WEST COAST MEANDER


ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR 4X4 EXCURSIONS IN THE WESTERN CAPE BETWEEN HONDEKLIPBAAI AND LUTZVILLE


14 - 22 DECEMBER 2024

ENJOY EIGHT NIGHTS SETTING CAMP AT TWO DIFFERENT CAMPSITES

ONLY A STONE’S THROW AWAY FROM THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

 

During our visit to the West Coast, we will visit Hondeklipbaai in the north and Gert du Toit-se-Baai in the south, just north of the mouth of the Olifant’s River. From here we will head for Luztville and back to civilization. We will set camp at two different places along the coast for three nights at each campsite, all within a stone’s throw of the Atlantic Ocean. Due to legislation, we are not able to drive on the beach, but as with many previous West Coast tours, we will be hugging the coast as close as possible, within the legal limits, via the variety of existing tracks. The beauty of the West Coast and the memorable experiences throughout the visit will never disappoint any outdoor enthusiasts.

The West Coast has a unique character and beauty, leaving you with the feeling that time has stood still for thousands of years. The cold Atlantic Ocean, buffeting the desert-like coastline, forming and moulding it into breath-taking bays, will form part of the numerous sights we will be seeing.  Names like Spoegrivier Cave, Boggerolbaai, Groenrivier, Island Point, SS Namakwa, Brand-se-Baai, Matessa-se-Bad and Gert du Toit-se-Baai, to mention but a few. These will be the centre point of conversation for weeks to come after your return from the West Coast. En-route we will pass various active diamond mining sites, where the gems are still mined from the shore, as well as the shipwreck of the SS Namakwa, which ran aground on 29 March 1876, either through human error or taken by the fury of the Atlantic Ocean. These are only a few of the highlights you will experience while driving through this barren yet so beautiful section of our West Coast, in your own 4x4. Great fun will be had by all and please be sure to have your cameras and videos close at hand for those special moments you may want to capture.  Let us enjoy the beauty of the West Coast and preserve it for generations to come by only leaving our footprints behind. 

The children will be entertained with special activities, such as teaching them how to braai sausage in newspaper without a grid and making “stokbrood” on the open coals. We suggest the parents consider bringing marshmallows to really spoil the children. During these activities many of the adults will be taken back to their own childhood days and spend time enjoying these activities with the children.  Avoid disappointment and book now, as we can accommodate only a limited number of vehicles on this excursion.

NB. Remember to bring mountain bikes, kites and small hand fishing nets for the children. Don’t forget your fishing and shellfish permits to enjoy something fresh from the ocean.

 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION

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 and Caravans can be accommodated on this excursion.
Grading : Route grading is an average 2.
Nearest Town : Bitterfontein, Hondeklipbaai and Lutzville.
Guide  : Coenie Moll.

RENDEZVOUS


PLACE : CALTEX SERVICE STATION in BITTERFONTEIN.

DATE : SATURDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2024.

TIME : 10h00 SHARP. Please respect your fellow participants and be on time.
            Contact Coenie on 083 675 6194 if you have a problem en-route.

FUEL STOPS & TRAVELLING DISTANCE


All vehicles MUST REFUEL in BITTERFONTEIN at the rendezvous point prior to the start of the briefing. Here we will refuel for the last time before we reach Lutzville on the last day of our tour.  Ensure that you have sufficient fuel on board to complete a distance of at least 400 km; this includes sections of low range sand driving.  Should you have any questions in this regard, you are welcome to contact us.

SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER 2024

10h00 - Rendezvous at the CALTEX SERVICE STATION in BITTERFONTEIN.
          - Briefing on the day’s activities and convoy driving.
          - Depart in convoy for the coast near Groen River mouth.
          - Arrive and set camp for four nights.
          - Enjoy a communal evening braai.

SUN 15 to TUES 17 DECEMBER 2024

During the next three days we will visit the wreck of the Aristae which ran aground in Hondeklipbaai as well as the well-known Spoeg River Cave that was used as a satellite police station in the diamond era of the early 1900’s. En-route we will pass the Policeman’s Helmet, a well-known landmark for divers in search of that special piece of red gold of the West Coast. Special activities for the children will ensure the involvement of the whole family. A day will be available to experience some of the best the West Coast has to offer namely, trying your hand at harvesting something from the ocean, remember your permit, explore the area in the vehicle or just relax at the camp. Optional day drives will be done exploring our surrounds

WEDNESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2024


Departing from our camp near Groenrivier mouth we will head for our final campsite between Brand-se-Baai and Gert du Toit-se-baai via places like Silverdoos, the Saltpans at Rietfontein, Namakwa Sands mining area and Matessa-se-Bad.
   - Enjoy a light picnic lunch en-route.
   - Arrive and set camp for four nights. 

THURS 19 to SUN 22 DECEMBER 2024

During our stay at this camp there are many options available. People can once again try their hand at harvesting something from the sea or just relax in the camp. Optional day drives will be done exploring the surrounding area. Rock pools, open beaches and beach games will keep adults and children alike busy during our stay.

SUNDAY 22 DECEMBER 2024


10h00 - Depart for Lutzville via various diamond claims, Skaapvlei and Koekenaap.
12h00 - Arrive at Lutzville where we will refuel and the tour officially ends with everyone choosing his or her own route to Cape Town / home.

CATERING


Everyone must be totally self-sufficient for the duration of this trip.

ACCOMMODATION


As this excursion is offered as a camping weekend, everyone must be equipped accordingly.

ABLUTION FACILITIES


As we will be visiting some of the most desolate sections of the West Coast, there are no official ablution facilities. You are welcome to bring your own Porta-Potty and shower.

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.

GENERAL INFORMATION AND THINGS TO BRING
 
•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.
NO WATER is available on the West Coast.
WATER - Always advisable to bring your own drinking water.
WATER - We suggest you bring 3/5L per person depending on your consumption.
WOOD - Bring own wood for braai and sitvuur. Minimum 6 x Bags per vehicle.
•No electricity is available at the campsites.
•Remember to bring all personal items, medical requirements, toilet paper and small spade.
•Bring Black bags (what we take in, we take out).
•A communal braai area will be determined on arrival at the campsite.
•Only one fire permitted for the group.
•Suggest a portable braai to be used in the communal braai area.
•Bring your shade cloth "Windbreak", for wind protection.  Not essential but a good suggestion.
•The days could be warm and the night’s cold.  Pack clothing accordingly.
•Always advisable to wear comfortable closed shoes or boots.
•Advisable to have a broad rim hat and sun block available.
•Advisable to always have a sun umbrella or awning on hand. No natural shade at the campsites.
•Remember your crayfish/fishing permits should you intend to harvest anything from the sea.
•Remember to bring your bathing costumes.
•Cell phone reception in Hondeklipbaai and one or two places enroute.
•Please note: NO PETS ALLOWED.
•Soft running generators permitted on this trip.

29 MHz RADIO


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 taking the boredom out of the long distances we need to travel to enjoy the great outdoors.

We suggest all 4x4 vehicles that don’t have a 29MHz two-way radio, hire one from us at a nominal fee of R400-00 for this excursion.

NB: 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 double adapter handy as well as spare fuses.

NB:  If your vehicle is fitted with a 29MHz radio, please make sure that channels 1, 14 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
R4850-00 per vehicle with maximum 6 x people per vehicle.

R400-00 per radio should your radio not be fitted with a 29MHz two-way radio.

NOT INCLUDED


• Conservation fee when driving through the Namakwa National Park en-route to Hondeklipbaai.
NB. Should you have a valid Wildcard for SanParks, bring it along as we will be entering the West Coast National Park on some of our leisure days.

BOOKING AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS


Should you wish to join us on this trip, please contact Coenie via E-mail for a booking form.

• We can accommodate only 10 vehicles on this excursion.
• 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/West/Dec
• 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 refunds or credits 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