Bikes and Books @ Jakhalsdans
EVENT POSTPONED to 30 October - 1 November 2020! Our new trails sustained significant damage due to recent flooding and with more rain forecast, they will not be ready to launch in March as we hoped. We have taken the difficult decision to postpone the event. We are truly sorry for those who have made travel arrangements already. We hope you will join us in October when the weather is much more favourable. Those who have bought tickets already will be given the option of keeping them for the new date or opting for a full refund.
Join us for a weekend of mountain biking through the spectacular Karoo and get to know renowned author Deon Meyer!
It's a wonderful weekend away for the whole family that offers:
- Bike ride & fireside chats with Deon Meyer - listen to some of his secrets to writing.
- All meals during your stay.
- Various accommodation options.
- Kids stay free (just charged for meals)
- Kids activities.
- Access to Jakhalsdans MTB trails (run or ride these).
- Genuine Loxton hospitality :)
- Day visitors welcome too.
- *Excludes actual bike - please bring your own.
If you struggle to order your tickets on this website or would prefer to talk to someone - please call Linda on on 082 875 3339.
The itinerary is as follows:
Friday night : 'Roosterlek' braai under the Karoo Stars.
Join Nicola, Linda, Deon, and Marianne from 6pm around communal fires and braai your own delicious Karoo meat sourced by local farmers. It's also a good chance to 'carbo load' on the delicious roosterbrood and pasta salads and let your taste buds be tantalised by homemade Karoo culinary delights under the Karoo stars!
Saturday morning and afternoon
Grab a coffee and snack and get an early morning start at 7:30 for those who want ride the more challenging Mountain Bike Route with Deon, or you can choose one of the easier routes and leave at your own leisure and time. There are routes for beginners and children to serious experienced riders (routes to be posted soon).
Back mid-morning for a delicious breakfast/brunch put on by Jakhalsdans.
For non-riders you may explore the farm on foot, go for a trail run, visit nearby Loxton or simply relax and enjoy the wide open spaces of the Karoo.
Whilst mom and dad are riding, the kids will be entertained with Fun Art Jamming Sessions with Marianne (Deon's wife, who is passionate about art and kids). More "True Plaas Style Fun" for the kids like horse rides on leads are also on the cards.
Saturday Evening
Enjoy a delicious Karoo meal "Karoo Potjie & Deon Meyer Kuier Aand" and follow Deon as he transports you with his famous story telling and also shares some insights into his writing - and perhaps even some secrets!
Send in your questions before hand to [email protected] and he might just answer them in an entertaining Q&A!
To learn more about Deon please click on the his named tab at the top of this description.
Sunday Morning
Enjoy a quick ride, or just take in the sounds of silence that Jakhalsdans offers. Pack up, grab your snack pack for the road and head back home by 12pm!
Deon Meyer fell in love with this part of the Karoo when he came to Jakhalsdans. This later led him to buy a house in Loxton, a place where he could relax and write many of his books, whose stories are often based in Loxton,
Books like “Koors” and “Spoor”, better known as 'Trackers', his latest series adaption now showing on DSTV, was mostly written whilst Deon was based here. The movies “Jakhalsdans”, “Jagveld” and “The Last Tango” were also partly filmed on both Jakhalsdans and the quaint little town of Loxton and surrounds…
Accolades include Le Grand Prix de Littérature Policière (France), the Deutsche Krimi Preis, the Swedish Martin Beck Award, and a Barry Award in the USA. Deon lives in Stellenbosch. He is passionate about South Africa, Mozart, mountain bikes, cooking, and Free State Cheetahs and Springbok rugby.
His fireside chat will be about writing, adventures on book tours, and his books and characters.
We have often been asked if the 2010 movie 'Jakhalsdans' is about the farm. The movie was shot in nearby Loxton and the climax of the film takes place on the farm.
We are proud to be associated with such a first rate South African movie. More information about the movie can be found on their website www.jakhalsdansmovie.co.za
Political thriller Trackers, one of Deon Meyer’s most popular books, has been adapted for the small screen as is showing on DSTV to rave reviews!
Read more here >
Also partly filmed on Jakhalsdans, Jagveld is anothe rproud South African film based on one of Deon's books.
Read more here >
The Campsite at Jakhalsdans includes communal toilets and hot showers. Please bring your own tents and camping gear. tents can be provided at an extra cost - please enquire.
The Skeerders Guesthouse overlooks the dam with a wonderful front entertaining area with braai/bbq facilities.
The Guesthouse consists of 2 units – each tastefully decorated with a kitchen and en-suite bathroom.
Each unit sleeps 2 adults. 2 extra children can fit at maximum. (a lounge with cozy fireplace and sleeping unit will be made available).
View more pictures and info here
The Langhuis has 1 double and 2 twin rooms with 1 bathroom, kitchen and TV Room. It is possible to sleep 6 adults plus one child on a sleeper couch.
View more information and pictures here.
The Ou Opstal Guesthouse is a wonderful blend of old country farmhouse and luxury modern day amenities.
The Guesthouse consists of two bedrooms, one double room with on suite bathroom and a twin room with bathroom. A kitchen, scullery, dining room, sunroom and DSTV complete this beautiful house.
https://www.jakhalsdans.co.za
