Mountain Biking
In the Loxton area and surrounds, there are numerous unmarked dirt roads that are perfect for exploring the Karoo on your mountain bike.
You can stop along the roads to view birds near the dam in Loxton, or simply revitalise your senses with the fresh Karoo air. You can ride from nearby town Victoria West to Loxton Molteno pass on a nice dirt track - it's a leisurely ride that focuses more on your surroundings than testing your endurance skills.
Hiking Expeditions
The town of Loxton is the base from which the Sak River expeditions kick off. Accompanied by a guide, visitors will go into the heart of the Karoo following the course of the Sak River.
You can also follow the Voetspoor Trail, which is a 13 km route that crosses Karoo landscapes before winding through a rocky ravine where you’ll most likely spot Black eagles nesting. It then goes up onto a plateau with beautiful views of the Karoo. It is also the spot where sculptress Marcella de Boom built a circle of life-size bushmen sculptures called ‘The Dance’ with the help of late farm owner John Sinclair.
Hiking and running around Loxton offers gorgeous natural landscapes, ample bird spotting along the dam after good rain and time to find rest in the peace and quiet of the Karoo.
The Riverine Rabbit
Not beknownst to many, the riverine rabbit is a critically endangered species that is found in the Karoo around the areas of Loxton, Calvinia, Williston, Carnarvon and Victoria West. Over the last 20 years, the rabbit has been in conservation in the Karoo, with experts indicating that there may be no more than a few hundred left.
There are four conservancies around Loxton and Victoria West that covers 350 000 ha of the species habitat. Interestingly, the riverine rabbit is an important indicator of habitat health along the rivers and drainage lines of the Nama (Upper and Central Karoo) and the Succulent Karoo. This in turn indicates to farmers in the region whether they can farm on the land in terms of cultivation and small-stock grazing. If you find yourself in the region, you might be lucky enough to spot one of these cute creatures.
Fossil Viewing
On Melton Wold Guest farm outside of Loxton, visitors can view the fossil of a Bradysaurus dating back 250 million years. Bradysaurus was a group of early reptiles found in South Africa with massive bodies, strong limbs and huge skulls. They roamed the Karoo landscape, which was once a vast inland sea. The sandy, muddy area that the Bradysaurus called home has now turned into sandstone and mudstone, and the Karoo has become dry and arid. The rocks of the Karoo, however, preserve numerous fossils that show the early evolution of tortoises, dinosaurs and mammals. It is the only region in the world with such an extensive record of reptilian fossils. It is truly a treasure chest of historical and geological life.
Melton Wold offers visitors the chance to see the fossil up close and learn more about its history and geological value. On the farm, visitors can also find accommodation or enjoy activities such as bird watching, hiking, mountain biking and game drives.