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Trail Grading |
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Written by Derick van Eeden
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Monday, 24 April 2006 |
| Section A: ESSENTIAL INFORMATION | | | | Name of trail | Zevenfontein 4x4 / 4x2 | | Contact information | Trail owner | Derik Prins | | | Trail manager | Derik Prins | | Contact person | Derik Prins | | Address and telephone numbers | 023-626 2173 | | | 023-626 3329 (Fax) | | | 082 294 3103 (cell) | | | | | | | | Website | | | Email Address | | | | | Drive Out Representative | Evaluator | Francois Smit | | Address and telephone numbers | 31 Geelbos Straat | | Protea Valley | | Bellville, 7530 | | 021-9131610, 0837199135) | | | | Grading information | Date of Grading | 08-Aug-04 | | Conditions at the time of Grading | Partly Cloudy | | Vehicle Used for Grading | 1998 Discovery TDI | | Is this a standard Vehicle | No | | If not standard, what modifications have been done? | Raised Suspension (Old Man EMU) | | | | The Cost | | Cost per Vehicle | R 150 | | | | Accommodation Cost | Camping : R50 per Vehicle Bungalow : R200 per night | | | General comments / recommendations | Zevenfontein offers an average 4x4- and an exceptional 4x2 trail. The 4x2 trail is one of the best that I have driven as it provides sufficiently challenging obstacles in beautiful surroundings. (It is not just an “easy” farm road to increase the offering to visitors, but considerable care and thought went into the design and layout thereof.)
There is opportunity to improve and develop the accommodation and camping facilities as the immediate surroundings are beautiful with great potential to develop this area into an excellent campsite. The ablution- and other facilities are however insufficient for the number of campsites/vehicles catered for.
A comprehensive information pack with background on the Agterkliphoogte valley, fauna & flora found en-route, the trail/farm itself as well as nearby places of interest (wine cellar, Amatunzi Game Lodge, alternate route to Worcester etc) will add great value to the existing offering. The trail map can be improved with basic rules and regulations a requirement.
There is some maintenance on the trail required, specifically on the downhill section after the Toyota viewpoint where more erosion-retaining walls will minimise potential environmental impact.
All in all, a very interesting trail with beautiful scenery, great potential and good value for money.
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| Section B: Accommodation | | B1: Classification | Applicable | Number of | Provides for (People) | | Camping | Bush camping | No infrastructure Designated location / clearly marked Completely self -sufficient | - | - | - | | Rustic camping | Basic infrastructure (no electricity, water, toilets, showers, braai facilities) | Yes | 1 | 15 | | Basic camping | Permanent infrastructure (electricity, water - hot and cold, ablution facilities, showers, lapa, covered kitchen-area) | - | - | - | | Luxury camping | Permanent infrastructure. Covered ablution facilities. Hot and cold water, electricity, lapa, covered kitchen-area, swimming pool, refrigeration facilities available. Serviced daily | - | - | - | | Covered Accommodation | Hut | Permanent covered structure. No electricity. Single room for sleeping and cooking, running water (hot & cold), outside toilet and showers) | - | - | - | | Bungalow | Permanent covered structure. Single room for sleeping and cooking. Running water, separate bathroom / shower / toilet | Yes | 1 | 5 | | Lodge | Permanent covered structure. Separated sleeping rooms, bathroom, Social- and kitchen area (with or without electricity), refrigeration) | - | - | - | | Bed and Breakfast | Bungalow or Lodge. Breakfast and / or other meals provided. Facility serviced daily | - | - | - | | Other | Electricity on Request. | - | - | - | | | | B 2.1: Evaluation (covered accommodation) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | NOTES / COMMENTS | | | | Overall impression (Atmosphere) | | | 1 | | | Cosy 3 room wooden Wendy House with basic necessitates. As this bungalow is integrated with the main campsite., the overall atmosphere can be improved by secluding it from the camp. Wooden- or even shade-net fencing would suffice.
The same recommendation applies to the parked caravan. Consider relocating it to a more private/secluded spot and the building of a semi-permanent structure (Patio) in front.
| | Position / location | | | 1 | | | Situated on the edge of a poplar tree forest. Small river stream nearby. Nice ambiance. | | Views | | | 1 | | | The bungalow (cabin) is enclosed by trees and as such does not lend itself to any specific views of the surrounding mountains. The patio faces the main campsite with a caravan parked in front.
Relocating the caravan and fencing in the bungalow, would not only provide for more privacy, but also enhance the “Forest” views and improve the overall appeal of this facility.
| | Shade | | | 1 | | | More than sufficient. | | Facilities: upkeep, condition, hygiene, comfort of bathroom / showers / baths / toilets, sleeping quarters / rooms, cooking area / kitchen. | | 1 | | | | In-line with the expectation associated with “Rustic” accommodation, the bungalow conforms to the minimum requirements and shares the ablution facilities with the main camp and caravan. However, the facility, being right next to the bungalow should be restricted for use by bungalow – when occupied, only. Another recommendation would be to use fine gravel or (preferably) small river pebbles as ground cover within the ablution facility and shower area. | | Upkeep, condition , comfort and atmosphere of Social area / Lapa | | 1 | | | | The basics are provided for, but a more permanent fireplace / outside braai area with sufficient seating will improve the appeal of this facility considerably. | | Braai facilities | | | 1 | | | Adequate. See previous comment. | | Other noteworthy facilities | Electricity can be provided for upon request. | | Count | | 0 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | | | Score | | 0 | 4 | 15 | 0 | 0 | | TOTAL SCORE FOR COVERED ACCOMMODATION OUT OF | 19 | 35 | | | AVERAGE SCORE | 54% | | | | | | B 2.2: Evaluation (formal camping facilities) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | NOTES / COMMENTS | | | | Overall impression | | 1 | | | | Two clearings in the woods provides for up to 15 campsites /stands. The standard of these conforms to that of “Bush Camping” with the exception that there is access to a shared ablution facility.
| | Position / Location | | | 1 | | | The immediate surroundings are beautiful with great potential to develop this area into an excellent campsite. Consider a) demarcating individual sites, b) improving the shared braai / campfire area, c) building a separate ablution facility. | | Views | | 1 | | | | The campsite has been selected, not for specific views, but for its unique location within a forest area on the banks of the deurmekaarpoes river. | | Shade | | | 1 | | | More than sufficient. | | Facilities: upkeep, condition, hygiene, comfort of bathrooms / showers / baths / toilets, campsites, cooking area / kitchen | | 1 | | | | The bungalow and camp share the same (single) facility. Providing for a maximum of 15 vehicles/camp sites - this is not sufficient. As a minimum recommendation, there should be separate facilities for each. An acceptable norm is 1 shower/toilet for every 5 vehicles / campsites. | | Upkeep, condition , comfort and atmosphere of social area / Lapa | | 1 | | | | This is a shared area and lacks any specific appeal. The basics are provided for. Garden furniture is available. | | Braai facilities | | 1 | | | | The various sites/stands shares a central braai area. Upgrading this facility is recommended. | | Other noteworthy facilities / comments | Electricity can be provided for upon request. Derek, it is my recommendation that you consider upgrading this area first before you build the new campsite. | |
| Count | | 0 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | The comments above should not be seen as criticism, but as recommendations to develop this to its full potential. It is situated in a truly beautiful area. Considerable improvements can be done with very little capital expenditure. | | Score | | 0 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 0 | | TOTAL SCORE FOR CAMPING | 16 | 35 | | | AVERAGE SCORE | 46% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | B 2.3: Evaluation: bush camping | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | NOTES / COMMENTS | | | | Overall impression | | | | | | Not evaluated | | Position / location | | | | | | Not evaluated | | Views | | | | | | Not evaluated | | Shade | | | | | | Not evaluated | | Braai facilities | | | | | | Not evaluated | | Other noteworthy facilities | | |
| Count | | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | | Score | | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | TOTAL SCORE FOR BUSH CAMPING | 0 | 25 | | | AVERAGE SCORE | 0% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | B: Evaluation summary | | B 2.1 | Covered accommodation | 19 | 35 | 54% | | | B 2.2 | Formal camping | 16 | 35 | 46% | | | B 2.3 | Bush camping | 0 | 25 | 0% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Total score for accommodation (To be carried forward) | 35 | 70 | 50% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | C: Drive Out Top 10 Assessment Analysis | OFFICE USE ONLY | | | Tally | Total | % | Measured in terms of… | | 1 | Ability to maintain Interest and driving experience | | | | Not Applicable | | 2 | Scenery | | | | Position, Location and Views | | 3 | The richness of fauna and flora | | | | Not Applicable | | 4 | Variety of attractions on offer | | | | Variety of Accommodation Options | | 5 | Quality or appeal of camping or accommodation facilities | | | | Total Score for Accommodation | | 6 | Commitment to preserving / rehabilitating the environment | | | | Not Applicable | | 7 | Charisma or commitment of guides / owners | | | | Upkeep, Maintenance and Overall Impression | | 8 | Value for money | | | | Per person per night cost | | 9 | Wilderness or get-away-from-it-all experience. | | | | Bush camping (Yes / No) | |
| Section C: TRAIL ASSESSMENT | | C1: Classification | Applicable | Number of | Provides for | | Trail Type | Day trip | The trail can comfortably be done in less than 5 hours | Yes | 2 | 15 | | Weekender | A minimum of 6 - 8 hours are required to complete the trail Accommodation / camping is available on route | Yes | - | - | | Extended | Two or more days are required to complete the trail | N | - | - | | Across the Border | Remote Destinations. Often in African countries. Drivers need to be completely self-sufficient for 3 days or more. Navigational experience is essential | No | - | - | | Trail Focus | Scenic | Y | - | 80% | | Adventure | N | - | - | | Eco-awareness | N | - | - | | Educational | N | - | - | | Challenging | Y | - | 20% | | Training | N | - | - | | Terrain | Mountainous | Y | - | - | | Coastal | N | - | - | | Wilderness | N | - | - | | Mud / slippery | N | - | - | | Sand / dunes | Y | - | - | | Forest | N | - | - | | Open plains | Y | - | - | | Experience Required | Novice | Y | - | - | | Competent | Y | - | - | | Expert | | - | - | | Vehicle Restrictions | 4x2 | Suitable for 4x2 vehicles with diff-lock | Y | - | - | | Softroaders | Suitable for soft roaders (No low range & limited ground clearance) | Y/N | - | Yes, but not Freelanders | | Clearance | Vehicles needs good ground clearance | Y | - | - | | Diff-Lock | Suitable for vehicles without diff-lock | Y | - | - | | Low-range | Low-range essential / required | Y/N | - | Yes for 4x4 trail No for 4x2 Trail | | Quads | Quad bikes are welcome / only on special request? (Mark which) | Y | - | Special Request only | | Trail Facilities | Guiding | This trail is self-drive only | Y | - | - | | A guide must / will accompany all drivers / vehicles | N | - | - | | Trail guides are available, but not obligatory | Y | - | - | | Rescue | Rescue services are available from the owners (Not to be called from town) | N | | | | Shade | There is shade on the route (e.g. shady spots to stop and stretch your legs) | Y | | | | Water | Swimming is available: (tick: pool, river, waterholes, waterfall, sea) | Y | - | - | | Drinking water is available on the route or at accommodation facility | Y | - | At accomo- dation only | | Communication | Good cell phone signal | N | | Voda Com OK | | Cell phone signal is weak or intermittent | Y | | MTN | | Two-way radios available. Radio contact with reception / base possible | N | | - | | Navigation | Maps and basic navigational skills required | N | - | - | | GPS Waypoints available | N | - | - | | GPS Navigational map and waypoints are available from Tracks-4-Africa. | Y | - | - | | Fuel | Fuel is available at the specified distance (how far from the route?? | Y | - | Robertson 30km | | Diesel, petrol or both? | Both | - | - | | Accommodation | Camping facilities are available | Yes | - | - | | Covered accommodation available (chalets, huts, house, lodge, etc.) | Yes | - | - | | Food / catering available or there is a shop with supplies close by. | No | - | - | | Other | Conference facilities available | No | - | - | | Environment-friendly practices are in place | | - | - | | | | | | | | | | | | | C 2: Difficulty rating | | | | C 2.1: Grading | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | NOTES / COMMENTS | | Overall | | X | X | | | First Mountain Circular Track = 2 2nd Mountain Circular Track = 3 | | Most difficult obstacle without an escape route | | | X | | | | | Most difficult obstacle with an escape route | | | X | | | | | What percentage of the trail is grade1,2,3 ,4 or 5 | | 65% | 35% | | | | | How does weather conditions affect the difficulty rating of the trail ? | Some of the obstacles en-route will be more difficult, but without influencing the overall difficulty of the trail. | | TRAIL RATING GUIDE | | 1 | Easy | This trail is suitable for 4x2's with a diff- lock, or Novices in soft-roaders | | 2 | Easy to moderate | Some 4x4 driving and a four-wheel drive vehicle is necessary | | 3 | Moderate | 4x4 Driving experience and low range are recommended | | 4 | Difficult | This is challenging terrain, suitable for experienced drivers. Low range is essential, while recovery equipment and diff-lock are strongly recommended | | 5 | Extreme | The trail is suitable only for off-road experts with serious 4x4’s, with recovery back up. It should Not be undertaken on your own | | | | | | | | | | | | | C3: EVALUATION | | | | | | | | | | | | | C 3.1: Reception & access control | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Notes / COMMENTS | | | | Signage to find trail | | | 1 | | | No signage from Robertson except at the entrance to the trail. Following directions given by the owner, it is not difficult to find the trail. Apply for an official Tourism Roadside Sign to be erected at the Agterkliphoogte turn-off. | | Are guests received in person by the owner or his representative | | | 1 | | | Guests are received in person | | Friendliness | | | 1 | | | Conforms to Standard | | Efficiency (bookings / reception) | | | 1 | | | Conforms to Standard | | Reception facilities | | 1 | | | | There are no formal reception facilities. Guest are received in person at either the campsite or at the beginning of the trail. Recommend a small reception area (even if only a dedicated area at the campsite) where a notice board-type structure can be erected with a map, rules & regulations etc. (Similar to Glen Oaks 4x4 trail) | | Administration (Indemnity forms, access register completed) | | 1 | | | | An access register has to be completed. | | Does the owner know who is on the trail and who has left - at all times | | 1 | | | | Not all the time. Access to the trial needs to be restricted by unauthorised persons. | | Is assessment of vehicles done before visitors attempt the trail | | 1 | | | | No. | | Is experience of driver tested before attempting the trail | | 1 | | | | No. | | COMMENTS | | | Count | | 0 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | | | Score | | 0 | 10 | 12 | 0 | 0 | | TOTAL SCORE FOR RECEPTION & ACCESS CONTROL | 22 | 45 | | | AVERAGE SCORE | 49% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | C 3.2: Information provided to guests | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Notes / COMMENTS | | | | Information of general interest supplied | 1 | | | | | None | | Information supplied of the trail specifically | 1 | | | | | None | | Navigational information supplied (MAPS, GPS Maps, Waypoints) | | 1 | | | | A small map is provided of the two trails. | | Trail focus information supplied (See C2.1) | 1 | | | | | None | | | | | | | | | | COMMENTS | | | Count | | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Derick, as discussed, I strongly recommend that more focus is given to this aspect as it would improve the overall rating of Zevenfontein considerably. | | Score | | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | TOTAL SCORE FOR INFORMATION PROVIDED | 5 | 20 | | | AVERAGE SCORE | 25% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | C 3.3: Driving Experience | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Notes / COMMENTS | | | | To what extend was the trail objective / vision of the trail owners achieved (Refer to C1: Trail Focus) | | | | 1 | | 4x2 Trail='4' as it provides for a well-balanced trail with real 4x4 obstacles suitable for most 4x2 vehicles. 4x4 Trail="3" | | Scenic or other interests on the trail | | | 1 | | | The trial provides for nice views of the valley below and the surrounding Riviersonderend mountains. The circular nature of the trial limits the scenic interest. | | Ability of trail to maintain interest of guests | | | 1 | | | The various obstacles on the 4x2 trail and 2 sections on the main 4x4 trail can be quite challenging. | | Shade | | 1 | | | | There is very limited shade en-route, except at the lunch stop-over spot on the 4x4 trail. Building a pit-type braai here would be a nice touch. | | Water / swimming available | | 1 | | | | None on the trail. | | Signage or guiding | | 1 | | | | Signage on the trail can be improved. | | COMMENTS | | | Count | | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | The 4x2 trail is one of the best around. I would recommend that more focus is placed on marketing it as such. It would provide for an excellent 4x2 training track - especially at "Oom Danie se Walle" | | Score | | 0 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 0 | | TOTAL SCORE FOR DRIVING EXPERIENCE | 16 | 30 | | | AVERAGE SCORE | 53% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | C 3.4: Trail maintenance | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Notes / COMMENTS | | | | Overall impression / trail conditions | | 1 | | | | Fair. | | Erosion repair | 1 | | | | | There are a few sections where preventative maintenance is required. These has been pointed out. | | Litter control | | | 1 | | | Overall very little litter was found alongside the trail as well as at the campsites. | | Cutting back of bushes to prevent scratches | | 1 | | | | Bushes and scrubs along the final 2 sections of the 4x4 trail needs to be trimmed back - especially after the dry-riverbed crossing. | | Alien control | | | 1 | | | No known invaders are evident. | | | | | | | | | | COMMENTS | | | Count | | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | | | Score | | 1 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | | TOTAL SCORE FOR TRAIL MAINTENANCE | 11 | 25 | | | AVERAGE SCORE | 44% | | | | | | | | C: Evaluation summary | | C 2.1 | Reception and access control | 22 | 45 | 49% | 15% | 7% | | | C 2.2 | Information provided | 5 | 20 | 25% | 10% | 3% | | | C 2.2 | Driving experience | 16 | 30 | 53% | 55% | 29% | | | C 2.3 | Trail maintenance | 11 | 25 | 44% | 20% | 9% | | TOTAL SCORE FOR TRAIL ASSESSMENT (To be carried forward) | 54 | 120 | 43% | 100% | 48% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | C: Drive Out Top 10 Assessment | OFFICE USE ONLY | | | Tally | Total | % | Notes / COMMENTS | | 1 | Ability to maintain Interest and driving experience | | | | Driving Experience, Terrain and Trail Focus | | 2 | Scenery | | | | Scenery | | 3 | The richness of fauna and flora | | | | Scenery | | 4 | Variety of attractions on offer | | | | Trail Type (Number of), Terrain Type, Experience Required | | 5 | Quality or appeal of camping or accommodation facilities | | | | Not Applicable | | 6 | Commitment to preserving / rehabilitating the environment | | | | Trail Maintenance | | 7 | Charisma or commitment of guides / owners | | | | Trail Maintenance, Information Provided | | 8 | Value for money | | | | Compare 1,2,3,4,5 against Trail Cost | | 9 | Wilderness or get-away-from-it-all experience. | | | | Terrain Type, Navigational Experience Required | |
| Section D: TRAIL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT | | D 1: Trail registration status | Status | | Notes / comments | | 1 | Has the trail been registered with the Department of Environment and Tourism (DEAT)? | No | 0 | - | | 2 | Has the trail been inspected by Nature Conservation? | Yes | 5 | Vrolikheid Nature Conservation. | | 3 | Has there been a formal application by the Land Owner or by a specialist consultant? | No | 0 | - | | Total Score for registration status | | 5 | | | Trail owner's signature verifying that the above three points have been truthfully answered | | |
| | | D 2: Land status | Status | Notes / comments | | 1 | Is the property or part thereof a World Heritage Site? | No | - | | 2 | Is the property privately owned, or is it under the control of a National of Provincial Body? | No | Privately owned farm | | 3 | Is the property or part thereof within the boundaries of an official Biosphere? | No | - | | 4 | National / Provincial Nature / Game Reserve? (Tick) | No | - | | 5 | Private Nature / Game Reserve (Tick) | No | - | | 6 | Any other official conservation / protection status applicable? | No | - | | 7 | Is the property on a farm and, if so, is it a working farm or dormant land? | Working | - | | 8 | Are there any protected fauna &flora, archaeology features, caves, Bushman paintings etc. found on the property? If yes, please specify the nature thereof | | Old "Ou Kaapse Wa Pad" | | | | D 3: EVALUATION | | | | D 3.1: Trail facilities | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | NOTES / COMMENTS | | | | Is the route and facilities laid out in an environmentally friendly way? | | | 1 | | | Conform to standard | | Does the route reduce soil erosion? Are there erosion walls in place in steep sections and are these maintained? | | 1 | | | | There are sections on the 4x4 circular trail where erosion walls either needs to be build or that requires maintenance. | | Are the areas around the campsite and accommodation in good condition (vegetation) | | | 1 | | | Acceptable condition. There is little or no environmental impact. | | Are biodegradable products used? | 1 | | | | | None is used. Visitors are required to be completely self-sufficient. | | Are separate bins available for waste? Is non-degradable waste, e.g. glass, tin, plastic and other synthetic material disposed of on the property? Are visitors required to remove their own waste? | | | 1 | | | Single bins are provided. | | COMMENTS | | | Count | | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | - | | Score | | 1 | 2 | 9 | 0 | 0 | | TOTAL SCORE FOR TRAIL FACILITIES | 12 | 25 | | | AVERAGE SCORE | 48% | | | | | | | | D 3.2: Governance | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | NOTES / COMMENTS | | With regards to the following focus areas, are the governing structures, corresponding rules in place and is there appropriate signage / information to remind visitors thereof? | | Accommodation | | | 1 | | | Governed by the owner. | | Driving Experience / Trail | | 1 | | | | Signage on the trail can be improved or, alternatively, the trail map showing the various start-/end points as well as the direction of the circular trails needs to be upgraded. | | Environmental | | 1 | | | | There are no formal governance structures in place or information provided. | | Safety | | | 1 | | | There are no dangerous sections on the trail. | | Focus as defined in Section B (Trail Vision) | | 1 | | | | More information on the trail would be a definite plus. | | COMMENTS | | | Count | | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | - | | Score | | 0 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | | TOTAL SCORE FOR RULES & SIGNAGE | 12 | 25 | | | AVERAGE SCORE | 48% | | | | | | | | D 3.3: Specific Rules and Signage | | With regards to the overall implementation of the objectives below, are the governing structures, corresponding rules in place and is there appropriate signage / information to remind visitors thereof? | | Are the following rules in place and is there appropriate signage to remind visitors? | Yes/No | Score | Note: Only 1 yes = a 1 rating. 2/3 yes's = a 2 rating. 4/5 = a 3 rating. 6/7 = a 4 rating. 8/9 = a 5 rating. | | Speed limit on the route and roads | No | | 0 | | Banning of undue noise | No | | 0 | | Firearms and shooting forbidden | No | | 0 | | Collecting of firewood forbidden | No | | 0 | | Collecting of any animal, plant, insect or rock forbidden | No | | 0 | | Littering forbidden | Yes | | 1 | | Fires only in designated areas | Yes | | 1 | | Driving only on existing tracks and roads | Yes | | 1 | | Is there a comprehensive map showing sensitive areas | No | | 0 | | Comments | | | Scale | | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | - | | Rating | | - | X | - | - | - | | TOTAL SCORE FOR RULES & SIGNAGE | 2 | 5 | | | AVERAGE SCORE | 40% | | | | | | | D 3.4: Implementation / procedures / practices | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | NOTES / COMMENTS | | | | Are the above procedures and rules actually applied? | | | 1 | | | Although these procedures and rules are not formally communicated, there does not seem to be any related issues or concerns. | | Are visitors briefed orally or on paper regarding the environmentally friendly approach on the property? | | 1 | | | | No | | COMMENTS | | | Count | | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | | Score | | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | | TOTAL SCORE FOR INFORMATION PROVIDED | 5 | 10 | | | AVERAGE SCORE | 50% | | | | | | | | D: Evaluation Summary | | D 1 | Trail registration status | 5 | 15 | 33% | 5% | 2% | | | | | D 3.1 | Trail facilities | 12 | 25 | 48% | 50% | 24% | | | | | D 3.2 | Governance | 12 | 25 | 48% | 25% | 12% | | | | | D 3.3 | Specific Rules and Signage | 2 | 5 | 40% | 5% | 2% | | | | | D 3.4 | Implementation, Procedures and practice | 5 | 10 | 50% | 15% | 8% | | | | Total Score for Environmental Assessment (To be carried forward) | 36 | 80 | 45% | 100% | 47% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | C: Drive Out Top 10 Assessment | OFFICE USE ONLY | | | Tally | Total | % | NOTES / COMMENTS | | 1 | Ability to maintain Interest and driving experience | | | | Trail Facilities | | 2 | Scenery | | | | | | 3 | The richness of fauna and flora | | | | Land Status 3,4 & 8. | | 4 | Variety of attractions on offer | | | | Land Status 1,2,3,4,5,6 & 8 | | 5 | Quality or appeal of camping or accommodation facilities | | | | Not Applicable | | 6 | Commitment to preserving / rehabilitating the environment | | | | Registration Status | | 7 | Charisma or commitment of guides / owners | | | | Governance | | 8 | Value for money | | | | Not Applicable | | 9 | Wilderness or get-away-from-it-all experience. | | | | Land Status 4,5 |
| Section E: TICK THE ICONS APPLICABLE | | This section provides a summary of the various aspects assessed elsewhere in the questionnaire. Please review, add comments and, if corrections are needed, change it at the original section.) | | | DESCRIPTION | YES/ NO | Comments | | 1 | Suitable for 4x2'S with diff-lock | Yes | - | | 2 | Suitable for soft-roaders (no low range & limited ground clearance) | No | - | | 3 | Vehicles need good ground clearance | Yes | - | | 4 | This trail is self-drive only | Yes | - | | 5 | A guide must / will accompany all drivers / vehicles | No | - | | 6 | Trail guides are available, but not obligatory | Yes | - | | 7 | Rescue services are available from the owners (not to be called from town) | No | - | | 8 | Fuel is available at the specified distance (how far from the route?) | Yes | Robertson, 35 km | | 9 | Diesel, petrol or both? | Both | - | | 10 | GPS Waypoints available? | Yes | Tracks4Africa | | 11 | Downloadable GPS Navigational Map and Waypoints are available from Tracks-4-Africa. (www.tracks4africa.co.za) | Yes | Yes | | 12 | Quad bikes are welcome / only on special request? (Indicate which) | Yes | - | | 13 | Good cell phone signal on the trail | No | - | | 14 | Cell phone signal is weak or intermittent on the trail | Yes | - | | 15 | Camping facilities are available | Yes | - | | 16 | Covered accommodation is available (chalets, huts, in a house, lodge, etc.) | Yes | - | | 17 | Food / catering available or there is a shop with supplies close to the route / trail / facility | No | - | | 18 | There is shade on the route (e.g. shady spots to stop and stretch your legs) | Yes | The 4x4 and 4x2 trail starts at the campsite where there is sufficient shade. | | 19 | Swimming is available: (tick: pool, river, waterholes, waterfall, sea) | Yes | - | | 20 | Drinking water is available on the route or at accommodation facility | Yes | - | | 21 | Conference facilities available | No | - | | 22 | Environment-friendly practices are in place | No | - |
| Section F: SUMMARY | | | | B: Accommodation | Score | Max | % | | | B 2.1 | Covered accommodation | 19 | 35 | 54% | | | B 2.2 | Formal camping (e.g. permanent tented camps) | 16 | 35 | 46% | | | B 2.3 | Bush camping | 0 | 25 | 0% | | | Total score for accommodation / out of: | 35 | 70 | 50% | | | | | C: Trail Assessment | Score | Max | % | Weight | Score | | | C 2.1 | Reception and access control | 22 | 45 | 49% | 15% | 7% | | | C 2.2 | Information provided | 5 | 20 | 25% | 10% | 3% | | | C 2.2 | Driving experience | 16 | 30 | 53% | 55% | 29% | | | C 2.3 | Trail maintenance | 11 | 25 | 44% | 20% | 9% | | | Total score for trail assessment | 54 | 120 | 43% | 100% | 48% | | | | | D: Environmental Assessment | Score | Max | % | Weight | Score | | | D 1 | Trail registration status | 5 | 15 | 33% | 5% | 2% | | | D 3.1 | Trail facilities | 12 | 25 | 48% | 50% | 24% | | | D 3.2 | Governance | 12 | 25 | 48% | 25% | 12% | | | D 3.2 | Specific Rules and Signage | 2 | 5 | 40% | 5% | 2% | | | D 3.3 | Implementation, procedure and practice | 5 | 10 | 50% | 15% | 8% | | | Total Score for environmental assessment | 36 | 80 | 45% | 100% | 47% | | | | | E: Drive Out Top 10 Recommendation | Score | Max | % | | | Name and rate the aspects of the route that stands out and which could be included in a future Top 10 List | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | NOTES / COMMENTS | | 1 | Ability to maintain Interest and driving experience | 1 | | | | | | | 2 | Scenery | 1 | | | | | | | 3 | The richness of fauna and flora | 1 | | | | | | | 4 | Variety of attractions on offer | 1 | | | | | | | 5 | Quality or appeal of camping or accommodation facilities | 1 | | | | | | | 6 | Commitment to preserving / rehabilitating the environment | 1 | | | | | | | 7 | Charisma or commitment of guides / owners | 1 | | | | | | | 8 | Value for money | | | 1 | | | The trail and accomodation provides good value for money. | | 9 | Wilderness or get-away-from-it-all experience. | 1 | | | | | | | Count | | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | | | Score | | 8 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | | TOTAL | 11 | 45 | | | | | | AVERAGE SCORE | 24% | | | | | | | | E: Final score | Total | Weight | Score | | | 1 | Average Assessment percentage | 48% | 60% | 29% | | | 2 | Tester's personal score out of 100 | 60% | 30% | 18% | | 3 | Drive Out Top 10 Recommendation | 24% | 10% | 2% | | FINAL SCORE | 44% | 100% | 49% |
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