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Sandveld Cottages & 4x4 Trail
Reviewed: DO #7, 2004
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Contact:
Charles Wykeham
Cell phone:
073 389 0702
Telephone:
021 424 9571
E-mail address:
sandveld@blencathra.co.za
Web page:
http://www.sandveldcottages.co.za
Nearest town:
Redelinghuys (16km) |
-32.620500, 18.575740
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Route distance:
12km | 2-3 hours
The trail:
Staying in the cottages gives you free access to the 4x4 trail. So, despite some severely misty conditions in the early morning, I set off to explore a trail I had heard nothing about. The basic route is a 12 kilometre circular one which ascends the mountain behind the cottages with several loops off to various vantage-points and to a spectacular wilderness campsite. Thanks to the mist and a lack of concentration I managed to lose myself somewhat in the mountains so ended up exploring a little more of the route than I had initially planned! I eventually found my bearings, though, and continued without any further hassles along what is a very pleasant and picturesque little trail. There are some awesome views over wonderful sandveld wild flowers and the trail is a most enjoyable experience. There is only one tricky section where the track descends a steep rocky area requiring fair experience. I turned around at that point, being alone and in very slippery conditions. This spot is clearly marked, and it's easy enough to by-pass it. The camping is truly spectacular, but it's real bush camping with absolutely no facilities and one can imagine it must get freezing in the winter months.
Accommodation:
Four idyllic cottages situated on the base slopes of the Piketberg range have serene views across a large sweeping valley with magnificent mountains as your backdrop.
The cottages are perfect for overnighting and have all the facilities you'd need. They sleep six with three bedrooms in each cottage. The four cottages are close enough for big groups but still have enough privacy for smaller parties.
Camping:
Those wanting to camp could make use of the bush camp at Klein Tafelberg 4x4. Wilderness camping is available on the mountain, but there are absolutely no facilities. 
101 Trail Guide | 2010
Sandveld Cottages and 4x4 Trail
Situated on the base slopes of the Piketberg mountain range, the Sandveld cottages have views across a large sweeping valley, with moody mountains as your constant backdrop.
The main 4x4 trail is a circular trail of 12 km that ascends the mountain behind the cottages. It has several loops running off to various vantage points, and to a wilderness campsite.
It is a picturesque little trail, with only one tricky section where the track descends a steep, rocky area. Conditions can get very slippery and this obstacle requires a fair amount of experience. It is clearly marked, however, and is easy enough to bypass.
The camping is a typical bush experience, with no facilities, so come prepared. Staying in the cottages gives you free access to the 4x4 trail.
What you need to know
Accommodation:
The Sandveld Cottages are fully equipped and sleep 6 each, with three bedrooms in each cottage. The four cottages are close enough for big groups but still offer enough privacy for smaller parties.
Those wanting to camp can make use of the bush camp at Klein Tafelberg 4x4. Wilderness camping is available on the mountain, but there are no facilities.
What else?
Uitkyk farm offers the following options: hiking trails, mountain climbing, bird watching, swimming, mountain biking, rowing on a dam that has a rowing boat for the kids, and a touch farm with goats, geese, lambs, and calves. Allow yourself some time to explore some West Coast villages.
Contact:
Charles Wykeham
073 389 0702,
021 424 9571;
sandveld@blencathra.co.za,
www.sandveldcottages.co.za;
www.sandveldcountryestate.co.za
Nearest town: Redelinghuys (16 km)
Best time to go: All year round, but spring and summer are best.
Trail distance: 12 km
How long will I be driving? 2-3 hours
GPS: S32.62050 E18.57574
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