Southern Africa 4×4 mountain routes driving guide
There are some spectacular 4×4 mountain routes in Southern Africa, and the scenery and plantlife to be seen en route make them well worth tackling. The Sani Pass in Lesotho (Kaoko Scale rating 3) and Van Zyl’s Pass in Namibia (Kaoko Scale rating 4) are two well-known (and notorious) routes.
Along some 4×4 routes, farming communities even offer facilities where you can stay overnight, for example the magnificent Hex River Valley 4×4 route in the Western Cape. A few of the older, gravelled passes, such as the Montagu Pass and the Swartberg Pass, both in the Western Cape, should not present too many problems except if it has rained and the roads are slippery. Use 4×4 mode without hesitation.
Off-roading in the mountains requires that you apply the same techniques used for driving on rocky ground. When faced with very steep terrain and hairpin bends, drive slowly, never be impatient and remain calm in difficult sections. Do not hesitate to use the lowest gear and diff lock. If your vehicle starts pendulating sideways, stop and wait for the swaying to subside, then continue slowly forward. However, if it is becoming dangerous, off-load your luggage from the roof carrier.
Passengers should remain inside the vehicle as this serves to stabilise it, but, if the vehicle angles too much to one side during a bad stretch, get some of the passengers to hang on to the high side of the vehicle. Drive dead slowly and see that you do not crush anybody against the side of the mountain! Off-road vehicles are notorious for their wide turning circles, which can be quite unnerving when you have to negotiate hairpin bends.
If you find yourself in such a situation, inch the vehicle forwards and backwards very slightly, as you may not have much space in which to manoeuvre. Remain calm and be patient — you will get around it.
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