2024 01 04 Gecko Rock, Sanbona, Rooiberg Pass, Witteberge

Riding through the Karoo never disappoints!
Spending a few nights at Gecko Rock Reserve is a time to shut down and recharge.
But take some time to explore the glorious mountains and the magical plato's of the surrounding Karoo.
Starting from Gecko Reserve we made our way through the Sanbona Wild life reserve (escorted as it is a Big 5 Reserve). We saw some game ( Koedoes and Eland) and some traces of Elephants that passed about an hour before us.
Taking the back roads along the river towards van Wyks Dorp was filled with green.
Rooiberg Pass delivered breathtaking views and some parts with loose rocks was keeping us alert. Overall the pass was in good condition and easy going.
Calitzdorp has its own charm with the vineyards popping up between the small town buildings.
Off to Seweweeks poort where the mountains swallows you after every turn. Spectacular rock formations and plenty of beautiful nature and places to stop.
We were running late so we had to skip Boschluiskloof pass and Gamka poort dam, but will return soon as it is a must see!
Making our way towards Witteberg road had some nice twisties and sweeping turns through Koueveld pass, Witnekke Pass and Rooinek Pass.
As we entered the Witteberg, the first climb up the Varsbokkloof Pass is just a taste of the beautiful road ahead to showcase the true Karoo tranquility! And it didn't disappoint!
50Km of magnificent Karoo Splendour!
Overall road condition was good, just check the dry river Driffield, some can catch you out if you don't pay attention.
Leaving the dirt behind, we joined the N1 just before Touwsrivier for a fill up and to start heading bake to Cape Town and Gecko Rock.
The reserves road to reach our cottage is also filled with exciting turns and a couple of wash outs, but was just the right way to end a day of riding some of the great roads the Karoo has to offer.
0:00 Karoo roads
0:12 Gecko Rock Reserve
1:35 Sanbona Reserve
3:12 Road to Van Wyks Dorp
4:57 Rooiberg Pass
7:08 Lunch Calitzdorp
7:27 Seweweekspoort
8:47 Varsbokkloof Pass
9:07 Witteberge
10:45 Ambushed by Horses
11:55 N1 to Touwsrivier
12:55 Gecko Rock Reserve