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Date: 2024-02-05
Departure From: Turksvygrivier Camp
Departure Time: 06h40
Destination Name: Karnmelkspruit River Resort
Arrival Time: 16h00
Total Travel time: 09:20 hours
Weather:
Clear Skies
Departure Temperature: 19C
Peak daytime temperature: 32.5C
Thunderclouds started gathering and kept the temperature down.
Odometer Reading (km):
Start: 139790
End: 140286
Total Distance: 496
Average Moving Speed: 67.7 km/h
Gravel Distance: 179.7 km
Gravel / Tar Ratio: 35%
Passes Travelled: [9]
Passes Travelled: [9]
1. Buffelshoek Pass [Gravel]
2. Swaerhoek Pass [Gravel]
3. Maraiskloof Pass [ Gravel]
4. Uiehoek Pass [Gravel] (50% = Blocked)
5. Groot Doringhoek Pass [Gravel]
6. Hartbeesnek Pass [Gravel]
7. Allemanspoort Pass [Tar]
8. Elandsberg Pass [Tar]
9. Amandelhoogte Pass R58 [Tar]
Skipped due to Blockage or Rain:
1. Carn Nek Pass [Gravel]
2. Killian's Pass (Roussouw) [Gravel]
3. Greylings Pass [Gravel]
4. Perdenek Pass [Gravel]
5. Kraairivier Pass [Gravel]
Trip Summary:
Trip Summary:
The first section to Cradock was all gravel road that wound its way through ravines, valleys and through 2 passes. The veld was is great condition and there was evidence of the storm the previous day.
The R390 road from Cradock to Hofmeyer is tar with 4 or 5 Stop / go sections that delayed me about 30min. When I got to Hofmeyer, I stopped to refuel my bike and myself.
I had a hearty breakfast at the Farmhouse before heading North along the R391. After approximately 11.5km I turned East onto a Gravel road. 10.5km further, I turned onto the gravel road to Uiehoek pass. The road is not maintained and the further you go up the pass, the worse it becomes. I reached about the halfway point to the top when I came across a locked gate - a public road should not have a locked gate on it. I had to turn the heavy bike around on a bad road. I returned to the turnoff road to continue my journey.
The Farmhouse - Hofmeyer
I decided to continue along the gravel road that followed the dry Vlekpoort River back to the R391. I continued onto Molteno and then Dortrecht to join up with my original route, which meant I skipped the other half of Uiehoekpass and Carn Nek pass.
Uiehoek Pass - View of progress before the gate
Uiehoek Pass - Road Blocked
Heavy Rain about 10km away
Heavy Rain
By the time I got to Molteno, the storm clouds were already gathering. As I crossed the N6 to Dortrecht, it started raining. It got heavier and heavier. There were rain clouds all over the mountains so I decided it would be too risky continuing onwards to cross 4 more gravel passes, so I traveled back to the N6 and headed for Aliwal North. I therefore skipped the following passes:
1. Killian's Pass (Roussouw) [Gravel]
2. Greylings Pass [Gravel]
3. Perdenek Pass [Gravel]
4. Kraairivier Pass [Gravel]
From there I continued to Karnmelkrivier camp near Lady Grey. I turned off to view the Lady Grey Caravan Park next to the golf course. I was glad that I had decided not to make this my destination. I returned to the R58 and headed to Karnmelkspruit River Resort. The 2.1km gravel road from the R58 to the camp site is not great but better than many of the passes I have covered.
What a brilliant isolated camp site on the river. Great for a group of fellow adventure riders or trout fishermen.
After I had setup camp, the owner, Ian, came to check if everything was OK. We had a long chat before he headed home.
Buffelspoort Pass
Swaerhoek Pass
Accommodation: +27 (0)84 584 7036
Accommodation: +27 (0)84 584 7036
Karnmelkspruit River Resort does not appear to have a web site, however they are referred to on the Mobile App iOverlander.
The camp site in nestled in the narrow ravine through which the Karnmelkspruit river runs.
This ia a great place for 4x4 vehicles and 4x4 caravans / trailers and adventure motorbikers. The 2.1km road from the R58 should not distract you from visiting this jewel.
The communual area includes kitchen, lounge, flush toilets and showers with hot and cold water. The camp sites are grassed. While they have solar power to keep the lights on and geyser working, there is no 220V AC power supply, WiFi or mobile reception.
Karnmelkspruit - River View
Karnmelkspruit River Camp Site
Karnmelkspruit Communual Centre
The Route:
The Route:
Landmarks travelled passed:
Pearston
Cradock
Hofmeyer
Molteno
Jamestown
Aliwal North
Lady Grey
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