The Top 5 4x4 Trails in Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga is one of South Africa’s most beloved provinces, especially when it comes to travelling and road trips. From the Panorama Route to Kruger National Park, there’s just so much to see from behind the wheel of a capable 4×4 vehicle. Better still, the province boasts numerous 4×4 trails where you can get even closer to nature and the region’s spectacular geology. We’ve put together a list of some of the finest 4×4 trails in Mpumalanga so that you can start planning your next road trip adventure. Read on for some off-road inspiration.

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Challenging 4×4 Routes

Riverwild 4×4 Trail

The Riverwild 4×4 Trail near Mbombela (Nelspruit) offers a tough off-road experience through a mix of landscapes. The trail is known for its technical sections, including steep climbs, rocky paths, and river crossings, making it well-suited for experienced 4×4 drivers looking for an engaging drive.

The route takes you through a scenic area with opportunities to see local wildlife and enjoy the natural surroundings. Depending on your pace and the difficulty of the obstacles, the trail can take several hours to complete. Riverwild also offers additional outdoor activities, such as hiking and fishing, providing a well-rounded experience for those who enjoy both off-roading and nature.

Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail

The Makhonjwa Mountains stretch from Mpumalanga’s Barberton region into Eswatini and were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018. It’s a remarkable geological region, featuring some of the oldest exposed rocks on the planet. So old, in fact, that palaeontologists have uncovered some of the most ancient evidence of life on Earth here.

The Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail offers an off-road experience through this geological marvel, offering up stunning vistas and unique plant life. Spanning 38 km, this trail typically takes about four to five hours to complete, including stops at 12 landscaped hubs where you can see interesting rock specimens and geological features and read about the region’s history. They also include picnic spots and viewpoints.

Waterfall 4×4 Trail

Located near Lydenburg, Waterfall, a Forever Lodge features its very own 4×4 trail through mountainous terrain and along riverbanks. The 18 km trail typically takes about four to five hours to complete and is considered very difficult, attracting mainly experienced off-roaders.

The resort shows off the best of Mpumalanga’s rolling hills and is surrounded by plenty of greenery. If the heat gets a bit too much for you, you can cool off in the nearby natural rock pool or Loskop Dam, before settling down at the Mountain View Restaurant.

Buffalo Gorge 4×4 Route

The Buffalo Gorge 4×4 Route near Middelburg provides a solid off-road experience across a variety of terrains, including rocky mountain passes, forests, and open plains. The Eco Route is well-suited for 4×4 enthusiasts looking for a straightforward yet engaging drive. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to see the area’s natural scenery and vegetation, with chances to spot local wildlife. There’s also the Baboon Run, which features 12 river crossings.

The routes can typically be completed in a few hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the views or have a picnic at one of the designated spots. Besides the 4×4 routes, Buffalo Gorge has several other activities to enjoy. You can explore various hiking trails, try rock climbing and abseiling, or simply relax at picnic spots. Bird watching is also popular here, with plenty of opportunities to see local species.

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4×4 Routes for Beginners

Lebombo Eco Trail

The Lebombo Eco Trail in Kruger National Park offers a straightforward 4×4 experience along the park’s eastern boundary, following the Lebombo Mountains. This five-day, 500 km trail takes you through a variety of landscapes, including mountain terrain, savanna plains, and riverine forests. It’s designed for 4×4 enthusiasts interested in a multi-day adventure that combines off-roading with the chance to observe the park’s wildlife and natural scenery.

Each day of the trail brings different driving conditions and views, with opportunities to spot a range of animals, from elephants and lions to various bird species. The trail is guided, with overnight camping at designated spots, providing a chance to experience Kruger’s wilderness.

The Lebombo Eco Trail also offers educational insights into the park’s ecology, geology, and history, making it an informative experience for those interested in learning along the way.

Malopeni Eco Trail

The Malopeni Eco Trail in Kruger National Park is a guided 4×4 experience that takes you through a less-travelled part of the park. This one-night trail covers a variety of terrains, including mopane woodlands and riverine areas, offering a chance to see different aspects of Kruger’s landscape. The trail is designed for 4×4 enthusiasts who are looking for a shorter, but still immersive, off-road adventure.

Participants can expect to see wildlife along the way, including elephants, buffalo, and possibly predators. The trail ends at a designated campsite where you’ll spend the night under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the bush. The experience provides an opportunity to explore a quieter part of Kruger, away from the more frequented areas of the park.

Ebutsini Trail

The Ebutsini Trail is a newer, community-driven 4×4 route in Mpumalanga located between Songimvelo Nature Reserve and Eswatini. It’s just a three hour drive from Johannesburg, making it the ideal weekend escape for 4×4 enthusiasts. There are over 100 km of trails here, including a 30 km scenic route suitable for beginners. However, if you want more of a challenge, the full route offers up plenty of obstacles.

The trail passes through several villages where you can interact with locals. Songimvelo Nature Reserve is the biggest provincial nature reserve in Mpumalanga and protects the last remaining wild population of the woolly cycad. There are 73 species of mammals in total, including white rhinoceros.

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There’s no shortage of 4×4 action in Mpumalanga. After all, it’s home to much of Kruger National Park and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and heading off-road is often the best way to get close to nature. If you’re ready to get behind the wheel of a highly-capable 4×4 vehicle, use our enquiry form at the top of the page to browse our extensive selection of off-roaders. Remember: off-roading isn’t about speed!