Gauteng to Gamsberg in 12 days
- Thread starter Vaalseun
- Start date
Vaalseun
Pack Dog
Day 3: Red dune campsite, Stampriet to Lake Oanob near Rehoboth (317km)
I had a great night under the stars, and as always I had to get my first cup of coffee before my system can function properly.
After some ploughing through the veld, I managed to get the bike back onto the two-track road towards the farmhouse. I was now starting to open gates, and this was only the first of many in the days to come. Pieter junior saw me off with these departing words: “Pasop net vir die middelmannetjie”.
This monument is for some German soldier who died here on active duty. These are scattered around the south of Namibia.
The road towards Stampriet is long, but quite good. One could ride 120 kph with ease.
I think Subie also posted a picture of this. Some farm-houses really stand out like an oasis in a desert, and it’s obviously the nerve centre for a little community of workers with school, church and so on.
At Oanob I could first ride around and choose my own campsite. I viewed them all and eventually settled on this one, not because of the view but because of it’s close proximity to the pub and the swimming pool.
I promptly had 2 beers which fell right through. It was really hot, and I was concerned about dehydration.
I also managed to get some washing done, and laid out my bedding for the night.
Later on a storm came up and it started to rain over the lake. As LMG mentioned in his report, Namibia is extremely dry and wherever I went I made enquiries. Some farmers told me that they have not had a single drop of rain yet this year. As could be seen from the rest of the report, the lush grasslands that Namibia is famous for this time of the year were replaced by dry patch grass. Nevertheless I was amazed by the optimism of these people, who believed that the rainy season is not over yet, and they will somehow survive.
By now I was craving for fresh food, and decided to eat in the restaurant. The service was great, and I had game fillet with veggies and a big salad. The price is also reasonable. Another tough day in Africa has come to an end. In a way, my ride will only really begin the next day as the first three days were just “to get here”. From now on my daily distances will be shorter, and I will have more time for photos and relaxation. Having said that, south-east Namibia was a great experience and I was amazed by the harsh conditions and the resilience of the people. If you look at it with different eyes, this is a beautiful part of the country and I don’t regret having done it.
I had a great night under the stars, and as always I had to get my first cup of coffee before my system can function properly.
After some ploughing through the veld, I managed to get the bike back onto the two-track road towards the farmhouse. I was now starting to open gates, and this was only the first of many in the days to come. Pieter junior saw me off with these departing words: “Pasop net vir die middelmannetjie”.
This monument is for some German soldier who died here on active duty. These are scattered around the south of Namibia.
The road towards Stampriet is long, but quite good. One could ride 120 kph with ease.
I think Subie also posted a picture of this. Some farm-houses really stand out like an oasis in a desert, and it’s obviously the nerve centre for a little community of workers with school, church and so on.
At Oanob I could first ride around and choose my own campsite. I viewed them all and eventually settled on this one, not because of the view but because of it’s close proximity to the pub and the swimming pool.
I promptly had 2 beers which fell right through. It was really hot, and I was concerned about dehydration.
I also managed to get some washing done, and laid out my bedding for the night.
Later on a storm came up and it started to rain over the lake. As LMG mentioned in his report, Namibia is extremely dry and wherever I went I made enquiries. Some farmers told me that they have not had a single drop of rain yet this year. As could be seen from the rest of the report, the lush grasslands that Namibia is famous for this time of the year were replaced by dry patch grass. Nevertheless I was amazed by the optimism of these people, who believed that the rainy season is not over yet, and they will somehow survive.
By now I was craving for fresh food, and decided to eat in the restaurant. The service was great, and I had game fillet with veggies and a big salad. The price is also reasonable. Another tough day in Africa has come to an end. In a way, my ride will only really begin the next day as the first three days were just “to get here”. From now on my daily distances will be shorter, and I will have more time for photos and relaxation. Having said that, south-east Namibia was a great experience and I was amazed by the harsh conditions and the resilience of the people. If you look at it with different eyes, this is a beautiful part of the country and I don’t regret having done it.
Vaalseun
Pack Dog
Dag 4: Oanob dam, Gamsberge, Plaas Rooiklip (167km)
Vandag se hoofstuk skryf ek in Afrikaans ter wille van my vriend Wil Roux wat nie Engels verstaan nie.
Dit is ‘n pragtige dag na die ligte reën, en die pad is in ‘n goeie toestand. Ek sien uit na die res van my toer.
Later sluit die pad aan by die C26, rigting suidwes. Hierdie is ook die mees noordelike punt van my roete. Soos dikwels, moet daar eers hek oopgemaak word.
Die plan was om 'n afdraai te vat op die D1282 wat ‘n sirkelpad is en later weer sal aansluit by die C26. Hierdie is beeswereld, meestal Bonsmaras. Die plase is ook baie groot.
Die GPS wys dat die Gamsberg pas nou nader kom, en sonder waarskuwing kom jy nog oor ‘n bult en die Gamsberge lê voor jou in al sy glorie. Met so baie ander plekke in Namibië, doen ‘n foto nie werklik reg aan die skoonheid van die plek nie. Die uitsig is ongelooflik.
Ek besluit die geleentheid verdien ‘n fees, en in ware Dorsland styl word die stofie nader getrek vir ‘n beker koffie saam met middagete (tuna en pro-vita’s).
Daar is geen haas nie a.g.v die betreklike kort afstand vir die dag, en aan die onderpunt van die Gamsbergpas besluit ek ‘n Siesta sal in orde wees. Later skrik ek wakker van donderweer.
My akkommodasie vir die nag is op die plaas Rooiklip, sowat 16km van die pad af. Wel, dit is ‘n lang afstand, maar hey, ek is hier om fiets te ry en nie om onder bome rond te lê nie.
By die plaashuis word ek ingewag deur 4 jong Duitse studente wat veldwerk doen vir die Universiteit van Munich op ‘n sekere indringerplantspesie. Ek vermoed dit is nogal ‘n klein plantjie en dat hulle die dag deurgebring het deur op die grond rond te seil, want hulle klere is baie vuil. Of miskien is dit net vir hulle lekker om bietjie van hulle ouerhuise af weg te kom.
In elk geval, ek lyk seker ontwater want ek word dadelik twee biere in die hand gestop en nog twee word voorgeskryf vir later die aand. Ek bekom ook twee Gemsbok T-bene, en hulle beloof om ‘n bondel hout by my kampplek te kom aflaai.
As jy mooi kyk sal jy sien dit is ‘n stort wat uit die rots uitgekap is.
Meer oor my watersak, Ek moes iets doen om my insulien koel te hou. Na dae van kopkrap het ek besluit om ‘n gewone outydse watersak te vat, dubbel te vou en toe vra ek die skoenmaker by Levingers om net vir die sykant en onderkant aanmekaar te stik. Omdat sy gare sinteties is, moes ek die soom ook behandel met die goed waarmee tent-some behandel word. Self in die ekstreme hitte wat ek later in my verslag sal beskryf het die insulien altyd koud gebly in ‘n plastieksakkie binne-in my watersak. Ek het gereeld die water aangevul uit ‘n aparte 500ml bottel wat ek vir hierdie rede saamgery het.
Die reën van vroër was steeds in die lug, en het lekker geval waar ek die volgende dag sou ry.
En selfs die jaartbrak het kom kyk wanneer braai ek nou daai Gemsboksteaks.
Daar was nie ‘n rooster nie, maar ek het gou ‘n plan gemaak met ‘n paar stukkies draad wat ek daar rond opgetel het. My Chinees-vervaardigde nagemaakte Leatherman het handig te pas gekom.
Nog ‘n pragtige dag het tot ‘n einde gekom in Afrika.
Vandag se hoofstuk skryf ek in Afrikaans ter wille van my vriend Wil Roux wat nie Engels verstaan nie.
Dit is ‘n pragtige dag na die ligte reën, en die pad is in ‘n goeie toestand. Ek sien uit na die res van my toer.
Later sluit die pad aan by die C26, rigting suidwes. Hierdie is ook die mees noordelike punt van my roete. Soos dikwels, moet daar eers hek oopgemaak word.
Die plan was om 'n afdraai te vat op die D1282 wat ‘n sirkelpad is en later weer sal aansluit by die C26. Hierdie is beeswereld, meestal Bonsmaras. Die plase is ook baie groot.
Die GPS wys dat die Gamsberg pas nou nader kom, en sonder waarskuwing kom jy nog oor ‘n bult en die Gamsberge lê voor jou in al sy glorie. Met so baie ander plekke in Namibië, doen ‘n foto nie werklik reg aan die skoonheid van die plek nie. Die uitsig is ongelooflik.
Ek besluit die geleentheid verdien ‘n fees, en in ware Dorsland styl word die stofie nader getrek vir ‘n beker koffie saam met middagete (tuna en pro-vita’s).
Daar is geen haas nie a.g.v die betreklike kort afstand vir die dag, en aan die onderpunt van die Gamsbergpas besluit ek ‘n Siesta sal in orde wees. Later skrik ek wakker van donderweer.
My akkommodasie vir die nag is op die plaas Rooiklip, sowat 16km van die pad af. Wel, dit is ‘n lang afstand, maar hey, ek is hier om fiets te ry en nie om onder bome rond te lê nie.
By die plaashuis word ek ingewag deur 4 jong Duitse studente wat veldwerk doen vir die Universiteit van Munich op ‘n sekere indringerplantspesie. Ek vermoed dit is nogal ‘n klein plantjie en dat hulle die dag deurgebring het deur op die grond rond te seil, want hulle klere is baie vuil. Of miskien is dit net vir hulle lekker om bietjie van hulle ouerhuise af weg te kom.
In elk geval, ek lyk seker ontwater want ek word dadelik twee biere in die hand gestop en nog twee word voorgeskryf vir later die aand. Ek bekom ook twee Gemsbok T-bene, en hulle beloof om ‘n bondel hout by my kampplek te kom aflaai.
As jy mooi kyk sal jy sien dit is ‘n stort wat uit die rots uitgekap is.
Meer oor my watersak, Ek moes iets doen om my insulien koel te hou. Na dae van kopkrap het ek besluit om ‘n gewone outydse watersak te vat, dubbel te vou en toe vra ek die skoenmaker by Levingers om net vir die sykant en onderkant aanmekaar te stik. Omdat sy gare sinteties is, moes ek die soom ook behandel met die goed waarmee tent-some behandel word. Self in die ekstreme hitte wat ek later in my verslag sal beskryf het die insulien altyd koud gebly in ‘n plastieksakkie binne-in my watersak. Ek het gereeld die water aangevul uit ‘n aparte 500ml bottel wat ek vir hierdie rede saamgery het.
Die reën van vroër was steeds in die lug, en het lekker geval waar ek die volgende dag sou ry.
En selfs die jaartbrak het kom kyk wanneer braai ek nou daai Gemsboksteaks.
Daar was nie ‘n rooster nie, maar ek het gou ‘n plan gemaak met ‘n paar stukkies draad wat ek daar rond opgetel het. My Chinees-vervaardigde nagemaakte Leatherman het handig te pas gekom.
Nog ‘n pragtige dag het tot ‘n einde gekom in Afrika.
Oom Foe-rie
Race Dog
Vaalseun said:
Vaalseun .............. die reendruppels wat rondom die gans in die water val maak hierdie vir my n mooi foto ................ :thumleft:
MillionMiles
Pack Dog
Love it!
Brilliant photographs, Vaalseun. I really envy your trip. I had always wanted to do Namibia solo, but did not get around to it, (only by car).
Enjoy the rest of the trip, and please let the photos and report continue.
from a ride-less Dustbiter (ex R1100 GS owner), in cold Germany.
Enjoy the rest of the trip, and please let the photos and report continue.
from a ride-less Dustbiter (ex R1100 GS owner), in cold Germany.
Vaalseun
Pack Dog
Dag 5: Rooiklip campsite, Kuiseb pass, Solitaire, Namibgrens guest farm (218km)
Woke up to a bright and early morning, started packing my bedding and prepared for the adventure ahead.
Did I mention that Namibia is a tough place where only the fittest survive?
I was now leaving the grass and bush vegetation which is distinctive of the area surrounding Windhoek, and for the first time I could see the desert landscape again.
The Kuiseb pass was a little bit out of my way, but I was determined to do the detour to see this wonderful place. It is really beautiful, and as always, photo’s don’t really do justice to the beauty of this rugged area.
After riding through the Kuiseb pass, I turned back through it again on the way to Solitaire. About 35km’s further on is the Gaub pass which is a lot smaller, but also beautiful. I get the impression that people rush through this little gem without even looking left or right.
This was a little milestone on my route, and I was now happy to add it to my modest arsenal of achievements. About 20km’s further on I met a group of about 10 GS riders, and with the confidence of wild dogs hunting in a pack there merely waved at me as they went past. I secretly wished them a safe journey anyway.
I arrived at Solitaire in time for a midday snack, consisting of two Tafel’s and one of Moose McGregor’s best. I was to return here the next day, but hey, what’s wrong with apple pie two days in a row?
After having filled myself and the bike, I got going towards my overnight spot, which is Namibgrens guest farm on top of Spreedhoogte pass. The views remained stunning, and I was making very slow progress, stopping for photos frequently. I just could not get enough of the views.
The pass has now been paved, which I guess is a good thing for tourism in general but a bad thing for DS riders. Anyway, the views remain spectacular.
The friendly lady of the house said I should find myself a suitable camping spot, unpack and come back for a few cold ones and some ice. That sounded like an excellent idea.
The menu tonight was Bully Beef and Cous-cous; a meal fit for a king. Of course, rounded off with moer koffie as usual.
Another tough day in Africa has come to a glorious end.
Woke up to a bright and early morning, started packing my bedding and prepared for the adventure ahead.
Did I mention that Namibia is a tough place where only the fittest survive?
I was now leaving the grass and bush vegetation which is distinctive of the area surrounding Windhoek, and for the first time I could see the desert landscape again.
The Kuiseb pass was a little bit out of my way, but I was determined to do the detour to see this wonderful place. It is really beautiful, and as always, photo’s don’t really do justice to the beauty of this rugged area.
After riding through the Kuiseb pass, I turned back through it again on the way to Solitaire. About 35km’s further on is the Gaub pass which is a lot smaller, but also beautiful. I get the impression that people rush through this little gem without even looking left or right.
This was a little milestone on my route, and I was now happy to add it to my modest arsenal of achievements. About 20km’s further on I met a group of about 10 GS riders, and with the confidence of wild dogs hunting in a pack there merely waved at me as they went past. I secretly wished them a safe journey anyway.
I arrived at Solitaire in time for a midday snack, consisting of two Tafel’s and one of Moose McGregor’s best. I was to return here the next day, but hey, what’s wrong with apple pie two days in a row?
After having filled myself and the bike, I got going towards my overnight spot, which is Namibgrens guest farm on top of Spreedhoogte pass. The views remained stunning, and I was making very slow progress, stopping for photos frequently. I just could not get enough of the views.
The pass has now been paved, which I guess is a good thing for tourism in general but a bad thing for DS riders. Anyway, the views remain spectacular.
The friendly lady of the house said I should find myself a suitable camping spot, unpack and come back for a few cold ones and some ice. That sounded like an excellent idea.
The menu tonight was Bully Beef and Cous-cous; a meal fit for a king. Of course, rounded off with moer koffie as usual.
Another tough day in Africa has come to a glorious end.
Lekker Vaalseun. Dankie vir die deel.
Glo my n paar manne kwyl nou. Eks een van hulle...
Glo my n paar manne kwyl nou. Eks een van hulle...
Shangali
Pack Dog
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Thanks, great stuff like this is the best medicine for a workloaded mind in the city.
loooooooove the pictures & views .......
Shangali ...... :drif:
loooooooove the pictures & views .......
Shangali ...... :drif:
Vaalseun
Pack Dog
Day 6: Namibgrens guest farm, Solitaire, Sesriem, Tsauchab farm (252km)
Going down Remhoogte pass I had about 4 watercrossings, which I thought was quite rare considering the extreme drought. It must have been the rain that I saw the previous day from the Rooiklip campsite.
It was almost as if these guys were waiting for me to drop the bike through the water.
I guess this must be a klipspringer, judging by the way he “springed” on the “klip’s”.
While I was taking this photo, I could see there was a commotion further on in the road. This can only spell one thing: accident!
It was a group of about 13 German DS riders from an organized motorcycle touring company. One rider misjudged the sand, came off and broke his arm and wrist. They were loading him in the support vehicle as I arrived, the rest of the party clearly in shock. I offered help, but there was nothing more I could do. The words from Pieter a few days ago came up in my mind: “Pasop maar vir die middelmannetjie”. I wished them a safe rest-of-journey and pushed on.
At the turn-off to Sesriem I caught this springbok standing in the shade of a signboard. Wherever there’s a bit of shade, you are bound to find either a springbok or a gemsbok. It was really hot. I just filled up with fuel at Sesriem, knowing I was not allowed to visit the Sesriem Canyon or Sossusvlei with the bike. Anycase, the stench of ripp-off and commercialization was heavy in the air, and I pushed on.
The owner of Tsauchab farm is Johan, and we chatted for about an hour before he would release me. The farm itself is about 35km’s off the main road, and he offered me his best campsite which was another 15km’s from the farmhouse. As I said before, I was here to ride and any detour sounded like an excuse for more riding.
The campsite is next to a spring, which obviously attracts a lot of animals. There is also a wild fig forest and a short hiking trail which I enjoyed. This was most definitely one of the highlights of my trip.
And so another beautiful day in Africa comes to a glorious end.
Going down Remhoogte pass I had about 4 watercrossings, which I thought was quite rare considering the extreme drought. It must have been the rain that I saw the previous day from the Rooiklip campsite.
It was almost as if these guys were waiting for me to drop the bike through the water.
I guess this must be a klipspringer, judging by the way he “springed” on the “klip’s”.
While I was taking this photo, I could see there was a commotion further on in the road. This can only spell one thing: accident!
It was a group of about 13 German DS riders from an organized motorcycle touring company. One rider misjudged the sand, came off and broke his arm and wrist. They were loading him in the support vehicle as I arrived, the rest of the party clearly in shock. I offered help, but there was nothing more I could do. The words from Pieter a few days ago came up in my mind: “Pasop maar vir die middelmannetjie”. I wished them a safe rest-of-journey and pushed on.
At the turn-off to Sesriem I caught this springbok standing in the shade of a signboard. Wherever there’s a bit of shade, you are bound to find either a springbok or a gemsbok. It was really hot. I just filled up with fuel at Sesriem, knowing I was not allowed to visit the Sesriem Canyon or Sossusvlei with the bike. Anycase, the stench of ripp-off and commercialization was heavy in the air, and I pushed on.
The owner of Tsauchab farm is Johan, and we chatted for about an hour before he would release me. The farm itself is about 35km’s off the main road, and he offered me his best campsite which was another 15km’s from the farmhouse. As I said before, I was here to ride and any detour sounded like an excuse for more riding.
The campsite is next to a spring, which obviously attracts a lot of animals. There is also a wild fig forest and a short hiking trail which I enjoyed. This was most definitely one of the highlights of my trip.
And so another beautiful day in Africa comes to a glorious end.
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Mooi man, Mooi !
Spreedshoogte has so much distance to it, thanks for sharing.
8)
Spreedshoogte has so much distance to it, thanks for sharing.
8)
- Joined
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- Messages
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- I would rather be in Great Brak...
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Geeza said:
Thanks for this link Geeza, I am going to order a copy.
8)
Vaalseun
Pack Dog
Day 7: Tsauchab farm to Koimassis farm (260km)
On recommendation of Johan the owner, I went for a quiet earely-morning walk to the spring in search of kudu’s. I was fortunate to come across this lovely cow.
In the meantime, the bike has been packed and I was ready to go. I first had to drive back to the farmhouse to pay, and then back to the main road again. Again, the more I could ride the happier I became. The little road on the farm was just fun.
The 14km-odd on the D845 was lovely, although very sandy. The scenes were however worthwile, and I was glad this was included in my route.
I then hooked up with the C27 again, and it was a straight run to Betta.
I stopped at Betta and asked if I could charge my cellphone which was flat after two days of farm-camping. No problem, just pull into one of the camping spots. In the meantime they cooked up a lunch for me. Due to the delay, and my desire to overnight at Koimassis, I decided to give Duwisib castle a skip.
My route then took me to the famous D707, which basically starts at this gate. I was quite nervous, not knowing if I would be capable of handling the sand. I decided that I did not come all the way just to take the sissy-option, and decided to push ahead. What a fantastic road the D707 proved to be. The scenes are beyond this world, and I would recommend it to anyone. As far as the sand goes, I’m no champion on sand and I actually enjoyed it. Tires deflated, stand up and open up – it really works!
About 60km’s into the D707 I came across this guy who was cycling through Africa. He started in Jhb and was already on the road for 6 weeks. I offered him food and water, but he was OK an in great spirits. Hats off to people like that who live their dreams.
The turnoff to Koimassis farm, another 20km’s on a very sandy farm road. What a nice place to camp!
On recommendation of Johan the owner, I went for a quiet earely-morning walk to the spring in search of kudu’s. I was fortunate to come across this lovely cow.
In the meantime, the bike has been packed and I was ready to go. I first had to drive back to the farmhouse to pay, and then back to the main road again. Again, the more I could ride the happier I became. The little road on the farm was just fun.
The 14km-odd on the D845 was lovely, although very sandy. The scenes were however worthwile, and I was glad this was included in my route.
I then hooked up with the C27 again, and it was a straight run to Betta.
I stopped at Betta and asked if I could charge my cellphone which was flat after two days of farm-camping. No problem, just pull into one of the camping spots. In the meantime they cooked up a lunch for me. Due to the delay, and my desire to overnight at Koimassis, I decided to give Duwisib castle a skip.
My route then took me to the famous D707, which basically starts at this gate. I was quite nervous, not knowing if I would be capable of handling the sand. I decided that I did not come all the way just to take the sissy-option, and decided to push ahead. What a fantastic road the D707 proved to be. The scenes are beyond this world, and I would recommend it to anyone. As far as the sand goes, I’m no champion on sand and I actually enjoyed it. Tires deflated, stand up and open up – it really works!
About 60km’s into the D707 I came across this guy who was cycling through Africa. He started in Jhb and was already on the road for 6 weeks. I offered him food and water, but he was OK an in great spirits. Hats off to people like that who live their dreams.
The turnoff to Koimassis farm, another 20km’s on a very sandy farm road. What a nice place to camp!
