Chill out on a relaxing off-road drive in serene surroundings

These will not only be extreme 4×4 routes, but will feature a variety of interesting routes in the area.
If you are a route owner or plan to open one, kindly contact Johan Grobler on
082-411-7132 and arrange for a date to access and grade it.
If you feel like joining the team on their next trips, you are welcome to contact Johan to book your spot. In this first feature, the Barberton Game Reserve was visited during December 2014.

Introduction

The Barberton Game Reserve is situated 20 kilometre south of Mbombela on the main road to Barberton. The reserve is situated in an area of great beauty and
high plant species diversity.

Description of the area

The reserve covers about 2 500 hectares and is located in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa.
During our trip, elevation ranged from
680 metres to over 1 200 metres above
sea level.
The Noordkaap River runs through the middle of the reserve in a wide valley with a steep escarpment on the northern side. Apparently regular river surveys are conducted, making it possible to cool off in its clear water.
In the past the lower lying areas along the river had been prospected for gold.The geology ranges from ultra-mafic serpentine, to acidic granites and gneisses. The soil texture ranges from sandy loam to clay.
The vegetation is sour lowveld bushveld type, with an undulating landscape, which is predominantly open to closed tree savannah and dense riverine fringes along drainage lines, with open grassy areas on the escarpment.
The climate is frost-free and sub-tropical with a peak rainfall in summer, which can make driving a bit more difficult with slippery conditions. We were told at the gate that the reserve is presently inhabited by various game species such as zebra, mountain reedbuck, blue wildebeest, impala, grey duiker, red duiker, kudu, klipspringer, bushbuck, leopard, caracal, hyena, civet, genet and jackal. Sadly we did not see all of these animals but managed to spot some impalas, kudus and reedbuck. We did, however, count 48 different bird species, which was amazing!

Off-road driving

The reserve is easily accessible for any vehicle with a bit of ground clearance. The routes are well maintained and will lead you to various spots in the reserve. All routes will take you in and out on the same tracks.There is a 4×4 trail of 900 metres down to the river area, and a 4×2 vehicle fitted with a diff lock and high ground clearance, will easily traverse this route.
Barberton beach was the highlight of the trip where one encounters dry river sand, as well as an overflow from a dam wall. Needless to say, a quick swim brought welcome relief from the December heat, and we decided to have lunch on the beach.
It is highly unlikely that vehicles can be damaged. The drive can be graded as a grade two route.
The reserve has a well maintained picnic spot where one can braai and just relax on the banks of the river. The ablution facilities are very clean and provide for both sexes. The reserve does not offer overnight accommodation.

Cost

The entry fee to the reserve was a reasonable R25 per adult, R5 per vehicle and R15 per child under 12. There is no map issued at the gate, but I doubt that anybody can get lost. You are driving on your own time. The reserve is open from 07:00 to 18:00, seven days a week.

Conclusion

If you don’t want to travel too far, and if you don’t have a 4×4 vehicle to do off-road driving, the Barberton Nature Reserve with its rugged beauty is well worth a visit.
The Reserve is close to Mbombela, is big on bird species, animals and habitat diversity, has perennial water of good quality, and is a protected area where you and your family can enjoy a day in the veld, driving off road, and hiking or just relaxing at the picnic spot.