Five South African 4x4 routes worth exploring

The South African landscape is filled with places to explore; the fact that the country has many rural or less populated areas is an absolute blessing for so many reasons. This has ensured a country where the outdoors and nature are respected and in turn, this has enabled 4×4 enthusiasts to have fantastic places in which to drive their vehicles. Here are five 4×4 routes to explore in 2017.

Getting around

If you do not own your own 4×4 do not hesitate there are many ways in which to rent or hire them within the borders of South and Southern Africa. It’s likely that the city in which you will be arriving in first will be Johannesburg. 4×4 rental is your best way of achieving this.

Van Zyl’s Pass 4×4

Image was taken from – http://www.dangerousroads.org/africa/namibia/51-van-zyls-pass-namibia.html

This is Namibia’s most notorious 4×4 route for so many reasons and is certainly not for the faint-hearted. Its origins can be traced back as far as the 1920’s settler history of this unique African destination. This is definitely for experienced drivers only and many believe you should only attempt this route when someone who has already done it before is behind the wheel. For more information on how to tackle this route and live to tell the tale visit this website.

Addo Elephant National Park

Photo was taken from – http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/video/shot-of-tourists-in-off-road-vehicle-in-savannah-stock-video-footage/637196103

This is one of Port Elizabeth’s best wildlife areas and also a great destination to go on a 4×4 drive of epic proportions. Being South Africa’s third-largest national parks naturally, makes it one of the best so prepare oneself for an abundance of wildlife not to mention the location being the home of more than 600 elephants. For more information visit this website.

Marakele National Park

Image was taken from – http://www.sa-venues.com/game-reserves/np_marakele.htm

Another national park with an interesting history is the Marakele National Park, which was in fact the original site for many Iron Age settlements and the home of an offbeat naturalist Eugene Marais. Over the years the park has expanded to the point where it event has two separate camping facilities for those wanting to really take in all the sights and sounds of this majestic part of the world. For more information visit this website.

Augrabies Falls National Park

Photo was taken from – http://www.southafrica.net/za/en/articles/entry/article-southafrica.net-augrabies-falls-national-park

The name of this beautiful and rugged place is derived from the language of the Khoi people entitled ‘Aukoerebis’ which loosely translates to ‘place of great noise’. Not just famous for its towering waterfalls but also the location for challenging 4×4 trails which have kept many enthusiasts coming back for more. If you’d like to know more visit this website.

Ostrich Eco 4×4 Trail

Image was taken from – http://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php/73526-Ostrich-4×4-Eco-Trail-Breede-River-Dec-2010

This popular trail situated near the beautiful holiday town of Witsand near the Breede River. This particular route is for those that can handle a level one grading and who wish to take a few hours to a full day off as it takes roughly 5 hours to complete. There is also a river crossing but be warned that this pass becomes tricky during to cross during the winter months so be vigilant. For more information visit this website.

Want to go on a 4×4 adventure but you don’t have a 4×4, worry not, Drive South Africa has plenty of 4×4 vehicles for rental, both equipped and unequipped 4x4s. Book your 4×4 online using our website or contact us to get help from our friendly consultants.