A little trip I’ve been anticipating for a few months.
Since the last DRI at Vergenoeg, Rueben Storbeck and his team have been hard at work in reviving some of the best trails around, plus there’s a T–bar lift!
High up in the mountains you’ll find Afriski with some of the most incredible mountain bike trails to ride.
But let’s start off with some border crossing info….
A sand stones throw away from Fouriesburg you’ll find Caledonspoort border post.
3hrs or so from Joburg.
The staff were/are exceptional and we even had our own “guide” showing us where to go and what to do. This helped quite a bit as my last mission through that border post was 6 years ago. Things have definitely changed. All in all great staff that are super friendly and it made a massive difference entering into the mountain kingdom.
Things to know:
There are a few fees to be ready for, R100. per bike (nippers bikes mahala/ free), R100. per vehicle. At this time they were still in talks about a tourism levy. Make sure your license disc is up to date, there is no grace period. If it’s expired, it’s expired. Take cash, it’s much easier than trying to swipe as it could be delayed.
You are entering into another country so make sure all your necessary vehicle papers are with you.
I’d suggest filling up with fuel before entering into Lesotho.
Getting to Afriski is not difficult at all, keep your eyes open for the signs and keep your concentration levels up. The road conditions change quite often. Lots of road works on the go in some spots. Don’t speed, you have some dramatic landscapes to take in.
You’ll be driving through the Moteng pass. Guaranteed the viewing points will pull you in. Expect a slightly tighter road with some switchbacks that make the journey exciting.
Afriski is about 60km from the border, it’ll take you roughly an hour and a half to get there. Provided there’s no major hiccups along the way. Again, don’t rush, the mountain kingdom has its own pace set out for you.
Be sure to be on the look out for the shepherds and their huts scattered all over the mountains. They blend in so well. Expect to see some amazing waterfalls too.
Arriving at Afriski you’ll be welcomed at reception with some really cool staff to sort you out accommodation wise etc. Be prepared for slightly cooler weather, and slightly brighter days! Its basically like winter up there.
I’d suggest keeping hydrated and making sure you have enough electrolytes in your body. Altitude does play a big role on your body functions up there.
On to the trails!!
You’d probably want to head up onto the trails ASAP, make sure you ease into it slowly. No rushing, the trails aren’t going anywhere. Be aware of the wind, it can blow you off balance quite quickly, especially if you are air born!
The riding offered is for everyone, All trails are all rider friendly with ample space to move over or B line it.
Here’s a few trail names to familiarize yourself with:
Gravity Trails
- DonKings
- GooiMielies
- RedHotPoker
- Brake Back
- River Trail
- Makhobalo’s Grin
- Kids flow line (but we’re all kids actually)
Bosman’s Way
- Single track
- Motete Run
- Thabiso’s Twist
- Ivan’s Ache
Outride trails
- Goldilocks
- BlackMountain Pass
There is an abundance of riding out here so make sure you are ready to make the most of it!
The Rebirth of Trails is an entirely separate fee to what your normal summer rates fee would be so best you make sure you jump onto this opportunity and experience something special. You will be back nevertheless.
Please make contact with hettie@afriski.net for bookings.
Something thats really cool is that these rates include your breakfast and dinner as well as your T–Bar uplift fee.
Afriski have really made it worth it.
I’m going to leave you all hanging just there, but I’ll be back with more updates as we get closer to the Rebirth of Trails weekend.
