Description

Join us for an unforgettable adventure following the Orange River on the well-kown Namaqua 4×4 Trail, the longest 4×4 trail in South Africa. Once we reach the Atlantic Ocean, we make our way south all along the majestic West Coast of South Africa, ending at the iconic Lamberts Bay. The plan would be to end the trip with a dinner at our camp which is prepared by the owners, this spot is a true undiscovered gem. The cost of which would be for your own account.

Where do we start? 

Our meeting point would be at Augrabies waterfall on the first evening. The cost for the camping is included in the price. If you get there a bit earlier spoil yourself with a short but scenic hike to check out the falls.

Day 1:  We depart from Augrabies via a short gravel road to make our way to Pofadder. Here you need to refuel for the trip along the Orange River. It will be the last available fuel until we reach either Alexander Bay or Port Nollath. If you have a standard reach of around 1000km you would be fine. I drive a V6 Land Cruiser which carries 180L standard, as a backup, I carry an extra 40 Lt. Not saying you need as much, but I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it!

We drive to the Village of Pella and visit the iconic little church, if we are lucky, we could find it open. From the church we drive the first of many spectacular routes, Charles Pass which makes a loop back to Pella and we then head out to Klein Pella. It is a working date farm. We spend the night relaxing around the campfire. The ablutions are great!

Day 2:  We follow the Orange River but the road sometimes does take us a bit inland in order to get to where we want to go. We pass the camping spot at Groot Melkboom. Tonight, our camping spot is at Ramansdrift on the edge of the Orange River. The brave ones can take aswim in the Orange River or try your hand at some fishing.

What beter way to end another tough day in Africa than around the campfire once again.

Day 3:  We make our way toward Vioolsdrif and spend the night on the banks of the Orange River camping at The Growcery. This is a magnificent campsite on the banks of the Orange River. They have a restaurant that serves pizzas as well!

Day 4:  The terrain becomes more and more challenging, especially the gravel roads of the Northern Cape so brace yourself for some serious corrugations! It will test both man and machine but the rewards are oh so worth it!! We skirt the edge of the Richtersveld passing through the settlement of Eksteensfontein. Don’t blink….you might miss it!! The track from Vioolsdrif to get to Eksteensfontein is going to challenge you, proper 4×4 off roading with mind blowing scenes. Words fail to describe this place….

Tonight we spend the night at the spectacular Bakkranse…..You have never seen the stars like this!

Day 5:  From Bakkranse the terrain is similar to that of which you find in Southern Namibia, for obvious reasons, we are on the border of Namibia after all! Expect wide open sandy plains with beautiful mountains which make for spectacular scenery.

The track eventually ends up at the tar road that takes us to Alexander Bay. Here you can refuel if need be. It is nigh impossible to get to the actual mouth of the Orange River but we do get very close to it. The BRAVE ones can take a hike through the muddy waters!!

From Alexander Bay we start making our way south towards Port Nollath. A little gem of the West Coast. I have a favorite little restaurant where I normally stop for some coffee and a bite to eat before heading further south to Kleinzee.

At Kleinzee we get to camp in a private conservation area – on the edge of the ocean!! This is wild camping at it’s very best!!

If you have a wind shield, bring it with!! The wind gets chilly but nothing like a PROPER fire to warm the soul!!

Day 6:  Today we drive further south to Hondeklipbaai…..I am going to see if I can get us into the dune veld which has a spectacular route for some SERIOUS sand driving! Promises to be great fun! At Hondeklipbaai we have two options, we either stay at Hondpandokkies OR we head further south past the town and wild camp next to ocean again. We will make that decision at the time. Of – course we have to do some crayfish at the Dop-en-Kreef Restaurant!! Its mandatory!!  If we go the wild camping route, we will need those wind shields again!!

Day 7:  From Hondeklipbaai we head into the Namaqua National park to spend one night at which ever campsite would be available at the time. This stretch of the coastline is so damn beautiful, you just want to stay where you are! We might even venture further south depending on our time.

Day 8:  Today we make our way to a spot I happened apon.  It is set in a private nature reserve and the camping is wild, the only facilities are two flushing toilets. We are once again right on the edge of the ocean.

Day 9:  Today is an adventure filled one!! We head into the dunes at The Dunes near Lamberts Bay where we will be honing our sand driving techniques!!  To end the trip in the right way, dinner will be at Bosduifklip.

Day 10:  Sadly it is time to start making our way back home…..

Included:

• All camping fees
• Park fees where applicable
• Two-way radios (If you don’t have – we use the ORRA channels)
• Fully equipped guide vehicle
• Guide and guide fees

Not Included:

• Fuel
• Meals
• Drinks and refreshments
• Camping gear
• Cutlery
• Personal medication
• Cost of dune experience in Lamberts Bay
• Dinner at the last night camp. Price TBA as I have to confirm the menu to book.

General Information:

Please remember that it can get really cold along the West Coast so make sure you pack warm clothes as well bedding. In comparison it can get hot along the Orange but who knows what to expect with the weather, it’s more like a lucky packet than anything else.

Please note that there is VERY limited cellphone reception along the Orange and most of the West Coast, when we get to the bigger towns you will once again get signal, nothing like a bit of digital detox!!

We limit the number of vehicles to 6 -pricing is based on two people per vehicle. Should you travel alone please note that it will carry a 50% surcharge.

We reserve the right to change the route should conditions change. Safety is and will always be out first concern.