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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).
The Dunes
Reviewed: DO#3 | DO #10, 2005
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Contact:
Susie & Theunis Engelbrecht
Cell phone:
083 300 4358
Telephone:
027 432 1244
E-mail address:
4x4@dunes.co.za
Web page:
http://www.dunes.co.za
Nearest town:
Lamberts Bay (10km) |
-32.084780, 18.400510
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Route distance:
26km | 3-6 hours
Surrounds:
These aren't beach dunes, so they're not affected by the beach ban. Instead, expect a mini-Namib experience within easy reach of Cape Town and its surrounds.
The trail:
The joy of this 4x4 sandpit is that it presents an exciting challenge whatever your skill level, and whatever the capabilities of your 4x4. A low-range gearbox isn't vital, with the VW Syncro Bus and Toyota RAV4 among those that have conquered this giant playground. Power and momentum are keys but even more important are tyre pressures. Many a respected 4x4 has bogged down in the deep sand, especially with a novice at the wheel, but help and advice are always at hand. Routes can be tailored for less-accomplished drivers. Drive Out's editor first tackled the route in a Discovery TDi a couple of years ago but revisited it more recently in a short-wheelbase Prado. The trick is to generate enough speed to crest the dunes without launching yourself into space. It's best for at least two vehicles to travel together and make sure you carry a kinetic strap. It's a great adventure, with the option of camping overnight.
Camping:
Basic camping with hot showers, flush toilet and catering on request. No electricity. 
101 Trail Guide | 2010
The Dunes
Set just outside the seaside village of Lambert’s Bay on the West Coast, some 2½ hours from Cape Town, The Dunes is a well-run 4x4 trail that offers an excellent experience for anyone who want to improve their sand-driving skills.
Located within a 350 ha natural dune field, these dunes are unique in that they neither get bigger nor move as other dune zones do. Here you can learn, test your vehicle’s gear selections and get to know your wheels better, all under the watchful eye of guide Oom Joos, with his famous pipe car.
The dunes offer a variety of challenges without any major impact on the environment, and under controlled conditions. Some of the key factors in conquering the dunes are power, momentum and tyre pressure. As your technique and confidence grows, those dunes that seemed impossible in the morning look less and less daunting as the day progresses.
The trail is some 26 km long and can take anything from 3 to 6 hours to complete, depending on the time of the year. Escape routes are available throughout.
What you need to know
Accommodation:
There is a shaded bush camp that is protected from the wind. It offers hot and cold running water, with showers and a communal lapa and braai area. Nearby Lambert’s Bay has a wide range of accommodation alternatives.
What else?
Lambert’s Bay offers crayfishing (in season), its famous Bird Island, open-air seafood restaurants and flower routes. There are also wine routes, horse riding and surfing.
Contact:
Theunis and Susie Engelbrecht
027 432 1244,
083 300 4358;
4x4@dunes.co.za,
www.dunes.co.za
Nearest town: Lambert’s Bay (10 km)
Best time to go: All year round
Route distance: 26 km
How long will I be driving? 3-6 hours
GPS: S32.10171 E18.40261
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