Full Review | Peter Levey (July 2007)

What more could you want from a weekend getaway than to play around in your 4x4 in the pristine surroundings of the Waterberg? When you can hone your rock driving skills to boot, it’s further bonus points for this superb destination, says Peter Levey.

If you thought Grootwater was the exclusive domain of the experienced 4x4 enthusiast, then what follows should be good news to you. Yes, you can tackle 23 km of 4x4 routes, but there is more to this farm along the Poer-se-Loop River than the chance to rev your engine and test your driving skills.

Once you’ve tackled all the routes, it’s up to you to choose whether you’d like to go for a hike, test your quad, go canoeing or just relax next to the pool or in the bar (there’s even DStv, so you won’t have to miss out on Fashion TV). You also have the option of staying over for a night or two.

But DStv and canoes were not the reason I had come to Grootwater; I couldn’t wait to get started on the 4x4 trails.

Mabote’s trails are made up of numerous short routes interlinked with normal farm roads, which criss-cross the natural bushveld and hilly terrain.

Upon arrival you’ll receive a map detailing these routes. The routes themselves are well signposted, making it fun and safe to explore the beautiful terrain.

The thickly wooded bushveld offers a sense of seclusion and timelessness.

Here there’s no need for haste. Whether you travel on your own or in a group, be sure to slow down and give yourself ample opportunity to take in the scenery.

Besides the prolific birdlife you can also, with a little bit of luck, get to see kudu, impala, bushbuck, duiker, blue wildebeest and brown hyena and, if you are extremely lucky, even a leopard or two.

Apart from the bonus of finding yourself in true bushveld country, the best thing about the Grootwater trail is the challenging rock obstacles – a great opportunity to hone those forgotten rock driving skills.

And there’s no need to worry about vehicle or tyre damage: the rocks and stones along the routes have no sharp edges and are not likely to do any damage.

That said, vehicles will require good ground clearance. Take care and don’t get overconfident. The steep descents can get nasty.

In the wet season (from October to March) sections of the farm will become muddy, creating even more challenging obstacles, so take that into account before you book.

Although no formal training is provided at Grootwater, the farm somehow lends itself to improving driver skills. The diverse terrain, coupled with the opportunity to watch and learn from other drivers, creates an excellent learning enviroment for drivers of all levels. All without the worry of damaging your vehicle.

If, at the end of the day, you are tired of driving (or canoeing or watching DStv), you can choose between three accommodation options: Vaalbos camp has four fully equipped chalets (each with its own kitchen and en-suite bathroom), sleeping up to five people each. Just bring your own towels.

Three thatched chalets at the bush camp which also sleep five persons each (you can choose between an equipped and non-equipped unit). The bush camp has a communal ablution block and lapa.

The camp site, situated in a well-shaded area on the banks of the Poer-se-Loop River, has an entertainment area with bar, swimming pool, and pool table.

Drive Out says: Grootwater is located in a secluded area of the Waterberg (250 km from Pretoria) with an abundance of natural bushveld. The trail is well maintained and it’s a great weekend getaway. You actually don’t have an excuse not to go.

What you need to know

WHY SHOULD I GO?
•    Some great driving challenges in a beautiful part of the country.
•    A variety of things to do for the family and people not taken with off-roading.
•    Peace and quiet.

EN ROUTE
How long is/are the route/s? 23 km, all in all
How long will I be driving? ± 4 hours
Maximum number of vehicles? 10
Do I get a map? Yes
Will my car get scratched? No
Should I take the running boards off? No
Should I take a compressor? No
Can we have a braai en route? Yes

THE SURROUNDS
The nearest town:
Lephalale (Ellisras) – 40-50 km (depending on the route you take)
How do I get there?
Take the N1 north. Turn onto the R33 at the Kranskop toll plaza. Continue on the R33 through Modimolle (Nylstroom) and Vaalwater. Halfway between Vaalwater and Lephalale, turn left into Witkop Road. Follow the signs from there.
The nearest petrol station:
At Lephalale (Ellisras)  40-50 km
Best time to go:
All year, but summer will make some of the trails a little trickier with more mud.
Can I take my family along? Yes
Just for the day or the weekend? Both
Are there ablution facilities for day visitors? Yes
Can I see game?
Yes, but not the ferocious kind.

WHERE CAN I STAY?
You can choose:
You can book a chalet for the weekend, spend a night in the bush camp, or rough it in their well-established camping area.

WHAT ELSE
Must I take anything special?
As it’s self-catering you need to bring everything you need. Binoculars and bird books are essential. Sunscreen, hats and hiking shoes are recommended, especially in summer.
What else can I do there?
Hikers will find exciting trails to follow or else bring your quad bike. Visitors interested in geology will find lots to enthral them in this “old country”, including interesting rock formations, as well as rock and quartz pebbles embedded in boulders on the farm. Birders will also enjoy rewarding bird-viewing, without having to venture too far into the dense bush.

Cost?
Trail: R120 per vehicle
Quads: R85 per quad per weekend
Chalet: R380 per night
Bush camp:
R65 p.p.p.n. (R50 for kids under 12) in the non-equipped units; R85 p.p.p.n. (R65 for kids under 12) in the equipped units.
Camping:
R50 p.p.p.n.; R25 for kids under 12 and kids under 4 stay for free.

Contact?
Herman du Toit 014 755 3831; adventure@grootwater.co.za; www.grootwater.co.za