101 Trail Guide | 2010

Jakkalskloof 4x4 Trail

Jakkalskloof is situated just outside the town of Redelinghuys, 190 km from Cape Town. Hidden between the hills of the Sandveld, it forms part of the greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor. Visitors have the option of two circular trails. The rocky and sandy trails, made initially to root out alien rooikrans trees, are scenic but challenging and should take 4-6 hours to complete.
The first is 14 km and is a good test of your sand-driving skills. The jeeptrack trail climbs gradually and without much incident from the homestead. The trouble starts, however, when a little valley is entered. A few steep ascents without bypasses can be tricky. Diff lock is essential for most challenges, and deflated tyres (to as low as 0.7 bar) are the only way out for vehicles without diff lock. The lookout point near the end is the ideal place to stop for a break and enjoy the views in the direction of Piketberg.
The second trail is 4 km but should keep you busy for up to two hours. This trail should not be done solo, and it is recommended that at least one vehicle has a diff lock for potential recovery exercises. The rocky sections are technical and good ground clearance is essential.
From the higher part of the trail, one has a view over the circular potato fields for which the Sandveld is renowned, and the Atlantic Ocean is visible on a clear day.
Both drives can easily be done in one day. A second day could be spent exploring the Bushman paintings, watching game along the Castle Hiking Trail, or just relaxing by the swimming pool.

What you need to know

Accommodation:
The campsite under huge bluegum trees has a thatched lapa with 220V electricity. It offers shade and shelter against wind, and it is built next to a boma that is used as the cooking area. The ablutions have hot showers and flush toilets, and there is a small swimming pool. There is also a fully equipped chalet that sleeps 6. It is 2 km from the campsite on a neighbouring farm. The Bush Hut, 2 km along the trail, sleeps 4. The old stables and wagon¬house that were converted into a “castle house” nearly 50 years ago are a must-see. The Hartbeeshuisie (an old farm house) is being renovated.

What else?
Explore Redeling¬huys and see some game. There is good bird watching at Verlorenvlei, or enjoy crayfish at Elandsbaai, 30 km away. See the flowers in spring, and do the Castle Hiking Trail.

Contact:
Isak  083 326 3474,
Marinda 082 413 2011;
info@jakkalskloof.com,
www.jakkalskloof.com
 

Nearest town: Redelinghuys (10 km)

Best time to go: All year round

Trail distances: 14 km and 4 km

How long will I be driving? 2-6 hours

GPS: S32.48005 E18.59625

FULL REVIEW | APRIL 2006 (DO14) | Danie Snyman

Nearest town Redelinghuys (10km)
Contact
Isak Kotze 083 326 3474 or
Marinda Pretorius 082 413 2011
Email info@jakkalskloof.com
Website www.jakkalskloof.com
Best time of year All year
Maximum vehicles 15
Route distance Two options, 4km or 14km (2 or 4–5 hours)

 Situated only 8km from the country town of Redelinghuys, and 190km from Cape Town, the farm Jakkalskloof is hidden between the hills of the Sandveld, which form part of the greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor, which in turn forms part of one of the world’s six plant kingdoms.
rock formations in various colour schemes as well as stunning kloofs are encountered on this scenic trail.

Visitors have the option of two circular trails. The 14km trail is a good test of your sand-driving skills. The roads were initially made to root out alien rooikrans trees.

The sandy two-track trail climbs gradually from the homestead, without many challenges. When a little valley is entered however, that's where the challenges begin. A few steep accents, without bypasses, pose a real challenge for some. Deflated tyres (to as low as 0.7 bar) are the only way out for vehicles without a diff lock. Diff lock is essential for most challenges.

The lookout point near the end of this section is the ideal spot to relive the trail and enjoy the vistas in the direction of Piketberg.

The 4km circular trail should keep you busy for up to two hours. The rocky sections are technical and good ground clearance is essential.

From the higher part of the trail. one has a panoramic view over the circular potato fields, for which the Sandveld is renowned. The Atlantic Ocean is visible on a clear day.

Both trails can easily be done in one day. A second day could be spent exploring the Bushman paintings and watching game along the Castle Hiking Trail, or just relaxing next to the swimming pool.

Due to a few challenging sections, this trail should not be done solo. It is recommended that at least one vehicle should have a diff lock for possible recovery exercises.



WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation
A fully equipped chalet (sleeps six), 2km from the campsite on a neighbouring farm, and the Bush Hut, 2km along the trail, sleeps four.
Or, you could sleep in the castle.

Camping
The campsite is situated under huge bluegum trees.
A thatched lapa, with 220v electricity, offers shade and shelter against wind and is built next to a spacious boma, which is used as the cooking area.
The small swimming pool is a bonus for cooling off during the hottest months. Ablution facilities are neat, with four hot showers and flush toilets.

WHAT ELSE

• Explore Redelinghuys and see some game.
• There is good bird watching at Verlorenvlei
• or enjoy crayfish at Elandsbaai just 30km away.
• See a kaleidoscope of flowers in spring.
• Castle Hiking Trail is very popular

SPECIALIST PACKING
Umbrella for shade en route, camera, enough cold drinks, warm clothes for winter, sunblock in summer.

THE COST
Trail R150 pv 
Hiking trail R20 pp.
Rescue R250 pv.
Camping R40 pp pn. Children under 12 R20 pn.
Chalet R295 pp pn and Bush Hut R185 pp pn.

WHY GO THERE

• Good facilities and enough to keep children busy
• Challenging sand driving – little chance of damaging your car
• Near enough to Cape Town, yet enclosed in an area where time  stands still
• Great family weekend