The KKX challenge is a brand new extreme event in the heart of the Klein Karoo held in the Buffelsdrift conservancy. This was the inaugural event and the first of its kind in this area. The KKX is characterized by its somewhat harsh but beautiful conditions, and participants found themselves battling the punishing elements of the Buffelsdrift Fontein conservancy, which included high temperature, massive babels and rugged terrains.

The event was started by “Uitspan regulars” and consisted of a 700m swim (due to low water levels this turned out to be more of a frantic wade), 4km gravel road run, and a 10km mountain bike ride back to Uitspan Guest House. The winner of the duathlon was Tristan van der Merwe, which came in at a speedy time of 45 minutes, and was closely followed by Luke Murray (triathlon category) who came in at 49 minutes.

After the morning’s events, we had a slap-down of a breakfast, which consisted of local produce off the farm itself such as organic eggs (gathered earlier in the morning), fresh tomatoes off the bush, organic bacon & freshly baked bread with fig jam and fresh almonds. What a bloody delicious feast, and nothing like an invigorating swim in the reservoir and a nap on the Stoep afterwards to cool you down and recharge the batteries.

For more information on the race and accommodation at Uitspan Klein Karoo Guesthouse, please contact Lisa Murray on 0825695557

Getaway to the Little Karoo near Ladismith and enjoy a break from the mad rush. Wake up as early as you like and go into the olive orchard with your basket and pick your table olives (mission) and or oil olives (Frantoio)

After that tuck into a breakfast with farm fresh eggs. Then a swim in the farm reservoir (pool) or the house splash pool. Light lunch and a little siesta brings the evening – a couple of games of Boule and snacks with the required Pastis.

Light the braai fire and watch the Swartberg mountains change colours with the sunset. Karoo lamb with plenty of Rosemary out of the kitchen garden – in season farm veg – and a sample of the local vineyards wines.

What a day !!!

Woman picking olives – Vincent Van Gogh