Gifberg

By Erns Grundling
Published 19 July 2010

Does city life sometimes make you feel like you’re living inside a vuvuzela? Then Gifberg, north of the Cederberg, is just the place to remind you what silence sounds like.

There is something wonder­ful about arriving at a destination after sunset. With a rim of orange on the western horizon, you can just make out the vague outline of the landscape before the night swallows it up. The next morning you wake up filled with expectation, curious about what the place looks like. 

Camp on the banks of the Doring River
If your vehicle can handle more than the odd suburban pothole, do what Johan de Smidt did and drive a relatively easy 4x4 trail to a beautiful campsite next to the Doring River.

Do you want to sleep under the stars on the soft sand of a river bank? Then drive the 4x4 trail to Gifberg Holiday Farm’s Bruinkrans campsite on the Doring River.
The trail is about 11 km long and tame enough to not rattle your dentures or crick your neck.

Starting at the resort office, you splash through the overflow of a dam before driving through expansive rooibos plantations. Then you slip-slide through the sandy parts.
On the last 4 km-stretch you might have to ask one of your passengers to get out and direct you so you don’t dent the sump or running boards on the rocks.

Down at the river an isolated spot awaits. Pitch your tent on the sandy river bank, light a fire and relax for a while. Or get engaged… (as Johan did. – Ed.)
The next morning you can explore on foot. Klipspringers come to the river to drink, and there are lots of birds, among them cormorants and malachite kingfishers.

Read the full artivle in the August 2010-issue of go! (#50)

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