Plan a trip for Easter

Western Cape

Boegoeberg 4x4 near Citrusdal and Clanwillian
Grade 3-4

You're guaranteed some white-knuckle moments on this rocky trail that winds up the mountain, but the views are well worth the effort.

It's listed in the Drive Out Top 10 and there's also an easier trail for soft roaders.

Campsites, a pool, rustic hut and a self-catering cottage allow you to turn a day's driving into a great weekend getaway.

Contact: (027) 482-2933

Cost: R200 per vehicle for both routes (or R180 and R80 respectively). Accommodation from R80 per vehicle per night (camping), or R200 to R250 per person per night (cottage or hut).

Northern Cape

Amam 4x4, 100km from Springbok
Grade 2-3

Driving on rolling dunes is just about the most fun you can have in a 4x4. A very gentle touch on the accelerator makes all the difference between staying on the move and getting bogged down.

On this guided trail there's the added beauty of the deep-red Kalahari sand.

Contact: (027) 712-3650

Cost: R170 per vehicle. Camping is R45 per person per night. Chalets are R180 per person per night.

Eastern Cape

Ferndale near Cathcart
Grade 2-4

There are four different trails to try at Ferndale so you're sure to find something that suits your skill level. Even if you're an old pro, you'll enjoy flexing you 4x4 muscles.

Ferndale is also listed in the Drive Out Top 10 and it's right on the edge of the beautiful Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve. The route takes you high up for some stunning views of this wilderness area.

The kids will get a taste of farm life – Ferndale is a working sheep and angora goat farm – and there's a dam at the riverside campsite where you can enjoy swimming and fishing.

Contact: (045) 843-1741

Cost: R170 per vehicle. Camping from R40 per person per night, and self-catering chalets at R500 per night (2-4 people) or R150 per person (4-8 people).

Kwazulu-Natal

Stoney Ridge near Weenen
Grade 1-5

The bonus at Stoney Ridge is that you can receive expert training while you enjoy a range of different trails catering for all skill levels in beautiful natural surroundings.

It's a great site for birders (nearly 300 species recorded), and there's hiking, fishing and a river to help you get away from it all.

Contact: 082 338-8809 or (036) 354-7012

Cost: R225 per vehicle. Camping from R130 per site for two people, and a luxury tented camp priced from R495 per person per night.

The golden rules of 4x4ing

Tread lightly as there's a potential risk of causing damage to the environment. Stick to existing tracks, avoid wheelspin (which creates holes in the track), and don't drive on beaches or areas where you might damage flora or fauna. Don't remove anything from nature and be sure to take all your rubbish with you.

Drive with care. As slow as possible, as fast as necessary is a rule of thumb that should take you over most obstacles. Usually a light foot on the accelerator gets you through a lot more safely. Use low range when it's appropriate to avoid eroding the track. If you get stuck, ask for help rather than risk churning up the trail.

Share the fun. Driving a 4x4 route is the most fun for the driver – passengers tend to just bounce around. So choose routes that offer good scenery or animals to watch out for, or destinations where there are other activities as well.

Don't leave home without it

Tyre pressure gauge (many types of off-road terrain require that you deflate you tyres slightly)

Recovery kit (if you're going on a difficult route make sure you have a kinetic strap, tree-trunk protector and shackles)

Basic tool kit

First-aid kit

Toilet paper

Contact details of rescue services in the area

Camping gear

A sense of adventure