Out & Back

Looking for a quick and easy trail as part of a family camping weekend? Here’s a chance to use low range without devoting a full day to bump and grind.

- Angus Boswell

If you need a short trail to put your low-range 4x4 to a mild test, and you are based in the Cape, then Sneeukop 4x4 near Rawsonville may be just the thing. It’s ideal for those who are pressed for time and want to fit in a few other activities (from mountain biking to wine tasting) into their weekend visit, or have family members who are not too keen on spending the entire weekend bumping over rough ground.

Whatever the case, as 4x4 trails go, Sneeukop is short and sweet. We used the trail as a quick shake-down test for the new face-lifted Hilux Revo GD-6, and for comparison’s sake brought along my older Hilux Vigo D4-D bakkie. Owner Carel Le Roux explained the route, and showed us the entrance which is not far from his farm gates.

Having engaged four-wheel drive at the trail head, the first section, which was swathed in yellow spring owers, provided a fairly steep, bumpy start. One or two small rock steps required wheel-placement guidance, and there was some loose rock; but, in general, this was mild stuff. We mostly just enjoyed the smell of the different types of fynbos we were brushing past on either side of the track.