Top 8 4x4 Trails in the Free State

The Free State is a rugged province defined by its sweeping plains, sandstone mountains, and serene valleys. For 4×4 enthusiasts, it offers an enticing variety of trails, each with unique landscapes and challenges.

Perhaps its biggest attraction of all is the northern reaches of the Drakensberg Mountains, where the cliff faces stretch high above the surrounding grasslands and farms. Not only is this area a dream destination for hikers, but plenty of off-roaders come here to put their skills to the test, too.

If you’ve hired a 4×4 through Drive South Africa and want to head off the beaten path, or if you have your own 4×4 parked at home, here’s a guide to the top eight 4×4 trails in the Free State, highlighting key attractions, scenery, and trail durations. Read on to learn more.

Thaba Nchu and other Drakensberg peaks at sunset. Photo: Unsplash

Challenging Free State 4×4 Trails

1. Thaba ’Nchu 4×4 Trail

Nestled in the foothills of the Thaba ’Nchu mountains, this 4×4 trail serves up a dynamic mix of landscapes and terrain. The trail begins with a climb through rocky hillsides, offering immediate elevation and rewarding drivers with scenic views of the surrounding mountains. As you ascend, you’ll traverse loose rocks, which adds a layer of challenge.

The trail’s halfway point opens up to a high viewpoint, providing a panoramic perspective over the valley. While not overly technical, this trail offers enough obstacles to keep experienced drivers engaged. The end of the trail dips down through a rugged gully before flattening out into grassland, making it a perfect day outing for adventurers. In all, it’ll take you around two to three hours to complete the entire journey.

2. Moolmanshoek 4×4 Trail

The Moolmanshoek 4×4 Trail, situated on a private nature reserve near Ficksburg – the cherry capital of South Africa – offers an immersive Drakensberg experience. The trail winds through steep mountain passes and dips into green valleys. Designed with technical climbs and descents, it challenges drivers with both rocky and sandy sections.

This trail is ideal for nature lovers, especially if you’re keen to discover the area’s birdlife. Surrounded by mountains, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to step out and appreciate the stillness of the valley. As you navigate the slopes over four to six hours, the trail occasionally narrows, adding a touch of adrenaline. A picnic at the end of the trail completes the journey, making it perfect for a full-day escape.

3. Van Reenen’s Pass 4×4 Trail

Not to be confused with the tarred pass, this five to seven hour-long off-road trail through Van Reenen’s Pass is an exhilarating drive over jagged mountains. The trail comprises narrow, rocky paths with dramatic drops, providing a true test for drivers and their vehicles. Here, the scenery ranges from distant mountain views to dense foliage that hugs the trail’s edges.

This is definitely a full-day route best suited for experienced drivers, largely because of the terrain’s challenges and sharp, often blind turns. The route culminates in a high-altitude viewpoint that’s perfect for photos and a well-deserved break.

Part of the trail through Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Photo: Unsplash

Free State 4×4 Trails for Beginners

4. Golden Gate Highlands National Park 4×4 Eco Route

Set within the iconic Golden Gate Highlands National Park near Clarens, this four to five hour-long eco route takes drivers through some of the park’s most picturesque spots. Known for its stunning sandstone formations that glow golden at sunset, the trail weaves through both open grasslands and narrow, rocky paths. It’s truly a feast for the eyes, with sweeping views and a kind of beauty that’s quite unique to this region.

Wildlife sightings are a frequent bonus on this route. Keep your eyes peeled for eland, black wildebeest, and various bird species. Although the trail doesn’t demand advanced 4×4 skills, it requires attentiveness due to some steep and narrow sections. All in all, it’s a thrilling way to explore the beauty of Golden Gate while testing your driving skills.

5. Lionsrock 4×4 Trail

This trail is a slightly shorter option, taking just two to three hours to complete. It forms part of the Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary and gives you the opportunity to traverse through open plains while catching glimpses of rescued wildlife. The route covers a mix of flat terrain and slight inclines, making it manageable yet engaging for beginner and intermediate 4×4 drivers.

As a bonus, you can observe big cats in their enclosures as you drive. The sanctuary is home to lions, leopards, and other rescued big cats, which adds a unique twist to the adventure. The scenic surroundings of rolling grasslands against a mountainous backdrop make it an appealing option for a family-friendly 4×4 outing during the school holidays.

6. Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge 4×4 Trail

Set at the base of the Drakensberg Mountains, the Witsieshoek 4×4 Trail offers up some truly awesome views as it climbs into the highlands. The three to four hour-long trail begins with a steady ascent, eventually rewarding drivers with expansive vistas of the mountainous landscape around Royal Natal National Park. The terrain is rocky, with loose stones adding an extra layer of difficulty on certain slopes.

The high-altitude lodge marks the trail’s endpoint, where drivers can relax and enjoy the views. We highly recommend spending the night here and visiting the Amphitheatre at Royal Natal National Park the next day, where you’ll encounter the world’s tallest waterfall: Tugela Falls.

7. Kommandonek 4×4 Trail

Kommandonek 4×4 Trail is well-suited to beginners who just want to spend a couple of hours away from tarred roads. It’s especially appealing if you’re keen to immerse yourself in the famous grasslands and rolling hills of the Free State. The route is not overly challenging, making it accessible for drivers with some degree of off-road experience. It crosses open plains, meanders through hills, and passes by several peaceful farmsteads, giving you an accurate reflection of life in “the country’s breadbasket”.

Although relatively short, this trail provides a fantastic introduction to 4×4 driving. The trail’s open landscape also offers a chance for some wildlife spotting, particularly antelope and small mammals. Best of all, you can simply include it in your existing road trip itinerary as a half-day excursion!

8. Sterkfontein Dam 4×4 Trail

This 4×4 trail runs alongside the scenic Sterkfontein Dam, which has the second-highest dam wall in South Africa, and boasts some of the best views in the Free State. It doesn’t take a huge detour to get here, either. The route itself offers a bit of everything : lakeside driving, mountainous tracks, and varied terrain. Beginning near the dam, drivers can enjoy picturesque views of the water, which is especially striking at sunrise or sunset.

The trail gradually ascends, weaving through rocky areas and sloping hills. For an extra challenge, several optional loops include steep inclines and rugged paths, so you can spend up to five hours exploring all the nooks and crannies. In our opinion, the combination of lakeside scenery and technical terrain makes this trail a standout.

The Amphitheatre at Royal Natal National Park. Photo: Unsplash

Each of these trails provides a unique way to experience the Free State’s natural beauty and mountainous landscapes. From highland mountains to rolling grasslands, there’s something for every 4×4 enthusiast, as long as you don’t have a crippling fear of heights!

As always, remember to check the conditions beforehand, respect local wildlife, and pack the essentials for a safe and memorable adventure. All that’s left to do is browse through our 4×4 rental options at the top of the page – we even offer camping-equipped 4x4s for travellers who want to experience the African bush without breaking the bank.