Coenie Moll

founder of Cederberg4x4

.. Interview

Marina

the Face behind the Voice

4x4 Trails of the Western Cape

Golden rules to be adhered to at all times

"As slow as possible as fast as necessary"

"Do not over-do it, rather do it over"

and most important of all

 "Hou die prop op die dop tot ons stop"

Trail Gradings between 1 - 5. 

What do they mean?

1. Easy - suitable for 4x2's with diff lock and 4x4 vehicles without

    low-range capabilities.

2. Easy to moderate - some 4x4 driving experience essential in  

    vehicle with low-range capabilities.

3. Moderate - low range and 4x4 driving experience recommended.

4. Difficult - low range, rear diff lock and recovery equipment

    imperative. Above average driver experience recommended.

5. Extreme - experts drivers, vehicles with good ground 

    clearance, preferably diff locks front and rear with recovery

    support. Not to be attempted alone. Recovery back-up essential. 

Click on a Trail Name below for more information

Atlantis Dunes

Attaquaskloof - Mossel Bay

Babylonstoren - Malmesbury

Baviaanskloof - Uniondale

Biedouw - Clanwilliam

Blombos - Yserfontein

Blomkloof - Bredasdorp

BABYLONSTOREN 4X4 - Malmesbury

Route Distance: Apr. 20 km
Grade: between 2 - 4, depending on the weather
Terrain: Rock and mud in wet weather
Accommodation: These are day trips with ablution facilities at the braai area

Description: The route is on a small private game reserve where you may encounter various types of buck and smaller wild life. Halfway up the mountain, at a viewpoint, you overlook Riebeeck Kasteel and Piketberg to the north. Depending on the weather the trail could vary from relatively easy to seemingly impossible at the first sighting. Peace of mind can be enjoyed by all participants as this excursion will be lead by an experienced guide having visited this trail numerous times in the past and will ensure maximum fun for all with the minimum risk of damage to vehicles.

Remember to leave your passenger named 'MR.EGO' at home as you might not want to have him as a back seat passenger. The trail starts at the bottom of a granite outcrop, after which the trail is named, with numerous interesting and challenging ascents offering spectacular views over the surrounding countryside as it climbs to the various viewpoints. The higher you climb into the mountains the more spectacular the views become. The mountain offers its own challenge with its steep ascents and descents as well as a couple of hairpin bends thrown in for good measure. Upon reaching the top of the mountain there is a '4x4 Playground' with all sorts of obstacles testing driver skills over, around and through the many obstacles. The majority of the terrain is rock and mountain with mud becoming and interesting factor, depending on the amount of rain that has fallen in the area. Bird lovers must take their binoculars, as the area is rich in bird life.

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BAVIAANSKLOOF - Uniondale / Patensie

Route Distance: various routes can be traveled
Grade: 2 - 4 - will only become a 4 after heavy rainfall
Terrain: Mountains and Rivers
Accommodation: Doringkloof camp offers 5 Hot/Cold showers & 5 flush toilets. Rooihoek camp only offers 2 Long Drop toilets and no showers. Herons Cliff camp offers 4 Hot/Cold showers and 4 Flush Toilets

Description: The Baviaanskloof lies roughly 120 km west of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. The gorge with dozens of smaller valleys leading into it, can be explored by traveling along an untarred road that cuts its way down through the Winterhoek Mountains in the North to the Gamtoos Valley in the South. This Wilderness area, a U-shaped reserve currently occupying 180 000 hectares, is named after the baboons commonly found in the area, with baviaan being the Dutch word for baboon.

The name Baviaanskloof will hold fond memories for those that have visited this beautiful Wilderness area in the Eastern Cape. You will be introduced to the beauty of the Baviaanskloof Wilderness area, driving many mountain passes from relatively easy to more challenging while crossing the many stream or rivers depending on the rainfall the Wilderness area has had prior to your visit.

You can start in Uniondale and continue to your first camp 'Doringkloof' on the farm Rus en Vrede. En-route we will experience beautiful rock formations, the famous 'Key to the Baviaanskloof' an overhanging rock in a narrow valley that will close the entrance to the Kloof should it collapse, thus the appropriate name. The indigenous Willowmore Ceder will be sighted as well as the well-known 'Boesmanleer' that was used to remove honey from a cliff overhang. The cable, a primitive way of transport over a valley where goods and even oxen were transported, will be sighted. Many mountain passes and river crossings (make a point of counting the river crossings) will be encountered before you reach a view point from where you will see a stone wall built many years ago, running through the valleys and over the hills forming the boundary between farms of the area.

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BIEDOUW 4X4 ROUTE - Clanwilliam

Route Distance: 28 km
Grade: 2-3
Maximum Vehicles: 15
Terrain: Rocks and sand
Accommodation: Self-catering house (sleeps 15). Camping with full ablutions - hot/cold showers - flush toilets, grass and many trees. 

Description: Route is very scenic and not very demanding, varying from sand challenges to loose rocks and solid ground. Biedouw Valley is known for its breath-taking views, its beauty, the peace and quiet and its remoteness. Just getting to the Biedouw 4 x 4 route is part of the adventure travelling via Clanwilliam and the Pakhuis Pass with views over some of the most stunning scenery in the Cederberg.

The 28km 4 x 4 route is an ideal family outing. It is an interesting mix of rock and sand, although demanding in places, there is minimal risk of damage to vehicles. The trail starts with a very steep rocky ascent, which needs to be negotiated. No better way to start a 4x4 trail followed by an interesting adrenalin lifting sand challenge that have caught more than one driver off guard. Good fun and an ideal way of getting to know your vehicle better.

A waterfall with incredible rock formations is surely one of the more spectacular sights in South Africa. The Biedouw 4x4 trail will lead you past two amazing waterfalls. The trail continues along rocky outcrops as it climbs into the mountains to the next stop at a series of natural pools in the river and a waterfall where you can swim or just relax in one of the pools. From here the trail follows an interesting route to the foot of a mountain that joins the Wupperthal road and goes back to camp where one can have another dip in the reservoir, go for a walk to a nearby cave or just relax and get ready for one of the Biedouw valley’s splendid sun sets. A further option to the trail, time allowing, is to negotiate a steep climb onto the plateau

where stunning views over Sneeukop, Krakadouw and the Biedouw Valley await visitors or drive the obstacle course in the river bed near the farm house.

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BOEGOEBERG 4X4 ROUTE - Graafwater

Grade: 3 - 3½.
Route Distance: 15 - 20km - 2 trails (6 hours)
Maximum Vehicles: Route - 20.
Terrain: Rocky/mountain and sand.
Accommodation: 2 Campsites with top class ablution facilities, shade under large Oak trees and swimming pool., self-catering guest house (3 bedrooms), self-catering mountain chalet (sleep 4 people) and mountain hut (6beds).

Description: Parts of the route tests both vehicle and driver, so low range is essential. This range between the Cederberg and the sea has sections that, in winter, can get extremely slippery, although a full 8 km is suitable for 4x2s. 

The Boegoeberg 4x4 trail is situated on the farm Lambertshoek, in the "Engelsmans se Berge" overlooking Graafwater, Elands Bay, Lamberts Bay and Clanwilliam. Sybrie de Beer, the trail owner, was committed from the opening of the trail to ensure that it is an exo-friendly, family orientated venue, ensuring maximum pleasure for the whole family, with minimum impact on the environment.

Boegoeberg 4x4 received the reward as one of the Top 10 trails (in South Africa) in the Drive Out (Edition 13).

The mountain section of the trail is approximately 25km long, starting immediately to climb up into the "Engelsman se Berge" and follows the old donkey tracks, offering a variety of challenges from steep ascents and descents to technical driving sections to the Platklip lookout where you will negotiate your passage around and over large rock formations. On the last section to the Platklip viewpoint a stream is crossed on numerous occasions. The difficulty of this section can vary, depending on the time of year and your negotiating and driving skills will be tested, either wet or dry, but with the peace of mind that you will not damage your vehicle. En-route are various places of interest to visit.

There is a second shorter section of the Boegoeberg trail, known as the sand section with the main challenge being the dune climb. The only danger on this section could be a dented ego when trying to conquer the dune. A fine balance of tyre pressure and momentum will do the trick.

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BUFFELSFONTEIN 4X4 - Yzerfontein

Grade: Between 2 - 3, depending on the time of year
Route Distance: approx. 10 km
Terrain: Sand
Accommodation: There is a bush camp and tents and the bedding are supplied. There is running water and 4 x showers with hot water and 2 x flush toilets. In the camp there is a braai area as well. There is no electricity. Upmarket chalets/self-catering, can sleep 52 people sharing.

Description: The Buffelsfontein trail is situated close to Yzerfontein and Darling on the R27 some 80km from Cape Town and was founded in 2000. This is not only a game reserve where animals can be viewed but a good balance was obtained between game viewing, corporate activities and 4x4 driving within the game reserve. A variety of game such as Bontebok, Kudu, Zebra, Springbok and Giraffe can be viewed en-route, as well as two four-year-old Lions. The Lions are not roaming the farm freely but are in a special enclosure. Do not be surprised if a Bat-eared jackal, Lynx or Porcupine crosses your path during this outing. This is an ideal family experience not to be missed.

The trail consists of a variety of sand obstacles giving participants the opportunity to test their sand driving skills without the risk of any damage to your vehicle. Much thought and planning went into the 4x4 trail within the reserve ensuring maximum enjoyment for all. The obstacles may vary in difficulty depending on the time of the year the trail is visited. Remember the secret to sand driving is tyre pressure and momentum and on this outing these factors will play a mayor roll.

This trail is well suited for a day outing and will ensure lots of enjoyment and fun for all. The braai area is under trees and near a dam, where you can rent a rod and fish, on a catch and release basis.

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BUSHMAN'S CAVE 4X4 TRAILS - Cederberg

Grade:
Route Distance:
Terrain: mountainous and sand
Accommodation: Grassed camp sites with trees for shade, flush toilets, hot showers and electricity points. Swimming pool at camp Coenie.

Description: A well designed trail consisting of two challenging mountain sections, starting with the Karookop trail taking you up "Polly Shorts" to a viewpoint over looking the Ceres Karoo, Hantam and Roggeveld mountains as well as the well-known mountains in the Cederberg. 'The Sandbult' is an interesting sand section where driver skills, correct tyre pressure and momentum will see you through, followed by 'Klippekou' where driving skils will be tested. There are escape routes at all the sections.

Directions to Farm Oude Muur and Camp 'Coenie': remeber to fill up in Clanwilliam. Enter Clanwilliam from the N7, continure straight on the tar road. Approximately 3 km after exitting Clanwilliam, turn left at the sign, 'Klawer and Doring River Rafting'. Approx. 18 km further, turn right at the sign'Nardousberg Pass and Doring River Rafting',Having ascended the Nardousberg Pass, do not take any turn off's but continue for approx. 22 km - to the farm Oude Muur on the left. Turn left at the farm Oude Muur and follow the sign boards to the camp. The GPS co-ordinates for the entrance to the farm Oude Muur are: S 31° 57' 19'9" E 18° 58' 53.1"

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GROOT TOREN 4X4 ECO TRAIL - McGregor

Grade: Between 2 - 3
Route Distance: approx. 25 km
Terrain: rock, sand and mud in winter
Accommodation: Camp site with ablutions - 2 flush toilets and 2 Hot/Cold showers (Donkey heating). 6 x two-bed cabins.

Description: Just outside McGregor the trail winds through acres of Protea and Fynbos with stunning views at every turn until you reach the Goudgat, 1000m above sea level, near the top. It is a very deep hole, dug by a fellow over a period of two and a half years, in search of gold. Only some tin was found. The circular rock, sand and mud (in winter) trail starts near the camp site and ascends the slopes of the Riviersonderend Mountains. A top class destination, well worth a visit.

Just outside the beautiful village of McGregor, where it seems time has stood still; you will find the Groot Toren 4x4 Eco Route. Originally used to transport farm workers by means of a tractor to the top of the mountain to pick produce, the trail winds through acres of enchanting Protea and Fynbos species with breathtaking views at every turn, until you reach the Goudgat near the top. The Goudgat is 1000m above sea level and is the official snow line in the area. The Goudgat is exactly that, a very deep hole where in the early 1900s, legend has it that a fellow known only by the initials A.T, dug this hole over a period of two and a half years in search of gold. He eventually only found some tin.

The circular rock, sand and mud (in winter) trail is approximately 25 km long and takes about 4 hours to complete. The trail starts near the camping site and ascends the slopes of the Riviersonderend Mountains. There are various interesting assents and descents that will keep drivers entertained for most of the day, more so because of trying to keep your eyes on the road and not looking at the fantastic surroundings. En-route there are various view points, the first being Bakenkop from where it will be possible to look out over the whole Breëriver Valley and see Robertson, Ashton, Bonnievale, and on a clear day, even Swellendam. After this the route travels along a relatively flat section aptly called 'Die Tuin' where one will see a large variety of fynbos and what can only be described as a Protea forest. Thereafter it continues up a fairly steep climb to the 'Krokodilklip' and the Goudgat. At the Goudgat, you will be able to see all the way into the gorge below which is usually full of colour. 'The views are absolutely amazing, almost unbelievable' Owners of the trail Jacie and Marinda Oosthuisen have definitely put a lot of effort into their trail making it a top class destination and having it feature regularly in Drive Out’s Top 10 trails. It is well worth a visit.

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HEUNINGBERG 4X4 TRAIL - Porterville

Grade: Average 3
Route Distance: 15 km
Terrain: mountainous and sand
Accommodation: As the Heuningberg 4x4 trail does not have an official campsite, you can camp at the 'Waterval Vakansie plaas' campsite at the foot of the Porterville Mountains some 30 km from the trail. The camp offers full ablution facilities with many other activities and beautiful natural rock pools for swimming close to the camp.

Description: The Heuningberg 4 x 4 trail is situated approximately 30 km from Porterville in the heart of the Swartland. This operational maize farm, on the banks of the Berg River, belongs to Eben & Linda Mouton. The trail is a circular route, which includes interesting ascents and descents, highlighted by the 700 metre, 30 degree decent, where driver skills and driving techniques will be tested. Upon reaching the viewpoint, the snaking trail of the Berg River through the low laying valleys can clearly be seen, boarded by the many maize and wine farms, all forming part of the colourful patch like scenery below. Many well-known landmarks can also be seen in the far distance. These landmarks normally become an interesting discussion where all learn above the beautiful view below.

In the summer time certain sections of the dry river bed can be driven, adding to the excitement of the trip.

Depending on the time of the year the trail is visited the newly ploughed land or the young green maize standing proud or golden maize blowing in the wind will leave you astonished with the beauty and power of nature. The view will definitely be worth the effort. The mountain range overlooking the town of Porterville and the Dasklip Pass, from where Para gliders have set many world records, can be seen in the distance.

A new section has been added to the trail with interesting obstacles and a descent where the adrenalin will definitely raise a few levels, but without the danger of damage to the vehicles.

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KAGGA KAMMA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - Ceres

Grade: Between 1-3 with challenging options
Route Distance: 100 km (5-6 hours)
Terrain: Rocky to sandy
Accommodation: Various camp sites with flush toilets, wash basins and cold water to 4-star luxury Bushman Lodge. Swimming Pool available. Restaurant and Curio shop at lodge.

Description: Starting at Kagga Kamma reception, the route slowly descends from 3800 ft above sea level to around 1200 ft in the Ceres Karoo, it is mostly quite relaxing but there are a few very steep sections.

Kagga Kamma is a private game reserve located in the magnificent Cederberg Mountains of the Western Cape, situated on the border of the Ceres-Karoo, only 260 kms from Cape Town. Willie de Waal, Pieter de Waal and Pieter Loubser bought Kagga Kamma as well as three adjacent farms in 1986. A small stone cottage was built to entertain their friends, but soon they realised the need and potential of sharing it on a wider basis and preserve the area for posterity. The property covers some 15 000 hectares of natural beauty and seclusion of the area. Its wide-open spaces, unusual rock formations, majestic canyon, animal life and unspoiled nature are all part of this experience, which is truly unique.

This private game reserve is the home of a large variety of wild animals. Most visible are the Burchell’s zebra and the antelope species, which range from an eland, gemsbok, kudu, blue wildebeest, bontebok and springbok. Only leopards represent the larger carnivores. The area is also rich in bird life. During winter and spring, open water attracts water birds such as the Egyptian goose. Black eagles may be seen soaring high in the sky while the ubiquitous rock pigeon can be seen and heard in the vicinity of rocky outcrops.

From the middle of August to middle November you will normally find lots of flowers, a paradise for botanists and nature lovers. In spring the landscape is full of indigenous flowers sprouting between rocks and tracks.

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KLEIN TAFELBERG 4X4 TRAIL - Redelingshuys

Grade: Moderate to advanced
Route Distance: 20km (5-6 hours)
Terrain: Sand and rocks
Accommodation: 5-star Camp site with hot and cold showers, flush toilets, braai lapa and pool. There are also 4 fully equipped, 2 bedroom Rondawels with private parking and braai. Guests need only bring only bedding and towels. 
 
Description: Situated in the Sandveld, between the towns of Redelinghuys and Araura, this scenic and adventure-filled 4x4 trail is really worth exploring. It snakes along sandy fynbos covered slopes and weathered sandstone formations to viewpoints revealing more than just Sandveld flats. At night you set camp in the shadow of "Klein Tafelberg" in the bushcamp, under shady Rooikrans, reserved for 4x4's only. The Sandveld nights are quiet and peaceful and a night there restores the soul.

A lot of thought and effort has been put into developing the trail. A full environmental impact study was done on the property to ensure that the layout and building of the trail had the minimum impact on the environment, but would still provide maximum enjoyment to participants. The facilities at the campsite are definitely 5-star plus, with a swimming pool as a bonus to everyone who visits this trail in the summer.

As this trail is situated in the Sandveld, the majority of the terrain consists of sand driving. Albert later completed an interesting mountain section, which now forms part of the trail. This section not only provides for a break from the sand driving, but offers a different type of challenge to the driver. A very interesting section indeed. The length of the trail is ±20km and it will take ±5 hours to complete. Various interesting challenges will be encountered, putting your sand driving skills to the test. Heartbreak Hill, a optional dune challenge, will establish who is the dune climbing King of the day.

Depending on the time of the year this trail is visited it can become very challenging with the sand drying out in the summer, to relatively easy during the winter months as it lies within the winter rainfall area.

This 4x4 trail is really worth while for anyone who enjoys sand driving, especially taking into account the superb facilities at the campsite.

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KLIPBOK 4X4 TRAIL - Barrydale

Grade: Between 2 - 3
Route Distance: 24 km
Terrain: Mountainous
Accommodation: Camp site with full ablution facilities

Description: The Klipbok 4x4 trail is situated approximately 15km from Barrydale on the farm Op-de-Tradouw belonging to Niel and Manda Haasbroek. The trail was opened in 1996 and follows the old track used by the local farmers to move cattle to the higher sections of the Langeberg Mountains where the grazing was much better than down in the valley. The village is well known for its wild flowers, mainly vygies, wines, brandy and deciduous fruits such as apricots, apples and peaches.

The Klipbok 4x4 trail is approximately 24km long and will require 4 – 5 hours to complete. Situated in the Langeberg Mountains the trail will test the driving skills of participants on the numerous ascents and descents en-route. Upon reaching the viewpoint participants will have a picture-postcard view of Barrydale, the Klein Karoo, the Towerkop Mountains near Ladismith with the majestic Swartberg Mountains keeping an ever-watchful eye over the valleys below. This is a trail that will satisfy the needs of all 4x4 enthusiasts with the variety of obstacles on offer.

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KLIPBOKKOP MOUNTAIN RESORT TRIAL - Worcester

Grade: 3-4
Route Distance: Three 25km routes (one day each)
Terrain: Sand, mountain
Accommodation: Campsite with 10 stands (20 people), 20 en-suite rooms, self-catering units for groups. A unique swimming pool built between the rocks, offers spectacular views of th valley.

Description: Drive Out has voted this trail amongst it's top 10 for past 3 years. Although not seriously challenging, low range is essential. A wide variety of terains for the novice or advanced drivers. Stunning fynbos and views make this a must for nature lovers. Guided only.