TAFELKOP 4X4 and DOORINGLAAGTE RESORT
A WELL HIDDEN GEM IN THE LITTLE KAROO, CLOSE TO MONTAGU
3 – 4 MARCH 2012
AN OUTING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY IN THE PICTURESQUE MONTAGU VALLEY
The Tafelkop 4x4 trail is situated on the farm Scheepersdraai, in the Montagu valley, under the ever-watchful eye of the Langeberg mountain range. The name of the farm dates back to the Anglo Boer War when General Scheepers and his men trekked over the farm.
Scheepersdraai provides delicious sun-dried fruit throughout the year and fresh fruit is available, in season, for 10 months of the year. Peaches form the main produce of the farm, which are dried and sold mainly to the local market. Citrus forms part of the annual harvest on the farm, supplying the local market. Small quantities of grapes are grown and delivered to the local cellars for the production of wine. The farm owner has a selection of dried fruit for sale, should you be interested. Planting and pruning happens in winter. A seemingly endless display of bright wild flowers and blossoms can be enjoyed during spring. Further processing and drying of fruit is done in the summer. In autumn and winter you are invited to enjoy citrus straight from the trees. A wide variety of animals, including duiker, grysbok, jackal, rooikat, baboon, black eagle ('witkruisarend'), crow, guinea fowl, francolin ('fisant & patrys'), and other birds can be seen. Occasionally the unique fish-eagle call can be heard next to the river. If you’re lucky you'll even see the klipspringers standing against Tafelkop while enjoying the view over Montagu valley. Typical Karoo plants, thorn trees and succulents cover this beautiful landscape.
The Tafelkop 4x4 trail is approximately 10km long and starts with an interesting obstacle section of 1km in length, in a dry riverbed. Here driver technique and skills can be tweaked before negotiating the trail which winds between and over the typical “Karookoppies” and across more dry riverbeds before ascending to a viewpoint with spectacular views over the Langeberg Mountains and the Koo Valley. Participants can have peace of mind as bypass routes are available at the more challenging sections. The descent from the viewpoint will ensure higher adrenalin levels than normal. With regard to damage to your vehicle, you can enjoy peace of mind when these obstacles are negotiated if the golden rule of 4x4ing is adhered to at all times, namely; “As slow as possible, as fast as necessary”.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All information supplied in the agenda is given in good faith by Cederberg 4x4 and compiled from the latest information available at the time. The activity times, as indicated on the agenda, are subject to change without notice and at the sole discretion of the guide.
Vehicles: Only vehicles with low range capabilities can be accommodated.
Trailers: Trailers & Off-road Caravans CAN be accommodated on this excursion.
Grading: Trail grading is between a 2-3 when dry and 3-4 when wet
Nearest Town: Montagu.
Guide: Colin Cromhout.
RENDEZVOUS
PLACE : SHELL ULTRA CITY just before WORCESTER ON THE N1, outgoing from Cape Town.
DATE : SATURDAY, 03 MARCH 2012.
TIME : 08h00 SHARP. PLEASE RESPECT YOUR FELLOW PARTICIPANTS AND BE ON TIME.
SATURDAY, 03 MARCH
08h00 - Rendezvous at SHELL ULTRA CITY, WORCESTER ON THE N1 outgoing from Cape Town.
08h15 - Briefing on activities and convoy driving.
08h30 - Depart for Montagu.
09h45 - Arrive at Doringlaagte Resort, near Montagu and set up camp. Deflate tyres.
10h45 - Briefing on 4x4 driving.
11h00 - Depart to Tafelkop 4x4 trail
13h30 - Complete trail and return to Doringlaagte for a light self catering picnic lunch
15h00 - Drive the scenic drive on the Doringlaagte Resort property
16h00 - Return to the campsite and relax.
19h00 - Communal evening braai with the Cederberg 4x4 formalities.
SUNDAY, 04 MARCH
08h30 - Breakfast at the camp. (Self-catering) Break camp.
09h30 - Depart for Montagu.
10h00 - Visit the Montagu Dried Fruit Route on a tractor trip through the orchards. See the views over
Montagu from the Old Fort on top of the hill. Bring your own drinks along. Duration 2 hours, cost is
R30.00 pp. Children under 6 go free. Excursion is payable at the Montagu Dried Fruit Route office.
12h30 - Lunch at a restaurant en-route to Cape Town. (Your own account)
14h00 - Depart for Cape Town.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE SUNDAY
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the camp and depart at your own time for home.
FUEL STOPS EN-ROUTE
Ensure that your vehicle is refuelled at the rendezvous point PRIOR to the start of the briefing. Sufficient fuel stops will be made en-route eliminating the necessity to carry additional fuel.
ACCOMMODATION
This excursion is offered as a self-sufficient camping weekend, everyone must be equipped accordingly.
We will be camping at Doringlaagte Resort offering grassed camp sites with sufficient shade. Electrical points are available throughout the camp. Other amenities at the camp are a swimming pool and optional activities like cycling, hiking, birding, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating and golf of chipping and putting.
ABLUTION FACILITIES
The campsite offers very neat and clean Flush toilets, Hot/Cold showers for the ladies and men separately. Showers are gas heated.
CATERING
Everyone must be totally self-sufficient for the duration of this trip.
GENERAL
• Please remember that no alcohol may be consumed by either the driver or passenger(s) whilst driving at any time. Please respect your guides and your fellow participants and save the alcoholic beverages until we return to the camp each day.
• WATER - is available at the campsite. Always advisable to bring own drinking water on excursions.
• WOOD – Please ensure that each vehicle carry at least 2 x bags of wood for the weekend.
• ICE – Ensure you have sufficient ice
• Garbage bins are available in the camp.
• A communal braai area will be determined on arrival at the campsite.
• Portable braai’s are welcome in the communal braai area.
• Bring braai grid, braai stand, tongs and other cooking/eating utensils.
• The days could be warm and the night’s cold. Pack clothing accordingly.
• Advisable to have a broad rim hat and sun block on hand.
• Always advisable to wear comfortable closed boots or shoes.
• It is advisable to always have an umbrella or awning available when on the trail.
• Use tie-down straps to secure all items packed as loose items can become missiles.
VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS
• All vehicles and Off-road trailers must be in sound mechanical condition.
• Always have your spare keys with you.
• Recovery points fitted to the front and rear on your vehicle are a prerequisite.
• Your own Kinetic/recovery strap will be advisable.
• A tyre pump and tyre pressure gauge will be required to deflate/inflate tyres.
• Please ensure that you have a fire extinguisher is mounted in a very accessible position.
29MHz TWO WAY RADIOS
Communication between participating vehicles on any 4x4 excursion is important for many reasons. It ensures the safety of drivers, passengers and vehicles while on a 4x4 trail, where drivers can communicate with one another with regards to their location and situation, not to mention the interesting information that is shared with participants. The fun part is the many interesting stories that are shared among participants.
We suggest all 4x4 vehicles that don’t have a 29MHz two-way radio, HIRE one from us at a nominal fee of R100-00 for this excursion.
Should you be hiring a 29MHz radio, please ensure that your lighter socket is working. If you intend running more than one item from the lighter socket, ensure to have a double adapter handy as well as spare fuse for this excursion.
NB: If your vehicle is fitted with a 29MHz radio, please make sure that channels 1, 14 and 23 are open and working for this excursion.
Should you wish to make a once off investment and purchase a 29MHz radio, we have negotiated a special deal for all Cederberg 4x4 participants. For more information, contact Marina on 021 913 4632.
COST
Please indicate your choice of accommodation at the time of booking.
R550-00 per vehicle for the camping option.
R100-00 Radio hire, should your vehicle not be fitted with a 29MHz radio.
BOOKING AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS
Should you wish to join us on this excursion, please contact Marina immediately to obtain the booking form and banking details.
• We can only accommodate a maximum of 12 vehicles on this excursion.
• All Cederberg 4x4 excursions are subject to a minimum of 8 x vehicles.
• All bookings are made on a first-come-first-serve basis.
• Cederberg 4x4 requires a completed and signed booking form, as well as proof of payment, via email or fax, to confirm your booking.
• The full amount is payable into the account of Cederberg 4x4 TWO (2) working days after the booking form and bank details have been forwarded to you.
• Your completed and signed booking form binds you to all conditions on page one and two of the booking form.
PLEASE NOTE: NO PETS ALLOWED
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
COENIE on 083 675 6194 or MARINA on 021 913 4632
FAX: 021 913 2333
E-MAIL: info@cederberg4x4.co.za
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