TRAIL GUIDE
Doringlaagte just outside Montagu needs no introduction among campers, but there’s something new there for off-road enthusiasts.
Doringlaagte is a popular holiday resort about a twohour drive east of Cape Town, with more than enough to do for the whole family. If you tow your caravan with a 4x4 vehicle – or you’re simply looking for a new offroad challenge – the guys there have established a number of new 4x4 routes. The trails take you to spots with beautiful views of the surroundings and will have you feeling at home in nature. Here you can break away from the hustle and bustle of the campsite for a while. You can combine three different routes into one long one, or tackle the three separately. Together, they should keep you busy behind the wheel for about three hours, after which you can treat yourself to a piece of meat on the coals at the braai area along the route that overlooks the entire resort. These routes aren’t intended to try to find your vehicle’s breaking point, and every obstacle has a chicken route just in case you don’t manage or don’t want to give it a go. The route is clearly marked with arrows, and if you still have any doubts, you also get a map to show you where to go. You pay once, and then you are free to come and play for the duration of your visit at Doringlaagte. So, if you drive it today and decide you want to relax at the trail’s braai area, you can pack your picnic basket tomorrow morning and have another go at the obstacles. They also have an alternative playground for the 4x4 enthusiast who wants to really test their off-roader and do more than just the routes. The gravel pit is a decent playground
where they sometimes hold 4x4 competitions, in which guys in rock crawlers and specially adapted vehicles battle one another. It’s not only for the experienced driver, however, and even if you’re a rookie, you can have fun here. Doringlaagte has a large campsite around a dam with big trees casting shade and lawns with ample space for children to play. There is also a playground with a trampoline, swings and jungle gyms, plus two fenced-off swimming pools. Next to the dam are canoes that are free for anyone to use, but remember to bring your own life jacket. While the kids frolic in the water, you can relax on the ‘Karoo beach’ and occasionally get a cold refreshment from the bar. The bar even has its own indoor warm-water pool where kids aren’t allowed. However, the young ones can entertain themselves at the beach with the foofie slide and rowboats. There are green lawns everywhere and canopies provide shade. For the golfers, there is also an interesting course with one large green. The last tee is on top of a hill, about 50 m high and 200 m towards the green. From the top you also have a nice view over the whole resort. You don’t need a 4x4 vehicle to get up here, but you do need sufficient ground clearance. There are also mountain bike trails and a number of hiking trails for hikers and bird watchers. When it comes to accommodation, you have three choices: camp, stay in a self-catering unit or stay in one of the glamping tents. Also, you don’t have to stay at Doringlaagte the entire time. Take a drive as there’s lots to see and do in the surrounding area. There are plenty of wine farms and lovely restaurants for when you get tired of the braai. The orchards in the area are also worth a visit to buy dried fruit. Montagu’s neighbouring town Barrydale has a rich history, with art and other creative works attracting tourists.
Doringlaagte has a large campsite around a dam with big trees casting shade and lawns with ample space for children to play