The Top 8 4x4 Routes in KwaZulu-Natal

When it comes to natural beauty, KwaZulu-Natal is one of South Africa’s most spectacular provinces. It’s also remarkably diverse, featuring opposing extremes that make it a hotspot for proper off-roading. If you want to tackle mountain passes, there’s no better place than southern Africa’s tallest mountain range, the Drakensberg. Or, if you’d rather navigate sandy tracks along the coast, you can have a full-blown adventure in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In fact, there’s so much to do here that you’ll definitely need several visits to see it all. If you’re wondering where to start, we’ve put together a list of the top 4×4 routes in KwaZulu-Natal to get you excited about your off-road adventure – whether you’re a 4×4 pro or a first-timer. Read on to learn more.

You might also like: The Best 4×4 Rentals to Use in Botswana

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Challenging 4×4 Routes

Sani Pass

Sani Pass is arguably KwaZulu-Natal’s most famous gravel road. Although many people visit the Drakensberg region to hike, 4×4 enthusiasts consider it a real “bucket list” destination, too. Spanning 9 km, this trail is renowned for its steep gradients and sharp switchbacks that connect Himeville, KwaZulu-Natal with Mokhotlong, Lesotho.

The challenging ascent rewards drivers with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. It typically takes about two to three hours to complete, but be warned: if you aren’t comfortable off-road, you might not finish it at all.

You need to make sure that you use the right vehicle for the job. Vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and Ford Everest are good options that will provide the necessary power and traction for the steep inclines and rough terrain. Make sure you drive in convoy just in case your vehicle gets stuck – especially in winter, when the road can get particularly slippery with ice and snow.

Sadly, Sani Pass is destined to be completely tarred within the next decade. So, if it’s on your bucket list, start planning your 4×4 adventure as soon as possible.

Karkloof Nature Reserve

Karkloof Nature Reserve protects some of the most highly-threatened forests in South Africa, making it an incredibly important conservation area. Located in the Karkloof Forest Reserve near Howick, this 4×4 route takes drivers through lush forests and along jagged mountain ridges.

The 20 km route offers a mix of challenging and scenic sections, but is definitely suitable for intermediate drivers. Keep in mind that no matter your skill level, you’ll need around half a day to complete the trail, but it’s worth it when you consider the sheer biodiversity this reserve has to offer.

It’s one of the few places where you can spot the rare oribi antelope, and even rarer sightings like leopard and caracal aren’t unheard of. The bird life is prolific, too, with notable species including the southern ground hornbill, narina trogon, and Cape parrot.

Ithala Game Reserve

Ithala Game Reserve spans two extremes: the highs of the Ngotshe Mountains and a kilometre drop to the valley below. Located in northern KwaZulu-Natal, it’s home to wildlife like white and black rhinoceros, elephant, buffalo, and countless giraffes. There are also predators like spotted hyena and leopard, although lions have never been reintroduced.

The reserve’s 4×4 trail winds through steep valleys and rugged “thornveld” terrain, providing a mix of technical driving sections and calmer opportunities to observe the reserve’s wildlife. The trail typically takes about five to six hours to complete.

It’s also famous for its archaeological sites, which date back up to 20,000 years ago. It was also extensively mined for gold by the Zulu Kingdom and early 20th century prospectors.

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4×4 Routes for Beginners

Gwahumbe Game Reserve 4×4 Trails

Gwahumbe Game Reserve, located in Mid-Illovo, has several 4×4 trails that navigate through all kinds of obstacles, from river crossings to steep inclines. There are 10 km of trails in total, and it’s a popular location for 4×4 club meets and new vehicle launches. This doesn’t mean it’s strictly for experts – beginners will benefit from learning how to traverse a range of challenges all in one convenient place.

You get to explore river valleys, steep mountains, and forested areas, which is particularly exciting when you remember that Gwahumbe is home to giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and even hippos. Birders with keen eyes might even spot the endangered crowned eagle. After a long day of off-roading, you can unwind at one of the reserve’s several plush accommodation options.

Shongweni Dam and Nature Reserve

Shongweni Nature Reserve is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most popular school holiday destinations, thanks to the wide range of activities on offer. Here, you can explore the dam by canoe, abseil down cliff faces, and enjoy incredible hikes through dense tropical forest.

However, you’ll need a 4×4 to really make the most of the reserve. Visitors can embark on self-drive safaris and stop at dedicated picnic spots along the way. You’re better navigating these roads in a high-clearance vehicle, especially during the wetter months. If you want to tackle proper 4×4 trails at Shongweni, you can get in touch with any of the 4×4 schools in the area.

The best thing about Shongweni Dam is that it’s just 40 minutes away from Durban, making it perfect for weekend adventures, especially if you’ve just hired a 4×4 in the city.

Lake Eland Game Reserve

Lake Eland Game Reserve takes up around 2,500 hectares of the Oribi Gorge region, and the owners call it “a place of peace and tranquility”. The reserve’s trails vary in difficulty, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced drivers. Other exciting activities include hiking, mountain biking, paintball, horse riding, and even paintball.

The 4×4 trails take you into the heart of the reserve, allowing you to see Oribi Gorge’s wildlife and flora up close. There are some tricky obstacles for drivers who want to test their skill, but for the most part, it’s a fantastic place to learn the ins and outs of off-roading.

When you’ve conquered the terrain, sit down for a hearty meal at Lake Eland’s very own restaurant and outdoor bar.

Ndumo Game Reserve

Ndumo Game Reserve is one of the government-operated wilderness areas in KwaZulu-Natal, hugging the border with Mozambique in the north. If you’re visiting the nearby iSimangaliso Wetland Reserve, this makes for an exciting day trip filled with incredible bird life and pristine waterways.

The 4×4 trails span 15 km in total and vary from easy to moderate difficulty. You’ll need several hours to tackle them all, but they’ll give you the best chance of spotting rare species like Pel’s fishing owl, black and white rhino, and the southern banded snake eagle.

Make sure your vehicle can handle wet and muddy conditions, especially during the wet season.

Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve

Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve is one of the gems of the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. It’s not difficult by any means, offering a gentle 4×4 trail through rolling hills and grasslands. The 8 km route is perfect for beginners and typically takes about two to three hours to complete.

It’s just a few minutes from some world-class beaches, but the reserve itself features nearly 2,200 hectares of spectacular wetlands, mountains, coastal forests, and grasslands. There are over 300 recorded bird species here, which live alongside game like zebra and various antelope.

Photo: Getty

Ready to take on the challenge of KwaZulu-Natal’s 4×4 routes? All you need is this guide and the right vehicle for the job, whether you prefer a Ford Ranger or a Toyota Hilux. If it’s your first time heading off-road, make sure you learn all the basics of 4×4 driving first. Then, all that’s left to do is to use our convenient booking tool at the top of this page. Safe travels!