4X4 KUNGWINI
When people come here for training, the most important thing is that they leave as competent 4x4 drivers.” Johan Klopper is a travel guide, 4x4 instructor and the brain behind Kungwini’s trails and obstacles.
This farm outside Bronkhorstspruit is probably one of the most diverse 4x4 destinations you’ll find near Pretoria. There’s a 4x4 track for beginners, an extensive practise course, another obstacle course for more experienced drivers and two eco trails. Johan Klopper, one of the owners and the man behind the obstacles, accompanied us around the trails. He’s serious about proper training and driving.You start on a small 4x4 track where Johan explains some basic driving techniques and technical aspects of a 4x4 on an axle twister and steep hill.Then he takes you to an impeccable training area with 12 obstacles where you practise almost every aspect of 4x4 driving you can think of. The obstacles of the “Basic Academy” are so neatly kept, it almost looks like a garden, there are even flowers and irrigation. But don’t think that makes it soft-roader territory. Johan’s obstacles will test your knowledge and skills in everything from approach, break-over and departure angles, tyre pressure, choosing lines and gears to off-camber, mud, water, sand and even eco-friendly driving techniques. Only once he’s satisfied with your driving abilities does he allow you to ‘graduate’ to their Advanced Eco Academy, comprised of 17 obstacles laid out in the veld, with a few extra ones in between. Like the other course, it’s designed to give drivers a range of 4x4 challenges in a controlled environment. Johan is always by your side with advice, or even in your vehicle. If you’re not visiting the farm for training or the obstacle courses, you can come and relax in a shady campsite and drive two eco trails by yourself.These are beautiful, chilled out drives through the colourful koppies of the eastern Magaliesberg. Along the way you’ll find interesting rock formations as well as the ruins of some stone kraals built here centuries ago by the indigenous people of the area. You end off with a beautiful view over Bronkhorstspruit Dam before making your way back over the hills to the camp, where a well-kept ablution block and a lapa with a huge fire pit, as well as a boma for functions, awaits.