Ultimate 4×4 Trails & Adventures in South Africa
OVERLANDING
Overlanding is a different ball game to 4×4 trails. While the vehicle is definitely important, an overlanding adventure isn’t only about getting your tyres over rocks and through sand. It’s an exploration of Africa’s beauty, places, people and cultures, all done as a self-sufficient traveller. Kit out your car, get some friends together and take leave. Africa is waiting…
Namibia
Namibia is characterised by its vast landscapes, ranging from desert in the south and west to the wild and windswept Skeleton Coast, the white saltpans of Etosha and the dense bushveld of the Caprivi Strip.
Entering Namibia in the south, either at Vioolsdrif or Nakop, is quick and easy. From there, it’s smooth driving along the B1 or B3 tarred roads until you turn off onto the corrugated dirt road that leads to the Ai-Ais / Richtersveld National Park.
This is home to the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon, best seen from the main viewpoint near Hobas. Further north, entering into the Namib-Naukluft Park, are the magnificent sand dunes of Sossusvlei. As this is a photographer’s dream spot, it’s best to get there early to catch the golden morning light. Be prepared to deflate your tyres, as you’ll need to negotiate a rutted sandy track to reach the main picnic area.
If you have two days to spare and are up for a challenge, try the Namib-Naukluft 4×4 Trail. North of here is the start of the desolate Skeleton Coast.
Northern Namibia is divided into Damaraland and Kaokoland. Roads are mainly corrugated gravel with the occasional dry riverbed and are suited only for high-clearance 4×4 vehicles. Highlights include the spectacular Spitzkoppe mountain range, the Kunene River, the saltpans of Etosha National Park, Epupa Falls and Ruacana Falls in the extreme north and great game viewing in the Caprivi Strip to the northeast.
Botswana
With as many as 15 different border posts between Botswana and South Africa, its doors are wide open for visitors. And why wouldn’t you want to go? Botswana offers some of the best wilderness and wildlife in southern Africa, with the game-rich Moremi Wildlife Reserve, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Chobe National Park and Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Add the Okavango Delta and the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans into the mix and you have no excuse not to go.
Overlanding is by far the best way to see this country. You’re the master of your route and can decide whether or not to spend more or less time in a place. There are some excellent lodges and exquisite campsites throughout Botswana. In the more remote areas, driving conditions can be harsh and water, petrol or food may not be readily available. A 4×4 is essential and supplies recommended when accessing these areas.
Zimbabwe
Despite its political problems, Zimbabwe is still a safe, beautiful destination with abundant wildlife, adventure sports and scenic wilderness areas. Overlanding here does take some organising (make sure you have all the necessary documentation) and huge amounts of patience, but the rewards are well worth it.
From the border post at Beitbridge, take the A4 towards Harare to see the incomparable Ruins of Great Zimbabwe near Masvingo and the Eastern Highlands attractions of the Chimanimani Mountains, Nyanga National Park, Bridal Veil Falls, Eland Sanctuary and the Chirinda Forest Botanical Reserve. Alternatively, take the A6 past Bulawayo towards Hwange National Park, the mighty Victoria Falls, placid Lake Kariba or the thrilling Mana Pools in the extreme north. If you have enough time, all these places can be toured in a circular route. It’s a good idea to carry extra fuel when travelling longer distances and be aware of potholes and stray cattle in places.
Mozambique
Immediately after entering Mozambique at its southernmost border at Kosi Bay, you’ll need to engage 4×4 mode, deflate your tyres and take your best guess as to which line you want to take through the sandy track. It’s a great way to get the adventurous spirit going. Many of the lodges and camping grounds in Mozambique require 4x4s for access and, although your car might get a little battered, it’ll be worth it once you hit the warm coastal waters.
Moving north along the EN1 national ‘highway’ requires extreme concentration, not only to avoid potholes and police, but the oncoming and overloaded buses that seem to crab and wobble all over the road. Travelling north from the lively and charismatic city of Maputo, the change in vegetation from dense bush to lush palms becomes apparent, as does the culture, with many roadside vendors selling fruit and vegetables, cashews and locally made piri-piri. While the sea remains the focus point for holidaymakers – there are plenty of spots to pull into with more than 2700 km of coastline – don’t forget the flourishing Gorongosa National Park in the interior, just north of Beira.
From here, distances become longer and tourism less developed. Your two options are to turn inland towards Blantyre, Malawi, or to continue and explore Nampula, Nacala Bay, Pemba and the island paradises of the Quirimbas Archipelago in northern Mozambique.
For more places to stay.
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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
More info on the area of South Africa |
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