Ultimate 4×4 Trails & Adventures in South Africa
Mpumalanga
Mac Mac Summit Route (31)
Mac Mac Forest Retreat may be in the middle of the Komatiland Forest Conservancy with pine and gum plantations being hacked down, but it still holds its natural beauty with pockets of forest, waterfalls and rolling green hills.
A network of tracks makes up the Mac Mac Summit Route, where guests can choose between a one-day or five-day adventure through this magical area. The route itself is not too challenging and won’t damage your vehicle, but it will take your breath away.
The way there: It’s 15 km from either Sabie or Graskop on the R532.
Accommodation: Mac Mac Forest Retreat has a range of self-catering houses (starting at R130 a person a night) and camping facilities (from R30 a person a night).
Contact: Mac Mac Forest Retreat tel 013-764-2376/1018, email, website.
Riverwild 4×4 (32)
Riverwild’s nine routes, all leading off one arterial dirt road, are for experienced drivers who want to test their skills and vehicles. Some obstacles include tight corners, river crossings, mud pits, jagged rocks and steep ups and downs.
There are escape routes and drivers can return to sections. River-wild offers driver training that covers the environment, vehicle information, off-road techniques, recovery and practical training driving through a number of obstacles. Advanced courses include navigation. GPS, advanced recovery and other skills to help ensure a safe off-road experience.
The way there: Turn off the N4 from Nelspruit onto the R37 towards Sudwala Caves and Sabie. From there, follow the signs to Riverwild.
Accommodation: Tented camps are from R250 a person a night. There’s also camping (from R50 a person a night).
Contact: Mpumalanga Tourism Information tel 0860-104-069, email, website.
Nzikasi River Trail (33)
The Nzikasi Trail – named after the Nzikazi River, which the trail follows – is a pleasant mixture of scenery and off-road challenges that are suitable for the whole family. It features sand, rocks and a climb up a huge granite koppie, from where you can enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding bushveld.
The route borders the Kruger National Park, so keep your eyes peeled and your binoculars handy because you never know what’s lurking around the corner.
The way there: Meet the guide at White River, which is 8 km from the start of the trail.
Accommodation: There are numerous options around White River. Getaway.
Contact: Janco Scott tel 013-755-3073, email.
Lebombo Eco Trail (34)
This five-day trail is quite exceptional, starting where two countries meet and ending at the joining of a third (South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique). It runs the length of the Kruger National Park. Although it’s not an obstacle course or a testing ground for 4x4s, participants will need to be true bush lovers. It’s self-catering and, while stops are made in Lower Sabie, Olifants and Shingwedzi Camps for fuel, water and showers, the rest is bush camping. Booking is essential through South African National Parks (which has recently opened up the overnight Malopeni Eco Trail).
The way there: Take the N4 towards Komatipoort. Enter the Kruger National Park at Crocodile Bridge Gate.
Accommodation: Campers have to take all their own equipment.
Contact: Hesther van den Berg tel 012-426-5117, email, Website.
For more places to stay in Mpumalanga.
Other Trails in Mpumalanga
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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