HIT THE ROAD WITH THESE 4x4 TRAILS

Willie Olivier

For those adventurers looking for a 4x4 experience close to Windhoek, you do not need to venture too far. There are three trails to explore just a few hours’ drive from the capital. And, if you are headed for the coast, Henties Bay has many possibilities for those wanting to explore further afield.

ISABIS 4x4 AND NATURE TRAIL

Isabis is a Nama name which means ‘beautiful to the eye’ and on this delightful route you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Gamsberg region and the Gaub River basin whilst putting your off-road driving skills to the test. The 19km route has all the ingredients of an exciting trail - short, but challenging ascents and descents, magnificent scenery and excellent facilities.

From the farmstead it is a short drive to the overnight camp at Klipdam (Stone Dam), or if you fancy something a little more comfortable you can opt to book the three-bedroom, self-catering cottage which is just 500 metres from the farmstead. After setting up camp or settling in at the cottage, take a drive to the viewpoint overlooking an impressive sheer cliff in the Isabis River. The normally dry cliff is transformed into a spectacular waterfall after heavy rains.

Although the total length of the trail is only 19km, it will take at least three hours to complete, excluding rest stops along the way. Soon after setting off you have the option of taking a detour through the Rooiberge (Red Mountains). Although the detour is described as “wheel-eating and bone-breaking” in the trail brochure, the magnificent scenery makes the drive well worth the effort, especially if you take your time.

Continuing further, the trail splits with an option to continue to the Diepplek (Deep Place). This out-and-back detour is not maintained and is not recommended unless you really want to put your driving skills to the test. Continuing along the main route, the next point of interest is the Swemplek (Swimming Place), a magnificent natural swimming pool which has been carved into the rocks by the Gaub River. It holds water for months after the river has come down in flood and is an excellent place to cool down on a sweltering hot day.

Still further on, the route crosses the meandering Isabis River three times and for the next few kilometres the trail meanders steadily uphill to the plateau. Once you reach the plateau it is an easy drive back to the farmstead and, if you’re heading on from here, all that remains are pleasant memories of a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

To ensure an exclusive experience, only one group is allowed on the trail at any time.

The Isabis 4x4 and Nature Trail is a 127km drive from Windhoek.

For more information, visit isabis4x4.com



NAMIBGRENS 4 X 4 TRAILS

Situated on the edge of the Great Escarpment which separates the Namib from the interior, the landscape of Namibgrens guest farm is characterised by massive granite outcrops and secluded valleys. The guest farm is criss-crossed by a network of short four-wheel-drive trails, ranging from easy to more challenging. The trails are generally easy to negotiate provided you exercise caution at difficult sections.

The Klipspringer Window Trail meanders to a viewpoint where you will enjoy spectacular vistas of the Namib plains far below and there’s also the occasional glimpse of the table-top Gamsberg. The short, easy walk from the parking area to the viewpoint is well worth the effort. The Namib Plateau Trail winds to another viewpoint overlooking the Namib Desert and the surrounding rocky scenery. There is also a short game drive.

The trails make their way past several dams which provide excellent opportunities to tick several wetland bird species, while chances of seeing Verreaux’s eagle are good. Game species you might come across include Hartmann’s mountain zebra, kudu, gemsbok, steenbok, common duiker and klipspringer.

Namibgrens Guest Farm is a 165km drive from Windhoek.

For more information, visit www.namibgrens.com

MIDGARD 4x4 EXPERIENCE

This 30km-long trail on the 12 000-hectare Midgard Country Estate meanders along ridges and valleys of the Otjihavero Mountains and sandy riverbeds. Along the way you will encounter the odd steep descent, where it is advisable to engage first gear low range, and rocky ascents where you must to have the right momentum to get to the top without excessive wheel-spin or grinding to a halt.

Viewpoints along the way allow you to enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery and deep river valleys. You will need about three to four hours to complete the trail, excluding stops along the way to enjoy the scenery.

Midgard Country Estate is a 98 km drive from Windhoek.

For more information, visit www.midgardcountryestate.com



HEADING OUT FROM HENTIES BAY

Henties Bay is an ideal base for four-wheel-drive excursions into the Dorob National Park and further afield and there are no fewer than eleven 4x4 routes to choose from. Popular destinations include the Messum Crater and the Strathmore South Dead Sea, a disused open-cast tin mine that has filled up with water which is highly saline - so saline that you can float! Also popular route is the Ugab Menhir route which owes its name to a solitary rock, about the height of a man, and routes to the Brandberg, Brandberg West and the Omaruru River 4x4 route.

The routes range from ones that can easily be accomplished in a day to more extended trips of two to three days that require sound planning. The routes in the Dorob National Park are graded and signposted and your main challenge would be to endure the corrugated road surfaces. The more advanced routes, such as the three-day Doros Crater Trail, should only be attempted by experienced drivers and in a party with a minimum of two vehicles as it could take days before another vehicle arrive, should you get lost or get stuck. The Omaruru River 4x4 route should be avoided during the rainy season when you can be caught unawares by flash floods.

You would need to get a permit, obtainable at the Henties Bay Tourism Association centre in Nickey Iyambo Avenue, for the trails in the Dorob National Park, while some routes should only be negotiated with GPS coordinates. Informative booklets with information about the routes, as well as GPS coordinates, can be purchased from the tourism centre.

For more information, visit www.hentiesbaytourism.com