If you’re a car enthusiast or just someone with a curious mind, you may already know about the permission granted for speed testing along the stretch of road between Kakamas and Pofadder in South Africa’s Northern Cape. This dedicated section of the N14 highway, with its pristine tarmac and endless horizons, has hosted some of the world’s most advanced supercars. Of course, strict regulations apply—tests are pre-approved, vehicles are clearly marked, and everything is conducted under the watchful eye of authorities.
Yet, there’s another layer to this story, one steeped in secrecy and intrigue.
The public stretch of the N14 is well-known, but a covert facility nearby has long captured the imagination of car enthusiasts. This private testing ground, featuring an oval track and a twisty infield circuit, was so secretive that it remained hidden on Google Earth for years. For those daring enough to approach, the reception has been anything but welcoming. Even Lat’wiel, a bold automotive publication, was reportedly chased away when trying to photograph the site.
Recently, however, things have changed. Updates to Google Earth have revealed the facility’s location, its high-speed loops, and the infield circuit—an engineer’s dream for testing vehicles to their absolute limits. Whether this unveiling was intentional or an oversight, the satellite imagery confirms the scale and sophistication of this once-hidden gem.
The sparse, sun-scorched landscape of the Northern Cape provides the perfect environment for high-speed vehicle testing. While the N14 highway adheres to South Africa’s standard 120 km/h speed limit, manufacturers with government-approved permissions can legally test vehicles at speeds of up to 250 km/h. This unique setup has attracted global carmakers, including the Daimler Group and the VW Group, with whispers of vehicles like the Bugatti Veyron undergoing testing here.
For years, this oval test track was shrouded in mystery. Recent satellite updates, however, reveal a state-of-the-art facility where engineers push vehicles to their limits on high-speed loops and technical infield circuits. But this facility isn’t just about speed. Once vehicles complete their tests, they’re parked in a sun-baked field where the searing heat challenges paint durability, rubber longevity, and overall endurance—true torture tests for cars built for global markets.
While secret testing facilities in places like Arizona or Nevada may be more widely known, South Africa’s Northern Cape proving grounds are just as significant. For road-trippers and automotive enthusiasts, the N14 offers its own unique appeal. With its unblemished asphalt, straight stretches, and the vast, cinematic landscape of the Northern Cape, even sticking to the legal speed limit can feel exhilarating.
Of course, the Beer Troopy and its slow-but-steady 1HZ engine might feel out of place in such a high-speed environment. If the Troopy ever found itself on the private track, it wouldn’t be about setting lap records but rather enduring the laughs of engineers as it plodded around. Let’s be honest, even a tumbleweed would overtake the Troopy on a good day!
While the owners of this testing facility certainly don’t want it to be put on the map, we thought it was a fun mention. However, this secretive destination won’t be featured in the Lekker Passport™—we’ll leave it in peace for those who need it for their top-secret work. Instead, the Lekker Passport is packed with incredible destinations and adventures across Africa that you can explore. From farm stalls in the Midlands to the sun-drenched backroads of the Karoo, the Lekker Passport celebrates the beauty of discovery.
So, next time you find yourself between Kakamas and Pofadder, keep an eye out. While this testing ground remains a curiosity, the Lekker Passport is your guide to adventures that are truly yours to experience. Who knows? You might just discover your own hidden gem along the way.