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Week-end Trips
Week-end trips are upgraded quarterly, so please watch this space.
As most of the week-end trips are on 4x4 trails, we invite the adventurous 4x4ers to feel the rush of adrenaline on the exciting trails of South Africa. Yet, as safety is of the utmost importance to us, you and your family can rest assured that your vehicle will not be damaged.
The family can enjoy the amazing scenery of these trails while taking stunning photos.
The children meet new friends and have a fantastic time in nature.
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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For a few short weeks every year the Biedouw Valley, outside Clanwilliam, becomes one of the most beautiful places anyone could possibly visit in the whole of South Africa.
At the end of winter this remote valley, with its amazing views, beauty, peace and tranquillity, is transformed as millions and millions of flowers make their appearance, creating a colour-filled spectacle that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. You will hardly believe your eyes as you travel around the valley with flowers just about everywhere you look. And there is a 4x4 trail.
This 28km 4 x 4 route is an ideal family outing. It is an interesting mix of rock, sand and weather depending, there could be a bit of water and mud thrown in for fun. There are also spectacular sights to be seen along the way in the form of some very unique potholes, waterfalls, and larger swimming holes in the Biedouw River.
The second part of the trail follows a very steep climb up to a plateau where stunning views over the surrounding mountains, like Sneeukop, Krakadouw and Citadelkop, await visitors. Not too mention the view over the valley itself. The plateau is also covered in flowers during this time of year.
We will also take a leisurely drive down the 30 kilometre long valley to the banks of the Doring River. Here we will turn around and each vehicle will be able to make its way back to camp at its own pace, stopping wherever and whenever the occupants want, for as long as they want, to soak in the splendour and beauty.
The farm Mertenhof offers both camping, in a very nice grassed campsite with new separate ablutions for men and women, as well as accommodation in the farmhouse at the camp. Enquire early if you want to stay in one of the rooms, please. Mariette Lubbe also runs a tea garden and honesty shop where one can buy the world famous Biedouw Valley rooibos tea, as well as home made jams and biscuits.
There are also interesting walks from the camp to nearby caves where one can view Bushmen paintings and inscriptions by 7 generations of the Lubbe family.
If you haven’t yet seen the Biedouw Valley in spring, then this trip is a must and if you have, you will know it is definitely worth another visit. Phone the office as soon as possible to join Warren and Natalie Ellwood on this visit to one of the more beautiful places God has created.
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The first impression of the West Coast is that time stood still for thousands of years, while the Atlantic Ocean moulds the coast line, piece by piece, every day. The many unspoiled bays and beaches are evidence of how wonderful nature truly is. A very special part of our country well worth visiting.
The rendezvous is at Garries, from where we will visit the small town of Hondeklipbaai and the wreck of the Aristea before we head south to the Spoeg River Caves and our first camp at Boggerolbaai. We spend one night at each camp. Many other interesting places like Koringkorrelbaai, Groen River Mouth, Island Point, Jurg-se-Khaja, Brand-se-Baai, Matesa-se-Bad and Gert du Toit-se-Baai, to mention but a few, will be some of the places we will visit. Special activities for the children will be catered for, giving parents enough time to enjoy the beauty of the area. Make sure your camera is packed as you will experience some of the best sunsets on the West Coast.
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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Have you always been dreaming of an all-exclusive ladies getaway in the great outdoors, surrounded by likeminded ladies, sharing the same interests and dreams? Where you can let your hair down and be yourself, without the responsibility of having to tend to the children or your spouse/boyfriend, pulling in the reins or dampening your fun? Where you can break away from the everyday rat race? If you have never had the opportunity to live this dream, here is an opportunity of a lifetime not to be missed.
During our visit to the West Coast we will be setting camp at two different campsites, each a stone-throw away from the Atlantic Ocean. The last evening’s camp is in close proximity to Gert du Toit-se-Baai. Due to legislation we will not be able to drive on the beach, but as with many previous West Coast tours, after the new legislation, we will be hugging the coast as close as possible, within the legal limits, via a variety of existing tracks. The West Coast will never disappoint any visitor with its beauty or the memorable experiences throughout their visit.
The West Coast has a unique character and beauty leaving you with the feeling that time has stood still for thousands of years. The cold Atlantic Ocean buffeting the desert-like coastline, forming and moulding it into breath-taking bays, will form part of the numerous sights we will be enjoying. Names like Groenrivier, Island Point, SS Namakwa, Brand-se-Baai, Matessa-se-Bad and Gert du Toit-se-Baai, to mention but a few, will be the centre point of conversation for weeks to come after your return from the West Coast. En-route we will pass various active diamond mines, where the gems are still mined from the shore to this very day, as well as the ship wreck of the SS Namakwa, which ran aground 29 March 1876, either through human error or taken by the fury of the Atlantic Ocean. These are only a few of the highlights you will experience on your visit to the West Coast. A further bonus for participants is that you will be driving through this barren yet so beautiful section of our West Coast in your own 4x4. Everyone is sure to have great fun. Be sure to have your cameras and videos on hand to capture those special moments, to be shared with friends upon your return. Let us enjoy the beauty of the West Coast and preserve it for generations to come by leaving only our footprints behind.
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Leeuwenboschfontein 4x4 - Karoo
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 th beautiful Klein Karoo. This is a unique landscape of succulents,k 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!
There is self-catering accommodation and the campsite is ideal for the outdoor oriented individual. Situated under 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.
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For a printable version of the year planner, Click Here
These trips are upgraded quarterly, so watch this space
For info on the trips, click on the trip name
August 6 to 9 Saturday to Monday
6 to 9 Saturday to Monday
27 to 29 Friday to Sunday
September 24 to 26 Friday to Sunday
24 to 26 Friday to Sunday
October 8 to 10 Friday to Sunday
November 18 to 21 Thursday to Sunday
13 to 14 Saturday to Sunday
December 3 to 5 Friday to Sunday
11 to 12 Saturday to Sunday
Booking Procedure
Should you wish to join us on an outing, please contact MARINA by E-mail/Fax to obtain the agenda for the outing, the booking form and bank details.
Your booking will only be noted upon receipt of your proof of payment and fully completed and signed booking form.
E-Mail // Fax: 021 913 2333 Tel: 021 913 4632
Grade: Depending on water level in the kloof - 2 to 4
Route Distance: 12 km
Terrain: Mountain and River Bed
Accommodation: The campsite for the first night offers no ablutions. We may be lucky and be able to use the 1 toilet, if there is no one in the guesthouse. Otherwise it is the cat method in the riverbed. Don’t worry, plenty bush and trees about. The campsite for the second night offers full ablutions with hot showers. 2 x Flush toilets, 2 x hot showers (Donkey method) and 2 x Long drop toilets.
Description: Do you remember the Camel Challenge? In today’s modern world there are very few, if any, unspoilt places where it feels as if you’re the first person to discover it, and above all, where you are allowed to drive your own 4x4. Buffelspoort is one of the exceptions.
Located in the Klein Swartberg Mountains, south of Laingsburg, the “poort” is found where the Buffels River cuts through the Klein Swartberg Mountains, between Laingsburg and Ladismith, forming a 600 meter deep, truly spectacular, gorge. This gorge is a National Heritage site and possibly one of the best-kept secrets in the Western Cape. We can guarantee, despite the poort being only 12km long, that it will be one of your most memorable 4x4 trips ever, with many water crossings and some interesting obstacles with names like “Car Wash” and “Devils Workshop”.
The area is also rich in history and legend. From the Battle of Driefontein to the Legend of Towerkop, you will hear all the stories and myths on this weekend, including some interesting information about the floods that almost washed Laingsburg away in 1981. Evidence of Mother Nature’s power is still to be seen in the poort to this day.
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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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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
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 and the facilities at the campsite by the owner of the 4x4 trail, Albert Smit. A full environmental impact study was done on his 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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Anysberg Nature Reserve - betweeen Touwsriver and Lainsberg
Anysberg Nature Reserve lies in the Klein Karoo between Ladismith, Laingsburg, Touwsrivier and Montagu, and is approximately four hours drive from Cape Town. The reserve offers the visitor some of the most striking scenery in the Karoo as well as fascinating animals and plants and various recreational activities.
Anysberg Nature Reserve was established in 1988 in order to conserve the local veldtype and to eventually re-introduce game species which historically occurred in this region. Various properties, between 1996 and 2001 were purchased by Leslie Hill Succulent Trust or donated to WWF, and the reserve now comprises an area of 62 500 ha. The landscape alternates from gently undulating terrain and Karoo plains to rugged mountains with steep gorges. The Anys, Touws and Prins Rivers, tributaries of the Gouritz river system, flow through the reserve.
Anysberg lies within the Cape fold mountains and the vegetation is transitional between mountain fynbos and typical Klein Karoo veld. The plant life ranges from eye-catching succulents to impressive stands of proteas which occur at higher altitudes.
Mammals include steenbok, duiker, gemsbok, red hartebeest, the endangered Cape mountain zebra and numerous other small, shy species. Leopard roam the mountains. Other notable carnivores include black-backed jackal and caracal. Bird-watchers will find this an interesting locality, with approximately 180 bird species having been recorded. Reptiles are represented by five species of tortoise, boomslang, Cape cobra, puff adder and various other snakes and lizards.
Numerous archaeological sites are dotted over the reserve. Bushman paintings depicting scenes from the past and ruins dating from the late 1700s are reminders of the early hunters, farmers and herders who inhabited the area.
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Wagon Wheels 4x4 near Montagu
Karoo Adventures' Wagon Wheel 4x4,quad and mountainbike trail is situated only 40km from Montagu on the R318, on the farm Koeniekraal.
Accommodation
We offer accommodation, which varies from basic campsites to a comfortable chalet. We have three campsites, Peerboom Camp, Luiperdskloof Camp and Kareekloof Camp and a chalet at Zoutrivier. An easy access road from the beginning of the trail makes it possible for visitors to enter and drive directly to the campsites and the chalet, and they are accessible by any vehicle.
These are working farms. Koeniekraal farm has been in the Le Roux family for four generations and is also the setting for most of the Wagon Wheel 4x4 Trail. From time to time, Danie, the owner, will have his sheep grazing on this farm, and for the rest of the time it will be inhabited leopards and caracals. Zoutrivier is used part of the year for grazing and also for planting of crops.
Come and visit us at Karoo Adventures and experience clean air, beautiful sunsets and star filled skies. You will feel refreshed and the kids will have a blast!
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Marcuskraal 4x4 - Citrusdal
Marcuskraal 4x4 and Camp Site" is situated 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.
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.
With rates set for the local market, Marcuskraal offers an affordable weekend getaway for 4x4 enthusiasts who want to experience the splendour of the Cedarberg and West Coast Regions of South Africa.
With a 4x4 trail winding through mountain fynbos and revealing spectacular views of the rugged Cedarberg Mountains, Marcuskraal offers an unsurpassed experience for nature lovers and 4x4 enthusiasts. While most of the trails are suitable for novice 4x4 drivers, there are more challenging obstacles that will leave even die-hard 4x4 enthusiasts with a sense of accomplishment upon completion.
The route leads drivers to the summit of the Osberg mountain with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. On a clear day it is possible to see the Atlantic Ocean in the distance from the summit. Approximately in the middle of the route, there is a bush camp with braai facilities and running water where visitors can rest and braai before continuing towards Dwarsrug.
The summit of Dwarsrug rewards visitors with spectacular views down a sheer cliff of the orchards, farm house and camp site in the valley far below. A short drive takes visitors back to the camp site.
The 24 km route takes approximately 4 hours, excluding stopping time, to complete.
Directions
Follow the N7 highway from Cape Town in a northerly direction towards Citrusdal.
20km past the Citrusdal turnoff, turn left at the Marcuskraal signpost.
Follow the tarred road for 1.5km. The entrance to Marcuskraal will be on the left.
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