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4x4 Trails of the Western Cape M - 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.
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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VOORHOEDE 4x4 - Caledon
Grade: Between 2 - 4
Route Distance: approx. 15 km
Terrain: Mountain
Accommodation: Voorhoede offers accommodation with self-catering cottages, a parkhome and ample camping facilities. Cottages are all situated away from the main working farm and are very private. No electricity is available in 2 of the cottages but gas facilities are provided i.e. Geyser, fridge and stoves. There are two campsites, one at the 'Carp-and ski dam' and one in the 'Akkerbos', both with hot shower and flush toilets.
Description: Voorhoede is situated 5km east of Caledon on the N2 and a 120km from Cape Town. The farm is signposted on the right hand side of the N2. Turn right and continue up the gravel road to reception.
The trail offers various interesting obstacles starting with a play area where the difficulty will depend on the amount of rain that might have fallen close to the time of our visit. Great fun will be had by all in the play area irrelevant of the amount of rain that might have fallen before the main section of the trail is driven.
The mountain section of the trail will test the driving skills of each driver through the various obstacles before reaching a panoramic viewpoint. The obstacles that will be encountered en-route may vary from seemingly impossible in the wet winter months to challenging in the summer with escapes at most obstacles giving participants the peace of mind not damaging their vehicles. The ascents and descents on the trail will test you and your vehicle capabilities in numerous places once again giving you’re the opportunity to get to know your vehicle better and play around with different gear selections. The more adventurous drivers do not need to use the escape routes in the play area nor on the trail, ensuring that adrenalin levels rise much higher than normal.
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WAAIHOEK 4x4 - Worcester
Grade: Between 2 - 3 depending on rainfall
Route Distance:
Terrain: Mountain and Sand
Accommodation:
Description: The trail is situated in the Rawsonville area close to Worcester. This valley is famous for its vineyards and protea farming. Due to the fires over the last few years, the proteas are unfortunately not blushing in its full glory, but doesn’t overpower the tranquility and beauty of the Jan du Toits Kloof valley and the Waaihoek kloof. Normally the owner arranges a fundraiser event for the local farmers and surrounding communities once a year as well has an accredited shooting range for weapon training, which is required by law. This route is not open to the general public and here is your opportunity to visit a very scenic trail offering a variety of challenges with Cederberg 4x4.
The trail offers various challenges that will satisfy the needs of most 4x4 enthusiasts, such as the sand section with its man-made obstacles close to the ‘Eike Bos’ where participants can play to their heart’s content. There is also a small mud section that can become GREAT FUN for all in the rainy season followed by the mountain section where interesting technical camber and rocky section will be encountered ensuring to lift the adrenalin levels a few notches before reaching a view point from where the entire valley in all its glory can be seen before beginning our decent that can become challenging and even more so during the winter months.
This trail is a good combination between mountain and sand driving with a beautiful viewpoint and is definitely worth a visit. This beutiful trail, in the heart of the Rawsonville area, is not normally open to the general public.
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WUPPERTHAL 4x4 ROUTE - Clanwilliam 75 km
Grade: Between 3 - 4 plus
Route Distance: Tra Tra Trail 49km Citadel Tail 14km
Terrain: Rocky and sandy
Accommodation: Camping with hot showers and flush toilets. Guesthouse in Wupperthal
Description: The Wupperthal 4 x 4 trail is situated in the Northern Cederberg Mountains with the start of the trail at the Mission Village Wupperthal. En-route from Clanwilliam to Wupperthal, historic places like the Leipoldt Grave and the Englishman’s Grave can be found while driving over the Pakhuis Pass and enjoying the beautiful scenery and rock formations of the Cederberg. The Mission village of Wupperthal, with history dating back many years is always a worthwhile visit not forgetting the well-known shoe factory in the village.
The Wupperthal 4 x 4 route consists of two different sections, namely the Tra-Tra Valley and the Citadel routes. The start of the Tra Tra trail is at the Old Leipoldt House where the permits are obtained for the route. Leaving Wupperthal, the route starts in all earnest with the long climb to the top of the mountains onto rocky and fairly steep slopes. The circular section on the plateau has beautiful views from the various viewpoints. Return is steep downhill, not good in wet weather. Citadel trail is easier with breathtaking view of Tra Tra valley.
The Wupperthal 4x4 trail will always ensure participants maximum enjoyment and is always worth more than one visit.
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ZEVENFONTEIN 4X4 ROUTE - Robertson
Grade: Between 2 - 3
Route Distance: The steeper mountain section, accessible for 4x4’s only, is about 16 km long, short trail criss-crossing the river, plus short obstacle course
Terrain: Mountainous
Accommodation: A wonderfully shaded bush camp site with a one of a kind donkey to heat the water and flush toilets
Description: The Farm Zevenfontein, situated at the foot of the Riviersonderend Mountains is a mere two hours drive from Cape Town with Robertson the closest town. It is probably one of the lesser-known trails in the Cape, but definitely one of the gems.
The 4x4 trail itself is rather unique, offering cross axle twisters, "mellowed" trenches and dongas, sharp up-hill curves, safe short downhills and a sandy patch, just long enough to get a vehicle stuck once, if the driver does not stick to the rules of sand driving.
Views of the entire Agterkliphoogte valley and the kloof with its waterfalls can be enjoyed from its highest point. Then all around the campsite there is a short trail which crosses the river numerous times providing for some interesting in / out challenges, all under shade and easily accessible for spectators.
There are also some swimming holes in the river nearby so bring those costumes. There is also a short obstacle course where you will be safely able to really test your vehicles articulation capabilities and get some really amazing photographs while doing so. You will also be able to test your "team work" with your partner as guiding will be necessary all round.
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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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Vensterberg 4x4 - Citrusday
Grade: 2 - 3
Route Distance: 17 km
Terrain: Mountain
Accommodation: No campsite as yet but the farm has an option of four houses or cottages to choose from.
Self-catering or you can be served breakfast. Bedlinen is provided, but please bring your own towels.
For further info on the accommodation and directions, go to http://www.citrusdal.info/olivier/
Description: A lovely scenic route, in the Cederberg mountains, on the farm of Gerrie & Mare Olivier. There's one or two challenging sections but on the whole an easy route, taking 4 to 5 hours. A recent fire has destroyed quite a bit of the fynbos, but it is on the road to recovery and by next year most signs of the fire should be invisible.
Grade: Between 2 - 4
Route Distance: 25 km
Terrain: Sandy route with low dunes
Accommodation: No overnighting 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.