FOR FLOWERS SAKE IN THE BIEDOUW VALLEY
9 – 11 AUGUST 2024
THE BIEDOUW VALLEY IS KNOWN FOR ITS ANNUAL FLOWER EXTRAVAGANZA
For a few short weeks of the year the Biedouw Valley, Agter Pakhuis, east of Clanwilliam in the Cederberg Mountain Range, becomes one of the most beautiful places you can visit to experience a flower spectacular not often experienced elsewhere. At the end of winter this remote valley, with its amazing viewpoints, beauty, peace and tranquillity, is transformed as millions of flowers come alive, creating a colour-filled spectacle that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. On the 4x4 trail these magnificent flowers will be encountered up close and personal, with stunning views over the colourful valleys below. This is an experience only 4x4 owners are privileged to enjoy. Invite your family and friends to an amazing weekend in the Cederberg.
Trail
This 28km 4x4 trail is a good combination of rock and sand. It will ensure that driving and negotiating skills be tested throughout the day, while keeping you on your toes. Weather depending, there could be a bit of water and mud thrown in for fun. There are also spectacular sights to be seen along the way in the form of some unique potholes, waterfalls and larger swimming holes in the Biedouw River. The second part of the trail follows a very steep climb up to the plateau where stunning views over the surrounding mountains, like Sneeukop, Krakadouw, Citadelkop and the Tankwa Karoo await visitors. Normally this plateau is covered in flowers during our visit.
Accommodation
Our camp, at the farm Mertenhof, offers grassed campsites with shade and separate men’s/women’s ablution facilities with hot and cold showers & flush toilets. Alternative accommodation in the farmhouse is available should you not wish to camp. See cost below for alternative accommodation. Mariette Lubbe also runs a tea garden and shop where one can buy the world famous Biedouw Valley rooibos tea as well as locally made jams. Wood and ice are also available. There are also interesting walks from the camp to a nearby cave where Rock Art and inscriptions by 7 generations of the Lubbe family can be seen.
If you have not seen the Biedouw Valley Flower Spectacular in spring, then this is a must-do trip. Then again one visit to this amazing valley is never enough and is worth another visit.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All information supplied in the agenda is given in good faith by Cederberg 4x4 and compiled from the latest information available at the time. The activity times, as indicated on the agenda, are subject to change without notice and at the sole discretion of the guide.
Vehicles : Only vehicles with low range capabilities can be accommodated.
Trailers : Off-road Trailers & Off-road Caravans CAN be accommodated on this excursion.
Grading : Trail grading is between 2 & 3 during our visit.
Nearest Town : Clanwilliam.
Guide : Coenie Moll.
RENDEZVOUS
PLACE : MERTENHOF GUEST FARM in the Biedouw Valley. See directions below.
DATE : FRIDAY, 9 AUGUST 2024.
TIME : Arrive any time after 14h00 at the Mertenhof Guest Farm.
DIRECTIONS TO BIEDOUW 4X4 on the Mertenhof Guest Farm
Follow the N7 from Cape Town to Clanwilliam. Drive through Clanwilliam and continue along the R364 (tar) over Pakhuis Pass to where the tar road ends. Turn right onto gravel at the information board indicating Biedouw Valley and Wupperthal. Follow the gravel road to a viewpoint named “Hoek-se-Berg” overlooking the Biedouw Valley. Continue down the pass the only farm on the right-hand side in the valley – MERTENHOF.
GPS – S 32.15656° E 019.18964°
FRIDAY 9 AUGUST 2024
- Arrive at the Mertenhof Guest Farm any time after 14h00 and set camp.
- Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
- Communal evening braai.
SATURDAY 10 AUGUST 2024
- Breakfast at the camp.
08h45 - Briefing on day’s activities and hints and tips on 4x4 driving will be shared.
- Depart on the 4x4 trail and enjoy the wildflower spectacular.
- Enjoy a light, self-catering, picnic lunch en-route.
- Complete the trail and relax at the camp.
- Communal evening braai, where the Cederberg 4x4 formalities will take place
SUNDAY 11 AUGUST 2024
- Breakfast at the camp
- Hike (short walk) to the rock art dating back many years, in the Lubbe family.
- Depart for home at your own time.
FUEL STOPS EN-ROUTE
Ensure to refuel all vehicles in Clanwilliam as this is the last fuel point should you choose to drive back to Cape Town via Ceres on Sunday.
CATERING
Everyone must be totally self-sufficient for the duration of this trip.
GENERAL
• Please remember that no alcohol may be consumed by either the driver or passenger(s) whilst driving at any time. Please respect your guides and your fellow participants and save the alcoholic beverages until we return to the camp each day.
• WATER - is available at the campsite.
• WATER - Always advisable to bring own drinking water on excursions.
• ICE – Ice can be purchased at the farm.
• WOOD - Wood can be purchased at the farm.
• A communal braai area will be determined on arrival at the campsite.
• Only one fire permitted for the group.
• Portable braai’s can be used in the communal braai area.
• Bring braai grid, braai stand, tongs and other cooking/eating utensils.
• Bring Black bags (what we take in, we take out).
• The days could be warm and the nights cold. Pack clothing accordingly.
• Always consider the possibility of rain. Pack clothing accordingly.
• Always advisable to wear comfortable closed shoes or boots.
• It is advisable to always have an umbrella or awning available.
• Use tie-down straps to secure all items packed, as loose items can become missiles.
• No generators permitted on this trip.
VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS
• All vehicles and Off-road trailers must be in sound mechanical condition.
• Always have your spare keys with you.
• Recovery points fitted to the front and rear on your vehicle are a prerequisite.
• Your own Kinetic/recovery strap and 2 x shackles will be advisable.
• A tyre pump and tyre pressure gauge will be required to deflate/inflate tyres. Pack where accessible.
• Carry a fire extinguisher, which is easily accessible in the event of an emergency.
• Always carry your personal medical kit. Pack where accessible.
• All other recovery equipment will be supplied.
29MHz TWO WAY RADIOS
Communication between participating vehicles on any 4x4 excursion is important for many reasons. It ensures the safety of drivers, passengers and vehicles while on a 4x4 trail, where drivers can communicate with one another as regards to their location and situation not to mention the interesting information that is shared with participants. The fun part is the many interesting stories that are shared among participants.
NB: We require all 4x4 vehicles that don’t have a 29MHz two-way radio, HIRE one from Cederberg 4x4 at a nominal fee of R250-00 for this excursion.
Should you be hiring a 29MHz radio, please ensure that your lighter socket is working. If you intend running more than one item from the lighter socket, ensure to have a double adapter handy as well as spare fuse for this excursion.
NB: If your vehicle is fitted with a 29MHz radio, please make sure that channels 1, 14, 15 and 23 are open and working for this excursion.
Should you wish to make a once-off investment and purchase a 29MHz radio, we have negotiated a special deal for all Cederberg 4x4 participants. For more information, contact Coenie on 022 492 2040.
COST
- The Trail - R200-00pv
- Camping adults - R150-00pppn
- Camping Children 7-16yrs and older - R100-00pppn
- Camping Children 6yrs and younger - FREE
- Farmhouse accommodation adults & children - R400-00pppn
- Farmhouse accommodation children 2 and younger - FREE
- Cederberg 4x4 facilitating, coordinating & guide fees - R795-00pv
- Radio hire should your vehicle not be fitted with a 29MHz two-way radio - R250-00
FARMHOUSE ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation in farmhouse is on a sharing basis in individual rooms. Bedding is included but you must supply your own towels. The house is equipped with a fridge/freezer, stove, microwave and kettle as well as cutlery and crockery. Bookings for the farmhouse, work on a first-book-first-get basis.
BOOKING AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS
Should you wish to join us on this excursion, please contact Coenie via e-mail to obtain the booking form (info@cederberg4x4.co.za).
• We can only accommodate a maximum of 12 vehicles on this excursion.
• This Cederberg 4x4 excursion is subject to a minimum of 6 x vehicles.
• All bookings are made on a first-come-first-serve basis.
• Reference on all BANK EFT POP (proof of payments) – Your Surname / Trip Name / Date.
Example of reference – Scott/Bie/Aug24
• Cederberg 4x4 requires your completed and signed booking form together with your BANK EFT POP (proof of payment) for the trip and two-way radio hire if applicable to confirm your booking.
• Your completed and signed booking form binds you to the conditions on page one and two.
• Should you wish to cancel or withdraw from this excursion after returning your completed and signed booking form together with your BANK EFT POP (proof of payment) to Cederberg 4x4, you will be required to find a replacement before any credits or refunds will be considered.
• Should you not arrive at the rendezvous to partake in this excursion or choose to leave the excursion before it officially ends, you will not be entitled to any refund.
PLEASE NOTE: NO PETS ARE ALLOWED.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT COENIE on 022 492 2040 or Cell/WhatsApp 083 675 6194
E-Mail info@cederberg4x4.co.za
