SANDWANI 06 July 2013
Posted: 10 May 2013 22:20
The Nissan 4x4 Club has the SANDWANI Day scheduled for 06 Jul 13
The last time we visited there was a good turnout of about 25 odd vehicles consisting of Patrols, Safaries, Hardbodies, Pajeros, a Disco, a Zook and a Pitbike.
There is a lot of info on this forum about the last visit there, but to make it easy, herewith a little bit more on SANDWANI.
The track is basically more of a play ground with obstacles in a small section on a game farm. No map is provided or required. There is a lot on Google about the place. See http://www.wegry.co.za/4x4/roetes/sandwani-4x4-roete
Sandwani Adventure 4x4 Trail is situated on a private game reserve, about 40 km northeast of Pretoria and 15 km from Cullinan.
The trail is unusual in that it consists of three old quarry excavations, which offer a variety of 4x4 obstacles (suit yourself).
These can be tackled in any order and there is no need to complete all of them before moving on to the next area.
The trail includes obstacles with various gradings, and drivers can take their time inspecting each one before deciding whether they, or their vehicle, are up to the challenge. If not, the obstacle can be bypassed.
Driving the trail in wet weather is very different from doing so in dry conditions. That’s because the soil has a high clay content and therefore becomes very slippery when wet (July should be relatively dry). Some of the obstacles involve water crossings in the rainy season, but it’s mostly ascents and descents of varying difficulties, with the odd cross-axle thrown in to keep drivers on their toes.
The trail and its obstacles provide an excellent training opportunity for drivers, especially if there is someone more experienced in the group to guide the novices. Off-road bikes and quad bikes are welcome, but there are separate tracks for these as they may not use the same trail as the 4x4s.
What you need to know
Accommodation:
Everything from bush camping to self-catering chalets and B&B suites at the main lodge. The campsite has concrete stands for caravans and tents, each with its own braai area. There are ablution facilities in a converted steel container. The bush camp offers basic toilet facilities but no shower. The fully-licensed Wawiel Restaurant is at the main lodge, but currently being re-furbished.
What else?
Look out for gemsbok, springbok, red hartebeest, wildebeest and blesbok, not to mention the indigenous trees that make it a bird lover’s delight. Other activities include paintball, volleyball, hiking, fishing and swimming. Also offered in the area are balloon rides, horse riding and micro-lighting. The Cullinan mine is nearby.
Nearest town: Cullinan (15 km)
Best time to go: All year round
Trail distance: 15 km
How long will I be driving? 3-5 hours
GPS: 25 Deg 33 Min 46,79 Sec South
28 Deg 31 Min 12,40 Sec East (Position can be verified on Google Earth)
Some pics from the last visit is attached.
Anybody interested? If so, I will set it up and advise the costs (+/- R100 per vehicle and R50 p/p to be negotiated) and arrangements. The last time we gathered at 08H30 and played until about 12H30. Then we braaied and socialled at the Lapa (which is quite basic) after which some member left and others played on.
Let's get an indication of the level of interest.
1. Jorrie + Family + Beast II + Pit Bike
The last time we visited there was a good turnout of about 25 odd vehicles consisting of Patrols, Safaries, Hardbodies, Pajeros, a Disco, a Zook and a Pitbike.
There is a lot of info on this forum about the last visit there, but to make it easy, herewith a little bit more on SANDWANI.
The track is basically more of a play ground with obstacles in a small section on a game farm. No map is provided or required. There is a lot on Google about the place. See http://www.wegry.co.za/4x4/roetes/sandwani-4x4-roete
Sandwani Adventure 4x4 Trail is situated on a private game reserve, about 40 km northeast of Pretoria and 15 km from Cullinan.
The trail is unusual in that it consists of three old quarry excavations, which offer a variety of 4x4 obstacles (suit yourself).
These can be tackled in any order and there is no need to complete all of them before moving on to the next area.
The trail includes obstacles with various gradings, and drivers can take their time inspecting each one before deciding whether they, or their vehicle, are up to the challenge. If not, the obstacle can be bypassed.
Driving the trail in wet weather is very different from doing so in dry conditions. That’s because the soil has a high clay content and therefore becomes very slippery when wet (July should be relatively dry). Some of the obstacles involve water crossings in the rainy season, but it’s mostly ascents and descents of varying difficulties, with the odd cross-axle thrown in to keep drivers on their toes.
The trail and its obstacles provide an excellent training opportunity for drivers, especially if there is someone more experienced in the group to guide the novices. Off-road bikes and quad bikes are welcome, but there are separate tracks for these as they may not use the same trail as the 4x4s.
What you need to know
Accommodation:
Everything from bush camping to self-catering chalets and B&B suites at the main lodge. The campsite has concrete stands for caravans and tents, each with its own braai area. There are ablution facilities in a converted steel container. The bush camp offers basic toilet facilities but no shower. The fully-licensed Wawiel Restaurant is at the main lodge, but currently being re-furbished.
What else?
Look out for gemsbok, springbok, red hartebeest, wildebeest and blesbok, not to mention the indigenous trees that make it a bird lover’s delight. Other activities include paintball, volleyball, hiking, fishing and swimming. Also offered in the area are balloon rides, horse riding and micro-lighting. The Cullinan mine is nearby.
Nearest town: Cullinan (15 km)
Best time to go: All year round
Trail distance: 15 km
How long will I be driving? 3-5 hours
GPS: 25 Deg 33 Min 46,79 Sec South
28 Deg 31 Min 12,40 Sec East (Position can be verified on Google Earth)
Some pics from the last visit is attached.
- _MG_3782.jpg (255.73 KiB) Viewed 4776 times
- _MG_3419.jpg (266.09 KiB) Viewed 4776 times
- _MG_3773.jpg (268.5 KiB) Viewed 4776 times
- _MG_3560.jpg (283.15 KiB) Viewed 4776 times
- _MG_3643.jpg (288.64 KiB) Viewed 4776 times
- _MG_3417.jpg (299.17 KiB) Viewed 4776 times
- _MG_3778.jpg (307.49 KiB) Viewed 4776 times
- _MG_3753.jpg (324.16 KiB) Viewed 4776 times
- _MG_3583.jpg (369.57 KiB) Viewed 4776 times
- _MG_3625.jpg (473.02 KiB) Viewed 4776 times
Let's get an indication of the level of interest.
1. Jorrie + Family + Beast II + Pit Bike
