A Lazy 4×4 Trail through the Karoo
A Lazy 4×4 Trail through the Karoo Read More Lazy 4×4 Trails in the Karoo: An Off-Road Adventure from Touws River 10 January 2024 The Little Karoo beckons 4×4 adventure enthusiasts with its iconic semi-desert terrains, vast mountainous plains, and the famous Route 62—which stretches right across the Western Cape. However, the true beauty of the Karoo lies beyond the tar roads. Spanning over 300 000 km, the Karoo is a South African haven for less-travelled back roads and remote, untouched regions. But you don’t need to go all out just to rough it up off the tar roads. This lazy 4×4 trail invites you on a journey through the scenic landscapes of the Tankwa Karoo. Departing from Touws River, a quaint town less than two hours outside of Cape Town, this novice-friendly off-road route winds its way through the vast and stunning Karoo, revealing hidden gems and serene 4×4 trails along the way. Over the course of this scenic drive, you’ll encounter a nature reserve and local guest farms, offering off-grid campsites and beginner 4×4 trails, complete with widespread fynbos plains devoid of cellphone signal. Your Lazy Route: With the official starting point just 23 km outside Touws River, South Africa, continue along the N1 onto the R318 towards Montagu. Continue for nearly 27 km until the Rooihoogte Pass, where the start of your 4×4 experience, the Nougaspoort gravel road, on the left, awaits your exploration. The Nougaspoort road leads to Leeuwenboschfontein, a favorite among off-road enthusiasts, offering a 20 km 4×4 route and an obstacle course near the campsite. Further down, the Gecko Rock Private Nature Reserve beckons with camping options and two off-road trails, including the tranquil Bothashoek Trail (12 km) and the more challenging Seattle Trail. Continuing east for 20.5 km to the T-junction with P1432 gravel road, turn left and travel 10.5 km to the next T-junction. Turn right, and after 2 km, you’ll reach the western entrance gate of the Anysberg Nature Reserve. Anysberg Nature Reserve Anysberg Nature Reserve, spanning 790 km2, showcases the grandeur of the Karoo with vast skies and diverse fynbos landscapes. Known for its succulent flora and diverse fauna, you can spot zebra, kudu, gemsbok, and eland while exploring the Tapfontein loop (21 km) 4×4 route. For the ultimate experience, secluded overnight stays are available in hidden Wendy houses accessible only by 4×4 vehicles. From the Anysberg campsite, journey 22 km to the reserve’s eastern gate. Turn right and head towards the Klein Swartberg and Outol passes, leading to Ladismith. Heidelberg After leaving Anysberg, follow the R323 to Barrydale, turning right after 36 km. Look for another right turn about 4 km later, leading you through the Grootrivier Valley to a junction with the R62. Continue south for 13 km until reaching the R323 again, turning right toward Riversdale. The journey takes you through diverse terrains, including the Gysmanshoek Pass in the Boosmansbos conservancy. Enjoy panoramic views of the Garden Route and spot Heidelberg, your final destination, next to the N2 highway. Also Read: The Best Karoo 4×4 Off Road Trails near Touws River Preparing for Your Trip: Length: Approximately 300 km (excluding 4×4 routes); 6-8 hours. Vehicle Requirements: 4×4 recommended. Maximum Number of Vehicles: None. Map: Roads available on Tracks4Africa and Google Maps. Vehicle Safety: No scratching or need to remove running boards. Compressor: Not strictly necessary, but deflating tires for dirt roads is advised. Cellphone Signal: Available except in Anysberg Reserve and Gysmanshoek Pass back roads. Key Information: Best Time to Go: Autumn and Spring. Family-Friendly: Suitable for families. Duration: Ideal for a weekend getaway or two-night trip. Ablution Facilities: Limited to guest farms and nature reserves. Price: Free; these are public roads.
4×4 Karoo Off-Road Trails near Touws River
4×4 Off-Road Trails Read More The Best 4×4 Off-Road Trails near Touws River Updated: December 2023 Touws River, located only 2 hours from Cape Town, has a drier and less densely vegetated climate, making the region ideal for testing out your 4×4 vehicle. Venture out onto rugged tracks and drive through the veld while enjoying the vast and untamed Karoo landscapes. If you are considering visiting Touws River or have already booked your Touws River accommodation, then you are probably keen to see what activities are available and what there is to do in the area. Explore our growing selection of Things to Do in Touws River and discover the magic of the Western Cape’s Karoo. Touws River 4×4 Trails DIEP EN DEUR 4X4 TRAIL Distance: 15 km Time: 4 – 5 hours Difficulty: Moderate Vehicle: 4×4, low range, high clearance. Close to Touws River, Western Cape, you’ll find Witteberg Private Nature Reserve’s Diep en Deur 4×4 trail, which is a whole lot of Karoo off-road fun. This 15km trail is one of four 4×4 trails in the reserve, and at the halfway point you’ll find wonderful views of the Matroosberg peak. Please note that a vehicle with 4×4 capabilities, low range, and high clearance is required for this trail. Visit Trail GECKO ROCK SEATTLE 4X4 TRAIL Distance: 9 km Time: 2 – 3 hours Difficulty: Moderate Vehicle: 4×4, low range, high clearance. The Gecko Rock Seattle 4×4 Trail is a 9 kilometre, one-way route that takes between two and three hours to complete. It links up with an access road, which leads to the beautiful Echo Valley Camp, as well as to other off-road trails. The terrain includes sand, gravel and rocks with plenty of steep climbs and descents, as well as sandstone ridges and pole bridges. There are tight corners, rocky outcrops and other challenging surprises. Visit Trail LEEUWENBOSCHFONTEIN 4X4 TRAIL Distance: 20 km Time: 4 – 6 hours Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging Vehicle: 4×4, low range, high clearance. This trail consists of one main circular route with some optional loops and a short obstacle course. Drivers can expect rocky terrain with some gloriously adrenalin-inducing descents, as well as cross-axles and side-slope climbs. The Leeuwenboschfontein 4×4 Trail is 20 kilometres long and has achieved an official grading of between three and five. It takes approximately four to six hours to complete, thanks to the challenges of the harsh, craggy mountains. Visit Trail KAROO ADVENTURES 4X4 TRAIL Distance: 35 km Time: Multiple Trails Difficulty: Easy to Challenging Vehicle: 4×4, low range, high clearance. The Karoo Adventures 4x4Trail comprises of many circular routes, including an obstacle course to test the drivers’ skills and technical abilities, a multi-day trail, and the Winter Trek Route, which is a soft-roader or 4×2 trail. The trails are diverse and offer a variety of difficulty levels. Some areas are easy to manage, even for those with less experience, while others are grade five sections that require technical knowledge and a whole lot of guts. Visit Trail KOPBEENSKLOOF 4X4 TRAIL Distance: 36 km Time: 5 – 7 hours Difficulty: Challenging Vehicle: 4×4, low range, high clearance. The Kopbeenskloof 4×4 Trail is open to drivers all year round. It comprises a circular section and a return route. There are parts of the route that have a grading of up to four, making it challenging. The trail is 36 kilometres long and usually takes between 5 – 7 hours to complete. The terrain comprises of rocks, gravel and sand, with some tricky ditches and deep river crossings along the way. Visit Trail MATROOSBERG 4X4 TRAIL Distance: 30 km Time: 6 hours Difficulty: Easy to Challenging Vehicle: 4×4, low range, high clearance The Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve 4×4 Trail is a 30 kilometre route that does not require a guide. It is made up of solid rock face as well as a variety of loose rocks, sand and mountainous areas. The various terrains are graded between two and six, and it takes about six hours to tackle its full extent. Visit Trail Also Read: The Best Hiking Trails near Touws River, South Africa What to Expect on a Karoo 4×4 Trail The Karoo is a semi-arid region, so it is important to be prepared for hot and dry conditions. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and wear a hat and sunglasses. The Karoo is also home to a number of venomous snakes, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to wear sturdy shoes. Tips for 4×4 Off-Road Trails Start early in the morning to avoid the heat. Wear sun-protective clothing and a hat. Bring plenty of water and snacks. There are no stores or shops along the trails, so please stock up in Touws River before you depart. Be aware of the risks of dehydration and heatstroke. Always take more water than you need. Stick to the trails and respect the environment. The Karoo is a delicate and wild ecosystem, home to many native animals and plants. Please be careful where you drive. The nearest fuel station / petrol station is in Touws River. Fill up on fuel before you depart and be sure to carry extra fuel reserves with you on your trip. “,”nextArrow”:”“,”autoplay”:false,”autoplaySpeed”:5000,”rtl”:false}’ dir=”ltr”> Karoo 4×4 Trails January 10, 2024 A Lazy 4×4 Trail through the Karoo Nearby Attractions January 3, 2024 The Loganda Pillars Nearby Attractions December 28, 2023 Planting a Tree in Honour of Thembekile Mandela