Ultimate 4×4 Trails & Adventures in South Africa
Limpopo

Photo by Africa Media Online
Grootwater 4×4 Trail (27)
The best part of the Grootwater experience is the challenging rock driving – and the rocks and stones along the trails are mostly smooth, so they are not likely to damage your vehicle or tyres.
That said, vehicles require good ground clearance, so take care at all times and don’t get overconfident; the steep descents can get nasty. Once you’ve tackled all the routes, it’s up to you to choose whether you’d like to go for a hike, test your quad, go canoeing or just relax next to the pool or in the bar.
The way there: Take the N1 north from Johannesburg and turn left towards Modimolle at the Kranskop Tollgate. On the Vaalwater road, turn right at the Lephalale sign. After 50km, at the Witkop sign, turn left onto the dirt road. The turn-off for Grootwater is 11 km further.
Accommodation: Stay in a chalet at Vaalbos Camp (from R455 a chalet a night), at the Bush Camp (from R80 a person a night) or on the banks of the Poer-se-Loop River in the campsite (from R65 a person a night).
Contact: Herman and Dawn du Toit cell 083-280-9772 or 082-338-3115, email, website.
Rust de Winter 4×4 Bundu (28)
Although two very experienced guides will join you on this two-day adventure, you are required to have some off-road experience and knowledge of your vehicle.
The trail includes steep climbs up mountain passes, rocky descents, rock slabs and a narrow passage through ‘Lovers Lane’, a water-formed gorge over alluvial rock. The 33 gates along the way provide great opportunities to absorb the tranquil surrounds and refuel with a snack, but can be annoying at times.
The way there: Follow the N1 north from Pretoria and take the Hammanskraal/ Boekenhoutskloof turn-off. Turn right to Rust de Winter. It’s then 14 km to the 4×4 ATV campsite.
Accommodation: Bring your own camping equipment and drinks for the panoramic overnight camp (cost included in the fee).
Contact: Peter Claasen tel 012-379-1715, email, website.

Photo by Africa Media Online
Mabote River Camp (29)
Mabote (Sotho for ‘small, strong river’) has four well-designed and marked trails that traverse sand, water, mud and rocks, and vary in difficulty. You could do all these in one day, but rather make a weekend of it.
On arrival, you’ll receive a detailed map and an update of the trail conditions (it can get tricky after summer rains, especially at the river crossing). Don’t miss the waterfalls, rock art, fishing and canoeing opportunities that Mabote River Camp offers.
The way there: From Mokopane, take the R101 towards Mookgophong. After 12 km, turn right to Doorndraai Dam. After 40 km this road turns to dirt. Mobote is on the left after 6km.
Accommodation: There are two self-catering lodges on the banks of the Mabote River (from R190 to R260 a person a night). There’s also a campsite in the mountains (from R50 a person a night).
Contact: Esme Peens tel 015-453-0792, cell 083-601-9866, email, website.
Serendipity Eco Trails (30)
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway where you can take the family on a scenic (yet challenging) drive, or an adrenaline boost for you and your vehicle, Serendipity is the perfect destination.
Set on a bushveld farm, owned by Johan Kopper, two trails pass over mountain streams, through savannah, up inclines and down declines with beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. Low-range and diff-locks are recommended for both trails, but the shorter of the two is far more challenging.
The way there: Serendipity is 23km from Modimolle on the R101.
Accommodation: Serendipity offers a wide range of accommodation ranging from tree huts (costs from R120 a person a night) to camping (rates from R80 a person a night).
Contact: Wilma or Delia van der Merwe tel 014-743-3540, cell 082-553-3266, email, website.
For more places to stay in Limpopo.
Other Trails in Limpopo
This is the latet
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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