WEST COAST MEANDER
EASTER WEEKEND
18 - 21 APRIL 2025
FIVE GOOD REASONS WHY YOU MUST DO THIS TRIP
• Setting Camp only once, a stone’s throw away from the Ocean.
• An open Crayfish Season to Harvest red Gold from the Ocean.
• Experience the beauty and tranquillity of the West Coast
• Visiting some of the most remote sections of South Africa’s coastline.
• Away from Internet & Cell phones.
During our visit to the West Coast, we will set camp for three nights at one campsite just south of Island Point. This makes it very camp-friendly, having to set camp only once for the whole long weekend. During the West Coast Meander, we will visit places between Hondeklipbaai in the north to Gert du Toit-se-Baai in the south before heading away from the coast to Lutzville where the trip officially ends. 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 of its own, 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 Spoeg Rivier 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. Enroute we will pass various active diamond mining activities, where the gems are still mined via the shore/ocean method, 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 many 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 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. Parents may consider bringing marshmallows to really spoil the children that extra bit. 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 only accommodate 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.
Harvesting Seafood
The season for harvesting crayfish is open for the duration of Easter Weekend 18 – 21 April 2025. Low tide is at 11h53 on Friday 18 April 2025 making conditions ideal for harvesting shellfish from the ocean.
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 Caravans and Trailers CAN be accommodated on this excursion.
Grading : Trail grading is an average 2.
Nearest Town : Bitterfontein and Lutzville.
Guide : Coenie Moll.
RENDEZVOUS
PLACE : THE CALTEX GARAGE in BITTERFONTEIN on the N7.
DATE : FRIDAY, 18 APRIL 2025.
TIME : 10h30 SHARP. Please respect your fellow participants and be on time.
FRIDAY - 18 APRIL 2025
10h30 - Rendezvous at the CALTEX GARAGE in BITTERFONTEIN on the N7.
- Briefing on day activities and convoy driving.
- Depart in convoy for our camp just south of Island Point.
- Arrive and set camp for three nights.
- Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the camp or try your hand at harvesting something from the sea.
- Communal evening braai.
SATURDAY 19 APRIL 2025
The official activity for the day will be the visit to Hondeklipbaai and the Spoeg River caves while hugging the coastline back to the camp. Alternatively, you can try your hand at fishing or harvesting shellfish from the ocean for the day. Always remember to have your appropriate permits on hand when harvesting anything from the ocean. The low tide is very user friendly for this activity. For the laid-back people you are welcome to enjoy a day relaxing and letting your hair down at the camp.
- Communal evening braai.
SUNDAY 20 APRIL 2025
Enjoy a relaxing day at the camp engaging in beach games or once again try your hand at harvesting something from the ocean. The tide is once again very user friendly. The children will be shown how to make stick bread and braai sausage in newspaper. All ingredients will be supplied for the children.
- Communal evening braai.
MONDAY 21 APRIL 2025
09h30 – Depart from camp for Lutzville via Namakwa Sands Mine, Matessa-se-Bad, active mining activities, Gert du Toit-se-Baai and Koekenaap.
FUEL STOPS EN-ROUTE
Ensure that your vehicle is refuelled at the rendezvous point, prior to the briefing. Ensure you have sufficient fuel on board to complete 500km, which includes sections of low range sand driving. Should you have any questions in this regard, you are welcome to contact Coenie.
ACCOMMODATION
This excursion is offered as a self-catered camping weekend, everyone must be equipped accordingly.
CATERING
Everyone must be totally self-sufficient for the duration of this trip.
ABLUTION FACILITIES
As we are visiting some of the most remote sections of the West Coast the wilderness method will be applicable. On the day drive to Hondeklipbaai toilet facilities are available at the Namakwa National Park. Alternatively, you can consider bringing your own porta potti.
GENERAL INFORMATION
• 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 – You need to supply your own drinking water.
• WATER – Drinking water can be purchased at the entrance gate to the Namakwa National Park.
• ICE – Ice can be purchased at the entrance gate to the Namakwa National Park.
• No electricity on the West Coast.
• WOOD – Each vehicle to supply one bag of wood per night for the communal fire.
• WOOD – Wood can be purchased at the entrance gate to the Namakwa National Park.
• Bring black bags. What we take in, we take out.
• A communal braai area will be determined by the guide upon your arrival at the camp.
• We suggest you bring a portable braai for your personal convenience around the communal fire.
• The days could be warm and the night’s cold. Pack warm clothing accordingly.
• If the wind blows, a windbreak can be beneficial. Bring your windbreak nets.
• Always advisable to wear comfortable closed boots or shoes.
• Advisable to have a broad rim hat and sun block available.
• It is advisable to always have an umbrella or awning available. No shade on the West Coast.
• Use tie-down straps to secure all items packed, as loose items can become missiles.
• Ensure you have your valid permits should you choose to harvest anything from the sea.
• Soft running generators permitted on West Coast trips. Bring long extension leads.
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 will be advisable.
• A tyre pump and tyre pressure gauge will be required to deflate/inflate tyres.
• 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 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 R400-00 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
R3650-00 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 SANpark, bring it along as we will be entering the Namakwa National Park on some of our leisure days.
BOOKING AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS
Should you wish to join us on this trip, contact Coenie via return mail to obtain the booking form.
• We can only accommodate a maximum of 12 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 POP (proof of payments) – Your Surname / Abbreviation of Trip Name / Date. Example of reference – Scott/West/Apr25
• Cederberg 4x4 requires your completed and signed booking form together with your BANK EFT POP (proof of payment) to confirm your booking.
• Should you be hiring a 29Mhz two-way radio from Cederberg 4x4 your hire cost to be included in your BANK EFT POP (proof of payment).
• 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 POP (proof of payment) to Cederberg 4x4, you will be required to find a replacement before any refunds will be considered.
• Should you not arrive at the rendezvous to take part in this excursion or choose to leave the excursion before it officially ends, you will not be entitled to any credit or refund.
PLEASE NOTE: NO PETS ARE ALLOWED.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT COENIE on 022 492 2040 or Cell / WhatsApp 083 675 6194