Buffelspoort Heritage Site

Slanggat  - 15km

The first 2,5km are relatively easy through Karooveld passing through 4 gates and climbing from about 420m to about 500m above sealevel.  The actual climb starts after this when the route climbs about 540m in the next 2 km to reach a high spot above the Buffelspoort Canyon from where one  has a fantastic view over the canyon.  From there the road drops about 100m to a turnabout point about 2km further.  The same route is taken back.  This is the most difficult route.

Buffelspoort Gorge - 20km

    The route follows the river through the gorge (the same as the Rubicon 4x4 route). There are no steep inclines or declines.   The river is crossed many times and in some spots bikes will have to be pushed or carried.   A lot of acacias occur - sweetthorn as well as Thribulus - so be prepared for punctures.  Overnight under the stars and swim in the river.

Overschot - 32km

This route is a long climb up the eastern escarpmen of the Poort.   It follows a well-defined 4x4 route. During the first 8km the trail climbs about 600m, after 9km the road turns east into the mountain and follows the summit of the mountain for about 7km before turning around.  Camping is possible on route. Fresh drinking water should be taken along on both mountain routes.

Waterkloof

This route tackles the typical Karoo koppies which could be steep in some places, but only for 100 - 500m sections. The route follows the foot of the Klein Swartberg mountain and covers a few narrow ravines, swimming dam and a hike of about 30m to a waterfall at the turnabout point.  The route is extremely rocky with a few sandy patches. 

Die Eike - 15km  4x4 route

A well-defined 4x4 route taking  3 - 4 hours through a 3600 ha game enclosure with breathtaking views of the surrounding Klein Karoo area. It has been graded as 2 -3 and time depends on the number of stops along the way.  The area is covered with succulent Karoo vegetation and during spring an abundance of wild flowers can be seen.   Eight different game species roam freely in the camp and in the late afternoon there is abundant birdlife at the dams.  The route can be tackled by serious hikers as well.  There is one picnic area with water at this stage and more waterstops are being planned.