it still does.

The Kloovers were quite content in their total isolation from the outside world at least until a road was bulldozed from the Swartberg Pass by Koos van Zyl and his 12 helpers in 1962. With the road completed, the little community crumbled. The youngsters now attending schools outside and having been exposed to the bright lights of neighbouring towns soon departed for greener pastures. The others followed due to old age and drought. In 1992 all but one small farm had been sold and the remainder later to become the property of Cape Nature. The Boer commando leader Deneys Reitz entered the valley in 1901 during the Anglo-Boer War attempting to evade British forces who had blocked all the passes through and across the Swartberg mountains. This is what he wrote: “As we approached the huts, a shaggy giant in goatskins appeared and spoke to us in strange outlandish Dutch. He was a white man named Cordier, who lived in this valley with his wife and a brood of half-wild children in complete isolation of the outside world. He told us that no British forces had ever penetrated the valley and that we were the first Boers to do so”.

The area used to be home of the Koi-San too boasting a lot of evidence of rock paintings and artifacts found in the caves and overhangs of the reserve. Birders and nature enthusiasts will love the kloof with 153 bird species recorded to date. The majestic Verreaux Eagle and the Fish Eagle are some of the happy residents of the Kloof. Amongst the many mammals the chances are that you will spot Klipspringer, Grey Rhebuck and Kudu. Nocturnal animals include the Porcupine, Rooikat and Cape Leopard which still roam the kloof in stable numbers. The kloof also hosts several historic houses, old schools, archaeological sites and geological oddities of national importance.

The Gamkaskloof is anything but hell, it’s a heavenly haven of geology, nature, peace, and kloof stories and the jeep track with its gnarly bends, twists, turns and those steep descends into the valley below make for an unforgettable MTB experience.

Itinerary

Day 1 We depart from your arranged pick-up point at 7am. We’ll meet at 06:30am to load the bicycles and pack. Please come ready and packed with your bicycle assembled to be loaded safely and securely on the off-road trailer. (see “Bike Transportation” section below for more detail). We’ll make our way via George, Outeniqua Pass and Oudtshoorn to the start of the Swartberg Pass (160km from Knysna, 100km from Geroge) from where we’ll start cranking away making our way up the Swartberg Pass and into Die Hel with your support vehicle in tow (see “Route Detail” section below for more detail).

Meals & Drinks Included: A refreshment and snack break will be had at the turn-off of Die Hel pass before heading westwards into Gamkaskloof. Lunch will be had en route Die Hel pass. After check-in at Boplaas, we’ll start preparing your scrumptious three course dinner braai. For the duration of the tour, drinks, juice, drinking water and alcoholic drinks per your drinks and dietary requirements are included; on both evenings in Die Hel, three course braai dinners including drinks are served.

Accommodation:

Our accommodation for the weekend, Die Hel – Boplaas Guest Cottages, lies at the most western end of Gamkaskloof (“die Hel”) on a private road. On the way there we will pass properties of the only other two parties sharing ownership in the valley – Annatjie Joubert (Fonteinplaas) and Cape Nature’s “Ouplaas”. After the entire Gamkaskloof Valley was declared a World Heritage Site in 1997, most of the cottages in the kloof have been restored to their original design and exert the same nostalgic charm that inhabited these fine dwellings. Enjoy nature in complete privacy, as no traffic is allowed past the property’s gate!

IF NICOLA: The present owners of Boplaas and Kleinberg purchased the properties in 1985 from the widow of Hannes Mostert and his brother Piet. Today on the privately owned property, Boplaas, these are two of the restored cottages available for self-catering rental where you will be staying. “Oom Hannes” Cottage (named after the previous owner Hannes Mostert who farmed Boplaas with his brother Piet) has retained much of its rustic charm. The original steps, beams, reed ceilings and hearth with wood-burning Dover stove remain original. The original cottage had no bathroom, so this has been added as an outside addition. “Vaal Johannes” Cottage was home to a certain Johannes, described as a shy person of few words (hence the name!) The owners strived to maintain as much of the original, including retaining some of the "graffiti" scratched out on the walls in the sitting room area. This cottage has its own Dover stove with the bathroom accessed from outside. The splash pool is perfect for cooling off after a long bicycle ride. Bedding is provided, please bring your own towels.

IF RYKIE We will be staying in “Oom Piet’s Cottage” and “Die Stalletjie”. Oom Piet’s is situated next to the lovely little mountain stream running through the whole property. A wood burning Dover stove in the living area adds a special atmosphere. “Die Stalletjie” used to be a storeroom in the old days for housing grain and dried fruit. This cottage boasts a lovely view of the mountain on the northern side. Bedding is provided, please bring your own towels.

Die Stalletjie & Oom Piet’s Cottages

Oom Hannes & Vaal Johannes

Day 2

After a continental spread, enjoy a full day exploring the area. We start off by doing a 3-4 hour ride on one of the MTB trails on the private farm of Boplaas. We head back to our accommodation for lunch. After lunch we hike a section of the infamous Ladder Route before cooling off in some river pools.

Meals & Drinks Included: Breakfast and lunch per above. For the duration of the tour, drinks, juice, drinking water and alcoholic drinks per your drinks and dietary requirements are included; on both evenings scrumptious three course braai dinners including drinks are served.

Accommodation: Overnight at Boplaas, see detail above.

Day 3 After breakfast (a continental spread) at 07:30 we continue our impressive journey on the bike making our way through the valley and up Die Hel Pass to where it intersects with the Swartberg Pass road leading northwards to Prince Albert (See “Route Detail” section below for more route detail).

Meals & Drinks Included:

Breakfast per above. Two snack and refreshment stops will be had en route. We will then have a late afternoon lunch at the Swartberg Hotel in Prince Albert before heading back via Meirings Poort and De Rust to your drop-off point in the evening. Depending on how the cycling and sightseeing go, we’ll depart from Prince Albert at 5pm.

Accommodation:

An option to overnight in Prince Albert at an additional cost is on the cards should you rather want to return on Day 4 back to your drop-off point. Please inquire for this option.

On the Bike The Route Rider Level: This route is suitable for Sport Level Rider (trains 2 to 3 times a week, and can ride for 80 -100km continuously) and Elite Level Riders (experienced Cyclist (4 years +), has done multi day races and can average 28km/h or more for 100km, and trains 4 times or more per week. For mountain biking skills, able to ride black and red routes. This route is suitable for Ebikes. Also, this route is suitable for less experienced riders too looking for very exciting challenge. In this case, good general fitness and health is required. Note – should riders at anytime feel that they need a rest or want to sit out an up – or downhill, the rider can join us in the support vehicle trailing the riders. Support Type: A 9-seater off-road vehicle will follow the group of riders as a safety precaution, but also to carry spares, refreshments, and luggage. And should some of the riders feel that they want to sit out some of the sections, the rider can join the driver in the support vehicle.

Biking Guide: On this trip there is no biking guide but you’ll be briefed properly before each day’s riding. The support vehicle will also be close by for in case. Access: Public access, with paid entry into the Cape Nature Reserve of the Gamkaskloof. Boplaas Guestfarm is private property and only accessible to guest staying there. Prior arrangements for supporting mountain bikers (compulsory) through the reserve will be made by Fleet Foot. Beware of:

Radical downhills, tricky river crossings, stray baboons, leopards and hairpin turns. Facilities: The only ablutions will be once we arrive in the enclave of Die Hel. And, of course, at the accommodations for both nights. Cell Phone Reception: Intermittent, very remote (From mid-day on Day 1 until mid of Day 3) Emergencies:

Fleet Foot Staff have Level 2 First Aid qualifications and for serious injuries we’ll have the closest emergency numbers on hand. All travelers need to have their own personal and necessary medical and evacuation insurance in place. Fleet Foot Safaris have the necessary passenger liabilities in place and the vehicles are insured per SATSA terms and regulations. Families will be able to contact and leave messages at the accommodations every night should there be something urgent. Bike Breakdowns: Cyclists are to bring their own extras, repair kits and back-up gear. There will be ample space in the trailer and two vehicles to bring these along. No bicycle mechanic will be on tour. Meals, water and snacks: Please see “Meals” sections above again. All dinners, snacks, lunches and breakfasts wil be prepared and served by Fleet Foot. Additional snacks and energy foods are for your own account and these need to be brought along. There is only a basic shop at Die Hel. We’ll have strategic waterpoints / breakpoints / lunch stops along the way. Mountain Bikes, Bicycle Servicing and Gear: All biking gear and bikes to be supplied by you. Have a look at Get Stoked Online for nation-wide delivery of premium brands. Preferred and Trusted Bicycle Shops: Garden Route – Sedgefield Cycle Worx , talk to Eugene for any and all things bicycle related. Fitness and Training: Want to get in shape, sharpen up on your overall fitness or enhance your performance by leaps and bounds? Contact these preferred professional personal trainers and great athletes. Knysna / Plettenberg Bay / Sedgefield – Marsel Roos at On Your Bike Fitness Studio, Thesen Island Harbour Town, Knysna. Bike Transportation: We understand that you need to know that your bikes are safely transported and that they are secure on all road conditions. It is paramount that bikes do not get damaged when transported. We have rebuilt a long-wheel base cattle trailer to be a multi-functional off-road Mountain Biking trailer for safe and secure transportation for a maximum of eight bikes using Thule Pro-Rides 598 See pictures of the trailer below.

Route Detail

Total Distance 157.5 km (27km Gravel Road (Swartberg Pass); 126km 4x4 Strenuous Jeep; 4.5km Tar - Ascent 6284m; Descent 6534m) See link Mapometer for further route detail. For full detail on the Swartberg Pass kindly see this see this video for detail.

Day 1 Swartberg Pass to Die Hel (Boplaas Guestfarm) Distance 77.3km (Ascent 4005m; Descent 3813m) We start off from the Oudtshoorn side (South), cranking away from the start of the Swartberg Pass at Kobus se Gat. From here, we’ll make our way via the first hairpin turns at Fonteintjie and Witdraai before taking a breather at Skelmdraai View Site. We’ll then slowly make our way to the summit of the pass at Die Top (1575m above sea-level) and stop at the Gamkaskloof turn-off for snacks and refreshments before we start our journey into Gamkaskloof. From here the road winds through 37km of rugged mountain scenery, culminating in the vertigo-rush, single-width Elands Pass, and terminates in the Gamkaskloof - reminiscent of a lush oasis and paradoxically nicknamed Die Hel. Although the road department always tries to keep the road in a good state, sudden mountain storms can cause it to become quite rough. The first 37 kilometers of Die Hel Pass follows the contours of the mountains, but as the Kloof itself is reached the road forms a winding and spectacular pass leading to the valley floor far below. In the valley the road now passes through riverine shrubs and an abundance of thorn and wild olive trees. For detail on what to expect for different sections of this road heading into Die Hel and out back again please see the follow clips taken from the website www.mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za below: Part 1: Orientation & Overview - A Google Earth 3D animation clip ideal for first time drivers of the road to help in orienteering with the road from east to west. There is not much detail in this clip as it is merely an overview. Watch the other 9 videos for detailed information on history, tourism, safety and other information.

Part 3: From the 6th to the 11th km - We explore the first of the mini-passes (Wapadsberg Pass) and head west through three side ravines, each providing different perspectives of the upper kloof. This video ends at the 11th kilometre at a small neck.

Part 4: From 11th to the 20th km - This 9 km long section features Oom Koos se Klip and the second of the small passes - the Kariegasberg Pass.

Part 5: From the 20th to the 25th km. This 5 km long section features the trickiest of all the small passes - the Waterkloofrivier Pass, which has some extremely tight hairpins and fabulous scenery.

Part 6: From the 25th to the 28th km - This is the shortest section of only 3,5 km, but it's packed with great scenery and includes two small passes - The Kangoberg and Huisrivier passes. The video ends just after the only serious water crossing, where many cars get stuck.

Part 7: From the 28th to the 32nd km - This video covers some of the best viewsites along the upper kloof and covers all of the climb out to the summit of the Elands Pass as well as the smaller Botes Nek Pass.

Part 8: From the 32nd to the 35th km - This is the highlight of the journey as we take you down the upper half of the awe-inspiring Elands Pass with its multiple hairpins, dizzying drop-offs and narrow width. Part 9: From the 35th to the 37th km - This video deals with the last four hairpins and the final descent down into Die Hel, where we explore some of the accommodation and camping facilities at Cape Nature.

Part 10: From the 37th to the 43rd km - This video deals with the almost level drive westwards down the valley, crossing the river many times and ends at the Fonteinplaas guest farm, where we explore the facilities and offer a short interview with Annatjie Joubert (the last remaining Klower)

See link Mapometer for further route detail

Day 2 Die Hel (Boplaas Guestfarm) Distance, Ascent and Descent will depend on what MTB trail we opt for on the Boplaas farm. After a continental spread, enjoy a full day exploring the area. We start off by doing 3-4 hour ride on one of the MTB trails on the private farm of Boplaas. We head back to our accommodation for lunch. After lunch we hike a section of the infamous Ladder Route before cooling off in some river pools.

Day 3 Die Hel to Prince Albert Distance 80km (Ascent 4190m; Descent 4628m) This is a gruelling but stunningly beautiful cycle day – be prepared. Riding along steep mountain passes within one of South Africa’s last true wilderness areas as you experience a combination of rugged peaks and plunging gorges. Our first challenge comes after we’ve trundled through the valley floor to start the climb up Elands Pass – a stunningly beautiful downhill on Day 1 now turned a challenging and sweaty uphill. Again, for detail on what to expect for different sections of this road heading out of Die Hel, please see the follow clips taken from the website www.mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za below: These clips were put together driving heading into Die Hel, start at Part 10 to get an idea (in reverse) what to expect coming back out to join the Swartberg Pass again.

Part 2: Eastern start to the 6th km - A more detailed look at the first 6 km km with landmarks like the Schotlzkloof waterfall. This video ends just before the first mini pass adjacent to the Wapadsberg. Part 3: From the 6th to the 11th km - We explore the first of the mini-passes (Wapadsberg Pass) and head west through three side ravines, each providing different perspectives of the upper kloof. This video ends at the 11th kilometre at a small neck.

Part 4: From 11th to the 20th km - This 9 km long section features Oom Koos se Klip and the second of the small passes - the Kariegasberg Pass.

Part 5: From the 20th to the 25th km. This 5 km long section features the trickiest of all the small passes - the Waterkloofrivier Pass, which has some extremely tight hairpins and fabulous scenery.

Part 9: From the 35th to the 37th km - This video deals with the last four hairpins and the final descent down into Die Hel, where we explore some of the accommodation and camping facilities at Cape Nature.

See link Mapometer for further route detail

Included in the tour:

- All transportation, meals, drinks & water as per itinerary above. - Accommodation - single or shared accommodation (double or twin). - Entrance & Park fees - 1 Driver- guide, 1 local general helper at Boplaas - Included activities on Day 2. - Linen - Off-road trailer for safe bike transportation - 9-seater specialty 4x4 support vehicle.

Excluded in the tour: - Your mountain bike, all extras, gear, cycling clothes and repair kits. - Additional energy snacks & drinks. - Evacuation, travel & medical insurance - Hard liquor - Gratuity for helpers and guides - Towels

Advised to Bring: - Sunscreen - Sunglasses - Hat - Cycling clothes for any weather conditions - Headlamp and / or torch - Camera & cellphone - Rain jacket - Warm clothes (the weather in Gamkaskloof & Swartberg Pass can be unpredictable and the evenings may become very cold especially during the winter months. In general the summer months are very hot in Gamkaskloof but the Swartberg Pass and higher sections of the Die Hel Pass can get cold all year ‘round) - Comfortable, closed walking shoes - Swimming costume - ID or Passport - Emergency cash

Happy Riding!!