Luiperdskloof 4×4 Trails
101 Trail Guide | 2010
Luiperdskloof 4×4 Trails
Luiperdskloof 4×4 Trails is situated in the Skurweberg mountains on a picturesque protea farm that belongs to the Vorster family.
It has two trails, both built on tracks initially designed for protea harvesting. The trails offer participants a chance to test their driving skills while negotiating various ascents and descents high in the mountains. Neither should be attempted alone.
The Patryskop/Langkloof Trail is some 38 km long and is a scenic out-and-back drive. It is the longer and more demanding trail, climbing to a height of about 1 800 m above sea level.
It takes you close to the highest peak in the Skurweberg mountains, namely the Bokkeveld Sneeukop (2 070 m), where snow is common in winter. Its terrain is rocky, and the trickiest part is right at the summit where you will need nerves of steel; one mistake could be disastrous, so plan your line carefully.
The Bobbejaanberg Trail is a 20 km circular loop and is a lot less demanding. Some care is, however, required at the start of this trail, which is steep in sections and could prove frightening for the less experienced. On this trail, the landscape changes dramatically as one traverses around rocky outcrops and formations typical of the Cederberg wilderness area. The views from the summit are extraordinary.
What you need to know
Accommodation:
There are camping facilities for 10 vehicles at the start of the trail next to the dam. Enjoy a hot shower between the reeds and rocks before retiring for the day to a welcoming bonfire. For the less adventurous, Mount Ceder, about 20 km away, offers nine fully equipped self-catering cottages, and a restaurant
( 023 317 0848 or visit www.mountceder.co.za).
What else?
Birding, canoeing, hiking, fishing and swimming in rock pools. The Stadsaal Caves, Wolfberg Cracks and Wolfberg Arch are nearby, and the Cederberg Astronomical Observatory at Dwarsrivier is 40 km away.
Contact:
Adéle and Pieter Vorster
083 419 4520,
023 317 0962;
pvorster@kleinveld.co.za,
www.route62.co.za
Nearest town: Ceres (80 km)
Best time to go: All year round
Trail distance/s: 38 km and 20 km
How long will I be driving? 2-6 hours
GPS: S32.81050 E19.45627
FULL REVIEW | APRIL 2006 (DO14) | Francois Smit
Nearest town Prince Alfred Hamlet (80km from Ceres)
Contact Adéle and Pieter Vorster
Tel/fax 023 317 0962 or
Cell 083 419 4520
Email pvorster@kleinveld.co.za
Best time of year All year
Maximum vehicles 12
Route distance Two routes, 38km (4–6 hours) and 20km (3 hours)
A full weekend is needed on this picturesque protea farm, with tracks designed to facilitate harvesting.
It is not wise to tackle the trail alone, as it requires careful navigation in places, particularly in winter when snow and ice cover some sections above the official snowline.
The Sneeukop route is a scenic 20km drive to a turn-around point. It is the longer and more demanding trail, climbing higher to 1 800m, while taking you close to the loftiest peak of the Bokkeveld Sneeukop, where snow is common in winter.
It offers a total of 38km of rocky terrain. The trickiest part is right at the summit, where nerves of steel are required – a mistake could be disastrous. So plan your line carefully.
The Bloukop Route is a circular 20km loop and is a lot less demanding than Sneeukop, although extra care is required at the start of this route. It is very steep and could be frightening for the less-experienced.
The landscape changes dramatically as one traverses around rocky outcrops and formations. Awesome and incredible rock formations complement the ruggedness and remoteness typical of the Cederberg Wilderness Area.
The summit views are extraordinary, especially the vast open plains of the Tankwa Karoo.
This section of the cederberg is part of the Bokkeveld group, which is rich in marine fossils.
The Mediterranean climate supports an abundance of mountain fynbos. Even though beautiful, the veld’s lack of nutritional value accounts for the fact that only small antelope, like the ribbok, can sometimes be seen.
WHY I LOVED IT
“A relaxed drive for the whole family with excellent photographic opportunities. The views from the summit are extraordinary!” Francois Smit
WHERE TO STAY
Camping:
There are camping facilities next to the dam at the start of the trail for ten vehicles. Enjoy a hot shower between the reeds and rocks before retiring for the day to a welcome bonfire.
Accommodation:
For the less adventurous, Mount Ceder is about 20km from Luiperdskloof and offers well-priced accommodation in nine luxury, fully-equipped self-catering cottages with a restaurant (phone 023 317 0848 or visit www.mountceder.co.za).
WHAT ELSE
- Birding, canoeing, hiking, fishing and swimming in clear rock pools
- Rock paintings and the Stadsaal Caves nearby
- A visit to the Wolfberg Cracks, Wolfberg Arch or Maltese Cross is worth the effort.
- Cederberg Astronomical Observatory is situated at Dwars Rivier, a mere 40km away.
SPECIALIST PACKING
Camera and binoculars. It can be very cold in the winter, but adequate warm clothing is a necessity throughout the year
THE COST
Sneeukop R150 pv.
Bobbejaanberg R100 pv
Camping R75 pv.
No group discounts. Advanced booking a pre-requisite!
WHY GO THERE
- More than 100 bird species have been recorded here, with black eagle, rock kestrel and jackal buzzard the most common raptors
- Good chance to see fresh leopard spoor
- True wilderness experience
What you should know
Contact:
Adele & Pieter Vorster
Telephone:
023 317 0962
Cell phone:
083 419 4520
E-mail address:
Web page:
Route distance:
2 trails: 20, 38km | 2-6 hours
The trail:
The Sneeukop route is a scenic 20km drive to a turn-around point. The Bloukop Route is a circular 20km loop and is a lot less demanding.
Accommodation:
For the less adventurous, Mount Ceder is about 20km from Luiperdskloof and offers well-priced accommodation in nine luxury, fully-equipped self-catering cottages with a restaurant (phone 023 317 0848 or visit www.mountceder.co.za).
Camping:
There are camping facilities next to the dam at the start of the trail for ten vehicles. Enjoy a hot shower between the reeds and rocks before retiring for the day to a welcome bonfire.
