Ultimate 4×4 Trails & Adventures in South Africa
North West
Doornrivier (23)
The farm has four 4×4 routes with mountainous, rocky and sandy terrain. Two of the trails are designed with the beautiful scenery in mind, while the other two are more technically orientated and require low-range.
Doornrivier also has a 4×4 playground area. Whether you go for a weekend or are just passing through on the way to Botswana, it’s the perfect spot to test your skills.
The way there: Drive north from Zeerust on the R49 for 15km. Doornrivier is on the right.
Accommodation: There are two log cabins, sleeping four each, from R300 a unit, an old farmhouse, sleeping 18, from R100 a person a night (fully equipped for self-catering) and camping from R50 a person a night.
Contact: Andre and Mariesa van der Merwe tel 018-642-3394, website.
Karee Krans (24)
If you’re looking to escape the bustling city life, Karee Krans in the Magaliesberg is an ideal weekend destination. Although the three trails are short, they are designed for slow-going and taking in the beautiful surroundings.
After receiving a map on arrival, it’s up to you which trail to tackle first, as they vary in difficulty. If your confidence is low, you can request the assistance of a guide who will be happy to help you.
The way there: Take the N4 through Rustenburg. About 2 km after Moedwil, turn right at the Hoe Bome sign. After 8 km, turn left at the T-junction and follow the Karee Krans signposts.
Accommodation: Fully equipped chalets from R250 a person a night and a basic but grassed campsite from R50 a person a night.
Contact: Robert van der Merwe cell 073-158-1545, email.
Berakah 4×4 (25)
In this area of unspoilt beauty surrounding the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site, you’ll find 15km of marked 4×4 trail, which twists and turns through open savannah, bushveld, riverbeds, mud, water, over hill climbs and scenic mountains.
Although there are bypass routes for the main obstacles, low-range and diff-locks are a must, as is a trusty co-pilot to negotiate the many pole crossings. Don’t forget to pack some lunch, as there are braai and picnic spots along the way providing a perfect rest opportunity.
The way there: From Parys, take the R53 to Potchefstroom. Follow the Berakah signs after crossing the Vaal River.
Accommodation: All options are self-catering with a choice between chalets costing from R180 a person sharing a night and camping for R45 a person a night.
Contact: Lenie and Andre Pretorius: 056-818-1313, website.
Moegatle 4×4 Trail (26)
The trail varies from a 4×2 and soft roader-friendly route, to a 4×4 trail that is challenging in places and where low-range, high ground clearance and care is required.
If you drive with confidence and take directions from the guides, you should be able to cruise through the riverbed, sand, rocks, mud and water without needing the bypasses. The pressure is on though, as the events of the day are recorded on video and played back at the pub.
The way there: Take the R511 from Britz towards Thabazimbi. After 21 km, turn right at the Moegatle sign. Moegatle is 10 km further.
Accommodation: Rooms are from R200 a night and camping from R100 a site.
Contact: Alex or Betsie Fullardtel 012-277-1430, website.
For more places to stay in the North West.
Other Trails in the Northwest
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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