| Darling |
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a list of west coast 4 x 4 trails
Trail Gradings between 1 - 5. What do they mean?
ATLANTIS DUNES BABYLONSTOREN 4X4 - Malmesbury BIEDOUW 4X4 ROUTE - Clanwilliam BOEGOEBERG 4X4 ROUTE - Graafwater 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 role. 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. 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" 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. 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. 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. LAMBERTSBAY DUNES 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. 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. VENSTERBERG 4x4 - Citrusdal 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. 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.
Golden rules to be adhered to at all times "As slow as possible as fast as necessary"
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