The Old Postal Route: an Exciting Cederberg Motorcycle Adventure

Hey there! I’ve got a really cool story to share with you. It’s all about this amazing motorcycle adventure called The Old Postal Route, located in the stunning Cederberg region. This place is truly something special.

Now, let me tell you about The Old Postal Route. It’s a historic route that was once used by postmen to deliver mail way back in the day. Can you imagine riding through the same path where letters and packages were carried by brave postmen? It’s like stepping back in time!

Okay, so picture this – you’re on your trusty motorcycle, cruising along rugged terrain, with the wind in your hair and the beautiful scenery of the Cederberg all around you. It’s an adrenaline rush like no other!

But hold on, it’s not all smooth sailing. The Old Postal Route is known for its challenging trails and off-road sections. It’s a true test of skill and determination. But don’t worry, my friend. You don’t have to be a professional rider to conquer this route. As long as you’re up for an adventure and have a bit of experience under your belt, you’re good to go!

Now, let’s talk about the views. Oh man, they are absolutely breathtaking! As you ride through the Cederberg, you’ll be greeted by towering mountains, rugged cliffs, and vast open plains. It’s like nature’s very own masterpiece. You might even spot some wildlife along the way – keep an eye out for the elusive Cape Mountain Zebra!

And let’s not forget about the amazing campsites along the route. Picture yourself sitting around a crackling campfire, sharing stories with fellow adventurers under a blanket of stars. It’s the perfect way to end a thrilling day on your motorcycle.

So, are you ready to embark on this epic Cederberg motorcycle adventure? Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Get your gear ready, hop on your bike, and get ready to conquer The Old Postal Route! It’s time for an adventure of a lifetime.

Have you ever heard the story of the young girl who braved the elements to deliver mail in the Karoo? It’s a tale that has been passed down through generations, a testament to the determination and resilience of the people who call this place home.

The story goes that this young girl would set out on a long journey every week. She would walk alone, facing the scorching heat and treacherous Tra-Tra Mountains, from her farm in Elandsvlei to the Wupperthal missionary station in the beautiful Cederberg. Her mission was simple but vital – to deliver mail to the people of Wupperthal.

Imagine the hardships she faced along the way – the blisters on her feet, the exhaustion that must have weighed her down. But she never wavered in her commitment. Every week, she would hand over the precious parcel of mail and then turn around to begin the long walk back home.

This story is a part of the rich tapestry of the Karoo, a land that is both harsh and awe-inspiring. It reminds us of the human spirit, of the power we have to overcome adversity and make a difference in the lives of others.

The Old Postal Route, as it is now known, traces the footsteps of this brave young girl. It has become a pilgrimage for 4×4 enthusiasts and adventure bikers who seek to challenge themselves and connect with the history of this remarkable place.

As I embarked on this journey, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder and respect for the young girl who walked these same paths so many years ago. The landscape stretched out before me, vast and unyielding. But with each step, I felt a connection to something greater – to the spirit of those who have come before me and to the land itself.

The Eselbank 4×4 Trail, a part of the Old Postal Route, served as a reminder that this journey would not be easy. It presented me with challenges – steep inclines, rocky terrain, and narrow paths. But with each obstacle, I felt a surge of determination coursing through my veins. I pushed myself to the limits, knowing that the reward would be worth it.

And it was. As I reached the end of the trail, a sense of accomplishment washed over me. I had followed in the footsteps of that brave young girl, if only for a short time. I had experienced a taste of the hardships she faced, and it had given me a newfound appreciation for the strength of the human spirit.

The Old Postal Route is more than just a trail – it is a testament to the power of history and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a reminder that we are capable of great things, even in the face of adversity. So, if you’re looking for an adventure that will leave you with a sense of wonder and admiration, then the Old Postal Route is the perfect choice.

Join me on this journey and discover the beauty and the history of the Karoo. Walk in the footsteps of the brave young girl who defied the odds and delivered mail week after week. Experience the challenges and triumphs of the Old Postal Route. It is a journey you won’t soon forget.

Today, the Old Postal Route stands as a testament to the past. This historic path has remained largely unchanged over the years, earning its title as the ‘Old’ Postal Route. It’s a journey that takes me back in time, evoking a sense of wonder about the way things used to be.

Back in the day, delivering mail on foot was the norm. But times have changed, and now we rely on motorized transportation to get around. It’s amazing how far we’ve come, isn’t it? It’s a true marvel of progress that has allowed us to explore even the most remote corners of our beautiful country.

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine and I decided to embark on our own adventure along the Old Postal Route. It was a sunny Friday afternoon when we left Cape Town, ready to embrace the thrill of the open road. Chris hopped on his trusty old KTM640, a bike that has seen more than its fair share of miles. As for me, I chose to ride my reliable KLR650– a faithful companion for countless journeys.

A low waterline makes crossing the Doring River (relatively) easy in the summer months. Photograph by Tyson Jopson.

There are lots of ways to get to this part of the world. If you’re on a bike, the best way is through Wellington, over Bainskloof Pass, and into Ceres. From Ceres, we went north to Op Die Berg and then onto the first bit of gravel on our journey, up and over Katbakkies Pass towards the infamous R355. This stretch of gravel road is known for its bumpy surface and connects Ceres to Calvinia. If you’ve been to AfrikaBurn before, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

As I rode, I kept alongside the Doring River and noticed a dam on one of its smaller tributaries. It’s called Die Mond and is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the desert.

I remember our first overnight stop vividly. It was the moment we reunited with Johan van der Walt, a dear friend who had taken on the role of custodian for our belongings and food for the night. Johan, being the thoughtful person that he is, had cold beers waiting for us upon our arrival. The weather was warm, and instead of setting up our tents, we decided to sleep under the blanket of stars.

The next day, with renewed energy, my travel buddy Chris and I set off in a northerly direction to conquer the most challenging part of our journey. Meanwhile, Johan, in his trusty sedan, headed south. Our plan was to reunite on the other side, at Cederberg Oasis. We hadn’t even reached 9am when the scorching heat engulfed us. By the time we reached Elandsvlei, the starting point of our 4×4 trail, it already felt like midday on the sun.

The journey on the Old Postal Route began with some sandy stretches and two river crossings. We had to be cautious of the water levels, as if they were too high, the route would become impassable. And just like that, we found ourselves in the middle of nowhere.

As far as the eye could see, there were ancient, charred shale formations. It was a desolate landscape, and we continued our journey through it. Our next challenge was Karretjies Pass, a technically demanding and steep route. The rocky terrain required us to stay focused and balanced on our adventure bikes. Once we reached the plateau, we were greeted by the mesmerizing sight of rooibos plantations, stretching out like a sea of red.

So, here’s what happened. We started our journey by going down Kraaiberg Pass until we reached the mission station in Wupperthal. It took us quite a while, about four hours, to cover the distance from Die Mond to Wupperthal. Can you believe that? It’s crazy to think that it took that poor girl half a week to travel the same distance back then. Anyway, we took a break under the shade of some old gum trees in Wupperthal to cool off before we tackled the last part of our trip.

The final leg of our adventure was the Eselbank Pass. It might be short, but it’s definitely not easy. The 4×4 route was a challenge, with a mix of rocks and sand that pushed us to our limits. But you know what? It was totally worth it because at the end of the pass, there was a hidden rock pool waiting for us just outside Eselbank. Imagine how refreshing it was to take a dip in that pool after a long day of riding or driving. It was like finding a little piece of paradise in the middle of nowhere.

I was really hungry, so I decided to skip the pool and go straight to Cederberg Oasis. When I arrived, I saw the anaesthetist again. This time, he told me to have two ice-cold beers. Following his orders, I quickly drank them down. I was feeling hot, tired, and excited that I managed to finish the tough journey.

As we woke up the next day, my friends and I were excited to venture into the beautiful Cederberg region. We all had different plans in mind – some of us wanted to hike up the nearby mountains, while others joined me in visiting the refreshing rock pool. A few of us decided to relax and spend the day at the Oasis.

After enjoying our time exploring, it was unfortunately time to leave. Chris and I took the dusty gravel road that passed by Cederberg Private Cellars, curious to see how much more of this rugged terrain we could encounter on our way back home.

You wouldn’t believe how much adventure I had! I went on a journey down the Olifants River to Citrusdal and then kept going south to Ceres on the R303. Let me tell you, it was quite a ride! I came across Middelburg Pass, a gravel descent that was absolutely epic. It was like a rollercoaster, with twisty turns and switchbacks that seemed to loop back on themselves. And after that thrilling ride, it was a smooth and easy trip back to Ceres on the straight tar road.

By the end of the weekend, I had conquered 12 mountain passes. Some were long and challenging, while others were shorter but still exciting. Each pass had its own unique charm and brought something special to the table. It was an adventure like no other!

When I think about Die Mond Campsite, I imagine the stunning views that would greet me there. It’s a place where nature’s beauty takes center stage, and Tyson Jopson’s photograph captures it perfectly.

Planning my trip

Day 1: Cape Town to Die Mond campsite

Let’s start with the first day of my journey – the route from Cape Town to Die Mond campsite. It’s a 275km drive, which should take around 6 hours if I factor in some rest stops and photo opportunities. I’ll begin by taking the N1 out of Cape Town, then following the R44 to Wellington and the R301 over Bainskloof Pass to Ceres. Once I reach Ceres, I’ll continue on the R303, up Gydo Pass, and take a right turn just after Die Dorp op die Berg. From there, I’ll head towards the Tankwa Karoo as soon as the road turns to gravel. I’ll drive over Katbakkies Pass and then down to the R355 on Peerboomskloof Pass. About 30km after passing Tankwa Padstal, I’ll find the turn-off to Die Mond Campsite. The campsite itself is about 15km west on gravel from there.

Day 2: Die Mond to Cederberg Oasis

On the second day, I’ll be making my way from Die Mond to Cederberg Oasis. The distance for today is 143km, and I should allocate around 7 hours for the journey. I’ll start by taking the gravel road that leads directly north from Die Mond to Elandsvlei. This road follows the Doring River for a short while and is part of the Old Postal Route 4×4 Trail. Keep in mind that there are two river crossings – the Doring and the Tra-Tra. It’s important to check with the locals at Die Mond if these crossings are safe, especially after heavy rains. As I continue on the trail, it may get a bit thorny, so I’ll need to be prepared for possible punctures. The trail takes me over Karretjies Pass and then through a rooibos plantation before descending down Kraaiberg Pass. Once I reach the T-junction, I’ll turn left and head south to Wupperthal, where I can take a break and grab some lunch. From Wupperthal, I’ll take the southernmost road out of town and proceed to the Eselbank Pass. There’s a rock pool along the way where I can cool off before reaching the village of Eselbank. After Eselbank, I’ll continue on the only road south out of town, which will lead me to the Cederberg Oasis. That’s where I’ll spend the night and rejuvenate for the next leg of my journey.

Day 3: Cederberg Oasis to Cape Town

Distance: 340km, estimated travel time: 6 hours
I’m on day three of my adventure, heading back to where I started—Cape Town. But before I get there, I have a beautiful journey ahead. I’ll be driving about 340 kilometers, and it’ll take me around 6 hours. So, let’s get going!

Leaving Cederberg Oasis, I’ll head north (yep, back the way I came) and then make a left turn at Matjiesrivier junction, taking me to Cederberg Private Cellar (number 6 on the map). Oh, and don’t go overboard with drinks here. Trust me; you’ll want to keep your wits about you for what’s to come. Now, as I continue south, I’ll stay on the gravel road by taking a left just before reaching the Olifants River. This will lead me to Citrusdal.

Once I’m in Citrusdal, I’ll take the R303 road heading east. This road is a mix of smooth tar and gravel, with some magnificent mountain passes along the way. It’s going to be a thrilling ride as I make my way back down to Ceres. If my stomach starts rumbling, I’ll stop there for a quick bite (number 7 on the map). After that, it’s time to head back to Cape Town.

Directory

1. Werkswinkel Bar at the Tankwa Padstal. This place is legendary. No Tankwa Karoo road trip is complete without a chilled drink and a warm smile at Werkswinkel Bar. And don’t forget to stock up on snacks here; you’ll need them for the road ahead. If you have any questions, feel free to email [email protected]

2. Die Mond Campsite, Tankwa. You’ll love the serene oasis that is Die Mond Campsite in the heart of the Tankwa Karoo. Nestled by the tranquil banks of a small lake, this hidden gem offers shaded camping sites with convenient braai facilities. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking desert landscape and enjoy the peace and quiet that nature provides. With camping rates starting from just R70 per person, it’s an affordable escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. To make a booking or inquire about availability, give them a call at Tel. 0233170668.

3. Lekkerbekkie, Wupperthal. Let me share a best-kept secret with you – Lekkerbekkie in Wupperthal. It took me four visits to discover this hidden treasure, tucked away in the heart of this quaint town. As you explore their walls, you’ll find a short history of Wupperthal’s roots as a mission station, adding a touch of heritage to your visit. Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with their hot toasted sandwiches starting from just R20. Pair it with a refreshing cold drink for the perfect treat. They are open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm, ensuring you can satisfy your cravings at any time. For more information or to plan your visit, contact them at Tel. 0274923292.

4. Eselbank Waterfall. When you reach the end of the Eselbank 4×4 Trail, you’ll notice a faded sign pointing to a hidden gem. This secret stop is a paradise for nature lovers. There’s a refreshing rock pool where you can take a dip, and if you venture a little further, you’ll discover a breathtaking waterfall where the Eselbank River cascades into the Tra-Tra River. The best part? It won’t cost you a dime to enjoy this natural beauty. Just grab your swimming costume, or even your undies if you’re feeling adventurous, and dive in!

5. Cederberg Oasis. If you’re a biker looking for the perfect pit stop, Cederberg Oasis is where you want to be. This place has everything you need for a great time. From a variety of accommodation options to a refreshing pool, good food, and even an honesty bar, they’ve got it all covered. The atmosphere here is buzzing with positive vibes, making it the ideal place to unwind after a long ride. The only downside is that the campsites could use some more shade, but fear not. You can book their cozy A-frame tented accommodation and enjoy a comfortable stay. Fancy sleeping under the stars? They also have a bush campsite that can accommodate up to four people. So, whether you’re looking for a furnished tent or a spot to pitch your own, Cederberg Oasis has got you covered. Prices start at R165 per person sharing for a furnished tent and R200 for the bush campsite (which sleeps four). For bookings, call 0274822819.

6. Cederberg Private Cellar. It’s amazing how this incredible vineyard manages to create award-winning wines from the tough Cederberg soil. You can taste their wines from Monday to Saturday, at 9am–12pm and 2pm–4.30pm. Just give them a call at 027-482-2827.

7. Rocky River Spur, Ceres. If you find yourself in Ceres on a Sunday afternoon when everything else is closed, and you’re feeling hungry, don’t worry! Rocky River Spur has got you covered. Try their Hunger Buster for only R95. You won’t be disappointed. You can contact them at 0233121222.

This beautifully written story was originally featured in the March issue of Getaway magazine.

In our March issue, you’ll find fascinating stories about three enchanting train journeys, a guide to planning an amazing dhow safari around Bazaruto, recommendations for delicious food in Mumbai when you only have 36 hours, and much more!