GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - An exclusive 4x4 "forest experience" route through the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park awaits adventure lovers during the National Heritage weekend in September, with three routes to choose from.

SANParks Wilderness honorary rangers and staff have organised the 4x4 trail excursions which will, for the first time, have access to certain areas in the national park not normally open to the public. The routes feature indigenous forests, fynbos and stunning mountain vistas.

The event takes place on September 23 and 24.

Participation in the event is strictly controlled and each route excursion is restricted in terms of the number of vehicles that can participate. A trained honorary ranger guide will accompany the vehicles during the excursion.

There are three routes: one crossing the Voortrekker Pass, one going up to Windmeulnek and a third accessing the Goldfields region of the park. The routes, all graded between 1 and 3, will provide public access to roads that are under normal conditions closed to the public.

The routes will all depart from the Wilderness Common at staged intervals. The Common will also be the venue for a 4x4 Exhibition where leading manufacturers of 4x4 goods will exhibit their wares. Access to the exhibition is open to the public.

The plan is to organise this 4x4 forest experience as an annual fundraising event and an opportunity to showcase the magnificent natural features of the Garden Route National Park. 

For more information on the routes, or if you wish to rent an exhibition stand, email Derek Oldfield at oldfield@mighty.co.za or Barbara Little at barbs.little@gmail.com respectively.

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