Softroader in Baviaanskloof

[Dubbo]

Hi there,

I'm new to the community.

I'm currently driving a Ford Kuga 1.6 Ecoboost AWD and I'm planning a trip through the Baviaanskoof in December.

Before making final arrangements I'd like to hear from other softroaders' experiences on this route?

Weather permitting all the water crossings are manage-able, my biggest concern is danger of damage to my tyres and rims.

The Kuga is fitted with 235/45/R19's. How rocky does the route get?

Any assistance will be appreciated.

[Veneficus]

I'm no expert and haven't done it myself
but from what I have read there is some rocks but not generally sharp ones

http://www.foresterforum.co.za/showt...=Baviaanskloof

45 profile is considered quite low for any offroading on 235 tire it means the sidewall is only 105mm high
even 55 profile is generally considered low in offroad term

That being said I would guess that you would probably be fine as long as you take it slow over the rocky area
also make sure you take full size spare wheel along

[Sawdust]

3 Years ago over December when Bergplaas was a mud pit, friends of ours followed us from Bakkrans all the way though to Patensie in a standard Bantam bakkie.

Low profile tyres will give a bumpy ride on the corrugations, which are pretty bad at the moment. On top of that you will not be able to deflate much.

My BIL cut his Touareg tyre, not long ago in the Baviaans but he drove like a ...... so I was not surprised. Take it easy and you should be ok. It is unlikely that you will cut a tyre, but might damage a rim if your speed is too high.

[Paul Dold]

Dawid - is this the rainy season?? When is the best time to visit if you don't want deep water crossings?

[ProtZkroG]

The only issue I see is the river crossing at Smitskraal, where does the air intake on the Kuga sit?

[OwenD]

Easy peasy do it and take pics

[Wolfroux]

Hi, I did it with my Koleos in my stride Your Kuga should be fine

[Ry-net]

I did it in April with a Terios from Jefreys to Willowmore and it was easy.It was dry I must add but as long as you take it easy on the not so good sections you will be fine.The strech from willowmore to Geelhoutbos is very easy and the locals drive in normal sedans there.

[Barto]

I will be doing it in a Fiat Panda sometime in the next month...I will make sure I get plenty GoPro footage

[ADUP]

We did Baviaans from Willowmore to Patensie in the Tiguan during December a few years ago. Just take it easy over the rocky parts...enjoy, we did!!!

[Dubbo]

I'll be sure to check the air intake positioning and monitor the water levels before we go, but if the rains aren't to heavy up to December it seems that I should be fine and come out unscathed if I take it slow and easy.

Thank you very much for all the responses guys.

[An3s]

I just love Baviaanskloof! My first trip was in a 4x2 Mazda Drifter. The only thing counting against your Kuga could be those tyres - just be careful. Enjoy it - such a beautiful area!