101 Roetegids | 2010

Babylonstoren

Babylonstoren is in die hart van die Wes-Kaapse berge geleë op ’n klein private wildreservaat met uitsigte oor die Malmesbury-wynstreek en Riebeek-Kasteel.
Die reservaat sal voëlkykers in die sewende hemel hê, en het ’n verskeidenheid plantegroei, veral proteas, en talle boksoorte en kleiner wild. Die roete begin aan die onderkant van ’n granietformasie, waarna dit met draaie teen ’n paar uitdagende opdraandes uitloop op pad na verskeie uitkykpunte.
Jy sal ’n paar steil op- en afdraandes teëkom, en sal jou ry moet ken by ’n paar haarnaalddraaie. Bo-op die berg is daar ’n 4x4-speelterrein met heelparty hindernisse wat jou ryvernuf gaan beproef.
Die grootste deel van die terrein is rots- en bergagtig, en afhangend van hoeveel reën geval het, sal jy ook met modder moet rekening hou. ’n Groot deel van die roete loop op klei, en ná reën kan dit jou pootjie – bel eerder vooraf om seker te maak van die toestande.
Gewoonlik is dit ’n graad 4-roete, wat beteken jou voertuig moet hardebaard wees en dat jy ervaring nodig het. Dis ’n onbegeleide roete, maar die eienaars gee ’n kaart waarop die uitkykpunte aangedui is. Die chalets halfpad teen die berg op kyk uit in die rigting van Riebeek-Kasteel en Piketberg na die noorde. Dis die perfekte wegkomkans as jy rus en vrede en stilte soek.

Blyplek: Die chalets is selfsorg.

Wat nog? Verken die Malmesbury-wynroete en vul jou wynversameling aan. Kaasliefhebbers moenie by die Cheese Mouse, 10 km buite Malmesbury op die N7, verbyry nie.

Wat jy moet weet

Naaste dorp: Malmesbury (20 km)

Beste tyd om te gaan: Heeljaar

Roeteafstand: 14 km

Hoe lank gaan ek ry? 2-3 uur

GPS: S33.56551 E18.80928

Kontak: Thys en Tobie Basson
083 289 8384;
083 357 4496            
 

FULL REVIEW | OCTOBER 2007 (DO16) | Richard van Ryneveld

Nearest town Malmesbury
Contact Hugo, Thys, Tobie
Cell  083 284 8645, 083 289 8384, 083 357 4496
Best time of year All year round
Maximum vehicles 20
Route distance 14km

The Western Cape mountains are perfect terrain for off-roaders and not surprisingly the region has the highest concentration of 4x4 trails in the country.

The Babylonstoren trail, 20km outside Malmesbury, has been hugely popular with off-roaders from the Western Cape and beyond.
It is close enough to Cape Town for the Capetonians for a day outing yet offers challenging off-roading and lots for the family to do.

The trail starts at the bottom of the granite outcrop after which it is named and winds its way up, offering spectacular views at it climbs.

The chalets half-way up the mountain look out towards Riebeek Kasteel and Piketberg to the north.

There are two twin units, each sleeping six people in comfort, and tranquil surroundings.

Much of the trail is on clay so it can get tricky after rain – it’s better to phone first to check. Normally the trail gets a 4 grading, which means that a capable vehicle and some experience is necessary. It’s unguided, but the owners provide a map with lookout points marked.

The brothers who run the trail, Thys Hugo and Tobie Basson have added a steep descent that will challenge even the most experienced drivers.

Don’t get too wrapped up in the technicalities, though. Stop to enjoy the view and admire the many different proteas on the farm.

A highlight of my visit was the sighting of 12 jackal buzzards, so take your binoculars and bird book as the area is rich in raptors particularly.

While you’re there, explore the Malmesbury wine route and stock up your cellar. Cheese lovers should also stop at the charming Cheese Mouse, 10km outside Malmesbury on the N7. Babylonstoren offers lots of driving fun and plenty to keep the whole family occupied.

WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation:
The chalets are equipped with electricity, a fridge and freezer and microwave, but you need to specify if you require bedding.
There’s swimming in a nearby dam.

Camping:
A campsite is also available with shade, two toilets, showers with a donkey boiler (wood supplied) and a lapa with braai facilities.

WHAT ELSE
Spend some time on the Swartland Wine Route, and visit the Swartland Museum in Malmesbury. There are also other trails in the area to explore.

SPECIALIST PACKING
Take along your binoculars and bird book and be on the look out for raptors.
Also, take along some black bags for your rubbish.
A tyre pressure gauge and compressor could also be useful.

THE COST

• R120 per vehicle
• Chalets: R225 without bedding,
  Chalets: R275 with bedding.
  Each chalet sleeps six.

WHY GO THERE?

• The chalets are comfortable, and good value for money.
• The honeymoon suite has a bathtub big enough for two. 
• Challenging driving with lovely views, dams for the kids to swim in, great birding and excellent fynbos.
• There is fishing in the dams too.