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4 X 4 Trails in South Africa |
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| | | | |  Test your 4X4 on some of our rugged roads | | | | |
South Africa’s road network is the largest and among the best in Africa. But some of its true, more rugged, beauty lies beyond the reach of most tourists, because the terrain is inaccessible to all vehicles except four-wheel drives.
Wild and Wonderful
Fortunately, responsible 4x4 enthusiasts and clubs have created specific trails in some of these areas. South African National Parks also cater to 4x4 enthusiasts, and have created trails in several of their parks, notably Kruger National Park. On the Mozambican side of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, of which Kruger forms a part, the only way of traversing the terrain is by guided 4x4 or hiking trails. Also, in some of the most remote and spectacular parks like sections of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and the Richtersveld National Park, access is limited to those with all-terrain vehicles.
Environmental Awareness
Driving on the beach in South Africa, however, is prohibited to everyone except those who have special permits. The environmental damage it was causing (it was legal up until 2001) was found to be unacceptable. Defying this law carries a heavy penalty – the confiscation of the vehicle.
Car Hire
Most car-hire facilities also offer 4x4s for hire, but don’t simply head off to the bundu. The last thing you want is to be stranded, unprepared, in a remote area where the next vehicle you see may only be passing a few days hence.
Guided Trails
For beginners, the best way to begin is with instruction, and the most enjoyable way to do that is on a guided trail. There are plenty available, with difficulties ranging from pretty easy to only-experts-need-apply. There are literally hundreds of 4x4 trails, in every province of the country. But there are a few that deserve special mention.
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The Moolmanshoek Trail (graded medium to very difficult, depending on the route chosen) near Ficksburg in the Free State is particularly charming. The vehicles are led along by a man on horseback through a private game reserve. The area itself is made of green rolling sandstone hills and valleys, and includes the Free State’s highest mountain, Visierskerf. Accommodation ranges from campsites to luxury.
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Roc ‘n Rope Adventures in Mpumalanga Province offers an excellent eco-sensitive trail, rated medium on the difficulty scale. The Kwena Basin, where the trail is situated, is a particularly lovely area, with some spectacular viewpoints. Bring along a swimming costume for the mountain streams. You are accommodated in luxury safari tents.
- The Diamond Coast Shipwreck Trail is in an area that is usually closed off to the public – owned by De Beers, it is a diamond mining area, and special permits are needed. This remote desert coastal area is completely unspoilt, and during August, September and part of October, flower display can be spectacular. The route is not difficult, and winds along the coastline, providing extraordinary vistas, with the bonus of seeing the shipwrecks of the Arosa, Border and Piratiny, as well as a few unfortunate fishing vessels. Accommodation is in eccentric and comfortable diamond diver’s cottages, only metres from the beach.
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