4x4 Trails in Northern Cape (original) (raw)
4x4 and Four Wheel Drive Adventures
The Northern Cape Province is South Africa's largest province and characterised by deserts and semi-deserts boasting fascinating plants and the exquisitely stunning flowers of Namaqualand.
Did you know? When in full flood the noise of the Orange River as it flows over the falls in the reserve is gushing torrent that is nothing short of a roar.
The 4x4 trails in the Northern Cape guarantee an exhilarating experience that you will never forget. The Banksgate 4x4 trail in Sutherland covers the heart of the magnificent Nuweveld Mountain Range in the Karoo. It boasts 6 trails which vary in distances between 10 and 66 km.
All the trails have varying degrees of inclines, deep dongas and loose rock. You will traverse magnificent passes boasting exquisite views. Birdlife and wildlife are abundant in this beautiful area.
The Richtersveld National Park is the only mountain desert park in southern Africa and is a 4x4 enthusiast's dream. Here you will find an abundance of succulent plants and the quiver tree that is endemic to this area.
As a 4x4 enthusiast, you will get enough exercise in your driving skills in this park when you tackle the various sandy and craggy trails. The various routes through the park are graded from easy to very difficult and distances that vary from approximately 240 km to as much as 760 km. It will take you anything from 2 to 5 days to complete these 4x4 trails.
If you enjoy driving in sand, then the West Coast 4x4 Trail is definitely for you. This route will test all your sand driving skills and follows the coastline from Dwarskersbos to Lambert's Bay, Groenriviermond, Hondeklipbaai and ends in Port Nolloth. The trails boasts fabulous scenery and is rated moderate to difficult.
The Hantam Flower 4x4 Trial in Calvinia offers views of the most fascinating features in the Karoo. This trail is a must during spring when the exquisite Namaqualand flowers flourish. Drive in the riverbed and view the huge Namaqua Fig trees clinging to the rock surface and admire the awesome game in the area.
The Kalahari 4x4 trail in Upington offers exhilarating dune driving and scenic views of the magnificent terrains. View the various antelope species, the bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal and most of the raptors.
The Northern Cape is dry but offers awesome 4x4 adventures on dunes, sandy and craggy areas and through passes with magnificent views.