Our 2026 Katberg V3 4×4 Tour has been planned to offer a complete experience of nature, relaxation, easy and technical driving and some of the best sights you will see in the Eastern Cape Amathole escarpment zone.
The routes we have chosen are generally not difficult, and can be managed by any 4×4 vehicle with low range capability. The routes range from good tar to serviceable gravel roads as well as several two spoor track sections ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 3. (Please note that no pets are allowed.)
Key Details
- Distance: 700km.
- Drivers’ Briefing, VHF Radio Fitment & Welcoming Party: From 16.00 on Monday, 15th February, 2026, at Kings Lodge, Hogsback.
- Start Hogsback– 08h30: Monday, 16th February, 2026.
- Closing Function & Prize-giving: Duke of Bedford, from 18h00 Friday, 20th February, 2026.
- End of Tour/Departure: 09h00 –Saturday, 21st February, 2026.
All vehicles will be supplied with FM marine-quality two-way radios so we can all communicate. (This is included in the tour price.)
Scroll down for Itinerary, Pricing Info & Cancellation Policy
Katberg 4×4 Tour Itinerary
Day 0 – Sunday 15th, February, 2026
Meet and greet at the beautiful King’s Lodge in Hogsback any time after 14.00. Radio fitments take place between 16.00 & 17.00. Welcome and drivers briefing at 18.00. Dinner at 19.00
Rest well as tomorrow will be a busy day.
Day 1 – Monday 16th February, 2026
We drive the magnificent Wolf River Pass, through indigenous forests, and visit two waterfalls. Towards the foot of the pass we reach the Sandile Dam, where we will take a break. From there we route Over the dam wall to Keiskammahoek and up the Dontsa Pass. Our route passes through pine plantations as well as past the Gubu Dam. There will be an opportunity to refuel at Stutterheim.
We route northwards briefly on the N6, before turning off to visit an old English fort: Fort Cunynghame. A little further we will explore the Thomas River village and from there, up to Cathcart. We will return to Hogsback via Happy Valley and the R345. Chappies Hour at 1800 at King’s Lodge, followed by dinner at 19.00
Day 2 – Tuesday 17th February, 2026
This will be a day of action as we depart Hogsback via the Grade 3 Michell’s Pass. Bring your pruning cutters and shears along, as this pass is quite overgrown, so it’s going to take some time and effort getting the convoy safely to the bottom near Seymore. Should the route prove to be impassable or dangerous, we will detour via the Pefferskop Pass. We traverse close by the Katberg Dam which is obviously fed by the Katrivier as well as the Lushington River.
We will head north east on the tarred R67 via the Nico Malan Pass, where we will stop for a lunch break near the summit, then turn off the tar at Fairfields for a nice gravel drive through verdant farmland, descending the mountains via the Old Katberg Pass, back to the Katberg Hotel. This is a fabulous drive on fairly good gravel roads.
Our overnight venue will be at the Katberg Hotel and Golf Estate, where we will be for the next three nights.
Day 3 – Wednesday 18th February, 2026
An easy day as we head to the Baddaford farm stall near Fort Beaufort to let the ladies enjoy some retail therapy and coffee. We then head up the mountains into the Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve via the tricky Fuller’s Hoek Pass where we will take a lunch break under the giant trees near the summit. We return via the adjoining Mpofu Nature Reserve and the Blinkwater Pass. This is where Andrew Geddes Bain discovered a dinosaur like reptile, which became known as the Blinkwater Monster. We return to the comforts of the gracious Katberg Hotel for dinner, bed and breakfast.
Day 4 – Thursday 19th February, 2026
A full day of deep forest driving in the very heart of the Katberg Forests. We get special permission from Katberg Forestry to enter their reserve. Much of this will be “driving by the seat of our pants “and using intuition to navigate the myriad forestry tracks available for us to explore. This will be a proper Camel Man day.
Day 5 – Friday 20th February, 2026
We bid the friendly staff at Katberg farewell as we pack up and depart early for our last day of adventure travel. We will be driving a northerly route via Brown’s Vale up into the Amathola range following the Koonap River Valley westwards, until we connect with the R344, then turn south along De Beer’s Pass via Walker vale to Adelaide and the final leg on tar to Bedford. We might amend this route (depending on time available) by taking a shortcut to Adelaide via the Bosnek Pass.
We plan to arrive at the Duke of Bedford Inn by 16.00 to allow time to freshen up, collect the 2- way radios and have an extended final night Chappies Hour ahead of dinner and a bumper party.
Day 6 – Saturday 21st February, 2026
Everyone heads home. You will have completed the safest part of your journey. Remember to reinflate your tyres before driving at highway speeds and most of all, remain in chill mode.
Our routes are always bespoke and you will be guaranteed the trip of a lifetime, packed with facts, folklore, history and geology snippets – all of it done in a safe, responsible manner.
Tour price (excluding accommodation and meals):
1 Vehicle/1 Person R15,989
1 Vehicle/2 People R16,989
1 Vehicle/3 People R17,989
1 Vehicle/4 People R18,989
Tour price is calculated on number of adults (over 18) per vehicle.
Tour price includes expert guiding, VHF radio hire, Route notes, folders, stationery, name tags, use of recovery gear, compressors and first aid, but excludes accommodation & travel costs.
Accommodation & Other Costs for this tour
Accommodation, meals and ancillary costs are extra, which we will invoice out to you separately about 4 weeks before the tour.
- Approximately R1550 per person, per day (sharing) for accommodation, breakfast & dinner. Single supplement applies.
- Pack your own ‘padkos’ for lunches, which we enjoy at whatever scenic spot takes our fancy along the route.
- We can arrange lunch packs (at own cost) from the various venues.
CANCELLATION POLICY
If you cancel more than 60 days ahead of the tour:
* If you are able to resell your place to a friend or family member = 100% refund or 100% credit voucher.
* If we resell your ticket on your behalf = 80% refund or 100% credit voucher
If you cancel between 60 and 30 days before the tour:
* If you are able to resell your place to a friend or family member = 100% refund or 100% credit voucher.
* If we resell your ticket on your behalf = 70% refund or 90% credit voucher
If you cancel less than 30 days before the tour:
* If you are able to resell your place to a friend or family member = 100% refund or 100% credit voucher.
* If we resell your ticket on your behalf = 60% refund or 80% credit voucher
Accommodation & meal refunds:
Invoices are generally sent out between 4 and 6 weeks ahead of the tour start date.
* If you have already received your invoice, you are liable for it, subject to us interacting with the various venues to get you a refund. We pay the venues up front for your accommodation. Most of the establishments are reasonable and offer a full refund. Whatever we can negotiate will be credited to you in full.
Please get in touch with us directly with any questions you may have by email: info@mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za
