Our 4 favourite 4x4 trails around Cape Town

With the sheer natural beauty of the Cape, it doesn’t take much to get in the car and hit the trails. Here’s our round up of our top 5 fantastic 4x4 routes you’ll love

What’s better than bashing the beach and the bush? Not much! These are the killer trails you’ll want to remember for your next trip. 

1. Klipbokkop Mountain Reserve

Worcester, Western Cape

Enveloped in fynbos ­clad mountains, this reserve offers more than 55 km of customised, guided 4×4 trails for all skill levels. It is also home to the Goodyear 4×4 Academy, which runs off-­road group training courses covering a variety of terrains. Guests stay in air ­conditioned en suite rooms or self­-catering sleeps with shared kitchen and braai facilities.

And more: A scenic swimming pool with a view, birdwatching, and unique artisanal experiences. 

2. Klein Tafelberg 4x4 trail

Redelinghuys, Western Cape

If you’re looking for a challenge, then your next stop should be the sand dunes and solid rocky steps of the Klein Tafelberg terrain. But don’t worry; you won’t only be travelling over soft sandy dunes. You’ll also get the chance to really rev your engine before conquering the steep ledges and solid rock faces. Boasting beautiful indigenous flora and unique limestone formations, it’ll get your heart racing as you look out at the rawest form of South Africa’s natural beauty for all 20 km of the trail. 

And more: The Klein Tafelberg Training and Adventure Centre offers a wide range of activities from self-defence courses to bird-watching and even games of Airsoft.

3. Boegoeberg 4×4

Clanwilliam, Western Cape

This popular 25km 4×4 trail climbs high up into the mountains. Dubbed the Old Donkey Wagon Trail, the road was initially built by farmers for harvesting buchu. Test your mettle on everything from steep ascents and descents to technical driving sections, where you have to negotiate around and over large rock formations.

There are chalets, rooms and two campsites – one with a swimming pool at the start of the trail; the other at the top of the mountain. There’s also an isolated sandstone shelter with bunk beds built against a rock overhang, with a waterfall nearby.

And more: A farm shop stocking basic supplies.

4. Marcuskraal 4×4 and Camp Site

Citrusdal, Western Cape

These scenic trails wind through fynbos to the summit of a mountain. Test your skills with a wide range of driving conditions, from thick sand and loose rock, to steep, rocky inclines. Most trails are suitable for newbies, but there are also more challenging obstacles for serious 4×4 enthusiasts. Afterwards, you can pitch your tent on the grassy campsite boasting shady trees, a swimming pool, electricity and tip top ablutions; or book a bed in a luxury chalet with air conditioning, DStv and your own jacuzzi.

And more: A jungle gym at the campsite will keep your little ones entertained.

5. Walker Bay 4x4 Fishing Trail

Stanford, Cape Overberg 

This beautiful route hugs the coast and promises some epic adventures with beautiful picnic areas, fishing spots, and scenic views you won’t soon forget.  The popular 4x4 Fishing Trail boasts challenging landscapes for your car and angling sites where you can catch a range of marine fish found along the coastline. Each fishing spot has a designated parking area, so you won’t have to worry about leaving your baby unattended on the trail. 

And more: You can enjoy time in nature and explore the history of Walker Bay. Enjoy birdwatching, scenic hiking trails, whale watching, and Klipgat cave which was home to Middle Stone Age people as far back as 85,000 years ago! 

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