Northern Cape 4×4 Trails
Amam 4×4 Dune Trails & Melkboscamp
Closest Town/s: Springbok, 100 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2
Type of Terrain: Bushmanland, Dunes
Distance: 20 km and 50 km
Driving Time (estimated): 1 – 2 hours
Contact: Amanda Louw / Lydia Fielding
Telephone: 084 465 2365 / +27(0)54 983 2689
Email: amam.dunetrails@gmail.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/amamdunetrails/
Blesfontein Guest Farm
Closest Town/s: Sutherland, 28 km
Grade (1 – 5): 3 – 4
Type of Terrain: Rocky Ascends, Steep gradients, Scenic Drive
Distance (total): 52 km
Driving Time (estimated): 3 – 5 hours
Contact: Nicol and Marina van der Merwe
Telephone: 083 633 4913
Email: blesfontein@roggeveld.co.za
Website: http://www.blesfontein.co.za/
Boegoeberg Dam Eco Route
Closest Town/s: Groblershoop, 34 km; Upington, 158 km
Grade (1 – 5):
Type of Terrain:
Distance: km
Driving Time (estimated): hours
Contact: Natasha Venter
Telephone:
Email: tashavdw1981@gmail.com
Website: www.boegoebergecoroute.co.za
Cammspannen Kalahari 4×4 Trails
Closest Town/s: Upington 315 km; Twee Rivieren Rest Camp 65 km
Grade (1 – 5): 1 – 4
Type of Terrain: Sand, Game drive
Distance (total): 70 km
Driving Time (estimated): 7 hrs
Contact: Dantes Liebenberg
Telephone: +27 54 338 0375 (Office landline); +27 82 493 5041 (Office Cell); +27 82 579 3344 (Dantes direct)
Email: dantes@kalahari-tours.co.za
Website: www.kalahari-tours.co.za
(Rooikat) Carcal Eco Trail
Closest Town/s: Kamieskroon, 21 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 3
Type of Terrain: Grasslands, Dirt/Gravel, Scenic/Game Drive
Distance: 176 – 200 km
Driving Time (estimated): 6 – 8 hours
Contact: Elanza Van Lente
Telephone: 0276721948
Email: elanza.vanlente@sanparks.org
Website: www.sanparks.org/caracal_eco_route
Daberas Adventure 4×4 Route
Closest Town/s: Augrabies, 56 km
Grade (1 – 5): 1 – 3
Type of Terrain: Rocky, Dry river beds, Scenic Drive
Distance: 25 km
Driving Time (estimated): 4 – 6 hours
Contact: Hannecke or Kobus
Telephone: 083 384 7188 / 083 304 2682
Email: daberasadventures@webmail.co.za
Website: n/a
De Postjes Trail
Closest Town/s: Fraserburg, 42 km
Grade (1 – 5): 4 – 5
Type of Terrain: Farmland, Mountainous Terrain, Rocky Inclines, Karoo Landscape
Distance: 5 – 45 km
Driving Time (estimated): 1 – 4 Hours
Contact: Karoo Head Office
Telephone: 023 741 1839
Email: hooglandtourism@telkomsa.net
Website: www.karoo-information.co.za/Fraserburg
Diamond Coast Shipwreck Trail
Closest Town/s: Koingnaas, 50 km(+/-)
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 3
Type of Terrain: Sand Dunes, Strandveld, Rocks, Scenic/Game Drive
Distance: 37 km
Driving Time (estimated): 6 – 7 hours
Contact: Jackie Engelbrecht
Telephone: 027 807 2999
Email: n/a
Website: n/a
Dinky’s Dunes 4X4
Closest Town/s: Pofadder, 30 km
Grade (1 – 5): 3
Type of Terrain: Sand Dunes
Distance: 2 x 25 km
Driving Time (estimated): 4 hours each
Contact: Dinky Compion
Telephone: 083 399 0891
Email: dinky4x4@webmail.co.za
Website: n/a
Duin-In-Die-Weg
Closest Town/s: Upington, 68 km
Grade (1 – 5): 3
Type Terrain: Sand Dunes
Distance: 30 km
Driving Time (estimated): 3 hours
Contact: Cobus Van Heerden
Telephone: 073 303 2603 / 083 303 7769
Email: duinindieweg@gmail.com
Website: http://www.duinindieweg.co.za/
Kalahari 4×4 Lorraine
Closest Town/s: Van Zylsrus, 30 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2
Type of Terrain: Sand Dunes, Bushveld
Distance: 200Km
Driving Time (estimated): 5 – 7 hours
Contact: Worker
Telephone: 082 438 3960
Email: n/a
Website: http://www.places.co.za/html/kalahari_trail.html
Kalahari Dunes
Closest Town/s: Postmasburg 80 km
Grade (1 – 5): 3
Type of Terrain: Sand Dunes, Scenic Drive
Distance (total): 28 km
Driving Time (estimated): 2 – 3 hours
Contact: Rina
Telephone: (053) 313 2367
Email: n/a
Website: n/a
Kalahari Mier Route
Closest Town/s: Upington, 300 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 3
Type of Terrain: Red Sand Dunes, Steep Inclines, Historic Landmarks, Scenic/ Game Drive
Distance: 250 km
Driving Time (estimated): 2 – 3 Days
Contact: Gertruida or Hendrik
Telephone: 072 1596 726 – Gertruida / 073 8059 469 – Hendrik
Email: info@miertourism.co.za
Website: http://www.miertourism.co.za/
Kalahari Seekoeibaard
Closest Town/s: Groblershoop, 50 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 3
Type of Terrain: Scenic/Game Drive, Rocky, Sand Dunes
Distance: 2 Trails (10 – 41 km)
Driving Time (estimated): 6 – 9 Hours
Contact: Louwrens and Elzahn Fourie
Telephone: Louwrens Fourie – 083 500 7180 /Elzahn Fourie – 083 257 4730
Email: seekoeibaard@gmail.com
Website: n/a
Kalahari Water 4×4
Closest Town/s: Upington, 15 Km
Grade (1 – 5): 1 – 3
Type of Terrain: Sand dunes, Vast Lanscape, Steep gradients, Scenic/ Game Drive
Distance: 11 km
Driving Time (estimated): 2 – 4 Hours
Contact: Dirk and Hettie Malan
Telephone: 054 461 2404 / 082 495 7999
Email: info@kalahariwater.co.za
Website: www.kalahariwater.co.za
Kalahari W
itsand – Nature Reserve:
Closest Town/s: Witsand, 20 Km
Grade (1 – 5): 3 – 5
Type of Terrain: Sand Dunes, Steep Gradients, Game Drive
Contact: Natasja
Telephone: 053 313 1062 & 083 234 7573
Email: witsandkalahari@gmail.com
Website: http://www.witsandkalahari.co.za/
(Kalahari Mountain View-4×4)
4×4 Distance: 43 & 37 km
Driving Time (estimated): 3 – 4 Hours & 2 – 3 Hours
Contact: Kobie van der Walt
Telephone: 083 234 7930
Email: witsandkalahari@telkomsa.net
Website: http://www.witsandkalahari.co.za/
(Transboegoe-4×4)
4×4 Distance: 3 Routes, 27 to 41 km
Driving Time: Varies
Contact: Elzahn & Louwrens Fourie
Telephone: 083 500 7180 / 083 257 4730
Email: witsandkalahari@telkomsa.net
Website: transboegoe
Leeuwdril 4×4 Loop – Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Closest Town/s: Twee Rivieren, 25 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 3
Type of Terrain: Sand, Bushveld, Game Drive
Distance: 13.2 Km
Driving Time (estimated): 2 Hours
Contact: Jan Kriel
Telephone: 054 561 2000
Email: jan.kriel@sanparks.org
Website: http://www.sanparks.co.za/parks/kgalagadi/tourism/leeudril4x4.php
Khamkirri Private Game Reserve
Closest Town/s: Kakamas, 25 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 4
Type of Terrain: Rocky Outcrops, Sand and gravel routes, Game Drive, Steep ascends/descends
Distance: Various (7 – 60 km)
Driving Time (estimated): 2 – 6 Hours
Contact: Gawie Nieuwoudt
Telephone: 082 790 1309
Email: info@khamikirri.co.za
Website: www.khamkirri.co.za
Kliphuiskloof – Kagga Kamma
Closest Town/s: Calvinia, 120 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 4
Type of Terrain: Boulders, Rocky Outcrops, Steep ascends and descends, Game Drive
Distance: 98 km
Driving Time (estimated): 1 – 3 Days
Contact: Head Office
Telephone: 021 872 4343
Email: info@kaggakamma.co.za
Website: www.kaggakamma.co.za
Leeupan Guest Farm
Closest Town/s: Van Zylsrust, 24 km
Grade (1 – 5): 1 – 3
Type of Terrain: Bushveld, Sand Dunes, Scenic/Game Drive
Distance: 30 km
Driving Time (estimated): 2 – 4 hours
Contact: Lorraine de Bruine
Telephone: 082 438 3960
Email: leeupan@gmail.com
Website: www.placesforafrica.com/Leeupan4x4Trail/
Loch Maree 4×4
Closest Town/s: Askham, 30 km
Grade (1 – 5): 1 – 4
Type of Terrain: Sand, Dunes, Rocky, Scenic Drive
Distance (total): 50 & 100 km
Driving Time: 4 & 8 Hours
Contact: Retha Stadler
Telephone: 082 351 1834
Email: lochmaree@absamail.co.za
Website: www.lochmaree4x4trail
Namaqua Eco Trail
Closest Town/s: Pofadder / Pella, 15 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 3
Type of Terrain: Semi desert scenery, Scenic drive
Distance (total): 2-parts: 330 km & 250 km
Driving Time: 4 Days & 3 Days
Contact: Namakwa-tourism
Telephone: 027 712 8035/6
Email: tourismbk@namkwa-dm.gov.za
Website: namaqua-adventure-route
Namaqua Game Lodge 4×4
Closest Town/s: Springbok, 67 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 4
Type of Terrain: Scenic/Game Drive, Sand, Steep Gradients,
Distance: 220 km
Driving Time (estimated): 1 – 2 Days
Contact: Lynette en Dirk Olivier
Telephone: +27 21 424 1037
Email: n/a
Website: namaqua-national-park-travel-guide.co.za
Nossob 4×4 Eco Trail – Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Closest Town/s: Twee Rivieren
Grade (1 – 5): 3 – 4
Type of Terrain: Sand Dunes, Steep Gradients, Scenic drive
Distance: 400 Km
Driving Time (estimated): 4 Days
Contact: Jan Kriel
Telephone: 054 561 2000
Email: jan.kriel@sanparks.org
Website: http://www.sanparks.co.za/parks/kgalagadi/tourism/nossob4x4.php
Old Postal Route
Closest Town/s: Cedarberg, 17 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 3
Type of Terrain: Steep Gradients, Gravel/ Dirt Roads, Scenic Views, Rocky Inclines
Distance: 65 km
Driving Time (estimated): 2 – 4 Hours
Contact: Ferdi Kotze
Telephone: 027 341 2131
Email: mvoa@telkomsa.net
Website: n/a
Papkuilsfontein 4×4
Closest Town/s: Niewoudtville, 23 km
Grade (1 – 5): 3 – 4
Type of Terrain: Rocky Mountainous Grounds, Steep Gradients
Distance (total): 15 km
Driving Time (estimated): 6 hours
Contact: Willem van Wyk
Telephone: (027) 218 1246
Email: info@papkuilsfontein.com
Website: http://www.nieuwoudtville.com/4×4-trails/
Riemsvasmaak
Closest Town/s: Kakamas, 54 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 4
Type of Terrain: Sand Dunes, Rocky Inclines, Dessert Terrain, Game/Scenic Drive
Distance: 3 Trails:(41, 49, 71) Total = 161 km
Driving Time (estimated): 3 – 6 hours
Contact: Reception
Telephone: +27 54 332 1560
Email: info@webateljee.co.za
Website: www.greenkalahari.co.za
Shipwreck 4×4 Trail
Closest Town/s: Koingnaas/ Kleinzee, 60 km
Grade (1 – 5): 1 – 2
Type of Terrain: Sand, Rocky, Scenic Drive
Distance (total): 37 km
Driving Time (estimated): 4 – 6 hours
Contact: Sandy Blake
Telephone: 027 807 2999
Email: nmtourism@debeersgroup.com
Website: n/a
Skurweberg 4×4
Closest Town/s: Sutherland, 48km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 4
Type of Terrain: Mud, Water, Sand, Steep Inclines
Distance (total): 52 km
Driving Time (estimated): 6 – 7 hours
Contact: Witjan & Elsa van der Merwe
Telephone: 023 571 2728
Email: skurweberg@xsinet.co.za
Website: www.skurweberg.co.za
Sneeukrans 4×4
Closest Town/s: Sutherland, 50 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 3
Type of Terrain: Mud, Gravel/Sand Roads, Steep Descends
Distance: 52 km
Driving Time (estimated): 3 – 5 hours
Contact: Witjan & Elsa van der Merwe
Telephone: 023 571 2728
Email: skurweberg@xsinet.co.za
Website: www.skurweberg.com
Stofkraal Gasteplaas 4×4
Closest Town/s: Sutherland 32 km
Grade (1 – 5): 3 – 4
Type of Terrain: Rock, Steep inclines
Distance (total): 13 km
Driving Time (estimated): 4 Hours
Contact: Martin Swanepoel
Telephone: 023 1000 948
Email: martin@hantam.co.za
Website: www.discoversutherland.co http://.za/accommodation/entry/stofkraal_guestfarm
Strandveld 4×4 Trail
Closest Town/s: Koingnaas/ Kleinzee, 100 Km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 3
Type of Terrain: Sand Dunes, Rocks
Distance (total): 27 km
Driving Time (estimated): 5-6 hours
Contact: Sandy Blake
Telephone: 027 877 0028
Email: n/a
Website: n/a
Swartklip 4×4 Klipkoppie Route
Closest Town/s: Nieuwoudtville, 14 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 3
Type of Terrain: Dirt, Rocky, Inclines
Distance (total): 10 – 25 km
Driving Time (estimated): 3 – 4 hours
Contact: Jan/Kobus van Wyk
Telephone: (027) 218 1217, 083 643 3188
Email: n/a
Website: n/a
Tarentaalrand Safari Lodge
Closest Town/s: Kimberly, 20 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 3
Type of Terrain: Sand Dunes, Steep Inclines, Game / Scenic Drive
Distance: 20 – 30 km
Driving Time (estimated): 2 – 4 hours
Contact: Erika Cloete
Telephone: 053 833 7221
Email: erika@tarentaalrandsafari.co.za
Website: www.tarentaalrandsafari.co.za
Transboegoe Red Dune Trails
Closest Town/s: Groblershoop, 50 km
Grade (1 – 5): 2 – 5
Type of Terrain: Sand Dunes, Rocky Inclines, Steep Ascends / Descends, Scenic Drive
Distance: 113 km
Driving Time (estimated): 6 – 9 hours
Contact: Reception
Telephone: 083 500 7180
Email: n/a
Website: n/a
Four Wheel Driving in the Northern Cape
While the Northern Cape has relatively few 4×4 trails in comparison with other provinces, the off-road traveller in the Northern Cape is happily not totally bereft of off-road trails. All it means is that the off-road tourist in the Northern Cape is obliged to visit the National Parks and Reserves, since the best 4×4 trails in the Northern Cape Province are offered (and maintained), by the Park authorities.
Diamond Fields
Being a Karoo/Kalahari type landscape, the 4×4 trails in this semi-arid to arid region offers 4×4 trails in deep, red Kalahari sand, as well as steep, rocky trails.
Karroo
Typical of the Karoo, this area, known as the Great Karoo, offers 4×4 trails on privately owned land around the Noupoort and Carnarvon areas over steep, rocky gradients, gravel, sand, ruts and ditches, and dry, rocky river beds with deep sand in places.
Green Kalahari
This region offers 4×4 trails of 160 km combined length through deep, red sand, ditches, rocks, steep rocky gradients, and very challenging rocky tracks around the Riemvasmaak area on the Namibian border. The Nuweveld Mountain range also offers a difficult and challenging trail for experienced off-road drivers with proper 4×4 vehicles. Soft roaders and novice drivers should not attempt this area.
Namakwa
This area hosts arguably the longest and most challenging 4×4 trail in South Africa: following the course of the Gariep River, through deep sand, over the steep, rocky, and challenging mountains of the southern Richtersveld, to sand dunes at Amam, this trail is more in the nature of a test of endurance that requires a back-up vehicle, recovery gear, and all your supplies because there are no shops.
The Richtersveld in the far north of this region offer 4×4 trails on a combination of deep sand, gravel, rocks, ditches, ravines, steep rocky gradients, and exquisite scenery, but no mud since there is no surface water, and very little rainfall. Only vehicles with high ground clearance should attempt this area: normal cars and “bakkies” cannot cope with this terrain.
Kalahari
Much, if not most of this area consists of sand, deep sand, and deeper sand still. The area around Mier offers several 4×4 trails on deep sand and over some of the best dune terrain in the Northern Cape, if not the whole of Southern Africa.
No article about tourism for the off-road traveller in the Northern Cape would be complete without mentioning the extensive network of gravel roads that exists in the Northern Cape. Although many, if not most, gravel roads have good surfaces, there are many with surfaces that resemble obstacle courses, and that is what often makes driving on gravel roads as much fun – and often as demanding, as any off-road trail, but with the added advantage that using them is generally free.
However, with as many dirt roads and routes, as there are places to go, using the roads less travelled can be a challenge because they are usually badly signposted, and often do not appear on maps and GPS devices. Back roads are frequently closed without warning and for no apparent reason, which could well cause you to be stuck, or lost a long way from any form of help. A sensible way to tackle back road touring is to employ a route planner, who will work out the driving distance of each leg, provide GPS waypoints, make bookings for accommodation, check on and confirm road conditions and closures, while keeping to your intended itinerary and budget as far as is possible. More on Northern Cape tourism for the off-road traveler >>
