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Weekend Getaway

LLooking for an adventure?  Here are five destinations to explore for fun seekers who enjoy 4X4 trails: 

1. Escape the bustle at Bass Lake Adventures

Located in Henley on Klip in Gauteng, travellers get to experience this 14km route with some of the most picturesque views. On a 75ha estate, 45 minutes south of Sandton, Bass Lake Adventures is the perfect getaway for those looking to leave behind the city life to explore the road less travelled. The course had been designed by owner Alan Pepper. Choose self-drive trails or tours. Call 016 366 1127. 

2. Get down and dirty at Riverwild 4x4

Give your off-road vehicle a break from mundane school runs and put it to the test on one of South Africa’s most popular off-road trails, the Riverwild 4x4 Off-road Recreation Experience, in Mpumalanga. Boasting nine routes with a range of challenging obstacles, Riverwild is a self-drive track aimed at intermediate to advanced drivers — but beginners can still get stuck in at the Weltevreden Valley trails that run adjacent to the main trails.

The routes vary in length and level of difficulty, but you can get started at the Monkey-See-Monkey-Do trail, following in the tyre treads of the person before you. There are also emergency exit routes, if at any point you feel uncomfortable and need to get out. You may need to stay at least one night to make the most of what’s on offer, including a mandatory visit to the Sudwala Caves nearby. Call 076 932 2152. 

Did You Know?
IIn Cape Town, Western Cape, the Klein Tafelberg route is named after the twin peaks near the entrance onto the trail and is a popular getaway for nature enthusiasts

33. Make the trek to the Tugam 4x4 trails

The Tugam Game Farm Safari Network is situated on the slopes of the Magudu Hills in KwaZulu-Natal is situated slightly inland and north of Durban and offers a unique experience for adrenaline-junkies and nature-lovers alike. The off-road tracks span more than 75km, with four clearly-marked trails.  Exploration is recommended for very specific times in the day if you hope to catch a rare glimpse of wildlife in the area — perhaps some impala or even a rhino if you’re lucky.

Nature lovers can hike or go mountain biking through marked routes and on gravel roads. The game farm offers self-catering accommodation options. Call 083 658 1430.

44. Bash about at the Brakkeduine 4x4 sand trail

The Brakkeduine sand dunes make for a unique off-road experience. Situated just outside Humansdorp toward Oyster Bay and about an hour drive from Port Elizabeth, the circular trail is about 14km long and takes three hours to complete. It’s recommended that a guide accompany you on the trail, as the soft sand can be a little tricky to navigate. Call 083 400 3720.

5. Grab an adventure at Gecko Rock

The Gecko Rock 4x4 trail, located in Breede Valley in the Western Cape, a 90 minute drive from Cape Town, took 18 months to build and is geared for maximum adrenaline-junkie fun with minimal impact on the environment. There are two routes for the more daring off-roader, known as the “Seattle” and “Boyz to Men” routes which are slightly more challenging than the 4x2 or “soft-roader” options available. Gecko Rock also offers nature walks, abseiling, bike trails and star gazing at night. Call 082 493 8733. 

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