Mountain Biking in Gariep Nature Reserve
The Karoo Gariep Conservancy is situated about 25 kilometres north of Hanover if you are travelling on the N1 towards Colesberg. If the grunting of hippos amid the vast and ancient scrubland of the Karoo seems improbable, but highly enticing, then the Karoo Gariep Conservancy should be your next escape.
It is 10, 000 hectares of unspoiled nature stretched along the banks of the Seekoei River. One of the landowners wanted to reintroduce hippos back into the area, and initiated a hippo reintroduction project in 2000. The conservancy was established in 2005 to conserve and protect the land, and was formally proclaimed as the Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve in 2015.
Mountain biking is a popular pastime in the Gariep Nature Reserve. Set off from the New Holme Guest Farm on a 30 km circular crank past Mieliefontein or opt to explore the conservancy plains along another 22 km circular ride with an extra 6 km optional loop of sand and rocks to test your legs and balance.
The Bloudy Rock Technique Park is the preferred playground of all expert peddlers, while some good farm and district roads supply endless exploration opportunities for the whole family.
Other Activities in the Karoo
A specialised birding route (with guiding notes and a written guide to help you find that one bird you are looking for) has been mapped out on the Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve. More than 250 species have been identified, so order a picnic lunch and try to spot the Lesser kestrel attacking locusts, Verreaux's eagle’s nest in a tree, African fish eagles in the Karoo, and Burchell's courser.
You can also discover the beauty of the Karoo from horseback. Follow one of the exquisite trails along the Seekoei River or opt for a sundowner trail to the Hippo Pool and maybe spot one of the hippos. The horses are working farm horses, not groomed and pampered, but very tame and well behaved with unique personalities.