Ready for Skull Gorge?

Full Review: Philip Sackville Scott | DO37

A night under Karoo skies and a lone Toyota owner in Land Rover territory ...
Philip Sackville Scott drove the Kopbeenskloof 4x4 trail and lives to tell the tale.

Kopbeenskloof 4x4 Trail (formerly Wabooms 4x4), just 90 minutes away from Cape Town, is a great trial for beginners and hardened campaigners alike.
This working sheep farm that features vast stretches of mountainous fynbos lies in the Breede River Valley between the Waboomsberge and Nouga Hills, not far from Touws River (45 km) and Montagu (57 km).
Kopbeenskloof’s owners, Wouter and Elsabe Stemmet, take eco preservation and environmental education seriously.
This is evident from the way the land is managed and from the environmental awareness camps that they regularly host for large groups of school kids.
However, we are here to drive the trail. Kopbeenskloof trail has two sections: what Wouter introduces as the “easier” section and the tougher Grade 4 section …
The “easier section” starts opposite the dam wall of the neighbouring farm Leeuwenboschfontein, home to the eponymous 4x4 trail.
What is initially flattish jeep track becomes a slow climb through a series of streams.
Some of the streams are quite deep, and have steep entries and exits that demand careful navigation.
It’s a bumpy, often rocky, but mainly pleasant grade 2 track, hemmed in by Karoo bush and reed-like scrub near the streams where birds abound.
Marked by a series of signs, the trail zigzags across a dry, sandy riverbed and up to a steep, rocky rise.
Characterised by cross-axles, holes and short steps, this marks the start of a 4-5 km grade 3 section. Lower the tyre pressure, and choose your line carefully.
As you climb, the Karoo bush makes way for dense mountain fynbos.
Once you’re at the top of the rise, you can savour the sweeping views of the farmstead below, before an easy descent to base camp.

Down to business

We were warned upon arrival not to attempt the grade 4 descent into Skull Gorge alone, but to wait for a group from the Cape Land Rover Club.
A lone Land Cruiser amid twenty or so Landies is a bit like being a Stormers fan at Loftus …
(Or vice versa ... Ed.)
But we were nice to each other, and soon the convoy got underway.
Gravel alternated with sandy track, zigzagging to the southeastern corner of the farm and into Skull Gorge.
Straight off, a steep ascent tested the vehicles with limited wheel travel.
Sufficient momentum and a rear diff lock saw each of them safely through and up to the top of the plateau.
Here the track briefly levels out before a scary downhill.
Drivers should get out of their vehicles to check the route and plot their line. But even so a spotter is essential.
The track becomes steeper on a tight hairpin to the left.
This should be taken wide to make it in one go, as reversing is hard here.
After the hairpin the track becomes steeper still.
Gabions of rocks in wire cages form two tracks that continue for a short distance.
Before you proceed, ensure your wheels are securely placed on each track and that the gabions haven’t shifted. Only 45 m long, this stretch requires careful attention and shouldn’t be rushed.
The descent requires a snail’s pace, but Wouter’s advice is contrary to the norm. He says it’s best to keep the engine running, put the gear shift in neutral and only use the brakes.
Usually, it’s a matter of feet off the pedal, first gear low-range and let the compression take you down while you gently feather the brakes to control the speed, but I’ve learnt not to argue with the man who owns the land − he generally knows better ...
A steep step or two follow, and the worst is over.
That said, this is no time to rest on your laurels, optimal concentration is still required for the rest of the descent that has a very nasty camber.
In fact, the side slope is so steep all occupants will be clinging to seatbelts, headrests and even each other, holding their breath as the worst few meters are negotiated.
Ultimately, Skull Gorge just requires a little respect. If you keep your wits about you, take your time and inhale the farm-fresh air deeply, you’ll do just fine. That said, your vehicle requires good ground clearance and low-range for this part of the course.

Where I lay my head …

Once on the valley floor, all that remains is a challenging climb to the plateau, back-tracking towards the homestead on the same road that brought us in.
Those who lack experience or have less suitable vehicles can take the bypass route that skips Skull Gorge and returns you far more leisurely to your overnight doorstep.
All in all, the trail is one for the books. I am now a convert, if not to Landies themselves, certainly to their owners who showed during a night of bonfire bantering they are a superb bunch.
Quite why they still use 27 MHz CBs though, I’m not sure. Quirky lot!

Drive Out says: A worthwhile trail that is best approached as a day trip. Try for a romantic night in the K’roo Huis or rough it in the bush. If neither is available, you could also base yourself at Leeuwenboschfontein.

What you need to know

WHY SHOULD I GO?

Apart from 4x4ing, you could go fishing, hiking and mountain biking and make use of the great photographic opportunities, while the kids watch farm activities such as Border collies rounding up sheep.

EN ROUTE

How long is the trail? 36.5 km
How long will I be driving? About 6-7 hours
Maximum number of vehicles? Minimum 2, maximum 25
Do I get a map? Yes and it’s on Tracks 4 Africa.
Will my car get scratched? It is very likely.
Should I remove the running boards? Yes
Should I take a compressor? Yes
Can I turn around halfway? Yes, difficult sections can be skipped.
Can we have a braai en route? No

THE SURROUNDS

Best time to go?
All year round, but the warmer months are preferable as winter sees snow on the surrounding Matroosberg.
Can I take my family along? Definitely
Just for the day or the weekend? A weekend at least
Are there ablution facilities for day visitors? Yes and braai spots
Can I see game? There are small buck.
The nearest town? Touwsrivier (45 km)
How do I get there?
From the N1 take the R318 turnoff between De Doorns and Touwsrivier. Turn left 27 km further onto the Nougaspoort gravel road and continue for some 5 km to the Kopbeenskloof farm gate. From Montagu, take the R318 in the direction of the N1 and continue for some 50 km to the Nougaspoort gravel road turn-off to the right. Continue on the Nougaspoort road for 5 km to the farm gate.
The nearest fuel?
Touwsrivier (45 km), Montagu (57 km)

WHERE CAN I STAY?

There are two guesthouses, numerous Wendy Houses and a campsite. The main guesthouse sleeps nine and the K’roo Huis two. (The guesthouse and K’roo Huis include bedding and towels.)

WHAT ELSE?

Must I take anything special? A warm jacket
What else can I do there?
The Barn can be hired for entertaining large groups such as school groups.

COSTS

4x4 trail: R150 per vehicle for both routes
Camping: R40 pppn
Other accommodation:
Guesthouse R130 pppn;
K’roo Huis R100 pppn;
Wendy Houses R40 pppn

CONTACT

Wouter or Elsabe Stemmet 
023 614 1993,
082 829 6308; 
wstemmet@vodamail.co.za

HOW DO I GET THERE?

GPS: S33.58638 E19.92807

101 Trail Guide | 2010

Kopbeenskloof 4x4

Situated across the Nougaspoort road from Leeuwenboschfontein, Kopbeenskloof is a working sheep farm.
Its trail begins opposite the entrance to Leeuwenboschfontein and passes over their dam wall to the fence bordering the Drie Kuilen property to the east.
What is initially a pleasant, flattish grade 2 farm track to the dam, soon involves some steep and deep stream crossings before it continues in a southeasterly direction.
From the back of the guesthouse, signs lead you through a dry, sandy riverbed and up towards a steep, rocky incline with a few cross-axles, holes and short steps. From here, the track becomes a grade 3. The higher you climb, the more you leave the Karoo bush behind, and the flora turns to mountain fynbos. At the top of the hill you find yourself looking down over the back of the farmstead. Once you’ve descended a not-too-nasty slope, you’re back at the base.
Now that was the easy part. Gravel alternates with sand as the track zigzags towards the southeastern corner of the farm and into the Kopbeenskloof. A steep ascent takes you to the top of the plateau, followed by a scary downhill that should be taken very seriously. It is recommended that you get out first to take a look at what lies ahead. You will definitely need a spotter to guide you down.
The gradient increases as the roadway forms a tight hairpin to the left; this should be taken wide so that you make it in one go, because reversing here could be problematic. Once you’re through the bend, the gradient continues to increase.
Loose rocks have been bound together into wire cages, and these gabions form two tracks for a short distance. Ensure your wheels fit securely on the two tracks.
There is another steep step (or two), but thereafter the worst is over. The whole stretch is about 40 m long, but it shouldn’t be rushed. It is recommended that you put the gearbox in neutral and use the brakes.
The rest of the descent into the valley is on one heck of a camber. The side slope will have all occupants grabbing handles, seatbelts, headrests and even each other as the worst few metres are negotiated.
All that remains is a relatively easy climb back out of the valley to the plateau above, and you return by backtracking on the same road that brought you here.
For the less brave or those with less suitable vehicles, there is a bypass route which omits the hectic grade 5 descent.

What you need to know

Accommodation:
Owners Wouter and Elsabe Stemmet regularly host school groups of 200 children. Wooden bungalows are lined up on two sides of the farmhouse, giving the impression of a forestry station. There are 20 camping stands under the shade of bluegums. Additional accommodation is in a guesthouse that sleeps 9, and in a shepherd’s cottage. The latter has paraffin lighting, an indoor braai and hot water.

What else?
Photography, birding, walking, mountain biking and observing farm life. The Barn can be hired for entertaining large groups.

Contact:
Wouter and Elsabe Stemmet 
023 614 1993,
082 829 6308,
072 265 3623; 
wstemmet@vodamail.co.za

Nearest town: Touwsrivier (34 km)

Best time to go: All year round, but the warmer months are preferable.

Trail distances: 36.5 km in total

How long will I be driving? 6-7 hours

FULL REVIEW | APRIL 2006 (DO14) | Richard van Ryneveld

Nearest town De Doorns, Touws Rivier or Montagu (all 60km)
Contact Wouter and Elsabé Stemmet
Tel 023 614 1993,
Cell
Elsabé 072 265 3623 or 
Wouter 082 829 6308
Best time of year All year (cold in July and August)
Maximum vehicles 20–25
Route distance 2 Trails (5–6 hours)

Kopbeenskloof (formerly known as Ribbok 4x4) is a  circular trail and this is what I love about off-roading – the secrets that you will only discover only by driving off the beaten track.

To drive up to this ridge, looking at the magnificent sandstone rock in the evening light, eroded by wind and weather and the breath-taking panoramic view, is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry. 

We were extremely privileged to be the first vehicle down the challenging track, which Wouter  has only recently created in a remote kloof in the mountains. 

One section that will seriously increase your heart rate was built by hand – I saw the descent and cannot wait to get back to drive it. (It was not yet complete at time of visit.)

Kopbeenskloof is a typical mountain trail, with sand in places. The first 30km, with some technical sections, has a difficulty rating of 2–3. A diff-lock is recommended. The more challenging, newly built section (with escape routes) has a rating of 4–5. For a true adrenalin rush, try this section in the opposite direction as well.

The accommodation is really great and Wouter and Elsabé often caters for those who want a complete break from the chores of everyday life.

Kopbeenskloof is a magical spot for a wedding with a difference or a great birthday bash.

There is also a traditional ‘Klein Karoo’ house called Karoo Huisie that is a honeymoon couple’s dream. Bigger groups can be accommodated in a big shed near the farmhouse.

WHY I LOVED IT
“I loved this trail because of the stunning scenery, the hospitality and friendliness of Wouter and Elsabé.” Richard van Ryneveld

WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation:
Fully equipped, self-catering guesthouse (sleeps 8) with 3 en-suite bathrooms and a fireplace.
Two new, fully equipped, self-catering houses sleep six each.
Camping:
Camping for 200 vehicles with ablutions and hot water.
If you want to rough it, other campsites are available, with chemical toilets only.

WHAT ELSE
The plant life here alone is worth the visit. Wouter allows each vehicle to pick a bunch of proteas to take home.
A dam nearby is ideal for swimming. Fishermen can try their luck with the carp. In season, pick your own waterblommetjies for a potjie. 
Wouter has learned the skill of how to dress the hard sandstone, and the beautiful dressed sandstone surrounding the braai area at Lulu’s is a testament to his skill.

SPECIALIST PACKING
A good map, binoculars, a camera and plenty of film.
Also sun block, a hat, spade, tyre repair kit, compressor, a cooler box and picnic basket  –  there are many wonderful places to stop.  Bring your own wood

THE COST
Trail R150 pv.
Guesthouse R120 pp.
Houses R60 pp.
Big Store dormitory and camping R40 pp.
Rates for clubs or big groups on request.

WHY GO THERE

• Comfortable and private accommodation
• Excellent Karoo hospitality
• Beautiful views and pristine veld
• Peace and quiet – ideal to relax from the stress of the city