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4x4 Trails of the Western Cape L - Z
Trail Grades:
1 - 5 - what do they mean?
1. easy - for 4x4 novices or 4x2s with differential lock
2. easy to moderate - 4x4 vehicle and some driving experience essential
3. moderate - low range and 4x4 driving experience recommended
4. difficult - experienced drivers, low range and differential lock.
Recovery equipment recommended
5. extreme - experts only with serious vehicles, not for solo trips. Recovery back-up essential.
Click on a Trail Name below for more info
Marcuskraal 4x4 - Citrusdal
Porceleinberg - Riebeek Kasteel
.. 4x4 Trails A - K
OSTRICH ECO 4X4 TRAIL - Witsand
Grade: Between 2 - 3
Route Distance:
Terrain: Gorges and ravines
Accommodation: Campsite next to the river - so bring swimwear - under milk wood trees. Neat ablutions with 2 hot showers and flush toilets.
Description: Approximately 3km before entering the town, on the tar road, one will find the turn-off to the Ostrich Eco 4x4 Trail. The Ostrich Eco Trail is on a working farm that has been in the Uys family for about six generations. The trail is situated in a kloof deeply cut by the Slangrivier and has the most amazing vegetation and views. That is why it is rated one of the top ten 4X4 destinations and why it is one of my favourite “Trails with a Difference” in the Western Cape. About five years ago Piet Uys decided to share the trail with 4x4 enthusiasts and opened it to the public. The route is driven clockwise and offers many exciting challenges, like various river crossings, steep ascents, descents, over rocks as well as a test of your mud driving skills. Normally 4x4 trails lead high up into mountains but here you will experience something very different.
The start of the trail is on a plateau from where it drops into gorges and ravines with fantastic green vegetation and in some places you will disappear under the trees and into the vegetation. The difficult obstacles all have bypasses so there is no real danger of damaging your vehicle. Piet regularly travels the route with a “panga” to trim back the bushes. There is no chance of getting bored. Just when you start to relax, suddenly there is a side slope or cross-axle to grab your attention. Driving up the riverbed can be challenging, especially after the exceptionally good rains they have had. En-route we will also be driving through wheat, oats and canola fields, pass sheep, cattle and of course, last but not least, ostriches. Good bird and plant life will be encountered so please remember to bring your binoculars. A bonus is the Fish Eagle nest that can be viewed in the distance.
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PORCELEINBERG - Riebeeck Kasteel
Grade:
Route Distance:
Terrain:
Accommodation:
Description: The Porceleinberg 4x4 trail is situated in the Riebeeck valley close to Hermon and Riebeeck Kasteel. This valley is famous for its vineyards and grain farming. Normally the owner arranges a fundraiser event in September for the local church and that is the only time the route is open to the public. Cederberg 4x4 have obtained special permission from the owner to drive the trail on special occasions during the year.
The trail consists of two sections, namely the mountain section where interesting technical camber and rocky section will be encountered, testing driving skills. This section is sure to lift the adrenalin levels a few notches before reaching a view point from where the entire Swartland, parts of the Boland, the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain can be seen.
The second section of the trail consists namely of sand and ensures great fun for all. During the winter month’s sections of the sand become water logged, bringing challenges of its own before the sand pit play area is reached. Here participants can test their sand driving skills and play to their hearts content. This trail is a good combination between mountain and sand driving with a beautiful viewpoint and is definitely worth a visit.
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SHANONNEA 4X4 TRAIL - Stanford
Grade: 2 to 3
Route Distance: 40 km
Terrain: Mountain
Accommodation: Large camp site with full ablutions - hot water showers and flush toilets
Description: The Shannonea 4x4 trail is a reasonable new trail, adjacent to the Salmansdam Nature Reserve in the Stanford area. A well planned trail on an active protea export farm where many of the trail tracks are used when flower harvesting takes place. Upon reaching the viewpoint everyone will have a bird’s eye-view over nine towns in the area to even seeing as far as Cape Point and Agulhas the most southern point of Africa. Spectacular views and worth a visit any time of the year.
The trail itself is not very demanding and is approximately 40km long and will take us approximately four/five hours to complete. Vehicles will not be damaged but a few interesting obstacles have been included for good measure. The first being a donga crossing, where a natural spring keeps the area wet and your driving techniques will be tested and good ground clearance is important. Remember there is nothing wrong by first walking an obstacle and checking to find the line of least resistance ensuring your safe passage through the obstacle. Numerous camber drive sections and steep ascents will follow before reaching the viewpoint. An optional section can be negotiated where only five vehicles at a time can be accommodated at the turning point at approximately 770m above sea level. This section will require vehicles that have the option of rear diff locks to reach the turn point. Good fun with the peace of mind of not damaging your vehicle.
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SKOORSTEENBERG 4X4 TRAIL - Tanqua Karoo
Grade: Between 2 - 3
Route Distance: 17 to 25 kms
Terrain: Rocky
Accommodation: Camping with no ablution facilities, hardly any shade or water.
Description: A 4x4 trail opened in the heart of the Tanqua Karoo offering a venue to people who can be totally equipped and self-sufficient. This trail is for people who want to experience the Karoo in all its wonder and simplicity. Skoorsteenberg is situated approximately four hours drive from Cape Town. There is approximately 20kms of 4x4 trail driving with a couple of rocky ascents and descents with breathtaking scenic views of dry waterfalls and spectacular mountains in the area. This area is very hot and dry in the summer months and has seen very little rain during the recent winter months. In the early spring this semi-desert area explodes into a flower paradise and the interesting geology of Skoorsteenberg has attracted geologists from around the world. Many farmers in the area are replacing sheep with indigenous species of game. From the top of the trail you will experience stunning views of the Ceres Karoo area the Hantam Mountains, Roggeveld Mountains as well as the Cederberg Mountains. Easily one of the most enjoyable aspects of Skoorsteenberg is the total peace and quite, tranquillity and the crisp clean air you will be enjoying while on this weekend excursion.
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TAKBOK TRAIL - Paarl
Grade: Moderate to difficult
Route Distance: 13km (2-3 hours)
Maximum Vehicles: 40
Terrain: Sand and Rock
Accommodation: 2 Campsites at the dam, mountain hut on request
Description: The trail is situated on a farm between Paarl and Wemmershoek on the R301 road. Paul Roux (jnr) is the sixth generation of Roux’s who have lived on the De Hoop farm. The Cape Dutch-styled farmhouse had been neatly restored and were it not for the tractors and 4x4, one could easily have imagined being back in days gone by. There are 11 takbokke roaming the grounds and not too many people have seen them.
The Takbok 4x4 trail offers a variety of challenges from relatively easy with bypasses at most of the obstacles for the less experienced to difficult challenges for the more experienced drivers. The more experienced drivers will not have it plain sailing all the time with an ego or two put to the test from time to time. En-route you will find a rustic campsite with a thatched boma that overlooks the dam. The main attractions of this route are a 13 km sand route while the 7 km mountain section offers its own challenges as well as the 1,4 km training track.
The sand section is made up mostly of white river sand and requires driving skills, with a number of steep ascents and even steeper descents of up to 35 degrees. Once again there is a bypass option at all the obstacles. Neighbouring the sand section is the new Pearl Valley Golf course, so if you find yourself being bombarded by golf balls, you are definitely on the wrong track. The guide will ensure that no golf ball damage to vehicles will be encountered on this excursion.
The mountain trail consists of two circular loops. On some of the ascents there are loose rocks testing your driving and negotiating skills, ensuring to keep you on your toes and very alert. The rest of the mountain section is well maintained on a weekly basis by the trail owner. Some of the very tricky sections have been cemented ensuring a safe passage for all and bear in mind that that there are bypass options at most of the more difficult sections. All skill levels and all types of 4x4's are catered for, with winter adding new skill level to driver and vehicle. The inclusion of fishing and canoeing makes for a great family outing.
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TIERKLOOF 4X4 - Rawsonville
Grade: Between 3 - 4
Route distance: approx. 15 km
Terrain: Mountain and Sand
Accommodation: Camping with full ablution facilities
Description: The Tierkloof 4x4 trail is situated in the Cidos Mountains near Rawsonville with a beautiful view over the Brandvlei Dam, Worcester and the Breede River Valley below. The route is also called the “Donkie Kar Trail” and was used to collect wood in the mountains about 160 years ago. The trail follows the original route, which can be clearly identified from aerial photographs of the area, where workers used carts drawn by oxen to gain access to the higher lying sections of the mountains.
The trail traverses predominantly through Fynbos where the regular sighting of Dassies, Steenbokke, Duikers and Baboons are found. Although leopards still roams the mountains the possible sighting of one of these animals are highly unlikely. The total distance of the trail is approx. 15 kilometres and rises to 787 metres above sea level at the second viewpoint.
Upon starting the trail numerous interesting ascents will be encountered before reaching the first viewpoint. These ascents are technical and require drivers to test their driving skills while negotiating these obstacles. En-route to the second viewpoint more interesting obstacles will be encountered pushing the adrenalin levels just a little higher than normal. On the descent a very steep short section will be encountered before reaching “Diep Kloof” a deep sandy donga followed by a very sandy hill climb. This is always a good test of your sand driving skills after completing the mountain section. At “Diep Kloof” and the “Sand Hill Challenge” there will be enough opportunity for good photos and videos of the activities. The trail is a good combination between mountain and sand driving and is definitely worth a visit. To cool off and return the adrenalin levels to normal after this exiting route we have the opportunity to go for a quick swim in the Brandvlei Dam in very close proximity to the Lapa area.
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TWO OCEANS - Somerset West
Grade: 2 in summer and 4 in winter
Route Distance: 12 kms
Terrain: Gravel
Accommodation:
Description: The Two Oceans 4x4 trail is situated on the farm Helderbergplaas some 10 km from Somerset West on the foothills of the Helderberg Mountain, originally called the Moddergatsberge. Simon van der Stel granted the farm "Helderenbergen" to Klaas Vechtman in 1692. The farm has a spectacular view of False Bay, Stellenbosch and the Cape Peninsula. The current owner is the 5th generation of the Hendricks/Obermeyer family since 1837. Main attractions of this new route are views in a pristine fynbos environment not surpassed elsewhere in the Helderberg area.
The route has two options with one a scenic drive and less demanding and the other more demanding. The Two Oceans 4x4 trail will offer all participants the opportunity to test their driving techniques over various obstacles with peace of mind that their vehicles will not be damaged. Interesting obstacles included are Blue Gum forest, Boomslang, Horse Gully, Birds viewpoint, Sugarbush loop and Lord Charles' Highway.
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.. 4x4 Trails A - K
.. 4x4 Trails V - Z
MONTECO - Montaque
Grade: Between 2 - 4
Route Distance: 90 km of trails
Terrain: Mountainous
Accommodation: 7 individual campsites with lush vegetation providing ample shade. All weather lapa with central fireplace. Swimming Pool.
Description: MontEco is simply so much more than a 4x4 trail. It’s a real nature destination. Located in the mountainous terrain about midway between the Langeberg in the south and the Anysberg in the north, about 220km from Cape Town near Montague, it offers a variety of trails ranging from easy 2 hour drives, suitable for soft raiders to full day outings for those wanting more of a challenge across it’s 64 square kilometres of rugged terrain. A destination worth more than one visit for any 4x4 and outdoor enthusiast.
Located out on the trails is the famous “Knife’s Edge” and something just called “The Downhill”, although it definitely deserves a special name, both of which are sure to pre-empt some fireside discussion in the evenings. The challenges are not limited to these two named obstacles however and drivers will be entertained throughout two full days of driving. The trails not only pass some magnificent rock formations, but also a marine fossil field. The 90 kilometres of trails traverse many dry watercourses as well as mountains and altitudes range between 600 and 1150 meters above sea level making for some breathtaking views and providing some interesting obstacles, which will test the entry and departure angles of your vehicle.
The other huge attraction to MontEco is the wildlife. On the trail you can look out for as many as 40 different mammal species, not to mention the rich bird and plant life. MontEco take their eco tourism very seriously and in fact the name MontEco was formed by combining “Montaqu”, the nearest town, and “Eco tourism”. This is probably one of the friendliest eco-friendly trails in South Africa.
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Grade: Between 2 - 4
Route Distance: 25 km
Terrain: Sandy route with low dunes
Accommodation: No over-nighting but ablutions, lapa for braai, jungle gym & bush pub
The farm De Kleine Zoute originated in the early 1700’s as a grazing and hunting outpost for the Dutch East Indian Company. Its original name “Aan her overzyde van de Kleine Zoute Rivier” literally means “on the other side of the little salt river”. The nick name Vaatjie was given to the farm in the late 1800’s, when one of the owners., a Mr.Schietekat, sunk a well at an overnight camping spot on the transport route that crossed the farm. He used a keg (Vaatjie) to prevent the sand from filling the well. Mr.Schietekat loved his sweet wine, which he bought in Paarl. The transport riders commented that the Vaatjie wells water had a nice “sweet wine” taste!
The 4x4 route is named after the old transport route that crossed the farm. The route was used by the sandveld and west coast farmers to transport their goods to, and purchases from Cape, Town.
SWARTBERGVLEI 4X4 - West Coast
Grade: 2 - 3
Terrain: Sand
Description: We have visited this trail numerous times in the past and received very good feedback regarding the trail and the challenges en-route, not to mention the newly completed lapa. Good reasons for a return visit to this 4x4 trail. From the rendezvous we will continue through Atlantis, past the well-known Atlantis Dunes, heading north on the R27 (West Coast Road) for approximately 50km, just past the turn off to the West Coast National Park and turn to the right into the farm Swartbergsvlei, where we will be spending the rest of the day.
The activities on the farm will start with deflating tyres, as this is one of many important factors of sand driving. The Swartbergsvlei 4x4 trail consists mainly of sand tracks and technically challenging donga obstacles where sand-driving skills will be tested. Swartbergsvlei boasts a newly completed Bush Pub with top class facilities. A venue for future visits for other activities. Quite a bit of time will be spent at these donga obstacles as divers test their machines against the elements and sometimes against one another. The one specific sand hill challenge, the main challenge of the day, always ensures great fun and photography opportunities. A special prize will be up for grabs for the driver that conquers the dune first time round or the one that drives the closest to the top. Tyre pressure, momentum and engine torque will be the order of the day on this challenge. All this is done in good spirit with many cheers and smiles from drivers, passengers and onlookers. Enough driving and challenges will be encountered to satisfy everyone, not to mention the beautiful view from the viewpoint overlooking Yzerfontein, sections of the West Coast National Park and the West Coast itself. Here is an opportunity to enjoy a fun filled day with your fellow Cederbergers. Swartbergsvlei is a destination well worth visiting more than once.
MARCUSKRAAL 4X4 - Citrusdal
Grade:
Route Distance:
Terrain: Mountainous
Accommodation: The newly established camp site offers lawn covered terraces, an abundance of trees providing shade and exceptionally neat and clean bathroom facilities. A pool offers respite from the heat during the day. All camp sites are equipped with electrical connections.
Description: Marcuskraal 4x4 is 20km from Citrusdal just off the N7 and is approximately 2 hours' drive from Cape Town. The farm's location makes it ideal for visitors from Cape Town who want to escape the city, but do not want to spend most of their weekend traveling to their destination.
With 4x4 trails winding through mountain fynbos and revealing spectacular views of the rugged Cedarberg Mountains, Marcuskraal offers an unsurpassed experience for nature lovers and 4x4 enthusiasts. The routes offer a wide range of driving conditions, from thick sand and loose rock to steep rocky inclines.
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SKURWEBERG 4X4 - Sutherland
Grade: 2 - 3
Route Distance:
Terrain: Mountainous
Accommodation:The campsite is grassed with electricity, good clean ablutions with hot and cold water, a big lapa for socializing.
Description: The Skurweberg trail begins at the farm house and is a circular route, which runs down the Skuinsvoetpad and returns via the Ouberg pass.
The trickier sections include some very rocky ascents, with rocky terrain in most places other than along the river where there is water, sand and mud, with names like Banggat, Grannys bum and hotrock it sounds like fun. There are some technical sections with the option of an escape route at each of these sections, giving you the opportunity to take photographs and watch the other participants putting their vehicles through the obstacles. This is always a good learning session where lots of inter reaction amongst the participants takes place and will ensure many discussions around the evening campfire.
The second route is called Sneeukrans and is also a circular route. This route is a genital scenic route that can be done in a 2x4 with good ground clearance.
The viewpoints on the top of the plateau are stunning (like sitting in a aeroplane) over the Tankwa Valley and Ceres Karoo and in the distance the Cederberg, Witzenberg and Swartberg through the haze. The terrain is predominantly rocky, the area being part of the eroded Karoo sediments.
Most of the plants are marked with name tags so you can look at the plants and see what they are called.
LUIPERDSKLOOF 4X4 TRAIL - Ceres
Grade: Between 2 - 4
Route Distance: 2 routes - Patryskop/Langkloof route, approx. 38km and the Bobbejaanberg circular route of approx. 20km
Terrain: Mountainous
Accommodation: Camping with full ablutions.
Description: The Luiperdskloof 4x4 trail is situated in the Skurweberg Mountains on the farm Luiperdskloof, a picturesque protea farm. The farm now belongs to the Vorster family. All internal fences have been removed as well as the demolishing of all the old buildings on the farm. Many other developments have taken place since the Vorster family bought the property with many more improvements in the planning for the future.
Extensive maintenance has been done to the trail ensuring a safe passage for visitors but not sacrificing any of the excitement of the obstacles. A panoramic view awaits participants of the Roggeveld and Hantam mountains in the far distant Ceres/Karoo flatlands, with a birds-eye view of Kagga Kamma in the foreground.
The Luiperdskloof 4x4 trail consists of two routes namely, the Patryskop/Langkloof route of approximately 38 km and the Bobbejaanberg circular route of approximately 20 km. The time required to complete the Patryskop/Langkloof section of the trail is approx. 5 hours.
The 4x4 trail was born when access roads were developed high up into the Skurweberg Mountains to facilitate the harvesting of Proteas. The trail offers participants the opportunity in testing their driving skills while negotiating the various ascents and descents high in the mountains, their vehicles power and traction while climbing to a height of approx. 1800m above sea level, taking you close to the highest peak in the Skurweberg mountains range, namely the Bokkeveld Sneeukop (2070m), where snow is common in the winter.
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Grade: Between 2 - 3
Route Distance: 10 km (5 - 6 hours)
Terrain: Sand
Accommodation: Camp site with 1 flush toilet, 1 Long drop and 2 hot/cold showers with a new "Donkey" for hot water.
Description: This trail is situated in a naturally formed dune area of approx. 350 hectares, which do not grow in size or move as many other dune areas have the tendency in doing. The dunes are unique to this area and offer the participants various forms of challenges under controlled conditions without any major impact on the environment while ensuring maximum pleasure for all. Under the ever watchful eye of “Oom Joos” with his famous pipe car and your Cederberg 4x4 guide you will have the opportunity to experiment with your vehicle by using different gear selections to just getting to know your vehicle better while measuring your vehicle as well as your own limitations and knowing when not to over step the line. Some of the key factors in getting over the dunes involve power, momentum and tyre pressures and as your techniques and confidence grows, those seemingly impossible dunes early the morning don’t look all that daunting as the day continues ending with interesting challenges at the famous camel dunes and a dune climb challenge. The trail distance is approx. 10km and can vary between 5 to 6 hours to complete depending on the time of the year it is visited. Escape option are always available if required.
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LEEUWENBOSCHFONTEIN 4X4 TRAIL - Karoo
Grade: Between 2 - 4
Route Distance: approx. 12 km
Terrain: Mountain and Rock
Accommodation: Camp site next to farm dam under weeping willow trees next to a dam, this is the true meaning of relaxation. Facilities include toilets, hot water, cloakrooms and a camping kitchen. Freezing facilities are available at the Main Guest House and a spacious shed provides for an alternate campsite, should the weather turn against you. The shed is well suited as a venue for functions and includes a large indoor fireplace, showers, toilets and a kitchen.. Main house as well as two cottages that can accommodate thirty people on a sharing basis. The main house offers stove, microwave, fridge, deepfreeze, TV, indoor braai and enclosed lapa with braai and bar overlooking pool and lawn.
Description: Leeuwenboschfontein, the farm of Jannie and Elsa du Plessis is only 220km from Cape Town, a mere 135km from the Huguenot Tunnel tollgate located in a triangle formed by the country towns of Montagu, de Doorns and Touws River. The drive alone makes it worthwhile. It is an ideal getaway at any time of the year, whether in the warmth of summer or the occassional snow of winter. The farm is set in a valley, against the backdrop of the beautiful Klein Karoo. This is a unique landscape of succulents, and renosterbos, bordered by breathtaking mountains,
Like many other 4x4 trails, this route originated when Jannie started making roads to reach the outskirts and the highest point on the farm. The 18km trail starts at the Main Guest House from where it winds through typical renosterveld, descending through some ditches and climbing over several small inclines. This section is somewhat technical, but not overly demanding. The trail winds it's way round to the western side of the Swartberg, with some low-range climbing along a well maintained track and reaching the summit at 1400m above sea level. Jannie recently completed a year long dream - the newly built God's Window enclosed shelter awaits you at the top! With sufficient parking for up to 25 vehicles, this is the perfect venue for a well earned lunch stop. You will be able to enjoy a magnificent 360° view from within this shelter, whilst surrounded by the luxury of a built-in working surface, sufficient seating and a cosy central fireplace. From here the road descends down the mountain to complete the circular route. Two very steep declines await you on this section of the trail! It might seem dangerous, but the front tyres slip only a "few centimetres" on the rocky steps, before gripping the rock again. If you have some nervous passengers on board, consider taking the alternate route!
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