4X4 ROUTE

4X4 ROUTES

WITSAND

Ostrich Eco 4x4 Trail The self drive Ostrich Eco 4x4 Trail is located near the popular holiday town of Witsand. The route is 13km, difficulty grading of one to three and it takes between three and five hours to complete. You will encounter a number of river crossings along the route which can prove challenging, These are generally during very wet winters. The pools left from these rains provide a fabulous driving experience as you twist and turn through the kloofs. A low range vehicle is required in some of the sections. Bring a picnic lunch as there is an awesome spot under a giant Milkwood tree where you can nibble on some treats. This is a great trail for the whole family and is both a learning and fun experience. This is a circular route and there are escape routes at certain points along the route. Tel: +27 (0)82 687 7711

HEIDELBERG/RIVERSDALE: GYSMANSHOEK PASS

The Gysmanshoek Pass follows a historical ox wagon route dating back to the mid 1700’s. This is an old gravel pass through a natural cleft in the Langeberg Mountains between Heidelberg in the south and the Little Karoo/ Ladismith area in the north. It is driveable in a normal car in good weather, but after a good rain, a 4x4 will be a better option. Depending on the weather, things can get tricky on this pass. Not too many people have travelled this delightfully scenic and off the beaten track pass. It was originally named Hudson’s Pass after the local magistrate. Take your time over this pass and stop frequently to enjoy the proteas, ericas and other flowering Fynbos species. See if you can find the ruins of the old English fort which dates back to the Anglo Boer war. The pass is 11,6km long and contains 51 bends, corners and curves. The average gradient is a mild 1:36 but there are two very steep sections close to the summit,where the gradient gets as steep as 1:5 and FWD cars might well experience traction issues here (especially if driving from south to north) - even in dry weather.

GETTING THERE: FROM HEIDELBERG

From the south it is much quicker and simpler. From Heidelberg, drive east along Van Riebeeck Street and just after crossing the Duiwenhoksrivier, take the first turn left. This is a tarred road, which becomes gravel later. Head north for 7km until you arrive at a fork at GPS S34.032989 E20.957071. Keep right at the fork and drive for 15km to arrive at the southern start of Gysmanshoek Pass.

FROM RIVERSDALE (R323)

You will be approaching Gysmanshoek from the east. From Riversdale drive on the tarred R323 north west for 3,2km. Take the gravel road to the left at GPS S34.068246 E21.240291. Drive north west for 25km to arrive at the southern start of Gysmanshoek Pass. As altitude is gained the views become increasingly impressive to the left as the farms and valleys look almost toy like in the distance. Most of the bends are easy up until this point, but at the 4,3km mark, the road curves to the right through 160 degrees. The radius of this bend is not very sharp and no reduction in speed is necessary, but the condition of the track can become quite rough here, so choose your driving lines with care. The presence of lots of fist sized stones can cause traction issues for non 4WD vehicles.

If you’re not in a 4x4, you will need to maintain some momentum to get up this final part of the ascent, which lasts for 400m. The summit point comes up quickly. The road is reasonably wide at the summit and a two spoor track leads off to the right, where you can park if you want to stop a while and enjoy the views or take photos.

STILBAAI TO JONGENSFONTEIN: 4X4 SAND ROUTE EDEN PARK

How to get to Eden Park 4×4: About nine kilometres from Stilbaai (one kilometres before Jongensfontein) take the gravel road to the right (away from the ocean and Jongensfontein’s first houses) and follow the indicators for about two kilometres to Eden Park.

This route consists of a scenic loop that is not too difficult, depending on the driver’s level of experience as well as the vehicle’s capabilities. A‘speelgat’ where various climbs out of the sandy ‘bowl’ not only test the skills of the drivers and the 4×4 performance of the vehicles, but it is also great fun. All you need is a 4×4 vehicle with hi and low Range. Remember to deflate the vehicle’s tyres to about 1Bar (or even less). There is a pump so that you can inflate the tyres again before leaving the farm. Follow the route by following the arrows. Keep an eye open for tortoises, buck and other animals – we saw a few very interesting tracks… like always when doing 4×4: ‘Tread Lightly’. Buy the permit in the ‘self-help’ office and start the fun. The Eden Park 4×4 Sand Route is an enjoyable experience for the whole family. Tel: +27(0)72 155 4257

ALBERTINIA: CANCA FYNBOS 4X4 ROUTE (R325)

Canca Fynbos route is 17km long, with a route grading two to three. It takes about two to three hours to drive, picnic spot along the route. Tel: +27(0)28 745 333 or +27(0)79 883 0666