Joe Gqabi 15km Plateau Ride
The Joe Gqabi District occupies the highest terrain in the Eastern Cape — a Drakensberg escarpment district bordering Lesotho where the altitude exceeds 1,800m and the landscape has more in common with the Lesotho highlands than the Eastern Cape coast. The 15km Plateau Ride traverses the high grassland terrain of the district with Lesotho highland views throughout.
What to Expect
Gravel and mountain tracks on flat to gently rolling high-altitude plateau terrain. The sub-alpine grassland, dramatic mountain views and the clean, thin highland air create a riding experience entirely unlike anywhere else in the Eastern Cape. Weather at altitude changes rapidly — cloud and rain can arrive within minutes.
Altitude Note
At 1,800m+ this is some of the highest riding terrain in the Eastern Cape. Riders from sea level should allow acclimatisation time before attempting sustained effort at altitude.
Getting There
Access from Sterkspruit or Barkly East in the Joe Gqabi District. GPS reference: -30.5612, 27.3789.
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