Do you know the Tankwa Karoo?

Charl M Smit's picture

Ok, so I’ve ridden through the Tankwa Karoo a few times on my way to Middelpos or to Calvinia but this always felt a bit like the N1 from Laingsburg to Beaufort West.

You know, that feeling of there must be so much more to see around here if I just get off this “main drag”.

 

So this past weekend I got off the “main drag “of the Tankwa.

 

Along the way there were plenty of whirlwinds and if caught off guard they were strong enough to set you off course so I was checking over my shoulder for a while.

This one in particular was intense and lasted for a good 10min or so, leaving sticks and stuff raining down as it died on my approach.

 

Dust devilDust devil

 

I started in the South at the Oudebaaskraal Dam.

 

Sign post for the DamSign post for the Dam

 Dam spill off pointDam spill off point

From the dam wallFrom the dam wall

After crossing the dam wall I headed North in to the Centre.

I took a picture at this beacon from opposite sides to give an idea of the surroundings.

 

Looking northLooking north

looking southlooking south

 

Has anyone ever seen one of these (no it’s not a sprinkler head) it was a few meters from the beacon?

 

Strange thingStrange thing

 

I came across this old “Mud house” and was amazed at how neat it was build.

 

Mud houseMud house

 

The other amazing thing is that these things inside were untouched. (only in the Karoo)

 

Inside of mud houseInside of mud house

Collected stuffCollected stuff

 

The sign read “Self drive 4x4 route game drive” I read “I’m going to see more game”

 

4x4 Trail4x4 Trail

 

But I saw and Ass

 

Ass rearAss rear

Ass frontAss front

 

The seemingly easy 4x4 route is +- 15km but on 13km I came to a ravine that had bad drop in and a very steep climb out. If I couldn’t make the climb out there was no way for me to turn back either, so I enjoyed the 13km ride back. This time very cautiously as I didn’t have the energy left in me to pick the bike up a third time.

 

Turning pointTurning point

 

I then crossed the heart of the reserve from west to east to get to the Skaapwagterspos campsite for the night. It was 6:00pm when I got there.

 

The old pepper treeThe old pepper tree

 

So I set up camp.

 

Camp siteCamp site

 

And made a good cup of coffee. (Now where did I get the idea from to get me such an awesome piece of kit)

 

Good coffeeGood coffee

 

The next morning I headed up the Gannagapass to Middelpos for some fuel then headed north out of town. Just outside town I turned west and came out on top of the Bloukraspass. From here it was the mind numbing R355 back to Ceres.

Keeping a constant check on my speed as this road can do ugly things to bikers that have trouble keeping their speed under control.

 

I hope I have inspired at least one person to go out and discover the Tankwa in detail, and guys please support Koos of the Middelpos Hotel as this is a unique place to stay and only us supporting it will keep it that way.

Comments

Hayleyscomet's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/30

 

 

WOW Charl

 

Well done my Bud

Im Impressed , Respect to anyone doing a solo trip like that.

Any news from the Baviaans Boys ?

 

C U soonCool

 

Ride Like the Wind

Cool

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Joined: 2007/06/25

Tx. Charl for highlighting the other side of the Tankwa. I do so love the Karoo.

Think before you ink.

Trust is the most valuable asset.

I have the rest of my life to get old.

RUSTY- Russ Rathbone's picture
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Joined: 2007/09/04

Thanks for reminding me too Charl, I'm itching to ride asap. Finding it very frustrating hanging around doing family duty until I'm stifled by it and get stale. Anyway............... Nice report.

Cloudgazer Steven's picture
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Joined: 2007/10/03

Great report.

I think for one of my next getaways I'll check out that area too.

good n you for the adventure, and having the sense not to push your luck while going solo.

Trust your instincts.

There are so many problems in this world. Luckily there's a wristband available for almost all of them.
Charl M Smit's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/19

Thanks Clouds and others.

Oh and tell anybody that has something to say about taking and espresso maker to the bush, that I agree with YOU...

n/a
Cloudgazer Steven's picture
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Joined: 2007/10/03

Hahaha - just cause we're out in the bush, doesn't mean we have to live like savages.

Coffee is NOT a matter of life or death.

It's much more important than that.

There are so many problems in this world. Luckily there's a wristband available for almost all of them.
Jeanne's picture
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Joined: 2009/06/02

Nice report... thanks for sharing...

I need to get out again... and soon!!!

In the end it's the life in your years that count, not the years in your life...

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Joined: 2008/10/31

That Skaapwagters pos is a magic camp site - in August I camped there with my wife. We paid for one night only as she was muttering about the lack of facilities ( no water and spade + matches toilet) but we had such a great time that she suggested that we stay for a second night. We would have stayed for a third but the beer and wine were running low.