CARACAL & SHIPWRECK ROUTE
A HISTORY-FILLED OVERLAND TRIP ENSURING MANY HIGHLIGHT
15 – 22 NOVEMBER 2025
SOMETHING DIFFERENT FOR THOSE PEOPLE WITH A SENSE OF ADVENTURE
The Caracal Eco Route is a 4x4 trail which stretches from the mountains near Kammieskroon through the little known but beautiful Namaqualand National Park to Groenrivier on the West Coast. It can be described as a more rugged alternative to the flower route or a little piece of heaven.
The route is named after the caracal, a mostly nocturnal wild cat that is slightly larger than a domestic cat and lives in the dry mountainside of the park and the adjacent area. The route is not difficult and can accommodate trailers or caravans. You will need your 4x4 only to negotiate the odd dry donga and sandy patch, so drivers with all levels of experience are welcome.
The route will begin at Kamieskroon. While in Kamieskroon we will visit the little village Leliefontein, some 30 km from Kammieskroon. Here, in 1902 during the Anglo Boer War, 35 Nama people were killed after attacking the “boer” forces under leadership of Manie Maritz. The guide will share more information during your visit. Enough time wil be on hand to explore Kamieskroon.
Leliefontein was established in 1816 by Reverend Barnabas Shaw, a Wesleyan missionary. The mission was established on a farm awarded to the Nama people by the Dutch Governor Rijk Tulbagh. It is probably named after the many white lilies found in the area during the annual flower season. From 1966 till 2016 it was a SADF helicopter base.
The route travels through the Namaqua National Park and flatlands where it connects to the coastal section of the park at Kleinzee and continues to Groenrivier mouth in the south on the West Coast. Leaving Kamieskroon we will follow the trail through the Kamiesberg Mountains and huge red kopjes where the odd springbok and gemsbok can be spotted. It continues down the historic Wildeperdehoek Pass and descends, with magnificent views to the coast. A bonus for history lovers is a stop that will be made at the Wildeperdehoek Pass jail ruins. The jail was built by the engineer Patrick Fletcher and a team of prisoners from Cape Town to accommodate the prisoners who built the pass in the late 1860’s.
We will take the turn-off to Kleinzee where we will spend four nights camping at the Houthoop, a well-known and very popular campsite near Kleinzee. During our visit we will complete the ever-popular shipwreck trail between Kleinzee and Koingnaas, led by a local guide Dudley Wessels. Over the years the stormy Atlantic Ocean has interrupted many a sea voyage, sending several ships to a chilly grave along the West Coast of South Africa. The remains of the Piratiny, Arosa and Border wil be visited as well as archaeological sites dating as far back as the Late Stone Age and historical sites such as the Agenbags’ stone house and water wells will complete the shipwreck tour.
No visit to this remote park of the West Coast will be complete if the small town of Komaggas is not visited. Here Rodville Adams, a well-known local guide, will share loads of information and history about this small town, the local fauna and flora and interesting information about the caracal species of the region. He will also take you on a 4x4 drive through the Komaggas Mountains before you return to the Houthoop. A day will be set aside to visit Kleinzee and the museum that is filled with West Coast history and enjoy something to eat at one of the local eateries. You might even choose to visit Port Nolloth, approximately 50km away.
Departing from the Houthoop we will drive south through Koingnaas to Hondeklipbaai. Here a short visit will be made to the remains of the wreck of the Aristea which ran aground in 1945. We will continue south through the Namakwa National Park past the Groenrivier light house and set camp for the last time, for two nights, only a stone’s throw away from the Atlantic Ocean. Here you will have enough time to explore and experience the beauty of the West Coast either on foot or in your own vehicle.
Much planning and thought has gone into the planning of this unique trip and adventure lovers will not be disappointed. A further bonus is that off-road caravans and trailers can be accommodated on this trip.
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 : Trail grading is an average 2 - 3.
Nearest Town : Kamieskroon, Kleinzee and Lutzville.
Guide : Coenie Moll.
RENDEZVOUS
PLACE : KROON LODGE, 1 CHARLOTTA STREET, KAMIESKROON.
DATE : SATURDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 2025.
TIME : Arrive not later than 17h00. Plan your route accordingly. Respect your fellow participants.
In case of an emergency contact Coe
FUEL STOPS & TRAVELLING DISTANCE
It is recommended to refuel in GARIES prior to the rendezvous at Kamieskroon. Normally petrol and diesel are available at Kamieskroon but cannot always be guaranteed.
SATURDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 2025
- Rendezvous at KROON LODGE in Kamieskroon.
- Arrive and set camp for two nights.
- Enjoy a communal evening braai and discuss activities for the next day.
SUNDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2025
- Enjoy breakfast at the camp.
- Depart for Leliefontein and explore interesting places.
- Enjoy a light picnic lunch en-route.
- Enjoy a communal evening braai.
MONDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2025
- Enjoy breakfast at the camp and break camp.
- Depart from camp through the West Coast/Namakwa National Park via Wildeperdehoek pass toKleinzee.
- Enjoy a light picnic lunch en-route.
- Arrive at Houthoop campsite set camp for four nights.
- Enjoy a communal evening braai.
TUESDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2025
- Enjoy breakfast at the camp.
- Depart on the shipwreck tour for the day.
- Enjoy a light picnic lunch en-route.
- Enjoy a communal evening braai.
WEDNESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2025
- Enjoy breakfast at the camp.
- Depart for Komaggas and an interesting day being guided by a local guide that will share much information about the history of Komaggas, the mountain wilderness area in the Komaggas Mountains, various plant and renosterbos species and loads of caracal information.
- Enjoy a communal evening braai.
THURSDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2025
- Enjoy breakfast at the camp.
- Depart for Kleinzee and visit the museum. Thereafter you are free to explore the rest of the town, Maybe enjoy something to eat at one of the many eateries or visit Port Nolloth.
- Enjoy a communal evening braai.
FRIDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2025
- Enjoy breakfast at the camp and break camp.
- Depart for Groenrivier via Hondeklipbaai and West Coast/Namaqua National Park.
- Enjoy lunch en-route.
- Arrive and set camp close to the West Coast’s thundering waves for two nights.
- Enjoy a communal evening braai.
SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2025
- Explore what the coast has to offer at leisure.
- Enjoy a communal evening braai.
SUNDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2025
- Enjoy breakfast at the camp
- Depart for home at your own time.
CATERING
Everyone must be totally self-sufficient for the duration of this trip.
As this excursion is offered as a camping trip, everyone to be equipped accordingly.
ABLUTION FACILITIES
Ablution facilities are available at all camp sites except at Groenrivier.
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.
• WATER – available at the various camp sites.
• NO WATER is available at the camp near Groenrivier.
• DRINKING WATER - Always advisable to bring your own drinking water.
• WOOD – Wood can be purchased en-route.
• Garbage bins will be supplied at the camp. Except on the West Coast.
• Always advisable to carry black garbage bags.
• A communal braai area will be determined on arrival at the campsite. (Only one fire permitted)
• Consider bringing a portable braai to be used in the communal braai area.
• The days could be warm and the night’s cold. Pack clothing accordingly.
• Always advisable to wear comfortable closed shoes or boots.
• It is advisable to always have an umbrella or awning available.
• Remember to bring your cameras, video cameras, binoculars, spare batteries and extra memory cards.
• Remember to pack your bathing suit and sun block.
• Use tie-down straps to secure all items packed, as loose items can become missiles.
• No generators permitted on trips.
VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS
• All vehicles 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.
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 R600-00 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 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
R5850-00 per adult.
R5850-00 per child 13yrs and older.
R2750-00 per child 4 – 12 yrs.
FREE – Children 3yrs and younger.
R600-00 Radio hire should your vehicle not be fitted with a 29MHz two-way radio.
SANParks conservation fees are subject to change without prior notice.
BOOKING AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS
Should you wish to join us on this trip, please contact Coenie via return mail to obtain the booking form.
• We can only accommodate a maximum of 8 vehicles on this excursion.
• This Cederberg 4x4 excursion is subject to a minimum of 4 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/Car/Nov25.
• Cederberg 4x4 will only confirm a booking upon receipt of your completed and signed booking form together with your BANK EFT POP (proof of payment) of a 50% deposit for the number of people as per your booking form.
• Cederberg 4x4 requires your BANK EFT POP (proof of payment) for the total outstanding amount for the trip and two-way radio hire if applicable on or before Monday 3 November 2025.
• 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 trip 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 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 refunds.
PLEASE NOTE: NO PETS ARE ALLOWED.
OR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT COENIE on 022 492 2040
OR
CELL / WHATSAPP on 083 675 6194