Matroosberg Grade 5 section in winter — chains or no chains, the real answer
Went through last month in a Toyota Hilux 4x4. Here is the full report.
The final 2km above the Groothoekkloof viewsite is where most people turn around. Gradient hits 1:3 and the rocky surface has no room for error — one wheel on the verge and you are done. In July with snow, chains are not optional, they are survival. The summit at 2,230m is worth every km of stress. Clear days you can see to the Cape Peninsula.
Camping: Day trail only — no overnight. Book through the private operator well ahead; weekends sell out months in advance.
Fuel: filled up in the last town before the turn-off. Diesel consumption was around 10L/100km on the technical sections — budget for higher than your tar road figure. We carried 40L spare in jerry cans.
The whole experience is world class. Happy to answer any questions from people planning this route.
3 Replies
Thanks for the report — this is exactly what I needed. Heading there in March with two other rigs (D-Max AT35) and have been debating whether to take the longer alternate route. Based on your description, I think we will stick to the main track.
Went through this one two seasons back and our experience was similar. The last 5km before camp was also the part that got our attention. What tyre pressures were you running? We found 1.4bar front and rear worked well on that surface.
Thanks for the report — this is exactly what I needed. Heading there in March with two other rigs (D-Max AT35) and have been debating whether to take the longer alternate route. Based on your description, I think we will stick to the main track.
— hannes_strydom
Nice one, deon. Did you do the shortcut via the farm road? We skipped it last time and regretted it. Adding it to the plan for our next trip.