101 Trail Guide | 2010

Vleesbaai Dune Route

Vleesbaai Dune Route is a coastal trail on the farm Misgunst, 35 km from Mossel Bay. It is one of a few coastal 4x4 trails where dune driving is permitted so close to the beach.
Owner Riekie van Rensburg will provide you with a detailed map, but the lines you need to take through the dunes shift with the wind, so he puts up markers to indicate the best way through. The numbers on the poles correlate with markers on the map.
The first kilometre of the trail winds through coastal vegetation, after which you emerge into an extensive dunescape. Here you are advised to lower your tyre pressure to at least 1 bar, or else you will get stuck right there. Then the fun begins and you are treated to some marvellous dune driving. You have the highly recommended option of taking a detour that follows a winding ridge along the dunes.
After you have joined up with the main trail again, you can either take on another challenging detour or continue for another kilometre to a route that runs parallel to the beach. Here you can stop the car, unpack the cool box and release the kids onto the dunes. It’s a great picnic spot – secluded and private. Enjoy the calm while you can, as the most challenging part of the trail is yet to come.
A word of warning: When you come to The Dune, make sure your tyre pressure is at 0.8 bar. It’s the only way you’ll make it up this monster.

What you need to know

Accommodation:
Vleesbaai has two campsites - a comfortable, well-equipped one with ocean views, and a second, more cost-effective option. Be sure to specify where you want to stay when you book. For self-catering cottages in Vleesbaai, contact Kotie Muller on 044 699 1011.

What else?
All the attractions of Mossel Bay (good surf and shark diving), and the Garden Route. There are numerous other 4x4 trails within a couple of hours’ drive.

Contact:
Riekie van Rensburg 
044 699 1107,
082 784 8238;
www.4x4ineden.co.za,
vleesbaai4x4@gmail.com

Nearest towns: Vleesbaai (1 km), Mossel Bay (35 km)

Best time to go: Spring

Route distance: 12 km

How long will I be driving? 2-4 hours

GPS: S34.29708 E21.91309

Full Review | TOP 10 2006

Nearest town Vleesbaai (1km), Mossel Bay (35 km)
Contact Riekie van Rensburg
Tel 044 699 1107
Cell 082 784 8238
Best time of year Year round
Maximum vehicles 12
Route distance 12 km (2 – 4 hours)
GPS Points S34 17 49.3 E21 54 47.3

Vleesbaai is primarily a sand and dune driving experience, and the challenge is moderate but certainly exhilarating and fun-filled.

Vleesbaai is normally done by holidaymakers staying in Mossel Bay or travelling the Garden Route. Although you can spend the whole day there, the fact that you can complete the trail in half a day means that it can easily fit into your plans if you happen to be in the area.

Owner Riekie receives guests and will provide you with a detailed map but, typically with the nature of this environment, the lines that you need to take through the dunes shift with the wind so Riekie puts up clear markers that indicate the best path through the dunes.
Numbers on the poles clearly correlate with markers on the map.

The first kilometre of the route winds through typical coastal vegetation, after which one emerges into a breathtaking dunescape. At that point, if you are not careful to lower your tyre pressure down to at least 1 bar, this track will become a sand trap – so don’t be caught off-guard!

From there you are treated to some marvellous sand dune driving as you wind your way down in the direction of the beach. You will also have the option of making a very special detour that follows a winding ridge comprised of a stretch of dunes that will lead you to the highest point of the trail. There, surrounded by the desert-like expanse, with the sea on one side and the bush on the other, you are treated to a truly eerie and spine-tingling sensation that is difficult to put into words – you’ll just have to try it and see for yourself.

A word of warning here: the number of vehicles on this section is restricted due to the limited area of manoeuvrability in order to turn back again. Also, care should be taken as the glare can be blinding and can affect your depth perception.

Having joined up with the main trail again, you have the option of following another challenging detour, or you can continue for a further kilometre that will take you on a route parallel to the pristine beaches. Drive Out does not recommend, but insists, that you stop here, let the kids play around and simply enjoy the incredible experience and surroundings.
If ever there was a perfect picnicking spot for sundowners or a lunch, this is it. The seclusion and privacy is priceless.

But don’t let your guard down – the most challenging part of the trail is yet to come. We don’t want to give it all away, but just one word of warning – when you come to The Dune, make sure your tyre pressure is at almost 0,8 bar. It’s the only way up and over.

The campsite is comfortable, well equipped and boasts the most magnificent ocean views of the entire Vleesbaai area.
Be aware though that there are two site options, so be sure to specify where you wish to locate yourself when you book.

Riekie’s passion and commitment are what make the Vleesbaai Dune Route the marvellous experience that it is today. Enjoy every moment of it!

Last note: When Riekie heard that the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, was vacationing in the area, he invited him to Vleesbaai Dune Route and was pleasantly surprised when the honourable minister accepted. A great time was had by all.

WHY GO THERE?

• You can hone your dune and deep sand driving skills in a relaxed family environment
• Safe unlimited space for the kids to play
• The family can picnic or braai while you drive
• Vleesbaai is just minutes from the N2 and Mossel Bay, in the heart of the Garden Route
• Help is a cellphone call away, with Riekie coming to the rescue in his 4x4 bakkie or farm tractor.

WHERE TO STAY
There’s camping on the farm, or a host of self-catering cottages and homes in Vleesbaai – contact Mrs Kotie Muller: Tel 044 699 1011 Fax 044 699 1137.

WHAT ELSE?
All the Mossel Bay attractions of good surf and shark diving, along with the Garden Route’s seemingly unlimited fun options.
There are also other 4x4 trails within a couple of hours’ drive.