Burchell's Oxwagon 4WD-Trail

This scenically beautiful trail through the Klein Karoo traces the route pioneered by botanist W J Burchell with an ox-wagon sled on 21 March 1814, while collecting samples for later study in London. It was discovered only at the end of 1998 when a fire exposed the original tracks. Spectacular scenic drives (including Prince Alfred's Pass), hiking, trout fishing and mountain biking. The route passes through changing scenery and that includes indigenous forest, steep rocky inclines and three river crossings, with clay, slate and sandstone surfaces along the way. The narrow 'tunnel' to Burchell's camp requires precision driving and some marshalling, especially for wider vehicles such as a Land Cruiser station wagon. (The occupants of each vehicle that reaches Burchell's campsite are asked to kill 10 exotic plants as a contribution to a superb area that is also home to the mountain leopard). Attractions along the way include diverse fauna and flora and the possibility of visiting rare rock paintings on guided tours when Katot is your warm and entertaining host. He recommends the use of at least two vehicles when the area is wet, and it can become treacherously slippery. When the going gets tough, just remember Burchell did it in an ox-wagon! Accommodation is available as camping with shower and flush toilet or mountain chalets. Bush camp with shower and flush toilet, De Vlugt Outeniqua Trout Lodge log cabins (4km) or 4x4 Info Centre in Oudtshoorn.(Information supplied by DriveOut Magazine).

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