The Top 8 4x4 Trails in Gauteng

Gauteng, though the smallest province in South Africa, offers several exciting 4×4 trails that traverse through scenic landscapes and challenging terrains. After all, if you’re hiring a 4×4 here, you’ll want to head off the beaten track. Here are some of the top 4×4 trails in the province, perfect for both novice and experienced off-road enthusiasts.

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Rocky 4×4 Routes

Hennops Offroad Trail

Close to Pretoria, Hennops Offroad Trail is a favorite among 4×4 enthusiasts. Spanning about 20 km, this trail offers diverse obstacles and beautiful scenery, making it ideal for a day trip, typically taking four to five hours to complete. Vehicles like the Toyota Fortuner and Land Rover Discovery are well-suited for this trail, providing the necessary off-road capabilities and comfort, while strategically placed recovery points ensure safety if you get stuck. Important tips include following marked paths to avoid environmental damage and ensuring your vehicle is equipped for technical driving. If you follow these rules, you’ll have a fantastic time!

De Wildt 4×4 Game Park

Located near Hartbeespoort Dam, De Wildt 4×4 Game Park combines off-road trails with wildlife viewing opportunities. Covering about 15 km, the trails take three to four hours to complete, making it a family-friendly experience. Vehicles like the Ford Ranger and Jeep Wrangler are ideal for these trails, offering a comfortable and capable driving experience, as well as excellent ride height. Recovery points are available at key locations within the park to ensure safety. Don’t forget to carry binoculars for wildlife viewing and follow park regulations to protect the wildlife.

Krugersdorp Game Reserve 4×4 Trail

This game reserve features various 4×4 trails navigating through rolling hills and riverbanks in Johannesburg’s western region. The main trail is 18 km long and takes three to four hours to complete. Vehicles like the Nissan Navara and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado will chew it up and spit it out with little fuss and plenty of fun. Follow reserve regulations to protect the wildlife and always carry sufficient supplies of water and food in case you get stuck on the route.

Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve 4×4 Trail

The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve offers a mix of challenging and scenic 4×4 trails through rugged terrain and dense bush. The main trail spans about 20 km, taking four to five hours to complete. Vehicles like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest will face absolutely no issues here, providing the necessary power and comfort for drivers. Recovery points are available at critical sections of the trail to ensure safety. Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing and ensure your vehicle’s tyres are at the correct pressure before you set off.

Kungwini 4×4 Trail

Located near Bronkhorstspruit, Kungwini 4×4 Trail offers a challenging off-road experience through rocky terrain and riverbanks. The 15 km trail takes three to four hours to complete and is mostly suitable for experienced drivers. As such, you’ll benefit from a thoroughbred off-roader like the Land Rover Discovery. Alternatively, hire a Suzuki Jimny and climb the trails like a mountain goat! Recovery points are available at strategic locations along the trail to ensure safety.

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4×4 Trails for Beginners

Protea Eco-Adventures 4×4 Trail

Protea Eco-Adventures offers a scenic and moderately challenging off-road experience through rolling hills and riverbanks. The 12 km trail takes two to three hours to complete and is suitable for all drivers of all skill levels. When you’re done, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the outskirts of Johannesburg, or head off on a road trip towards Mpumalanga and Kruger National Park. Either way, you’ll have a blast.

Bass Lake 4×4 Adventure Trail

Near Meyerton, Bass Lake offers a unique 4×4 adventure trail through scenic landscapes around a beautiful lake. The 10 km trail takes two to three hours to complete and is suitable for drivers of all skill levels, even if it’s your first time on a 4×4 trail. Vehicles like the Toyota Hilux and Land Rover Defender are well-suited for this trail, offering a comfortable and capable driving experience with plenty of finesse. Recovery points are available at key locations in case things take a turn. With that in mind, always carry sufficient water and snacks and be prepared for light off-roading.

Groenkloof Nature Reserve 4×4 Trail

Groenkloof Nature Reserve offers a scenic 4×4 trail through rolling hills and riverbanks, providing a great example of Gauteng’s rolling hills and grassy valleys. The 12 km trail takes two to three hours to complete and is suitable for beginners, whether you’re driving a monstrous Jeep Wrangler or a compact Suzuki Jimny. Keep a lookout for wildlife like birds and antelope!

Photo: Getty

Despite being the smallest province in South Africa, Gauteng boasts a variety of exciting 4×4 trails that traverse through scenic landscapes and challenging terrains. From the popular Hennops Offroad Trail to the family-friendly De Wildt 4×4 Game Park, there’s something for every off-road enthusiast. When you’re ready to head off-road, use our nifty booking tool to find your ideal Johannesburg 4×4 rental with Drive South Africa.

You might also like: The Top 10 4×4 Trails in the Western Cape

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