When the South African government banned driving on beaches both the angling and 4x4 fraternities took a big knock. The anglers couldn't go as far along the beaches as they used to or had to find overland shortcuts while the 4x4 okes had to stick to mountain trails and off road paths. There is one place I know of where the boys can test their toys and sand driving skills though. Brakkeduine close to Oyster Bay and St Francis Bay, making it close to Port Elizabeth as well.
Brakkeduine offers a beautiful grassed campsite on the banks of a dam with a long slippery slide and zipline into the water. But it's the natural inland dune field that attracts 4x4 enthusiasts to Brakkeduine. They offer guided trips following a set route with drivers given the opportunity to test their skills going up and down the dunes either on the straight or around turns, pushing their vehicles to the max. The trips are led by experienced 4x4 drivers who know the dunes like the back of their hands and will show the way to approach each "obstacle" first before the others attempt it. They come prepared to assist if anything happens, anything being a wheel popping off the rim or getting stuck on top of the dune.
I remember personally driving our landrover on the beach at Cape Vidal during the 80's! We rather enjoyed the same beach in May this year without any vehicles on it. I'm glad there's a place for the lads to strut their stuff on the beach at Brakkeduine.
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