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Glen Oakes 4x4 Trail
Reviewed: DO #10, 2005
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Awards:
Only open for training or corporate events 
Contact:
Charles & Julie Crowther
Telephone:
028 212 2710
Fax number:
028 212 2050
E-mail address:
info@glenoakes.co.za
Web page:
http://www.glenoakes.co.za
Nearest town:
Caledon (17km) |
-34.074840, 19.702070
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Route distance:
8km | 3-7 hours
Surrounds:
The idyllic setting of this working fruit and livestock farm is enough to make any city slicker wish for a change of career and address. Nestling in the Klein River mountains of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Glen Oakes caters for nature lovers wanting a quiet get-away-from-it-all retreat or families in search of fun and adventure. Income from the 4x4 trail is devoted to clearing the farm of alien vegetation. Glen Oakes is a special experience in an area with much to offer, from whale watching to shark diving and wine tasting.
The trail:
While the trail through the fynbos is just 5km long, a series of optional natural obstacles make it possible to tackle water, mud, sand and stone driving challenges in between enjoying the scenery that makes the Overberg such a compelling destination.All obstacles are numbered, colour coded for difficulty and easy to bypass if necessary. The trail starts simply enough and gets progressively stickier. Special attention should be paid to the optional vlei crossing, Snake Alley, and the final descent. The vlei crossing is marked by deeply-rutted mud tracks and should not be tackled without recovery gear. The trail can take anything from 3-6 hours to complete in the dry.
Accommodation:
The Glen Oakes Farm offers a choice of luxury self-catering stone cottages and camping facilities.The stone cottage sleeps up to eight and has its own rock pool, while the secluded wooden honeymoon cottage sleeps four.
Camping:
The campsite has hot water showers, flush toilets and braai facilities. 
101 Trail Guide | 2010
Glen Oakes Farm
Situated in the Klein River mountains of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Glen Oakes is a working fruit and livestock farm catering for nature lovers who want a quiet retreat, and families in search of some fun.
The trail through the fynbos is just 8 km long, but it is intensive and technical.
Used predominantly for training purposes, it offers challenging obstacles that include mud, sand, rock, gullies and steep banks.
The first 3 km wind through natural streams, while the next two take in some great viewpoints.
After an easy start, the trail gets progressively more sticky. Special attention should be paid to the optional vlei crossing, Snake Alley, which is marked by deeply-rutted mud tracks and should not be tackled without recovery gear. Also watch out for the final descent.
The trail can take anything from 3-6 hours to complete in the dry, but in wet, some sections become nearly impassable. All obstacles are numbered and colour coded according to difficulty, and easy to bypass if necessary. The environment takes top priority here, and all income from the trail is devoted to clearing the farm of alien vegetation.
Glen Oakes focuses on pre-arranged one-on-one training and corporate groups, so please call in advance.
Different sections of the trail are used according to experience and driving capabilities. Beginners or those who want to become familiar with a new vehicle are catered for. It also includes real challenges for the more experienced driver. A maximum of 2 vehicles are allowed per day.
What you should know
Accommodation:
A rustic stone house sleeps 8 people (2 bedrooms, and 2 sets of bunks in the open-plan living room). Without electricity, it has a gas oven, fridge and geyser for topping up the old Victorian bathtub. It also has a large spring-fed rock pool with a sundeck. The completely private cabin, which is situated among oak and poplar trees, sleeps 4. The campsite can accommodate large groups of up to 30 people. It has flush toilets, hot showers and a lapa.
What else?
Whale watching, shark diving, hiking, wine tasting, trout fishing and mountain biking is on offer in the area. If you feel lucky, visit the Caledon Casino and Spa or visit the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
Contact:
Charlie and Julie
028 212 2710;
info@glenoakes.co.za,
www.glenoakes.co.za
Nearest town: Caledon (17 km)
Best time to go All year round
Route distance 8 km
How long will I be driving? 3-7 hours
GPS: S34.36077 E19.45524
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