HEIDELBERG 4X4
Heidelberg 4x4 isn’t a trail you’ll come across very easily if you’re making weekend plans with Google. Even though the trail’s been open for years, the owners have never felt the need for a website. “We just want to be the kind of place where outdoor enthusiasts can escape the city and relax,” says Henry Dewitt, “so people hear about us from other outdoor lovers and driving enthusiasts.” Heidelberg 4x4 is situated only a few kilometres outside this Gauteng town, between the rocky hills typical of the Suikerbosrand area. After good rains, the veld is lush and green, with streams of water oozing out between the sandstone rocks and wild fruit everywhere you drive. The mountain trail will test your 4x4 skills, but although you face large rocks and steep ascents and descents on the way, it’s not an extremely technical trail. One of your passengers will probably have to jump out here and there to guide you over a rock, axle twister or through a sharp bend, but it’s mostly just an entertaining and beautiful climb up and down a koppie. Heidelberg 4x4 is also popular amongst off-road motorcycle riders, who use the hills on the farm to train for competitions like Roof of Africa.They use a different area than the vehicles, however, so the 4x4s and bikes never get in each other’s way. At the foot of the hills you’ll find two more areas to drive – an old quarry and a series of obstacles around four small dams.You make the quarry area as easy or difficult as you want to.You can take a chilled out drive on a good dirt track amongst the trees with your family, or you can charge your ride through mud and try to conquer some steep hills. The obstacle course is the most technical driving area on the farm, so you definitely have to know what you’re doing if you drive here.There are deep dongas, lots of loose gravel hills, slippery descents and serious axle twisters. The farm also has a small pool and a jungle gym, big lawns where the kids can run free and lots of areas to have a braai.
All the owners of the Lammergeyer Farm, where the trail and obstacles lie, share a love of the outdoors. It’s not really about the money, but rather about creating a place where other outdoor lovers, 4x4 drivers and off-road motorcycle riders can come and have a bit of fun.” Henry Dewitt manages Heidelberg 4x4.