Boegoeberg 4×4
101 Trail Guide | 2010
Boegoeberg 4×4 Trail
The Boegoeberg 4×4 Trail is situated on Lambertshoek farm, in the “Engelsman se Berge” overlooking Graafwater, Elands Bay, Lamberts Bay and Clanwilliam.
Boegoeberg lies in a transition zone between three biomes – Cape fynbos, succulent Karoo and Nama Karoo – and features a variety of the fauna and flora of each. The 4×4 trail, which was initially cut for harvesting buchu, takes 6 hours to complete. Good signposting links up to supplied GPS waypoints, making it a breeze to navigate. A comprehensive information pack is given to visitors.
Although the trail is not a vehicle-breaker, most of it requires concentration and some experience.
Covering some 25 km, the mountain section is a scenic drive that gets progressively more technical as you ascend. It is a long, winding uphill, round tight hairpin bends to the Platklip viewpoint.
From negotiating large rock formations to radically-cambered rocky corners, this trail has it all, not to mention repeated river crossings on the last section to the viewpoint. The difficulty of this section can vary depending on the time of year.
A dune climb is the main challenge on the sand section, a shorter second section that is up next. The only risk here could be a dented ego when trying to conquer the sand. A balance of tyre pressure and momentum should do the trick. For those who prefer something more accessible, there’s also a 4×2 trail.
What you need to know
Accommodation:
Boegoeberg has a guesthouse, three sandstone cottages and two campsites. A farm shop stocks basic necessities. The main guesthouse, Ouhuis, and the sandstone chalet, Klipspringer, both sleep 5. On the trail, about 2 km from the start, is Buurman se Gat. This rustic mountain hut is built against a natural rock overhang, has an indoor fireplace, an outside bush shower and a sea-view toilet. It sleeps 5. The more rustic sites, Kliphuis and Kliphoutkop, are built in the mountains. Accessible to 4x4s only, they offer basic toilet facilities and hot water showers. Of the two campsites, one is at the start of the trail, under large trees and next to a dam, while the other is on top of the mountain at the Kliphuis. Both campsites offer basic toilet facilities and fresh water.
What else?
Hiking, fishing in the dam, buchu picking and birding. A visit to the sandstone quarry can be arranged; visit the Heerenlogement Cave (40 km) or cool off at the waterfall, in the dam … or in the biggest sandstone pool you have ever seen.
Contact:
Sybrie de Beer
083 632 2634,
027 482 2933;
lambertshoek@telkomsa.net
Nearest town: Clanwilliam (25 km)
Best time to go: All year round
Trail distances: 25 km and 10 km
How long will I be driving? 2-6 hours
GPS: S32.28599 E18.75272
Full Review | ROLL OF HONOUR
Drive Out Top Ten: 2004, 2005, 2006
Nearest town Clanwilliam (25 km)
Contact Sybrie de Beer
Tel 027 482 2933
Cell 082 632 2634
Email lambertshoek@telkomsa.net
Best time of year Year round
Maximum vehicles 25
Route distance 10 km or 25 km (3 or 6 hours)
GPS Points S32 17 20.6 E18 45 13.1
Take a drive up the West Coast from Cape Town and look to your right. Magnificent mountains guard fertile valleys. Makes you want to make a beeline straight for them, doesn’t it?
Well, that’s where Boegoeberg 4×4 comes in. Sybrie’s inspirational commitment to nature makes it possible for you to head for the mountains in your 4×4 and experience the majesty in an ecologically responsible manner.
Best of all, once you’re up there, you can stay at a campsite high up in the mountains to make that special moment stretch on and on.
There is another campsite at the start of the trail with hot water, shade and flush toilets – and its newest addition, the biggest sandstone swimming
pool you have ever seen.
For the more skilled, Sybrie has introduced an alternative track to the summit, which makes for a thrilling technical driving experience. The view from the top there is worth every bead of sweat.
What you should know
Contact:
Sybrie de Beer
Telephone:
027 482 2933
Cell phone:
083 632 2634
E-mail address:
Web page:
Route distance:
25, 10km | 2-6 hours
Surrounds:
Boegoeberg traverses the slopes between the Cederberg mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean. From its slopes you can glimpse the sea twinkling in the distance (that is of course, if you dare take your eyes off the route). The trail sits on a transition zone between three biomes and as a result boasts a fascinating variety of plants, fynbos, buchu, proteas and flowers, of which Sybrie can name each and every one.
The trail:
Boegoebergs trails were initially cut for the sole purpose of harvesting buchu, but have since evolved to accommodate a wider variety of activities. Comprehensive signposting links up to a series of supplied GPS waypoints making the trail a breeze to navigate. The 4x4 trail will take a full day to complete. Most of it requires concentration and some experience. It's certainly not a vehicle-breaker, but is one of the more enjoyable driving challenges on offer in this area. For those who prefer something more accessible, there's also a 4x2 trail.
Accommodation:
Boegoeberg has a guesthouse and three sandstone cottages. A farm shop stocks the basic necessities.
Camping:
Boegoeberg has two campsites. The main site sits at the start of the trail, under large trees, alongside what is possibly the largest pool to be found on any trail in the country. The 2nd spot, Kliphuis is located on the top of the mountain. Both campsites offer basic toilet facilities and fresh water.
