THE OLD POSTAL ROUTE TO KAGGA KAMMA NATURE RESERVE

FREEDOM...

Between the Cederberg and the Tankwa Karoo is a place that must be visited by all adventure bike riders that find themselves living in the Western Cape. Here you will find different types off riding surfaces and breath-taking views and plenty of fun along the way. The Old Postal Route takes you over the Tra-Tra Mountains and is one of the ways to get from the northern Cederberg to the Tankwa Karoo. I have done the route a couple of times since the first time, but these are just some thoughts and photos of the first experience I had on this magical stretch of earth.

ONE OF THE MANY SPECTACULAR VIEWS ALONG THE WAY.

The first time I did the "postal route" was with a friend and colleague, Daniel du Plessis. He joined me for the journey in his Suzuki Jimmny. We were "team japan" on our virgin trip of the old postal route on our way to Kagga Kamma nature reserve. The journey over the Tra-Tra Mountains is not very far but it is well worth the time spent and is something that will stay with me forever. I would do this route again any day and it is definitely one of my favourite places to ride.

DANIEL AND HIS JIMMNY HEADING UP THE FIRST PART OF THE POSTAL ROUTE.

It was summer when we did it for the first time and not so long after a veld fire blazed its way through the part of the Tra-Tra Mountains. The middle part of the route was heavily burnt, and it made me appreciate life and the fragility of it. Our plan was to find a nice place to pitch our tents for the evening and have a braai and a couple of cold ones.

A VERY DRY AND BURNT OLD POSTAL ROUTE. BUT STILL VERY BEAUTIFUL...

We started from the west travelling from Bushmans Kloof. The first part of the route goes up a steep little pass with some great views over the Biedouw Valley. Once you reach the top there are some rooibos tea lands that seem to be the only form of farming happening up there. The route eventually takes you through a farmer’s yard. Don’t speed through the yard, but watch out for the dog! He has taken a bite out of my boot! The riding on the postal route is not fast but remains exciting with great scenery and terrain that varies more than enough to keep you awake on the bike and feeling alive.

ONE OF THE MANY SPECTACULAR VIEWS FROM THE EASTERN PARTS OF THE ROUTE.

Despite what many others have to say about the postal route, it is not really that difficult on a bike. Not exactly for beginners, but riders without a lot of experience can do this route as long as they have support. There are some tricky sections here and there, but nothing that carries on for more than a couple hundred meters or so. The last section, when you get to the Tra-Tra River, varies greatly between summer and winter. Expect two water crossings in winter towards the end of the route. There is some thick sand just before and after the Tra-Tra River, but no Namib Desert of sand to be crossed.

THE TRA-TRA RIVER, OR AT LEAST WHAT'S LEFT OF IT. THIS IS CLOSE TO WHERE WE SPENT THE NIGHT CAMPING.

I have read that some guys do not recommend doing the route on large adventure bikes. I must say that the Africa Twin handle the terrain very well. I have some other stories to tell about the postal that includes two old men on Gs’ and an idiot on an Africa Twin, but that will have to wait for another day.

"TEAM JAPAN" SETTING UP CAMP FOR THE NIGHT NEXT TO THE TANKWA RIVER.

We decided to stop at the Tra-Tra River and pitch our tents for the night. The luxury of having Daniel and the Jimmny come along was not just good company, but ice cold beer ass well! We had a bit of a two man party that night and Daniel almost set himself on fire while walking the plank (branch)...good memories. The sound of a couple of jackal in the distance is all that could be heard when we retired to our tents.

A 5 BILLION STAR HOTEL IN THE TANKWA WILDERNESS.

The morning after we packed up and headed to the Tankwa Padstal. We travelled along the road via De Mond and Onder Kagga Kamma to the R355. From there the riding became faster, and cruising at speeds of 160/170 km/h on the r355 felt safe and secure. High speeds on this road is no problem, just be careful for the odd stone that might want to slash a tyre in half. When we reached the Tankwa Padstal we had a burger a beer and a swim. These are three things that are very welcome in any desert environment. The "Padstal" makes a pretty good roosterkoek burger (hint; try the green sauce with the chips). From there we continued to Kagga Kamma nature reserve for another evening in the wilderness. Kagga Kamma offers various forms of accomadation including a four star lodge with cave "rooms" and thatched huts, self-catering chalets (mostly time-share) and camping. There are different spots to camp, but Bobbejaans Krans (below photo) offers pure camping. There is no water or any other facilities there. You have to be prepared and take everything you need.

CAMPING AT BOBBEJAANS KRANS ON KAGGA KAMMA.

Kagga Kamma does not allow motorcycles on the 4 x 4 trail. This off course was another great luxury that the Jimmny offered, transport to the camp site, thanks Dan! The ‘Twin’ had to spend the night alone in the parking area at the lodge, no problem for "Thor", he's a tough guy.

It takes about 30/45 minutes to get to the campsite and once you get about 3 km far from the reception you really feel like you are in the wilderness. There is something very special about Kagga Kamma that is difficult to describe.

AMAZING GEOLOGY ON THE KLIPSPRINGER TRAIL ON KAGGA KAMMA.

It is a harsh environment that connects fynbos to Tankwa Karoo and the change from the south to the north of the reserve is significant. I worked there for 4 years and I am always happy to return and the scenery and nature there will never get old for me.

Kagga Kamma has 3 hiking trails but the one that is the most popular is the 4km hiking trail that I can recommend to any that might visit there. There is some nice rock art along the trail, although most of it is not directly on Trial.

HIKING ALONG THE 4KM KLIPSPRINGER TRAIL ON KAGGA KAMMA. ROOI VELLIES IS A MUST IN THIS TYPE OF ENVIRONMENT.

The 4 x 4 trail on Kagga Kamma traverses along the Swartruggens Mountains all the way down into the Tankwa Karoo. It’s a pity one cannot do this on a motorcycle, or let me rather say may not do it. This would be a classic adventure if it can be linked with the postal. i do however think that i will be writing about the last mentioned in the near future.

Anyway, after we left Kagga Kamma Daniel and I went our separate ways. This first postal trip was one for the books. No words or photos can describe the experience anyway.

Thanks for reading.

Peace!