You don't always need a plane ticket to satisfy your travel cravings – sometimes the best adventures are right in your own backyard. South Africa is a road tripper's dream, with landscapes that range from rugged mountain passes and lush valleys to windswept deserts and wild coastlines. For serious nature lovers, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is often key to spectacular trips beyond the reach of many other drivers.

If you've been itching for a proper off-road experience, it might be time to plan a road trip that explores the hidden gems that lie beyond the tar. Here are 6 unforgettable 4x4 destinations that showcase South Africa at its boldest – for those who love rugged, dusty trails, and detours well off the beaten track.

1.  Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area

If there were a hall of fame for 4x4 trails, Baviaanskloof would be in it. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Eastern Cape is an off-roader's paradise – challenging you with river crossings, steep inclines, and narrow mountain passes that test both your nerves and your gears. It's raw, remote, and ridiculously beautiful.

2. Tankwa Karoo National Park

This is where solitude meets adventure on the border of Northern Cape and Western Cape. The Tankwa Karoo's gravel roads and dry riverbeds are made for a proper off-road driving experience. The barren scenery feels otherworldly, and when night falls, thanks to the lack of light pollution, you'll be in for some of the clearest stargazing on the planet.

3. Gamkaskloof (Die Hel)

The road into 'Die Hel' in the Western Cape isn't for the faint-hearted. A steep, winding descent takes you into a hidden, narrow valley surrounded by mountains – but getting there is only half the thrill, because the destination itself is worth the trip. It's one of South Africa's most legendary 4x4 trails, rewarding brave drivers with spectacular views and total seclusion.

4. Namaqua National Park

If your idea of fun involves sandy tracks and wildflowers, Namaqua in Northern Cape will be your happy place. During spring, when the flowers bloom, the desert bursts into a kaleidoscope of colour – and if you want to explore beyond the basic 5 km viewing area, a 4x4 is your only way in. It's a magical, only-in-Mzansi experience that blends beauty and adventure in one unforgettable drive.

5. Sani Pass, Drakensberg

You'll need your passport to enjoy a drink at Africa's highest pub – but it's worth the effort. Starting near Himeville in KwaZulu-Natal, the legendary Sani Pass connects South Africa to Lesotho by a series of steep, rocky hairpin bends that demand a true 4x4. At the top, you'll be rewarded with peaceful mountain views, crisp air, and the hospitality of the Sani Mountain Lodge. That's why you need your passport – although the lodge pub enables you to drink in 2 countries, you have to cross the Lesotho border to get in.

6. Kruger National Park

Sure, you can enjoy Kruger in a sedan if you stick to the main roads, but parts of the park are still so wild they're only accessible by 4x4. They're perfect for anyone craving a deeper, wilder encounter with nature. SANParks' official 4x4 routes, like the Mafunyane Eco Trail, offer multiday self-drive adventures through unspoilt terrain between the Olifants and Luvuvhu rivers. Expect river crossings, muddy sections, steep climbs, and wildlife encounters you'll talk about for years. Just remember – it's self-catering, self-reliant, and 100% adventure.

Whether you need a one-ton bakkie for the everyday grind or a 4-wheel drive powerhouse for weekend escapes, a good offroad vehicle is an investment that lets you chase adventure on your terms.

Ready to hit the trails? Find your perfect offroader with Avo Auto. From browsing listings to securing finance and insurance, Nedbank makes buying your next offroad companion as effortless as your next drive should be.