So, you’ve bought your dream ride, a Suzuki Jimny five-door, and you’re eager to put it through its off-road paces. We tackled five trails in and around Gauteng.
De Wildt 4×4 Nature Park and Resort
De Wildt is located near the town of Brits. Accommodation options include camping and caravan stands, tented camps and log cabins. Activities include 4×4 driving, mountain biking, picnics, game viewing and game drives, hiking trails, bird watching,
swimming and fishing.
• Closest town/s: Hartbeespoort/Pretoria
• Grade (1-5): 2 to 4
• Type of terrain: Rugged mountain tracks with steep gradients, some sand, minor rocks, stepped rock slabs, easy water crossings. It is suitable for novice drivers and soft-roaders in dry conditions. In wet conditions, the trail turns into a highly technical trail and is not recommended for inexperienced drivers. All obstacles are provided with escape routes.
• Distance: 15km
• Driving time (estimated): 2 to 3 hours
• GPS coordinates: -25.671956, 27.946163
CONTACT: +27 83 268 8185 / 83 253 4641 | info@dewildt4x4.co.za | www.dewildt4x4.co.za
Groenkloof 4×4 Nature Trail
The trail is located in the Groenkloof Nature Reserve and is described as a nature route that offers a challenge. There some tricky obstacles, but there is a bypass route at every obstacle for those that aren‘t up for the challenge. Visitors to the reserve receive a guidebook with hints on 4×4 driving and 4×4 etiquette, as well as a map and list of mammals, birds and trees in the reserve.
• Closest town/s: Pretoria/Sandton
• Grade (1-5): 1 to 2
• Type of terrain: Potentially deep-water crossings after rain, steep gradients, rocky patches and axle twisters.
• Distance: 15km
• Driving time: 2 to 3 hours
• GPS coordinates: -25.791185, 28.204752
CONTACT: +27 12 440 8316 / 12 341 0591 | groenkloofnaturereserve@tshwane.gov.za | www.tshwane.gov.za/groenkloof.cfm
Protea 4×4 Adventures
Protea 4×4 Adventures is located in the Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve in the Cradle of Humankind. It is not a 4×4 trail per se, but rather a training facility for 4×4 enthusiasts. It offers courses for various brands, as well as a 4×4 off-road towing course. The reserve offers various self-catering accommodation options.
• Closest town/s: Krugersdorp
• Grade (1-5): Varied
• Type of terrain: Steep gradients, gravel surfaces and, some mud. This is a
guided trail only.
• Distance: Varied
• Driving time: N/a
• GPS coordinates: -26.029275, 27.76030930
CONTACT: +27 83 268 0566 | info@protea4x4.co.za | www.protea4x4.co.za
Berg en Rivier Country Retreat
Berg en River is a unique holiday country retreat, riverside tented camping, 4×4 trail and event venue nestled in the majestic Trichardspoort River Valley between the unspoilt banks of the Wilge River and foothills of the Gouwsberg Mountain Range. Accommodation is provided in spacious and well-appointed units or – for those seeking a more adventurous experience – there are camping facilities where you can pitch your tent and connect with the great outdoors.
• Closest town/s: Cullinan
• Grade (1-5): 2 to 4
• Type of terrain: The trail boasts approximately a hundred obstacles, including
water crossings, rocky sections, sand, mud, and steep gradients.
• Distance: Trail meanders through 20ha
• Driving time: 4 to 6 hours
• GPS coordinates: -25.610067, 29.042841
CONTACT: +27 83 490 1710 / 82 741 9610 | bergenrivier@gmail.com |
www.bergenrivier.co.za
