For those who enjoy adrenalin packed adventures, Ferndale 4x4 is an experience not to be missed and offers the ride of a lifetime. Voted in the top 5 South African 4x4 venues for 2009, trails of varying length and difficulty are there to be enjoyed on this stunning farm.

Set in the Henderson Valley, east of the N6 and between Cathcart and Stutterheim, the James family have worked this Döhne Marino sheep, Angora goat and stud cattle farm for five generations. Now they also offer the adventure enthusiast a host of options for an action packed holiday. The homestead, chalet and campsite sit at the edge of the Thomas River while the farm lands rise abruptly to the highest point on the Henderson Range at 4450ft..

All the routes which are graded between 3 and 5 have been carefully laid out to optimize the scenic beauty, but it is definitely the Scenic Circle Route which takes your breath away. For 18.7km, this trail twists and turns with some incredibly steep inclines until it reaches the top of the range. Sitting at 4350ft, the views from Vultures Krantz, home to a colony of Cape Vultures, are phenomenal. The open expanse stretches out as far as the eye can see and the rugged wildness is breathtaking.

Redcone Route, although the least challenging of the four routes, is a fantastic trail as it snakes between the mountain ranges for 19km and crosses a stream 13 times. Diff-lock is essential for both The Ferndale Wilde Route and Diff-lock Alley. Incredibly steep and sharp turns provide the driver with the chance to test his vehicle but the Alley is definitely only for the most experienced and challenges even the best driver for 11.5km.

Ferndale is also the perfect venue for hiking, quad biking and mountain biking. For those wanting to expend less energy, horse riding, rock art sighting, canoeing and fishing for bass of yellow fish are all on site. Butch can even organize a micro light trip or there is a runway for those who would like to bring their own.

Game viewing is also a common occurrence as Ferndale has been stocked with a variety of buck, including impala and eland while a herd of wildebeest can often be seen on a neighbouring farm. Martial, black and fish eagles are amongst the 150 different species of birds counted on this property and the landscape is a sea of aloes, succulents and cycads, some of which have been dated BC.

For those wanting the peace and tranquility of open countryside, but the chance to try some exhilarating activities, Ferndale 4x4 is the ideal place to visit.

Contact Butch or Jenny James: 082 784 4979 / 083 695 3004 or 045 843 1741 (evenings)