leisurewheels.co.zaREADERADVENTURE The Garden Route unplugged
PLETTENBERG BAY TO LOUVAIN FARM VIA PIETERSRIVIER NATURE RESERVE
Background and routing: This route, via the hamlet of Wittedrif and the R340 to De Vlugt takes in the old
Paardekop ox wagon route and a short section of Thomas Bain’s Prince Alfred’s Pass. From De Vlugt it’s
5km of scenic dirt track that passes through aloe-encrusted kranse to Pietersrivier Nature Reserve (we
overnighted there) and then onto the T-junction with the N9 some 30km distant. From here to Louvain
Farm it’s another 29km on the tar.
Difficulty: The R340 can become quite slippery in the wet, but the balance of the route is relatively easy
as it’s on good gravel and tar roads.
Vehicle requirements: Normal sedan vehicle with reasonable ground clearance.
Length of trail: 119km, 78km of it on dirt tracks.
Time required: Two hours with a drink stop at Angie’s G-Spot
Permit required: No
Cost: Nil
Contact: Katot Meyer (082 083 9976 or 044 272 0014 after hours) of Pietersrivier Nature Reserve for
pristine yet rustic camping facilities and to do the Burchell’s 4×4 track when it reopens in 2020.
(See video at http://www.burchell4x4.co.za.)DUIWELSKOP 4x 4
TRAIL (AKA THE OLD
VOORTREKKER PASS):
LOUVAIN FARM (NHR)
Background: The first recorded
wagon crossing was made by
Governor Van Plettenberg on
3 November 1778. It was a pass
known by early travellers as one
of the most difficult to cross and
many of their wagons toppled
over the steep cliffs, often
pulling their oxen with them.
But Thomas Bain realigned and
improved the pass somewhat
in 1864 and this is the engaging
and scenic 4×4 track of today.
Difficulty: Grade 2–3 north to
south and Grade 3–4 south to
north.
Vehicle requirements: High
clearance (225mm minimum)
4×4 with low range.
Length of trail: Old Voortrekker
Pass proper: 7.9km, but
including other jeep tracks and
dirt roads to the T-Junction
with the Seven Passes Road, it’s
34km in total.
Time required: The Old
Voortrekker Pass will take you
about 1.5–2 hours with stops,
and the whole route can be
completed in about three hours.
Permit required: Yes, obtainable
from Louvain farm off the
N9 (R62)
Cost: R200 per vehicle
Contact: 071 695 9486 and
http://www.louvain.co.zaNHR
Nico’s Historical
Ox Wagon RouteTop: End of the back road; crossing the
Riviersonderend outside Stormsvlei. Above: Adri’s
novel antique and farm stall outlet in De Vlugt oozes
charm. Right: Spitzkop viewsite is a really worthwhile
scenic diversion off Prince Alfred’s Pass.50 SEPTEMBER 2019