Article
TIERKLOOF 4X4
2017-04-25
WHAT?
A perfect day-trip away from Cape Town, Tierkloof’s circular route offers wide-eyed views over the Rawsonville area and a steep, challenging trail. The 4x4 route will test standard 4x4s (with low-range), but shouldn’t cause damage if you drive carefully and check your lines.
Somewhere near the trail’s halfway point there’s a scenic picnic spot with spectacular 360° vistas over the area’s rugged mountain landscape, along with a great view of the Brandvlei dam far below.
WHERE?
Tierkloof is located between the Voorsorgsberg and Brandvlei Dam, just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town, and roughly 8km from the small farming village of Rawsonville.
WHY?
Apart from the 4x4 trail, there are various water-based activities on Brandvlei Dam. Bring the family for fun on the trails, then set out for sundowners on your boat, go canoeing and fishing, or simply enjoy the grassy campsite. The dam also offers sandy beaches – perfect for kids.
WHEN?
Tierkloof is open all year round, and the 4x4 trail is largely unaffected by rain, due to its rocky base and good irrigation. If you’d like to enjoy the dam too, it’s best to come in summer when the weather is warm.
HOW?
The 12km circular route winds its way up a steep, rocky ascent for approximately 5km. You’ll need to keep your wits about you as you dodge huge boulders and pick your line carefully. In the most difficult sections, escape routes have been constructed, but you’ll still need a capable vehicle with diff-lock and a minimum of 300mm underbody ground-clearance. Your reward for the steep ascent is reaching the 780m-high Bloukop viewpoint, with a panoramic view over the Brandvlei Dam towards Worcester, as well as a daunting look into a deep gorge right below the picnic spot.
If you’re driving a standard vehicle with independent front suspension, the 5km trip back down is tricky, as the front suspension compresses, reducing clearance. For this reason, a bash plate is necessary, although if you’re careful, the plate shouldn’t have to work too hard.
Thanks to the high-grip surface of this trail and the fact that most of the rocks are not sharp, the trail isn't too hard on tyres, but nonetheless, an LT spec all-terrain would be preferable. You’ll need to drop pressures by at least 40% for the steep, sandy ascent right at the end of the trail.
GPS
S33.704692
E19.395961
PROVINCE
Western Cape
NEAREST TOWN
Rawsonville
TERRAIN TYPE
Mountainous with steep ascents and descents, axle twisters, and large rocks. You’ll also be treated to a large sand dune at the end of the trail, and a tricky clay section that could be loads of fun in the wet.
GUIDED / SELF DRIVE
Self drive
OPEN
All year round
TRAIL DIFFICULTY
3
ACCOMODATION
Camping
The campsite is situated near an old rock quarry, which has been turned into a sanctuary for small animals, especially dassies. There are ten campsites available with a clean communal ablution facility, flush toilets and hot water. Power points and braai areas are also available for campers.
CONTACT
Mariana 082 578 1853
Willem 076 782 3481
Email wilmar@tierkloof4x4.co.za
PRICE
R100 per campsite per night
R20 per person camping
R150 per vehicle for the 4x4 trail