Montagu Waboomsberg

RATING The Route is not too rough, 6 short demanding alternatives to test your skills, so 4x4 experience is recommended. DISTANCE DURATION 80 km / 50 miles Approx 7 hours

The route climbs up and down the Waboomsberg Mountain and follows a terrain changing from typical Karoo plants to Cape fynbos, ericas and proteas, and back again. There are beautiful rock formations and splendid views of the Langeberge and the town of Montagu with its valleys, vineyards and orchards. The highest point on the route is 1200m (3934ft).

Ideal times are between September and March. At the height of summer, temperatures run into the 40's degrees Centigrade (90's degrees Fahrenheit) and in the winter often below frezing point, with the likelihood of snow.

FAUNA Grey rheebok, duiker, klipspringer, dassie, black-backed jackal, caracal, baboon and even perhaps the tracks of a leopard. Black eagle, jackal jackal buzzards and many other raptors are to be found. FLORA Cape fynbos, a wide variety of proteas (including sulphurea, nitida and repens) and ericas. WHY WABOOMSBERG? These mountains are named after the protea nitida, waboom in Afrikaans (wa meaning wagon and boom meaning tree). The old Voortrekkers used this excellent wood for wagon repair work — hence Waboom — and also for making harmonious panflutes. A fairly good ink was made from the leaves which were crushed and mixed with a saturated solution of iron in water. FACILITIES ON THE ROUTE Near the start of the route is a lapa, with braai facilities, a toilet, cold shower and fresh water. If you arrive in the late afternoon you can set up camp or if you arrive in the early morning you can have breakfast and fill up your water supply. It takes 60 minutes to drive from the Padstal to the Lapa. At the turn around point you will find primitive camping facilities, with a braai area and a toilet. Visitors need to be totally selfsufficient and should provide their own drinking water and braai wood. HOW TO FIND WABOOMSBERG From Johannesburg Go past Touwsrivier on the N1, turn off onto the R318, towards Montagu, go through the Koo Valley, pass through Montagu and stop at the Kloof Padstal (on the Ashton side of Montagu) where you can obtain a map and make reservations. From Cape Town: It is only a 2 hour drive. Take the N1 and turn off at Worcester towards Robertson on the R60. Go through Robertson, Ashton and the Cogmanskloof — along the R62 — and stop at the Kloof Padstal (on the Ashton side of Montagu). From Port Elizabeth Turn off to Montagu, just after Swellendam, from the N2 onto the R60. Turn right, onto the R62 travelling towards Montagu, at the T-junction. Drive through Cogmanskloof and stop at the Kloof Padstal (on the Ashton side of Montagu). WHAT YOU NEED Your own 4x4. Advance booking for the route. Your own accommodation (bookings essential) You need to obtain a map and keys from the Kloof Padstal. After hours at Seven Eleven.

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