The Western Cape boasts some of the world’s most rugged, beautiful terrain. Majestic mountain ranges, indigenous forests and spectacular wildlife culminate in an exploratory wonderland that feeds even the most adventurous spirit. And there’s no better way to explore this landscape than from behind the wheel of a 4×4. These four routes display the Cape’s features in the best way possible.
1 Boegoeberg Trail
The Boegoeberg trail is a scenic mountain route that rests high up on the ‘Engelsman se Berg’ on Lambertshoek farm. The trail offers a variety of challenges as it undulates from steep inclines over large rock formations to swift descents down highland terrain – a sure test to your technical driving skills. On the last stretch of this 30 km route lies a shimmering stream you’ll have to cross at different points. The difficulty of this section can vary from month to month, however, panoramic views of the sea in the West and the Cederberg Mountains in the East make this the perfect trail for those craving some breathtaking vistas coupled with a quick adrenaline fix. There’s also an overnight campsite that functions as an eco-friendly, family-orientated venue.
Where Engelsman se Berg, Citrusdal, Western Cape
Grade 3–4: Moderate (low-range and 4×4 driving experience recommended) to difficult (suitable for experienced drivers and recovery equipment recommended)
Time 2–6 hours
Distance 30 km
Contact +27 21 482 2933, +27 83 632 2634, boegoeberg4x4.co.za
2 Ostrich Eco Trail
This trail promises to be a feast for the senses as it winds its way through kloofs, along fields, across rivers and passes through beautiful vegetation of succulent fynbos. Your vehicle will be tested on a variety of surfaces, including sand, stone and water, as the meandering Slang River presents numerous crossings along the route. During the rainy season, the river bed becomes flooded, leaving obstacles of mud puddles and water pools in your path, and the water levels can rise quite high so you’ll need to make sure you note the alternate routes. Red and green arrows ensure the route is well-marked and keeps you posted on the level of difficulty at all times. A low-range vehicle is your safest bet and we’d also suggest you bring along a packed lunch as there are a couple of awesome picnic spots.
Where 1o km from Witsand, Cape Overberg, Western Cape
Grade 1–3: Easy (suitable for beginners) to Moderate (4×4 driving experience is essential)
Time 3–5 hours
Distance 13 km
Contact +27 28 537 1942 / +27 82 493 0591, [email protected]
3 Glen Oakes
Experienced trailblazers will love the rough and tumble temperament of Glen Oaks in the Cape Overberg. This trail is set out like an obstacle course and takes you through leafy green forests on the foothills of the Klein River Mountain. Cultivated land makes way for familiar rocky roads but the terrain becomes more testing with large stretches of mud patches and marshes near the vlei. As a gesture of good faith, all proceeds from the trail go towards eradicating alien vegetation from the surrounding farmland. So if you’re looking for an adventure that packs in a good cause, this is the route for you.
Where Glen Oaks, Caledon, Western Cape
Grade 3–4: Moderate (4×4 driving experience recommended) to difficult (suitable for experienced drivers only and recovery equipment is recommended)
Time 3–7 hours
Distance 8 km
Contact + 27 28 – 212 2050
4 Klein Tafelberg
Voted South Africa’s number one 4×4 trail, Klein Tafelberg serves up some glorious sand dunes. Plenty of twists and turns make for some fun driving and the sandy stretch becomes softer and more challenging as the day heats up. Once this section has been conquered, a range of rocky steps, steep ledges and solid rock faces will have you really working up a sweat. At the top, unique limestone formations and indigenous flora present the rawest, untouched version of West Coast terrain – a site that is truly well worth the effort.
Where 15 km from Redelinghuys, West Coast, Western Cape
Grade 3–4: Moderate (4×4 driving experience recommended) to difficult (suitable for experienced drivers only and recovery equipment is recommended)
Time 5–6 hours
Distance 20 km
Contact +27 82 558 4575, kleintafelberg4x4.co.za
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