Soetendalspoort 4x4 Trail

About Soetendalspoort 4x4 Trail

Experience the haunting beauty of the Karoo in a very special way when venturing out on the Soetendalspoort 4x4 Trails. These trails are situated less than 50 kilometres from Willowmore in the province of the Eastern Cape. They are secluded from the bustle of city life, allowing the drivers and their passengers to experience the South African landscapes in their most unadulterated state.

The Soetendalspoort 4x4 Route comprises three individual trails; one of which is a circle, while the other two are return trails. Despite their being quite short in length, it is advised that those coming here to tackle the 4x4 trails make a three-day event of it to get the most out of Soetendalspoort. The trails have official gradings of three and four, offering plenty of challenges and fun along the way. The routes comprise sand, rocks and loose stones and are self-driven. The views along the way are exquisite, showcasing the Great Karoo impressively. Summers become extremely hot during the day and winter nights are freezing. Visitors during these times should come prepared.

The trails challenge drivers' abilities, but are not particularly knuckle-whitening or heart-stopping. For this reason, it is great for families or drivers with passengers that are not used to the real ‘rough and tumble' of adventure 4x4-ing. The riverbeds sometimes appear to be completely dry, but deceptive wet spots can cause vehicles to get stuck. The acacia trees grow fast, and vehicles are susceptible to being scratched by their thorns. So, drivers are advised to bring pruning shears along to prevent damage to their vehicles.

The Soetendalspoort 4x4 Trails are nestled away from urban epicentres. As a result, the area is brimming with plant and animal life. Drivers should keep an eye out for the majestic kudu, while there are plenty of other bird species, mammals and insects to spot along the way. Those with a penchant for wildlife should also tackle some of the local hikes.