101 Trail Guide | 2010

Babylonstoren                           

Babylonstoren is in the heart of the Western Cape mountains, on a small private game reserve that offers views over the Malmesbury wine region and Riebeek-Kasteel.
The reserve offers excellent bird watching, a variety of flora, especially proteas, and various types of buck and smaller wildlife.
Starting at the bottom of a granite outcrop, the trail winds its way up challenging ascents, on its way to various viewpoints. You will come across some steep ascents and descents, as well as a number of hairpin bends. At the top of the mountain there is a 4x4 playground with all sorts of obstacles that will test your driving skills.
Most of the terrain is rock and mountain, with mud becoming an interesting factor depending on the amount of rain that has fallen. Much of the trail is on clay, so it can get tricky after rain. It’s advisable to phone before arriving to check conditions.
Normally, the trail gets a 4 grading, which means a capable vehicle and some experience is required.
The trail is unguided, but the owners provide a map with lookout points indicated on it.
The chalets halfway up the mountain look out towards Riebeek-Kasteel and Piketberg to the north.
This is the ideal getaway if you and your family really need some peace and quiet.

Accommodation:
The chalets are self-catering.

What else?
Explore the Malmesbury wine route and stock up your cellar.
Cheese lovers should also stop at the charming Cheese Mouse, 10 km outside Malmesbury on the N7.

What you need to know

Contact:
Thys and Tobie Basson 
083 289 8384,
083 357 4496            

Nearest town: Malmesbury (20 km)

Best time to go: All year round

Trail distance: 14 km

How long will I be driving? 2-3 hours

GPS: S33.56551 E18.80928

FULL REVIEW | OCTOBER 2006 (DO16) | Richard van Ryneveld

Nearest town Malmesbury
Contact Hugo, Thys, Tobie
Cell 083 284 8645, 083 289 8384, 083 357 4496
Best time of year All year round
Maximum vehicles 20
Route distance 14km

The Western Cape mountains are perfect terrain for off-roaders and not surprisingly the region has the highest concentration of 4x4 trails in the country.

The Babylonstoren trail, 20km outside Malmesbury, has been hugely popular with off-roaders from the Western Cape and beyond.
It is close enough to Cape Town for the Capetonians for a day outing yet offers challenging off-roading and lots for the family to do.

The trail starts at the bottom of the granite outcrop after which it is named and winds its way up, offering spectacular views at it climbs.

The chalets half-way up the mountain look out towards Riebeek Kasteel and Piketberg to the north.

There are two twin units, each sleeping six people in comfort, and tranquil surroundings.

Much of the trail is on clay so it can get tricky after rain – it’s better to phone first to check. Normally the trail gets a 4 grading, which means that a capable vehicle and some experience is necessary. It’s unguided, but the owners provide a map with lookout points marked.

The brothers who run the trail, Thys Hugo and Tobie Basson have added a steep descent that will challenge even the most experienced drivers.

Don’t get too wrapped up in the technicalities, though. Stop to enjoy the view and admire the many different proteas on the farm.

A highlight of my visit was the sighting of 12 jackal buzzards, so take your binoculars and bird book as the area is rich in raptors particularly.

While you’re there, explore the Malmesbury wine route and stock up your cellar. Cheese lovers should also stop at the charming Cheese Mouse, 10km outside Malmesbury on the N7. Babylonstoren offers lots of driving fun and plenty to keep the whole family occupied.

WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation
The chalets are equipped with electricity, a fridge and freezer and microwave, but you need to specify if you require bedding. There’s swimming in a nearby dam Camping
A campsite is also available with shade, two toilets, showers with a donkey boiler (wood supplied) and a lapa with braai facilities.

WHAT ELSE
Spend some time on the Swartland Wine Route, and visit the Swartland Museum in Malmesbury. There are also other trails in the area to explore.

SPECIALIST PACKING
Take along your binoculars and bird book and be on the look out for raptors. Also, take along some black bags for your rubbish.
A tyre pressure gauge and compressor could also be useful.

THE COST

• R120 per vehicle
• Chalets: R225 without bedding,
• Chalets: R275 with bedding.
  Each chalet sleeps six.

WHY GO THERE?

• The chalets are comfortable, and good value for money.
• The honeymoon suite has a bathtub big enough for two. 
• Challenging driving with lovely views, dams for the kids to swim in, great birding and excellent fynbos.
• There is fishing in the dams too.