TRAIL GUIDE
Just an hour outside of Johannesburg there’s a trail where you could imagine that you’re participating in a 4x4 competition.
The Spookspruit 4x4 trail lies between Heidelberg in Gauteng and Balfour in Mpumalanga and is a place where you can test your skill and your off-roader’s ability to the absolute limit.
Johan and Elsie Havenga, who runs Spookspruit 4x4, used to work as course officials at the popular Bridgestone Challenge events for seven years. So, it’s no surprise that their 4x4 playground in the Highveld is a highly technical route. But you’re not only put to the test here. As it is a guided tour with Johan taking the reins, you can also learn a range of new and advanced skills to make you a better off-road driver. He guides you through every obstacle and shows you the best lines for your skill set and your truck’s capability. He clearly knows what he’s doing: listen to him if he advises you to rather use one of the more challenging obstacles’ escape route. No one knows better whether you will be able to make it or not. And before you head off – while enjoying coffee and rusks – he will first talk to each person to determine what you and your truck’s abilities are.
On this circular route you can expect everything from mud and water to stone steps and loose sand. And, as mentioned, there’s an escape route for each one if you are still a bit inexperienced.
Johan and Elsie celebrate their love for nature here on the track and therefore – except right at the beginning – there are no man-made obstacles to be found. The challenges also get tougher as you progress; so there’s plenty of time to find your feet before you get to the more difficult obstacles.
The other great thing about Spookspruit, is that the route changes depending on the season. So, if you show up here again after three months, many other challenges await. For example, where you have to clamber over big rocks in the stream during winter or fall when you venture into Rocky Road, those rocks are hidden underwater during the rainy season and present a very different challenge.
There are obstacles for all kinds of vehicles – from standard bakkies to rock crawlers. You do need a 4x4 vehicle with good ground clearance, low range and multi-terrain tyres. Johan and Elsie also strongly recommend a rear diff lock. And underbody protection and rock sliders are a good idea, too.
Most challenges tend to be around a grade 4, and in some of them you can give your off-roader – and your self-esteem – a proper blow if you’re not careful. Highlights include the Hill Climb where you can choose whether to tackle the steep hill at a difficulty of 3 or 4; the track through the forest with treacherously narrow bends; and a variety of axle twisters plus Rocky Road, which is a different kettle of fish when there’s water.
However, it is when you get to Hilux Hill and Mineshaft that you see why so many people come here on weekends. (By the way, the track is only open on Saturdays and Sundays, and it’s important to book in advance.) Hilux Hill is a rocky hill where you can choose one or more from several lines to see if you can master it. It’s steep on the way up and you drive across technical terrain. Johan stands at the top,
…rocks are hidden underwater during the rainy season and present a very different challenge
pointing the way, but in places you will see only the tip of his fingers sticking out above your dashboard. Here you have to be in complete control of your driving, otherwise you will be in trouble.
Mineshaft is equally exciting and, as always, you need to know what you’re doing as you slowly make your way down the loose rocks here.
You can also bring your camping gear and spend the weekend at the campsite at the end of the trail, with its green grass, lovely shade trees, large swimming pool, a jungle gym for the little ones, neat ablution facilities and electricity.
What more could you ask for?