Mountain Biking
The hills surrounding Tarkastad makes it an ideal location for adventurous mountain bikers looking to explore the unspoilt nature of the area. Those who are on the fitter side can tackle the tough Endurance Trail meandering through sections of the spectacular Broken Karroid landscape within the Commando Drift Nature Reserve.
Although challenging, it is top-class riding and you can expect encounters with a diverse selection of wildlife inhabiting this 6,000ha reserve. Those in the mood for an easy cruise should pedal onto the Bushman Route along the management roads within the reserve.
Tucked away at the foot of the Winterberg Mountains, Blanco Holiday Farm is a nature lover's paradise set within a private game reserve stocked with zebra, springbok, impala, blesbok and black wildebeest. Crank along lovely 4x4 and mountain bike trails through the beautiful mountains surrounding Blanco while game watching over your handlebars.
Hiking Trails
The Tsolwana Trail is a fun and challenging hiking trail situated in the Tsolwana Game Reserve, located between Queenstown and Tarkastad. Nature-enthusiasts are in for a treat when following this route - they will get to see stunning wildlife such as white rhino, eland, gemsbok and black wildebeest, as well as cultural gems such as San caves and rock art. It is a multi-day hike of 22 km, with bush camp accommodation provided. There are also four fully-serviced lodges, but hikers will have to bring their own food and drink.
The Bushman Trail in the Commando Drift Nature Reserve is more leisure-orientated and allows hikers to take in their scenic surroundings. There are lots of game viewing and birding opportunities along the 6 km trail, so look out for indigenous water birds and various species of antelope.
The nearby Mountain Zebra National Park has numerous hiking trails to choose from, with the Impofu Trail being the standout. It is a 25 km route that stuns with gorgeous views of the Eastern Cape countryside, ranging from typical Karoo scrub to riverine bushveld. An armed guard will accompany your group as you encounter wildlife like giraffes, zebras and springbok. As the trail is a multi-day hike, overnight huts are available for a cosy stay.