Hennops Off Road Trail (GPS: S 25 47'29 E 27 58'49) Grading: 2 - 4 |
The fact that the trail is just 30 minutes from Fourways and Pretoria makes it a popular choice for off-roading. Drive the trail on a Saturday morning, have a lunchtime braai and be at Loftus for a 15H00 kick off!
This off road route is perfect for testing you and your vehicles capabilities and has two sections: a main route that is 9km long and a more extreme route, also known as the Klipdrift trail, that’s 5 km long. The main trail is well marked, so once you have signed in at the gate just follow the red or green arrows, red being difficult and green being a little easier. If you are the only vehicle on the trail it will take you about 3 hours to complete. However, if you drive it on a rainy summer’s day it could take you up to 8 hours as you slip and slide around in the mud!
The trail consists of a series of natural obstacles that need to be negotiated, made up of every kind of off road challenge you could imagine, including side slopes, cross axles, rocky inclines and declines, pole bridges, mud holes, water crossings and loose rocks. If something looks too daunting, follow the green arrow for the “chicken” run or easer option.
This trail is not a vehicle breaker but rather a fun, challenging drive. The toughest part of the route is Hill 49 (named after the degree of the slope), a long axle twisting rocky incline. There are lots of loose rocks that will have your tyres spinning around as they search for some traction. Take the right line; engage your difflock and you will get to the top!
A good place to break up the trail is the Donga Lapa, which has braai facilities and ablutions. Keep a look out for wild life such as wildebeest, kudu, zebra, impalas, Blesbok, jackal and the ‘Zonkies’ Harry and Oscar, a cross between a zebra and a donkey!
If the main trail was too tame, try the Klipdrift version. It’s fenced off and you’ll have to fetch the key at reception before getting started. Be warned that it’s much tougher than the main trail and experience will come in handy! Don’t attempt it alone as you might need someone to recover you! Otherwise, spend the remainder of your day with your family, exploring the mountain bike and hiking trails on the property!
