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Alkmaar 4x4 Trail
Reviewed: DO #7, 2004
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Contact:
Johann Sippel
Cell phone:
083 449 8701 | 083 305 2472
Telephone:
013 733 3029
E-mail address:
jsippel@netactive.co.za
Web page:
http://www.alkmaarfarmstay.co.za
Nearest town:
Nelspruit (15km) |
-25.465120, 30.829860
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Route distance:
7km | 2-3 hours
Surrounds:
Alkmaar Farm Stay is set in the heart of the Lowveld's Schagen Valley in the Maputo corridor. Just 15 minutes from Nelspruit. It's based on a citrus farm belonging to Johann Sippel. The landscape includes the Kaapschehoop Mountains and the Crocodile River and is packed with beautiful fauna and flora and spectacular views.
The trail:
Alkmaar 4x4 is a beautiful scenic trail offering game viewing and mildly-challenging obstacles. It's great for the novices who prefer a gentle, enjoyable drive rather than a challenge. The trail is situated on a working farm and the route winds through the plantations and orchards before climbing three lookout points along the way including one over the Crocodile River Valley. From here you can see as far as the Kaapschehoop Mountains. Excellent game viewing and bird watching opportunities along the way.
Johann, chief instructor at The Land Rover Experience, also offers 4x4 training on a separate training facility with a challenging obstacle course that will test any driver and his/her vehicle.
After basic training everybody gets the chance to test out their newly learned skills on the 7-km track.
Accommodation:
Alkmaar offers a memorable farm-style stay. Choose between the fully-furnished Garden Cottage (sleeps four) and the more rustic Valencia Cottage, which sleeps six. There is also a Bush Cottage that sleeps 16, which overlooks part of the track and has two bedrooms and a separate bathroom with proper flush toilets and hot water. It's a more or less open-air job with a wonderful covered veranda area where you can watch the goings-on below. 
101 Trail Guide | 2010
Alkmaar 4x4 Trail
Situated in the Lowveld’s Schagen Valley in the Maputo corridor, Alkmaar Farm Stay is the working citrus farm of Johann Sippel, chief instructor at the local Land Rover Experience.
Alkmaar’s primary trail is a scenic 7 km route that winds through the orchards and plantations before climbing to the farm’s three lookout points. From there it overlooks the Crocodile River Valley, with views as far as the Kaapsehoop Mountains. It’s a gentle trail with excellent game-viewing and bird-watching opportunities along the way, beautiful fauna and flora, and views.
It’s ideal for novices who prefer an easy drive rather than a challenge, although there is an obstacle course that can be done afterwards if you prefer. Johann also offers 4x4 training on a separate facility with a challenging obstacle course, after which everybody gets the chance to test their new skills on the 7 km trail.
What you need to know
Accommodation:
The fully-furnished Garden Cottage sleeps 4 and the Valencia Cottage sleeps 6. Both have cooking facilities, private verandas and DSTV. There is also a Bush Cottage that sleeps 16; with 3 rooms, flush toilets and fully equipped kitchen. The new Kiaat Camp offers permanent tent accommodation, and has an equipped kitchen area, braai area, and ablutions with showers. Other options include bed-and-breakfast rooms in the main house complex, or good old-fashioned camping.
What else?
Fishing, mountain biking, canoeing, hiking, and clay pigeon shooting. Alkmaar is the perfect base from which to explore Pilgrim’s Rest, Sudwala Caves, Kruger National Park, and the Bridal Veil, Horseshoe and Lone Creek Falls.
Contact:
Johann Sippel
013 733 3029,
083 449 8701,
083 305 2472;
jsippel@netactive.co.za,
www.alkmaarfarmstay.co.za
Nearest town: Nelspruit (15 km)
Best time to go: All year round
Trail distance: 7 km
How long will I be driving? 2-3 hours
GPS: S25.46511 E30.82987
Comments
I am facinated by the rally competition. I am very much ready for off roading and cross country run. I would like to go off roading on my Land Rover Discovery 4 or Bush Hog an atv.
i just love cars....my passiontestking 642-973 is car driving,i try almost 15 different cars yet...it testking 650-177 gives me great pleasure while driving...