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Happy WorldTourismDay fellow adventurers! Why not celebrate, by getting out there and exploring some of our beautiful outdoors. In a recent statement by the Western Cape Government, today is aimed at “fostering understanding and awareness that Tourism is a big economic sector, where developing countries in particular stand to benefit. The theme for 2015 is “1 billion tourists, 1 billion opportunities”. Koegerg Nature Reserve: Nature vs Nuclear
In this post, I have decided to come down a level. Well hopefully not in my writing but certainly in attitude. It has ventured away from my backyard and explored somewhere different. This Mountain Biking adventure took place on Koeberg Nature Reserve, a short drive north of Blouberg.
Entrance is free this time around but you will need your ID book as the entrance to the reserve shares that of Koeberg Nuclear Power Station. Bizarre! Who would have matched a nature and nuclear? However, despite the buzzing power lines at the start of the ride, I was pleasantly surprised at the peace and nature of this adventure.
The undulating dunes growing with lowland Fynbos are cut by jeep track which is an easy ride for the beginner. No single tracks! However, stick to the main track or you will be pedaling deep in beach sand.
The trail splits into a seven and twenty odd kilometer option. The longer route gives you a rare look at a side of Cape Town. The beautiful dune vegetation and Atlantic seaboard stretch out to Table Mountain on a clear day.
You can walk the sandy trails and do some birding around the water pans. A chance to see some of the pelagic species I don’t see on the mountains. I was surprised by the stealth of a Steppe Buzzard that swooped over a dune ridge like a jet in a dog fight.
You will be sharing the road with a number of mammals on this two-wheeled safari. Reintroduced Springbok, Zebra and Bontebok are plentiful around the admin offices and solemnly reminded me of the diversity of mammals that once roamed the mountains and plains.
Summer time summons the Southern Angulated Tortoise to roadsides so be careful not to ride over these red brick like animals. It is also a bad idea to pick up a tortoise especially this time of year. Summer time is the dry season and tortoises store water in a sack in their shell. Picking up these animals frightens the pee out of them and they lose this water and can dehydrate. You should not be picking up wild animals at all but especially not in the dry season.
This adventure was a welcomed change and highlights the diversity of the Cape. Be sure to visit this West Coast gem and enjoy a lazy Sunday ride where the sun will be the only radiation you need to be concerned of.
