Klein Tafelberg 4×4 Trail
101 Trail Guide | 2010
Klein Tafelberg 4×4 Trail
Situated in the Sandveld, between the towns of Redelinghuys and Aurora, Klein Tafelberg is what off-road lifestyle is all about.
The fun starts as soon as you enter the gate, where you have to drop your tyre pressure just to make it to the campsite (leave early in the morning, while the sand is still damp).
You’re in for some serious sand driving, and momentum is key, although too much, and you could find yourself parked up a tree. Critical to success is camaraderie, as your mates will no doubt be helping you out along the way.
It will take the best part of a morning to drive the 5 km to the viewpoint, but it is worth it. From there, you can relax and savour the moment while reflecting on your newly-honed sand driving skills. You have just completed the first section of the aptly-named Skilpad Trail. Next, you have the option of tackling the Adoons Mountain Trail, which is the complete opposite of what you’ve just experienced.
So, re-inflate the tyres to 1.5 bar, swap the wife and kids for a trustworthy navigator (you will need one) and take the steep rocky descent into a scenic gorge. This technical drive is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a rollercoaster ride of sand and heavy-duty rock climbing that may have more than one passenger opting to walk the course.
Back on the main trail, deflate the tyres again, let the wife back in and head down to Heartbreak Hill, where your vehicle can really be tested. Very thick sand, an undeserved 90º corner and hidden cross-axles will make your attempt at this sustained incline the first of several. In case you are feeling all alone while hauling out the spade for the umpteenth time – rest assured, you’re not.
Next time, look up the mountain, where you will see the owner having a good chuckle and making sure that, at the end of the day, everyone gets back safe and sound.
What you need to know
Accommodation:
The campsite is wonderfully laid out, with a central boma and pool surrounded by shady sites, so you can kuier the night away and still have some privacy. It has hot showers and flush toilets.
What else?
Surfing at Elands Bay, bird watching and hiking at Verlorenvlei, visit Redelinghuys for its historical farms and buildings, and Sun Mountain for its views and rock paintings.
Contact:
Stephen Burger
021 982 3000,
082 558 4575;
www.kleintafelberg4x4.co.za,
stephen@kleintafelberg4x4.co.za
Nearest town: Redelinghuys (15 km)
Best time of year: Summer – great camping, and the sand presents the best challenges. The flowers are spectacular in spring.
Trail distance: 17-18 km
How long will I be driving? 3-4 hours
GPS: S32.55713 E18.47351
Full Review | TOP TEN 2006
Nearest town Redelinghuys (15 km)
Contact Albert Smit
Tel 022 783 1682 or 083 429 9313
Email caritveldrif@xsinet.co.za
Best time of year Summer – great camping and the sand presents the best challenges. The flowers are spectacular in springtime.
Maximum vehicles 15
Route distance 17– 18km or 3 – 4 hours
GPS Points S32 33 25.9 E18 28 24.6
Drive Out is relieved to finally be able to proclaim Klein Tafelberg as a Top Ten destination. For years, readers have been asking us why such a magnificent trail has not been included in our selection, and the unlikely (but true) answer we had to give them was that Albert himself kept telling us that he simply wasn’t ready yet!
Wow! What a perfect destination. Klein Tafelberg is what our off-road lifestyle is all about.
Over the years Albert has succeeded in delivering the most all-round off-road driving experience that anybody can dream of. Imagine having both sand and rocky sections all on the same trail!
The fun starts as soon as you enter the gate, where you have to drop your tyre pressures just to make it to the campsite. The campsite is wonderfully laid out,
with a central boma and pool surrounded by shady sites, so you can kuier the night away and still have some privacy. But don’t kuier too much, because
you’re going to need all your wits about you to deal with (and truly appreciate) the multitude of surprises and challenges the morning will bring.
Leave early in the morning while the sand is still damp, and by the time you’ve turned onto the trail itself, you’re in for some serious sand driving. To add to the challenge, Albert has added some mischievous turns in thick sand to give you a couple of wake-up calls and remind you to keep up that momentum.
But too much momentum and you will find yourself parked up a tree!
Critical to your success here is camaraderie, as your mates will no doubt be helping you out along the way.
It will take you the best part of a morning to drive about 5km to your viewpoint. And boy is it worth it! There, you can sit down and savour the moment while reflecting on your newly honed sand driving skills, as well as the thrill of accomplishing the first section of the aptly named Skilpad Trail.
Next you have the option of tackling the Adoons Mountain Trail, which is the complete opposite of what you’ve just experienced. So, re-inflate the tyres to 1,5 bar, take a deep breath, swap the wife and kids for a trust-worthy navigator (you will need one) and take a steep rocky descent into a scenic gorge.
Follow the contour track that will hopefully bring you back up for air. Nice, technical driving – but not for the faint-hearted.
Back on the main trail, allow some time for the adrenaline to subside, deflate the tyres again, let your wife back into the car and head down to Heartbreak Hill. This is where your vehicle can really be put to the test. Very thick sand, an undeserved 90º corner and cunningly hidden cross-axles will make your attempt at this sustained incline the first of several.
While you will definitely feel the thrill of being on the trail on your own, some secret tracks along the route mean that Albert will never be far away. In fact, while you’re hauling the spade out for the umpteenth time to dig yourself out of yet another sand trap, do us a favour and look up the mountain. There’s Albert, having a good chuckle and making sure that, at the end of the day, everyone will be safe and sound.
WHY GO THERE?
- Just two and a half hours’ drive from Cape Town
- Enjoyable driving and great views
- Excellent five-star facilities
- Lovely bush camping location
- Technically challenging section
- Excellent sand driving opportunities
- New groups are guided
- Ecologically sound project
WHERE TO STAY
- There is a lovely bush-style campsite with charming ablution facilities and plenty of shade (and sand!). A lapa and swimming pool make it more attractive.
- For those who prefer four solid walls, try the Sandveld Country
Cottages nearby (022 9621 655).
WHAT ELSE?
The attractions of the West Coast are just a short drive away. Visit the towns of Lamberts Bay and Elands Bay and enjoy a meal at one of the outdoor seafood restaurants on the coast.
What you should know
Contact:
Stephen Burger
Telephone:
021 982 3000
Cell phone:
082 558 4575
E-mail address:
stephan@kleintafelberg4x4.co.za
Web page:
http://www.kleintafelberg4x4.co.za
Route distance:
17-18km | 3-4 hours
The trail:
The fun starts as soon as you enter the gate, where you have to drop your tyre pressures just to make it to the campsite. Leave early in the morning while the sand is still damp, and by the time you've turned onto the trail itself, you're in for some serious sand driving. To add to the challenge, Albert has added some mischievous turns in thick sand to give you a couple of wake-up calls and remind you to keep up that momentum. But too much momentum and you will find yourself parked up a tree! Critical to your success here is camaraderie, as your mates will no doubt be helping you out along the way. It will take you the best part of a morning to drive about 5km. Full review to follow.
Camping:
Shady campsite at start of trail with hot showers, flush toilets, swimming pool and lapa.
