30/09/2026
LEOPARD TRAIL, BONNIEVALE
Safari Centre’s Top Trips from Cape Town — Part 2
Looking for a weekend 4x4 escape that gives you more than just somewhere to camp?
Hidden against the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains near Bonnievale, the Leopard Trail Guest Farm combines old-school bush camping with mountain scenery, dams, hiking, fishing and — most importantly — a selection of 4x4 trails ranging from easy farm tracks to a slightly more challenging route into the mountains.
It’s roughly 200 km from Cape Town, making it close enough for a weekend away, but far enough to feel like you’ve properly escaped the city.
WHY GO?
If you enjoy camping near water, the Leopard Trail is for you. The tree-lined dam, with its encroaching water lilies and spectacular mountain backdrop, makes swimming one of the main attractions.
Aside from cooling off, the farm boasts several other dams that provide excellent bass fishing throughout the year.
The main campsite also offers a wide-open grassy area that’s great for kids to run around and stay busy. Towards the end of the day — or early in the morning — one of the best places to be is on one of the farm’s 4x4 trails.
There are five routes to choose from, varying in length and difficulty, but the highlight is the longer mountain trail that heads into the Marloth Nature Reserve.
The route is roughly 10km to the end and 10km back, and provides incredible views over the surrounding farmlands, with a patchwork of colours contrasting against blue skies.
The mountain route isn’t overly difficult; most of the track is a gentle meander through the farm and into the nature reserve.
At the end of the track, however, the scenery changes dramatically as you’re greeted by a spectacularly rugged mountain range — a complete contrast to the open farmland views at the start of the route.
In terms of difficulty, almost any stock-standard 4x4 with low range should be able to tackle the trail. The first section features a few washouts, cross-axles and minor switchbacks, but nothing particularly intimidating.
In short, it’s challenging enough to be fun, but not hard enough to break your vehicle or have the family holding on for dear life. It’s more of a relaxing scenic drive than a test of driver and vehicle.
Conditions can change significantly after rain, though, so don’t assume the trail you drove last summer will behave exactly the same way in winter.
When wet, sections of the mountain route can become slippery, in which case a rear diff lock may be useful. Alternatively, avoid the mountain route altogether and explore one of the lower-lying tracks around the farm.
These easier routes (from 4km to 8km) are driveable by just about anyone, regardless of 4x4 experience, making them a great place to practise and learn the ropes if you’re still new to off-road driving.
Better still, the 4x4 trails are only part of the attraction.
There are six dams on the farm where visitors can fish for bass; while hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching and swimming provide plenty to do once the vehicles are parked.
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
If you plan to tackle the mountain route, we’d recommend:
– A proper 4x4 with low range
– Reasonable ground clearance
– Suitable all-terrain tyres
– Basic recovery equipment
– A tyre-pressure gauge and compressor
– Enough time to stop, enjoy the views and not rush the trail
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As always, speak to the owners before setting out. Weather can dramatically change the difficulty of a mountain trail, particularly after heavy rain. A map of the farm is provided.
THE ROUTE
The Leopard Trail Guest Farm is situated off the R60 between Ashton and Swellendam, near Bonnievale, at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains.
If you’re staying over, the bush camp keeps things deliberately simple: lawns and shade beneath the trees, donkey-powered hot showers, flushing toilets, braai facilities and fresh mountain water — but no electricity.
And that’s probably the best way to experience the Leopard Trail: don’t treat it as a 4x4 trail you need to rush through in a day.
Pack the camping gear, make a weekend of it and enjoy the rest of the farm as well.
SAVE THIS ONE FOR YOUR NEXT 4x4 WEEKEND.
For more information on the Leopard Trail call 082 413 4021 or visit: https://www.leopardtrail.co.za/
Over the coming months, Safari Centre Cape Town will be sharing more worthwhile 4x4 trips, trails and weekend escapes within striking distance of the city. So follow us for Part 3.
And when your vehicle needs a little preparation before the next adventure, Safari Centre Cape Town has been helping local 4x4 owners get trip-ready for more than 20 years. Come visit our new shop at 6 Joe Hattingh Street, Goodwood, Cape Town, or call (021) 595 3910.
