Travel Archives - 4x4 Afrika

A pass to a forgotten world

While only four-wheel drive vehicles with good ground clearance will cope with the harsh conditions of the Richtersveld, this dramatic mountainous desert in the north-western part of South Africa is on many adventurers‘ bucket lists. And with good reason – it is absolutely stunning. It also plays host to seven official passes and poorts, ranging in difficulty. Trygve Roberts of Mountain Passes South Africa explores one of the two most challenging passes, Akkedis Pass.

There’s gold in them hills!

Roger Gaisford has a Jeep, a CJ2A to be precise, which he bought on a military surplus vehicle disposals sale in Pretoria in 1971. It is one of the 300 or so that were supplied to the South African Defence Force in 1948 by Stanley Motors, the Willys agents in South Africa. He has many fond memories of not only the vehicle, but also the places it has taken him.

Dinokeng dreams

The Dinokeng Reserve, on Jozi’s doorstep, needs no introduction. The Big Five hang out there, you can go on self-drive game drives, and there’s a large variety of campsites – both fenced and unfenced. We pick our top five.

Fortune favours the prepared

Conquering the Namakwa Eco Trail – which is basically right on his back door – has always been on Shaun Hutton’s bucket. He and a group of friends eventually managed to set a date, book and go!

Difficult, but worth it!

Located within the boundaries of the Marakele National Park near Thabazimbi, one should not be fooled by the tarred nature of the Lenong Pass. This is quite a challenging pass on a narrow road that clings precariously to the side of the mountain with extreme unprotected drop-offs and, according to TRYGVE ROBERTS of Mountain Passes South Africa, it is certainly not for anyone suffering from acrophobia (fear of heights).

The great escape

Each December, when all the other ‘Vaalies’ head to the coast, Liana Reiners and her family head for the hills of Mpumalanga to enjoy four of their favourite pastimes: relaxing, fishing, sightseeing and catching up with old friends. There’s usually also a lot of eating involved. For such a trip a great vehicle is a must, and the Hyundai Creta fits the bill perfectly.

An Oasis in the Kalahari

TRYGVE ROBERTS of Mountain Passes South Africa explores the gateway to one of the Northern Cape’s hidden gems, the Witsand Nature Reserve.

Go West!

Avid overlander and 4×4 enthusiast, PATRICK CRUYWAGEN, compares the Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona, to other overland and 4×4 shows around the world. What he saw and experienced there was a bit of a culture shock… quite unlike anything he had ever come across in other countries.

That’s the spirit

Renowned for its challenging terrain and thrilling atmosphere, the Spirit of Africa challenge is the brainchild of local motorsport legend, Sarel van der Merwe. Described as one of the toughest 4×4 challenge in Africa for amateurs, this year saw the 19th edition of the event, run in partnership with Nissan for the first time. ANTON WILLEMSE SNR participated in the media challenge.
Photos by BRADLEY JONES

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