Magoebaskloof 21-23 June 2013

[quicksilver]

Hi All,

Decided to post a RR for Magoebaskloof as it is such a beautiful place. Departed Pretoria at approx. 1:30pm on Friday. Packed and ready to go...Wanted to take Fly fishing rod along but was promptly told that there will be no time for fishing.... :argue:

 

[quicksilver]

We were booked in the Pennefather in Haenertsburg. Very cosy place with nice fireplace....had a few drink at the local pub and red wine afterwards...

 

[Patrol]

This is surely not the only pic...keep it coming :sip:

 

[quicksilver]

The next morning we decided to head up to a few local attractions in the area. Left Haenertsburg on the R528. A lot of stop and go's in the area. took the dirt road towards the Ebenezer Dam that eventually ends onto the R71.

 

[quicksilver]

We read in a brochure about a Baobab Tree near Modjadjiskloof on the R71 which is believed to be approximately 6000 years old. It also has a pub inside the tree trunk, and immediately decided that we had to make a turn.....

when the Baobab tree reached an age of 1000 years, they start to hollow inside.

 

[quicksilver]

Entrance to the pub inside the trunk. The tree is 22m high with a circumference of 47m. An ice cold beer was the name of the game......

 

[quicksilver]

smaller version of the Baobab!

 

[alwyn_gs]

LEKKER DEAN!!! GOOI NOG!!!  :deal:

 

[quicksilver]

We had a section of loose sand to pass through...not familiar with having a pillion on the back with sand riding, I just opened the throttle on the pig and prayed for the best...made it !!
On the way back to Haenertsburg, we stopped over at the tea farm for lunch...

 

[GIDEON]

Very nice  :sip:

 

[quicksilver]

Through the dense forests of Magoebaskloof on the R71, we stopped at the majestic Debegeni Waterfalls. It is a beautiful spot for picknicking and swimming (summer). The falls are in a protected nature reserve. A long winding gravel road flanked by mountain and plantation will lead you to a boom gate. Just behind the boom gate a steep road leads you down to the parking area.

No bikes are allowed but they do not seem to be too concerned.

 

[quicksilver]

Some more pics of the falls and the lush green vegetation!

 

[quicksilver]

After the falls, we went up the winding road of Magoebaskloof, (nice twisty's) and stopped over for a drink at the Magoebaskloof hotel. The hotel has a very nice view and beautiful bar! we were slowly running out of time and deiced to head back to the local pub in Haenertsburg for the SA vs Samoa game!

 

[quicksilver]

Beer!!  :wav:

 

[quicksilver]

The next morning nursing a hangover, Mariana and myself decided to head up to the cemetery on top of the hill. There were mention of locals who frequently visit the cemetery for a picnic or to view the full moon. The view is spectacular from the top!

We stopped over for breakfast and headed back to Pretoria!

To conclude my RR, The Magoebaskloof is a beautiful scenic area to discover with the bike. There are loads of dirt riding and the visit to Sunland where the Baobab tree is situated is a must.

Dean

 

[DRAZIL]

I rate that area as one of the most beautiful in SA.
I have collected some serious bruises sliding down those fall like a kid a good few years back when I was on a government paid holiday. :
:thumleft:

 

[quicksilver]

Drazil,

Have to agree with you!! The picnic area next to the falls is also beautiful. Seems that they have closed off the sliding area due to the number of deaths over the years.....

 

[Carrots]

At last...jou eerste RR!!  ot:

En waar is die storie van die band?  eepwall:

Lekker Dean....en ek stem ook saam met Drazil!  :thumleft:

 

[Duster]

Lekker, Qs, ja dis'n mooi area om te ry.  Net jammer 'n ou moet daai stuk van Polokwane ry om by Haenertsberg uit te kom.  Ek en Stoffies het 3 weke gelede ook daar by Pennefather oorgeslaap en ook bo by die begraafplaas die son sien sak.

 

[Chorse]

Great part of the country...spent lots of time there as a kid.

My grandfather is buried in that cemetary, got to be one of the most beautiful resting places in the country.