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Do you like off-road driving? Do you want the trail to be beautiful? Do you need some challenges, but not too difficult problems? Then the Klipspringer 4×4 Trail of the Tsauchab River Lodge is just right for you.
Some time ago we drove the Klipspringer 4×4 Trail at the Tsauchab River Lodge. Here is a video of our trip.
We spent a few days at the Oerwald Camp of the Tsauchab River Lodge. While checking in, I noticed a description of the Klipspringer 4×4 Trail. I inquired about the condition of the 4×4 Trail and learned that the trail was well drivable up to Komkophoogte and offered wonderful views. On the map I read that only experienced 4×4 drivers are allowed to drive behind Komkophoogte. I was told that behind Komkophoogte the road was not passable at that time. If we wanted to drive the way, we would have to turn back at Komkophoogte at the very latest.
We followed the advice and started from Oerwald Camp towards Mooikloof. The way to Platkopvlakte is very easy. Behind the Platkopvlakte the way goes relatively steep up the Platkop, a distinctive mountain. We switched into 4×4 High Range.
The detour to the Platkop View with a view over the Tsauchab to the Naukluft mountains was worthwhile.
We drove back the detour and turned left towards Rock Formations. Again, the track is easy to drive in High Range.
Beyond the rock formations came the first somewhat difficult obstacle, the Rock Drive. We had to go down some steps, but the way is straight. For the steps, we changed to Low Range 4×4.
The way to Predator Hill and on to the Klipspringer obstacle was again very easy to drive in High Range.
The Klipspringer obstacle was the most difficult section on the route. Not only did we have to go down steps, but we also had to make a 90-degree turn. Anita showed me the way down. We drove in Low Range.
The track between Klipspringer and Tsaris View Point followed a narrow ridge. On both sides, it went deep down. The view was great. The path was easy to drive in High Range.
We stopped at Tsaris View Point and had lunch. From there we could see the track behind the Komkophoogte. It didn’t look that difficult from far away, but we wanted to follow the advice given to us and turn back.
We followed the ridge to the Klipspringer obstacle, where Anita had to show me the way up. The Rock Drive just before the Rock Formations is easier to drive up than down. Then we continued to Platkopvlakte, past Mooikloof and back to Oerwald Camp.
It took us about six hours to complete the trip, but we also stopped at Mooikloof and the Rock Formations and walked there for about 45 minutes at a time. We also made a longer stop at Tsaris View Point. Of course, there were shorter halts in between to take pictures of the beautiful view.
The trail is very scenic and easy to ride, even for beginners. The worst obstacle is Klipspringer. There you should explore the track on foot before driving down and get somebody to show you the way.
Anette Seiler
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