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NOTE: The balloons are on the exact location of the trail, or the nearest town (if we don’t have its coordinates).
Diep-en-Deur
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Contact:
Tom Lewis
Telephone:
023 551 1946
E-mail address:
witteberg@vodamail.co.za
Nearest town:
Laingsburg (50km), Touws River (60km) |
-33.205130, 20.304440
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Route distance:
15km | 4-5 hours
Surrounds:
The Witteberg Private Nature Reserve is located 250km from Cape Town in the heart of the Witteberg Mountains, south-west of the historic village of Matjiesfontein.
The total size of the reserve is 4365 hectares, about 44 square kilometres.
This is a real oasis for nature lovers.
The trail:
A network of six 4x4 mountain trails criss cross all corners of the property. These trails were all originally constructed for flower picking purposes.
Accommodation:
A rustic historic cottage sleeps up to 6 people.
There is also two 4-sleeper apartments and one 2-sleeper apartment - all self-catering. All units are furnished and equipped. Bedding and bath towels are provided. 
101 Trail Guide | 2010
Diep-en-Deur
Located midway between Touwsrivier and Laingsburg, 10 km south of the N1, lies the Witteberg Private Nature Reserve.
After signing the indemnity, guests receive an information booklet that gives an overview of the surroundings. The booklet covers the history, geology, archaeology, mammals, plants, birds, flora and climate – and of course includes a map of the 4x4 trails.
While there are three short trails, the main trail is Diep-en-Deur. It is a well-maintained 15 km, grade 3 mountain trail comprised of compacted shale and sandstone tracks, which takes 4-5 hours to complete.
From the start the trail makes a series of steep ascents and descents up loose shale ridges. It goes past a number of lookout points, along a cliff edge, and around at least two tight hairpins. The longer loop crosses a deep watercourse, then heads up another steep ascent, this time with much larger rocks.
The descent that follows isn’t very steep. However, the exit is a long steep ascent on which you need to take one corner wide to avoid losing traction on the inside rear wheel over the eroded sections. Another gradual down-and-up takes you to the western extreme of the reserve. From here you can see the Matroosberg’s snow-covered peak in the distance. At 1 370m above sea level, this is the trail’s halfway mark.
The descent from this point is long, with hairpin bends, side slopes and a sandy patch at the bottom.
The trail continues with gentle turns, eventually leading back to the Langkloof. If you feel you could do with a bit more car time, ask to drive one of the three old flower harvesting tracks. All are out-and-back trails, varying in length from 6 to 10 km.
They offer insight into the farming history of area, and provide great opportunities to see more fynbos species and experience different landscape views.
What you need to know
Accommodation:
The three apartments accommodate 2, 4 and 5 people respectively. The historic Boonste Huis accommodates 8. Camping is also available.
What else?
Hiking and mountain biking are encouraged, and horse riding can be arranged in the neighbouring Anysberg Nature Reserve. You can visit the historic Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein, or head to Laingsburg for a tour focusing on the 1981 floods.
Contact:
Tom Lewis
023 551 1946;
witteberg@vodamail.co.za,
Nearest town: Laingsburg (50 km), Touwsrivier (60 km)
Best time to go: All year
Trail distance: 15 km
How long will I be driving? 4-5 hours
GPS: S33.34196 E20.50735
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