Joined by Berg River Tourism and fellow outdoor adventurists, we recently spent two action-packed days in the West Coast’s Sandveld at the launch of the Klein Tafelberg’s Adventure Centre, a brand new offering from one of our top off-road camping destinations, now packed with more outdoor activities and more adventure!
Located between the small towns of Redelinghuys and Aurora, Klein Tafelberg’s adventurous 4×4 route (voted one of South Africa’s top 10 4×4 trails) has been luring campers from all over the country to its playground for years.
Die-hard, off-road enthusiasts eager to take on the route’s roller-coaster ride and challenging obstacles have resulted in many loyal returning visitors. But with an increased demand for camping accommodation and more outdoor adventure activities from South Africa’s domestic travel market, Klein Tafelberg has realised the opportunity to expand on its off-road offering by adding a number of brand new activities to the mix.
Climb. Hike. Drive. Camp.
Berg Rivier Tourism, with a strong focus to diversify and showcase the general Berg River area’s accommodation and activities to adventurous travellers, now lists Klein Tafelberg as one of its ‘Top 10 Adventure Activities‘ destinations.
Hiking, rock climbing, wild camping, and even a shooting range are included on the menu of exciting things to do and explore at Klein Tafelberg, and day visitors are invited to join in the fun too.
Hiking
Klein Tafelberg’s 10 km hiking trail is located on the Klein Tafelberg mountain itself, (the campsites and 4×4 trails are located next to it) and although challenging it is worth every effort. Secret caves and rock art are found scattered along the trail between breathtaking views of the Cape Sandveld, and Elands Bay in the distance.
The signposted trail starts from a parking area near the general campsite from which you can make your way up towards the first viewpoint, a large overhang overlooking the Sandveld and a great spot for coffee and photo opportunities. From here you can complete the trail in several ways, depending on which of the spider routes you choose and how much time you have.
Climbing (COMING SOON)
It won’t be long before guests are invited to experience it for themselves, but we were lucky to get a sneak peek at some of the new potential trad-climbing routes during a reconnaissance. The more professional climbers among our group have since been spending some more time testing the new routes and what awaits is sure to match the same level of excitement as all of Klein Tafelberg’s other adventurous activities. “Solid. Compact. Sandstone. And even better, virgin rock! Some epic crags with great scope for traditional multi-pitch climbing, not to mention loads of shorter sport-climbing options,” says Christo Swanepoel.
An indoor climbing frame for beginners and children is also part of Klein Tafelberg’s Adventure Centre and is located just across from the new Shooting Range.
[Please enquire with the establishment for more details].
Off-Road Driving
The Klein Tafelberg 4×4 route includes about 20 km of wild off-roading fun. Some challenging, but oh-so-worth-it, 4×4 obstacles with names you won’t forget (Heart-Break Hill & Milkshake Hill to name a few) require low range, low tyre pressure and high levels of enthusiasm. [TIP: an air compressor is available on site at Klein Tafelberg, but if you want to skip the queue you can RENT one, and other recovery gear, from Go Camp. Click here to rent.]
The obstacles become more challenging as you venture through the trail, with Steps being one of the most exciting of them all. It’s a steep and rocky side-slope that must be climbed with the right amount of momentum and precision before reaching the top of the mountain where the picnic site and wild camping spots are located.
Training & Shooting Range (COMING SOON)
The owners of Klein Tafelberg, affiliated with a known security company, have also added a shooting range to its Adventure Centre offering. Those looking to get some shooting practice or firearm and self-defence training from a trained instructor will soon be able to do so as an overnight guest of Klein Tafelberg, or as a day-visitor by prior arrangement.
Camping at Klein Tafelberg
The managers and owners of Klein Tafelberg have done an impressive job at upgrading the various accommodation options for guests. In addition to improvements made to its general campsite, you can also opt for one of three off-site mountain top campsites, and there’ll soon be a glamping option including Luxury Safari Tents to choose from.
Also read: Campsite Spotlight: Mount Ceder Camping
Also Read: Campsite Spotlight; Leeuwenboschfontein 4×4
General Camping
What you need to know:
- Access to neat and clean ablution blocks with flushing loos, showers and hot water
- Communal washing up areas
- A communal Lapa area with fridges, freezers, tables and chairs
- A braai-pit area
- Crystal clear swimming pool as well as connecting kids pool
- Separate kid’s play area
- Bar and small camp kiosk on site
Images by Otto Du Plessis
Off-Site Camping (Rooftop Tent Bliss!)
Want a unique and secluded camping experience away from the crowds? The three new ‘wild camping’ spots located up on the mountain tops and along Klein Tafelberg’s 4×4 trails are a must. In fact, we’ve put these off-site camping locations right at the top of our favourite places to Go Camp for 2022.
If you want to feel like you have a piece of the mountain all to yourself while you sleep under star-cluttered night skies, we can’t recommend it enough – especially if you’ll be camping with a rooftop tent.
*Note: You need to be fully self-sufficient with your own water and power – what you take up with you must come down. There is a ‘bush loo’
Don’t own a rooftop tent? RENT rooftop tents from top brands, off-the-grid power solutions, camping fridges and all your other camping equipment from Go Camp. Click here to start renting.
Klein Tafelberg Adventure Center is fully-loaded with something for everyone, whether you’re a group of friends looking for an adventure, a family wanting to spend some quality time exploring together, or a couple looking for a quiet, romantic weekend under the stars.
“When it comes to adventure, I’m all about the drive and the journey to get to a place, and with all the hiking and climbing opportunities on a mountain like that in the middle of the Sandveld, who wouldn’t want to climb it?! Lekker!!” -Jacques Marais.
Location
More info:
Pricing
Camping: R350: (1 Vehicle, 4 people) per night
4×4 Route: From R300 per vehicle (Normal Route) – enquire for additional routes and rates
*Please enquire about child rates and day visitor rates
Contact
Email: bookings@kleintafelberg.co.za
Landline: 010 7456765
WhatsApp: 0671066549
Disclaimer: We do our best to ensure that the information we feature on Go Camp is correct at the time of publication. However, these details provided to us are subject to change over time. Please verify any pricing or locations ahead of a trip with the relevant establishments.