Ultimate 4×4 Trails & Adventures in South Africa
Source: This article was taken from the Getaway’s Ultimate 4×4 Trails & Adventures Booklet sponsored by Goodrich Tyres.
South Africa’s vast landscapes are an explorer’s paradise, but reaching beautiful spots often requires an off-road vehicle and some deft driving ability.
Here is Getaway’s roundup of ultimate 4×4 trails in South Africa and overland adventures north of our borders.
Let’s get going!
South Africa’s vast landscapes are an explorer’s paradise, but reaching beautiful spots often requires an off-road vehicle and some deft driving ability.
Here is Getaway’s round-up of ultimate 4×4 trails in South Africa and overland adventures north of our borders.
Also, industry guru Andrew St Pierre White has handy hints and tips to make the most of your trip.
Grading
- A beginner’s trail suitable for 4x2s with diff-locks.
- Easy to moderate. 4×4 essential.
- Moderately challenging. Low-range and some experience necessary.
- A real challenge; for experienced drivers only.
- Do not try this alone or without recovery gear.
Driving Tips
Andrew St Pierre White is a filmaker, author publisher and a recognised authority on four-wheel drive. Here are some of his informative driving tips that will help you conquer a range of terrains with confidence.
Terrain made easy
Mud and rock
A good rule is to walk across the obstacle before you attempt to drive through or over it. When traction is marginal, such as on steep, undulating climbs or tricky, lumpy descents, shallow slippery mud or general off-road driving, tyre pressures should be reduced by about 20 per cent of normal operating pressures.
Sand
Momentum is the single most important aspect when driving in sand. Engage four-wheel drive even if you do not require it. Tyre wear will be reduced, vehicle control will be better and fuel consumption decreased. On extremely soft sand, tyre pressures can be dropped to as low as 0,5 bar. However, at this pressure the risk of a tyre coming off the rim is high. Steer cautiously and drive slowly. Some tyres will not permit such a low pressure, as the bead design won’t keep the tyre on the rim. If this is the case, don’t go lower than 0,8 bar.
Water
Slow speed is essential and low-range second gear is recommended for most wading conditions. When entering water, do so slowly and avoid creating a splash that will wet electrical components. Drive at a speed that creates a clean bow wave. A snorkel is the ultimate engine protection when driving through deep water.
Corrugations
To improve comfort, safety and stability on corrugations, tyre pressures should be dropped by 15 to 20 per cent. Be careful of dropping pressures too much when carrying a load, because low pressures can also result in reduced directional stability and cause handling difficulties.
Ridges
When crossing a ridge, stay at a right angle to it and pass both wheels on each axle over the obstacle at the same time. Crossing at an angle could result in a wheel lifting off the ground and loss of traction on that axle.
Troughs
When negotiating a trough, cross at an angle to drop only one wheel at a time into the trough. This will always keep at least one wheel from either axle on firm ground. When moving along a series of troughs, do so carefully and slowly, otherwise the differential may be grounded if a wheel drops to one side.
Slopes
A critical safety issue when climbing or descending steep slopes is not to depress the clutch in the event of traction loss or stalling.
Favourite vehicle accessories
- Tyres
- Rooftop tent
- Drawer system
- Dual-battery system
- Raised air intake
- Auxiliary fuel tanks
- Recovery equipment
- Spotlight
Map
We have put each province on it’s own page for easy reference.
Introduction P1 | Western Cape P2 | Northern Cape P3 | Eastern Cape P4 | Free State P5 | Kwazulu Natal P6 | Gauteng P7 | Northwest P8 | Limpopo P9 | Mpumalanga P10 | Overlanding P11
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