Eastern Cape 4×4 Trails
Eastern Cape 4×4 trails are as diverse as the province itself. The adventure province has lent it well to the Four Wheel Drivers of the Eastern Cape. Trail variety is as diverse as the area.
4×4 Africa is asking the “4WD community” to contact us with updates or add more trails to the ever growing list of existing Eastern Cape 4×4 trails. We welcome all trails; be it commercially operated paid trails, a scenic dirt road or a few bog holes… Follow this link to contact us.
Bamboeshoek 4×4 Trail
The driving challenges and breathtaking scenery, is something you will remember for a long time.
Game can also be sighted on the route and in the area; such as: wildebeest, impala redbuck and springbok.
Closest Town/s: Sterkstroom, 24 km / Molteno, 17km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 4
Type of Terrain: Steep Inclines, Steep Descends, Mud, Clay, Snow
Distance (total): 13 km and 19 km
Driving Time (estimated): 2 – 4 Hours (estimated)
Contact: Chris & Mariana Bartlett
Telephone: 045 966 9552 / 082 930 3823
Email: n/a
GPS: -31.05828, 27.86390
Website: Bamboeshoek-4×4-trail
Bastervoedpad (Baster Voetslaan Pass) – Mountain Pass (2240m high)
Closest Town/s: Elliot and Ugie
Grade (1 – 5): 1 – 5
Type of Terrain: Steep Gradients, Mountainous, Scenic Dive, River Crossing, Technical Driving
Distance (total): 2.75 km
Driving Time (estimated): 1 – 3 Hours
Contact: “not required-public road”
GPS: “see Google Maps”
GPS: Barkly Pass side: S 31 09.854, E 027 53.832 Ugie side: S 31 12.333, E 028 11.371
Website: Bastervoet Pass
Baviaans – Aasvoelberg 4×4 (Finchley Farm Cottage)
Closest Town/s: Willowmore, 3 km
Grade (1 – 5): 1 – 2
Type of Terrain: Plaas paaie. Magnificent rock formations, fountains, waterfalls, mountain streams and birdlife.
Distance (total): 70 km
Driving Time (estimated): 2 – 4 Hours
Contact: Joanne Kroon
Telephone: 044 923 1801 / 082 783 5389
Email: finchleyfarm@baviaans.co.za
Website: Baviaans – Finchley farm Aasvoelberg 4×4
Baviaans – Bergrivier Eco Retreat
Closest Town/s: Jeffreys Bay, 35 km. Thornhill, 8 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 4
Type of Terrain: Valley, Mountain and a River loop. Scenic drive on top of mountains, and an old ox wagon road.
Distance (total): 17.6 km
Driving Time (estimated): 2 – 4 Hours
Contact: Japie and Dorie Williams
Telephone: 083 230 6910 / 082 200 3350
Email: japiewms@bergrivier.com
GPS: -33.87401299514505, 25.088082097880008
Website: Baviaans – Bergrivier 4×4
Baviaanskloof – Kouga4x4 trail and travel route
Closest Town/s: Kareedouw, 43 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 3
Type of Terrain: Mountain and Fynbos scenery
Distance (total): 36 km
Driving Time (estimated): 3 – 4 Hours
Contact: Rob Le Roux
Telephone: 021 813 5883 / 083 491 1009
Email: rob@baviaanslodge.co.za
GPS: -33.76909 24.09881
Website: Baviaans – Kouga4x4
Baviaans – Marlu Guest Farm (Karoo 4×4 Routes)
Closest Town/s: between Steytlerville and Willowmore, 7 km off the R329
Grade (1 – 5): 1 – 3
Type of Terrain: Karoo, semi desert with kilometers of river riverine bush, ideal for kudu, monkeys and birds.
Distance (total): 13 km
Driving Time (estimated): 1 – 2 Hours
Contact: Martin & Lucia Dorfling
Telephone: 087 702 6766 / 086 590 9027 / 084 513 0232
Email: info@marlu.co.za
GPS: -33.2117607697599, 24.041386040427533
Website: Baviaans – Marlu Guest Farm (Karoo 4×4 Routes)
Baviaanskloof – Rus en Vrede 4×4 trails (Kareedouw to Baviaanskloof)
Closest Town/s: Kareedouw, 3 km or Baviaanskloof R332
Grade (1 – 5): 2
Type of Terrain: Mountain and Fynbos scenery
Distance (total): 78 km
Driving Time (estimated): 3 – 4 Hours
Contact: Chris Lamprecht
Telephone: 073 232 8932
Email: clamp@igen.co.za
GPS: Kareedouw side: S33 56.692 E24 18.969 or Baviaanskloof side: S33 34.236 E24 06.592
Website: Baviaanskloof – Rus en Vrede 4×4 trails
Baviaans Trails (Scenic Drives)
Scenic Route T1: Patensie – Willomore (R332, Baviaankloof)
Scenic Route T2: T-junction/R332 – Cambria
Recommended Vehicle: 2×4 High Clearance or 4×4
Route Distance (total): T1: 200 km
Route Distance (total): T2: 219 km
Driving Time (estimated): T1: 8 – 10 Hours
Driving Time (estimated): T2: 5 Hours
Type of Scenery: Mountain, Kloof scenery, Historic mountain passes.
GPS: “see Google maps for Baviaans”
Pdf Map: Baviaans Tourist Map for: T1, T2, T3 & T4
Website: Baviaans Tourism Drives
Bedrogfontein 4×4 Route
Closest Town/s: Addo, 15 km (Addo Elephant National Park)
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 3
Type of Terrain: Addo Game Drive, River crossings, Mountains
Distance (total): 45 km
Driving Time (estimated): 6 – 8 Hours
Contact: Bookings at Addo Elephant National Park
Telephone: 042 233 8600
Email: addoenquiries@sanparks.org
GPS: -33.37754, 25.45911
Website: Addo Elephant – Bedrogfontein
Baviaans – Bhejane Game Reserve
Closest Town/s: between Steytlerville and Willowmore
Grade (1 – 5): 1 – 5
Type of Terrain: Game view drive
Distance (total): Various
Driving Time (estimated): Varies
Contact: n/a
Telephone: 087 700 8386
Email: info@bhejane.co.za
GPS: -33.19462, 23.92151
Website: Bhejane Game Reserve
Blanco Guest Farm
Closest Town/s: Tarkastad, 14 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2
Type of Terrain: Mountain scenery, farm activities
Distance (total): 25 km
Driving Time (estimated): 3 – 4 Hours
Contact: Reservations or Info
Telephone: 045 846 9163
Email: info@blanco.co.za
GPS: -32.09056, 26.298706
Website: Blanco Guest Farm
Baviaans – BoKloof Uitslag 4×4
Closest Town/s: Willowmore, 70 km
Grade (1 – 5): 1 – 2
Type of Terrain: Rocky, Dirt, Scenic Drive, Game Drive
Distance (total): 8 km
Driving Time (estimated): 45 mins
Contact: Quintis & Anina Bezuidenhoudt
Telephone: 044 923 2192, 072 227 6338 (Whatsapp Only)
Email:bokloof1@gmail.com
GPS: -33.51951, 23.91232
Website: www.bokloof.co.za/
Brakkeduine Sand Trail
Closest Town/s: Humansdorp, 35km / Oysterbay, 15 km
Grade (1 – 5): 3 – 4
Type of Terrain: Sand and more sand
Distance (total): 15 km
Driving Time (estimated): 3 – 10 Hours (depending on group size)
Contact: Choppie
Telephone: 083 400 3720
Email: erna@igen.co.za
GPS: -34.12958, 24.56678
Website: Brakkeduine Sand
Bush Getaways – Greater Addo
Closest Town/s: Kirkwood, 8km
Grade (1 – 5): n/a
Type of Terrain: n/a
Distance (total): n/a
Driving Time (estimated): n/a
Contact: Patricia
Telephone: 082 957 4082
Email: blackwall@intabalodge.com
GPS: -33.35512, 25.29801
Website: Bush Getaways Greater Addo
Camdedoo National Park – Koedoeskloof 4×4 Trail
Closest Town/s: Graaff-Reinet, 4 km
Grade (1 – 5): 3 – 4
Type of Terrain: Gravel, incline
Distance (total): Koedoeskloof 4×4 trail (grade 3 – 4) 9 km; Driekoppe 4×4 Trail (grade 2)
Driving Time (estimated): 3 hours (Koedoeskloof 4×4 trail)
Contact: “park office”
Telephone: 049 892 3453
Email: camdeboo@sanparks.org
GPS: -32.21962032756135, 24.50564343969125
Website: Camdeboo National Park – Koedoeskloof 4×4 trail
Crockerts Hope 4×4 Playground
Closest Town/s: Port Elizabeth, 20 km
Grade (1 – 5): 3
Type of Terrain: Various obstacles
Distance (total): Obstacle Course
Driving Time (estimated): Play for the day
Contact: Riaan
Telephone: 083 648 1604
Email: riaan.pio@crossroads.africa
GPS: -33.94138, 25.38009
Website: Crockertshope4x4
De Kraal (possibly closed)
Closest Town/s: East London, 15 km
Grade (1 – 5): 1 – 5
Type of Terrain: Mountain route,
Distance (total): 8 – 35 km
Driving Time (estimated): 2 – 7 Hours
Contact: n/a
Telephone: 0760627971
Email: n/a
Website: deKraal
Baviaans – Doringkloof 4×4 Trails
Closest Town/s: Baviaanskloof (between Patensie and Willomore)
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 4
Type of Terrain: Mountain scenery
Distance (total): 4 Trails; 5 – 10 km each (also see: Baviaans-Kouga Mountains 4×4 Trail)
Driving Time (estimated): Various
Contact: Ruan / Mell / Barend
Telephone: 063 431 6588 / 073 577 8742 / 083 397 7728
Email: info@doringkloof4x4.co.za (email preferred)
GPS: -33.57227, 24.08813
Website: doringkloof4x4
Elandsheuwel Guest Farm
Closest Town/s: Willowmore, 48 km
Grade (1 – 5): 1 -2
Type of Terrain: Grassy, Scenic Drive
Distance (total): 2 Trails; 3 km and 8 km
Driving Time (estimated): 1 – 3 Hours
Contact: Alicia Dirkse van Schalkwyk
Telephone: 049 833 0018 / 082 549 7878
Email: info@elandsheuwel.co.za
GPS: -33.16400, 23.549179
Website: Elandsheuwel Guest Farm
Ferndale 4×4 Trails & Adventure Centre
Closest Town/s: Cathcart, 24 km
Grade (1 – 5): 3 – 5
Type of Terrain: River crossings, Steep inclines, Very Technical sections
Distance (total): 4 Trails of: 18.7 km, 19 km, 14.5 km, 11.5 km
Driving Time (estimated): 4 – 5 Hours Each
Contact: Buch & Jen James
Telephone: 078 280 5046 / 082 784 4979
Email: fern@eci.co.za
Website: Ferndale4x4
Glenmore 4×4 Trails
Closest Town/s: Willowmore, 35 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 3
Type of Terrain: Rocky terrain, River crossings, Some Mud
Distance (total): 5 Trails, total 40 km
Driving Time (estimated): 7 – 10 Hours
Contact: n/a
Telephone: 072 422 2779
Email: moorejames17@yahoo.com
GPS: -33.28758, 23.48950
Website: Baviaans.co.za/glenmore/
Baviaans – Gonjah 4×4 Routes
Closest Town/s: Patensie, 9 km
Grade (1 – 5): 3
Type of Terrain: Deep gorges, Steep inclines, Slippery in the wet.
Distance (total): 2 Trails, 12 km & 20 km
Driving Time (estimated): 3 and 5 Hours
Contact: Hetsie and Carin Scheepers
Telephone: 042 283 0596 / 082 566 4047 / 082 821 0821
Email: hetsie@lantic.net
Website: http://www.baviaans.net/gonjah/
Hoeksfontein 4×4
Closest Town/s: Pearston, 33 km
Grade (1 – 5): various
Type of Terrain: Rocky, Steep Inclines, Steep Descends.
Distance (total): 3 Trails; 50 km; 25 km; 30 km
Driving Time (estimated): 5 – 6 Hours; 3 – 4 Hours; 4 – 5 Hours
Contact: n/a
Telephone: 042 246 1488 / 0782318347
Email: info@hoeksfontein.co.za
Website: www.hoeksfontein.co.za/4×4
Baviaans – Kammerkloof
Closest Town/s: Willowmore, 77 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 Trails; Dameskloof (2-3) Noorsboom Kopppie (1-2)
Type of Terrain: Scenic Drive, Game drive, Inclines, Dirt
Distance (total): 2 Trails; Dameskloof (2 km) Noorsboom Kopppie (1 km)
Driving Time (estimated): 2 Trails; Dameskloof (1 Hour) Noorsboom Kopppie (30 Mins)
Contact: Susan and Andre Reyneke
Telephone: 087 700 4466 / 083 602 1253 (WhatsApp)
Email: nagoena@mweb.co.za
GPS: -33.53365, 23.98488
Website: www.kamerkloof.co.za/
Kershout Laagte 4×4 Trail
Closest Town/s: Humansdorp, 42 km / Oysterbay, 22 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 3
Type of Terrain: Sand
Distance (total): 2 trails
Driving Time (estimated): 5 Hours
Contact: Elise Vermaak
Telephone: 082 321 1467
Email: groenvlei@igen.co.za
GPS: -34.1313, 24.4732
Website: Kershoutlaagte 4×4 en kamp
Kougaview 4×4 GameTrails
Closest Town/s: Uniondale & Willowmore, 39 – 37 km
Grade (1 -5 ): (see farm owner)
Type of Terrain: Game Drive
Distance (total): 7 km & 19 km
Driving Time (estimated): 2.5 – 5 Hours
Contact: Carol & Gert Coetzee
Telephone: 044 752 10560 / 82 375 0344 / 082 779 3254
Email: info@kougaviewgamefarm.co.za
GPS: -33.53598, 23.434959
Website: kougaviewgamefarm.co.za/
Lundin’s Nek Pass – R393 (2170m high)
Closest Town/s: Barkly East, 80 km
Grade (1 – 5): 1 – 2
Type of Terrain: Mountainous, Steep Gradients, Scenic Drive
Distance (total): 14,5 Km
Driving Time (estimated): 1 Hour
Contact: “not required-public road”
GPS: -30.64915, 27.742766
Website: Lundin’s Neck Pass (R393)
Baviaans – Makkedaat Caves
Closest Town/s: Uniondale, 52 km
Grade (1 – 5): 4
Type of Terrain: Rocky, Steep Gradients, Scenic Drive, Open Plain, Wildlife and Plant life
Distance (total): 10 km
Driving Time (estimated): 1 – 2 Hours
Contact: Henriëtte Terblanche
Telephone: 082 215 5175 / 044 934 1012 / 044 923 1921
Email: info@makkedaat.co.za
GPS: -33.52211, 23.72572
Website: www.makkedaat.co.za/
Mansfield Private Reserve 4×4 Experience
Closest Town/s: Port Alfred, 10 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2
Type of Terrain: Grassland, Bush and Kloofs
Distance (total): 12 km
Driving Time (estimated): 1 – 2 Hours
Contact: n/a
Telephone: 0861 748 374
Email: reservations@riverhotels.co.za
Website: Mansfield Game Reserve
Maitland Mines Nature Reserve Trails
Closest Town/s: Port Elizabeth, 40 km
Grade (1 – 5): 1 – 3
Type of Terrain: Dunes, Forest Thicket, Rocks, Grassy
Distance (total): 3 Trails; 3 km, 9 km, 4 km – 16 km Total
Driving Time (estimated): 1 – 2 Hours
Contact: Rob Howlet
Telephone: 087 095 729 / 041 506 5412
Email: publichealth@mandelametro.gov.za
GPS: “see: Google Maps”
Website: Maitland Mines Nature Trails
The Meadows 4×4
Closest Town/s: Uitenhage, 45km (Elandsrivier Road)
Grade (1 – 5): 3
Type of Terrain: Rocky steep climbs, sandy rivers, some mud.
Distance (total): 11 km
Driving Time (estimated): 2 – 3 Hours
Contact: Donovan / Sunelle
Telephone: 082 458 9699 / 082 458 9580
Email: “contact on Messenger”
GPS: -33.70805411006218, 25.083736928995627
Website: The Meadows 4×4
Mountain Zebra National Park 4×4 Trails
Closest Town/s: Cradock, 8 km
Grade (1 – 5): 1 – 2 (but 4×4 required)
Type of Terrain: Mostly gravel
Distance: Sonnenrust 4×4 Trail, 14,2km; Juriesdam 4×4 Trail, 10km; Umngeni 4×4 Trail, 8k.
Driving Time (estimated): 2 – 3 Hours
Contact: “park office”
Telephone: 048 801 5700 / 5701
Email: mountainzebra@sanparks.org
GPS: -32.14078518895175, 25.50965443502589
Website: Mountain Zebra National Park 4×4 routes
Naude’s Nek Pass – R396 (2590m high)
Closest Town/s: Rhodes, 30 km
Grade (1 – 5): 4 – 5
Type of Terrain: Gravel, Dirt, Steep Inclines, Slippery/Muddy Surfaces
Distance (total): 32.7 km
Driving Time (estimated): 4.5 Hours
Contact: “public road”
Telephone: “public road”
Email: “public road”
GPS: “see: Google Maps”
Website: www.wartrail.co.za/
Noorspoort Guest Farm
Closest Town/s: Steytlerville, 5 km
Grade (1 – 5): 1
Type of Terrain: Grassy, Scenic Drive
Distance (total): 40 km
Driving Time (estimated): 30 mins – 1 Hour
Contact: Anna-Marie / Danie / Aneria
Telephone: 082 653 1802 / 082 553 3344 / 041 992 2395
Email: info@noorspoort.co.za
GPS: 33° 17’39.08”S 24° 22’06.08”E
Website: www.noorspoort.co.za/
Offcamber Adventures 4×4
Closest Town/s: Port Elizabeth, 40 km
Grade (1 – 5): 4
Type of Terrain: Variety of obstacles
Distance (total): 17 km
Driving Time (estimated): 6 Hours
Contact: n/a
Telephone: 083 412 8338 / 082 970-0668 / 083 293 9988
Email: admin@offcamber.co.za & 4×4@offcamber.co.za
Website: Offcamberadventures
Shark’s Point Cottages
Closest Town/s: Port St Johns, 65 km
Grade (1 – 5): 3 – 4
Type of Terrain: Beach Terrain, Scenic, Forestry, Rocky
Distance (total): n/a
Driving Time (estimated): n/a
Contact: Charles Myburgh / Joop
Telephone:082 903 7689 / 082 654 2437 WhatsApp
Email: johan.adam@exigent.co.za
GPS: 31°46’23.24″S 29°21’11.66″E
Website: www.sharkspoint.co.za
Slagboom 4×4 Trail (private/possibly closed)
Closest Town/s: Addo, Kirkwood, 30 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 5
Type of Terrain: Steep Inclines and Descends, River crossings, Rocky terrain.
Distance (total): 36 km
Driving Time (estimated): 4 – 6 Hours to 2 Days
Contact: Boetie or Boy Whittle
Telephone: 042 233 0578 / 083 505 0600
Email: slagboom@mweb.co.za or info@greateraddo.com
GPS: “see: T4A map”
Website: Slagboom 4×4
Soetendalspoort 4×4
Closest Town/s: Willowmore, 46 km
Grade (1 – 5): 3 – 4
Type of Terrain: Sand, Rocks, Loose Gravel/Rock, Muddy Crossings/Dongas, Game Drive
Distance (total): n/a
Driving Time (estimated): 2 – 3 Days
Contact: n/a
Telephone: n/a
Email: n/a
Website: n/a
Track – Tenahead Lodge to Tiffendell Ski Resort
Closest Town/s: Rhodes, 33 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 3 (when wet/snow)
Type of Terrain: Mountain, Winter snow
Distance (total): 26 km
Driving Time (estimated): 2 Hours
Contact: n/a
Telephone: n/a
Email: n/a
GPS: “see: Google Map”
Website: Rhodesvillage
Timbila Game Reserve & 4×4
Closest Town/s: Steytlerville, 52 km / Willomore, 49 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 4
Type of Terrain: Game drive, Muddy,
Distance (total): 29 km
Driving Time (estimated): Various
Contact: n/a
Telephone: 087 700 8385
Email: “see Website”
GPS: 33°11’25.2″S 23°54’26.9″E
Website: www.timbila.co.za
Tsitsikamma 4×4 Trails (Garden Route National Park – Storms River Mouth Rest Camp)
Closest Town/s: Plettenberg Bay, 42 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 3
Type of Terrain: Scenic Drive, Muddy, Riverbeds, Steep Gradients, Wildlife and Plant life to be spotted
Distance (total): 52, km
Driving Time (estimated): 1 – 3 Hours
Contact: Leon Evans / Jonathan Pells
Telephone: 044 532 7644 / 044 533 3503 / 082 331 9600
Email: info@gardenroute.co.za / jonpells@iafrica.com
GPS: “see: Google Maps”
Website: Sanparks.co.za/Tsitsikamma/Soetkraal
Touch the Sky 4×4 Trail (possibly closed)
Closest Town/s: Molteno, 20 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 4
Type of Terrain:
Distance (total): 35 km
Driving Time (estimated): 1 – 2 Days
Contact: n/a
Telephone: n/a
Email: pwgg@kgf.co.za
Website: http://www.kgf.co.za/sky.htm
Transkaroo 4×4 Adventures
Closest Town/s: Middelburg, 50 km
Grade (1 – 5): 1 – 5
Type of Terrain: Karoo scenery, Mountains, Valleys and Planes
Distance (total): 65 km
Driving Time (estimated): Various Trails 3 – 8 hours
Contact: Reservations & Enquiries
Telephone: 087 550 1368 / 082 4415 605
Email: transkaroo@eik.co.za
GPS: -31.29559, 24.76593
Website: http://www.transkarooadventures.com/
Twee Waters 4×4 Outdoor Adventure
Closest Town/s: Patensie, 12 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2
Type of Terrain: Mountain scenery
Distance (total):
Driving Time (estimated): 3 Hours
Contact: Igmar Ferreira
Telephone: 082 870 7829 / 042 283 0845
Email: igmar@gamtoos.co.za
GPS: -33.71910, 24.71123
Website: http://tweewaters4x4.co.za/
Van Rooyenskraal Guest Farm
Closest Town/s: Willowmore, 20 Km
Grade (1 – 5): 1 – 2
Type of Terrain: Game Drive, Open Tundra, Rocky, Sand
Distance (total): n/a
Driving Time (estimated): n/a
Contact: n/a
Telephone: 044 956 1009
Email: n/a
Website: Van Rooyenskraal
Walmer 4×4 Off Road Adventure (possibly closed)
Closest Town/s: Victoria Drive Walmer Country Club / Walmer / Port Elizabeth
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 3 Dry and 4 – 5 Wet
Type of Terrain: Various obstacles
Distance (total): 8.5 kilometer
Driving Time (estimated): 2:30 to 3 Hrs
Contact: Gerard
Telephone: 0713157472
Email: walmer4x4@gmail.com
GPS: -33.99127, 25.57680
Website: Walmer 4×4 Off Road Adventure
Zandvlakte Guest Farm
Closest Town/s: Willowmore, 40 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2
Type of Terrain: Scenic Drive, Game Drive, Rocky Gradients
Distance (total): 13 km
Driving Time (estimated): 1 – 1.5 Hours
Contact: n/a
Telephone: 0877 00 8473
Email: zandvlakte@gmail.com
GPS: S 33˚ 35.056′ E 024˚ 09.823′
Website: Baviaanskloof/Zandvlakte
Four Wheel Driving in the Eastern Cape
Although The Eastern Cape’s claim to be the “The destination of choice for the Adventurous” may well be true, it does not have as many 4×4 trails as the Western Cape. In fact, the Eastern Cape has relatively few 4×4 trails, and they vary from sedate and rather pedestrian, to rugged and demanding, particularly in the mountainous regions in the west. However, in a general sense, the 4×4 trails in the Eastern Cape offer better opportunities for game viewing, since the 4×4 trails here are more frequently in areas with better visibility.
Karroo Heartland
Typical of the Karroo, this region is dotted with well-known towns like Cradock, Somerset East, Aberdeen, Graaff-Reinet, Steytlerville, and Pearston, and is mostly flat, but punctuated by dramatic mountain ranges. Many 4×4 trails in the Karroo Heartland, particularly in the Camdeboo Mountain area where the Camdeboo National Park offers a challenging 4×4 trail over both steep and flat terrain, are a mix of steep, rocky, and easier flat terrain, where the main attraction is game, and/or flower viewing, which is its own reward. However, Karroo Heartland 4×4 trails are always extremely scenic, if not always challenging. There is relatively little sand in the Karroo regions, but mud is plentiful during the wet season.
Frontier country
Apart from being mountainous, the Frontier Country with Grahamstown at its centre, and towns like Adelaide, Alicedale, Alice, Bedford, Fort Beaufort, Peddie, Riebeeck East, Salem, and Sidbury dotted around, also happens to be the point of convergence for four major weather systems, a circumstance that can turn any 4×4 trail in this area from a walk in the park, into an obstacle course in a matter of a few hours.
In Frontier Country, the 4×4 trails vary from steep, rocky, and challenging, especially in the Baviaanskloof, to the 4×4 trail at Humansdorp close to the coast, with loose, thick sand and which is generally regarded as extremely difficult and challenging, with a grading of three to five. Having recovery gear on hand for this trail is highly recommended.
Wild coast
What the Wild Coast lacks in “normal” 4×4 trails, it amply makes up for with the “Wild Coast Eco Trail”. Although not an official 4×4 trail, and thus having no difficulty grading, this 450km, six-day adventure on sometimes near impassable tracks require a proper 4×4 with diff locks, low range and plenty of recovery gear. Although it is possible to complete this “trail” with a soft roader, it is not recommended during the wet season, which is during the summer months. This trail is best attempted by parties with more than one 4WD vehicle, and an official guide.
Sunshine coast
Stretching from Tsitsikamma to East London, and reaching as far inland as Grahamstown, the towns of Jeffreys Bay, Port Alfred, and St Francis are only a few of the more iconic Sunshine Coast towns. The mountainous areas around Grahamstown, and in particular the Addo Elephant National Park, offer rocky trails with some steep gradients, a few minor water crossings, and slippery conditions on mud and grass during rain or snow falls. Coastal areas are mostly sandy with some twisting forest trails, although the area around Port Elizabeth offers trails with all the classical elements of a good 4×4 trail, with some trails in this area having grade four statuses.
Tsitsikamma
Stretching from the Bloukrans River in the west, to the Eerste River in the east along the coast, the area offers 4×4 trails with steep gradients on the Tsitsikamma Mountain range, rocks in riverbeds, sand on the coast, and mud on indigenous forest trails. In the Langkloof area, the deep soils offer mud, some sand, smaller rock obstacles, and more mud in the wet season.
Although the Eastern Cape is arguably the second most diverse province in terms of geology and scenery, it is also the second poorest province in economic terms, and it has without doubt the most extensive network of dirt and gravel roads in South Africa, with surfaces that vary from very good, to those resembling obstacle courses. Gravel roads are often as much fun – and as demanding – as any off-road trail and using them is generally free.
However, travelling on the back roads can be difficult, with as many dirt roads and routes, as there are places to go. However, any back road can be closed without warning for any number of reasons, which means you might well be marooned, or lost many kms from any form of help. The foolproof way to tackle back road driving is to engage a route planner, who will work out each day’s driving distances, establish GPS waypoints, make accommodation bookings, check and confirm road conditions and closures, and the like, while keeping to your intended itinerary as far as is possible. More on Eastern Cape Tourism for the off-road traveler >>
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