Trail Start: 4x4 Basics

Your first step into off-roading — safe, smart, and confidence-building.

Trail Start: Basic 4x4 Course

Whether you're completely new to off-roading or just need to brush up on your skills, this full-day practical course is the perfect starting point. We'll guide you through the fundamentals of 4x4 driving in a safe, supportive environment, giving you the confidence to hit the trails with knowledge and control.

What you'll learn:

• Understanding your vehicle: Learn how and when to engage different 4x4 modes (H4, L4, diff lock, traction control)

• Tyre pressure management: Discover how to adjust pressures for different terrains, and why it matters

• Driving techniques: Hands-on training for navigating sand, mud, rocky terrain, inclines, and descents

• Basic recovery skills: Get to grips with using recovery gear like snatch straps, recovery tracks, and safe winching basics

• Trail etiquette & safety: Learn how to protect your vehicle, passengers, and the environment

Whether you're heading out for weekend trails or preparing for your first overlanding adventure, this course will give you the essential skills you need to drive with confidence.

No prior experience necessary. One-on-one or group bookings available.

What to Bring – Beginner 4x4 Course

Essential:

• Your own 4x4 vehicle (in good mechanical condition)

• Full tank of fuel

• Valid driver’s license

• Spare tyre (in good condition), jack & wheel spanner

• Basic recovery gear (if available): tyre pressure gauge, recovery points front & rear

• Comfortable outdoor clothing & closed shoes

• Hat, sunscreen & sunglasses

• Notebook & pen (for those who want to take notes)

• Personal water bottle (refills provided)

Optional (recommended):

• Portable air compressor (for tyre deflation/inflation practice)

• Tyre deflator

• Camping chair (for breaks or briefing sessions)

• Camera or GoPro for memories!

COSTS

GROUP (Minimum 2 vehicles)

R1,500 per vehicle + 1 passenger

ONE-ON-ONE

R2,500 per vehicle + 1 passenger

LOCATION

Wilderness, Western Cape

Other locations on request

Gear up : Advanced 4x4 course

Tailored for experienced drivers wanting to polish specific skills

Gear Up: Advanced 4x4 Driving Course

This course is designed for drivers who already understand the basics of off-road driving and want to take their skills to the next level. Whether you're an experienced overlander, trail regular, or preparing for remote expeditions, this course will push your confidence and capability further than ever before.

What you'll learn:

• Advanced use of 4x4 systems, diff locks & traction control

• Driving techniques for extreme terrain: rock, deep sand, mud & water crossings

• Safe and effective use of recovery gear: winches, snatch blocks, high-lift jacks & recovery boards

• Bush repairs, vehicle damage prevention, and trail-safe decision making

• Terrain reading, route planning & risk assessment

This full-day course combines real-world scenarios with technical training, helping you understand your vehicle's limits—and your own. You’ll leave with the skills to tackle remote routes and challenging trails with greater confidence, safety, and respect for your environment.

Ideal for:

• Drivers who’ve completed a basic 4x4 course

• Regular off-roaders and overlanders

• Anyone heading into remote or technical terrain

• Tour guides

• Corporate companies needing drivers to be trained

Available as a one-on-one session or small group course.

What to Bring – Advanced 4x4 Course

Essential:

• Your own 4x4 vehicle, fitted with low-range & recovery points

• Full tank of fuel (and jerry can if required for extended trail)

• Valid driver’s license

• Spare tyre, jack, wheel spanner & tyre repair kit

• Recovery gear: snatch strap, shackles (rated), gloves, tyre deflator, compressor

• Comfortable outdoor clothing, closed shoes or boots

• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses & insect repellent

• Personal water bottle (refills provided)

• Notebook & pen

Highly Recommended:

• Winch (if fitted, with controller & accessories)

• Recovery tracks, high-lift jack (with base plate)

• Fire extinguisher

• Vehicle-specific tools & basic spares (fan belt, fuses, tyre plugs, etc.)

• GPS or mapping app loaded with trail maps

• Camping chair for briefings & breaks

• Camera or GoPro for memories!

GROUP (Minimum 2 vehicles)

R1,800 per vehicle + 1 passenger

ONE-ON-ONE

R2,800 per vehicle + 1 passenger

COSTS

LOCATION

Wilderness, Western Cape

Other locations on request

Trail tribe: Group 4x4 day

Trail Tribe is a full-day, guided 4x4 experience for groups who want to explore the Garden Route’s most scenic trails together — with good company, great food, and epic off-road adventure.

Who is this for?

Trail Tribe is perfect for:

• Corporate teams looking for a unique, team-building day out in nature

• Tour groups wanting to add a guided 4x4 experience to their itinerary

• Families or friends who want to tackle a trail together, share stories around a viewpoint, and create unforgettable memories

Whether you're looking for a scenic cruise or a technical challenge, your group can choose from 5 carefully selected trails in the Garden Route region — each offering something different, from steep mountain passes and river crossings to incredible viewpoints, ancient rock art, swimming spots and rich biodiversity.

You’ll be guided by a professional 4x4 instructor with deep local knowledge of the region's history, fauna and flora — turning the day into more than just a drive. It’s an off-road journey with purpose, stories, and soul.

Included in the Day:

• Guided 4x4 drive (choose from 5 unique trails)

• Coffee, tea & water throughout the day

• A hearty lunch provided on the trail

• Insight into the area's history, wildlife, and landscapes

• Visits to Bushman paintings, natural pools, and panoramic viewpoints

What to Bring:

• Your own 4x4 vehicle (in good condition, with recovery points)

• Full tank of fuel

• Valid driver’s license

• Comfortable outdoor clothing & closed shoes

• Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen

• Swimming gear & towel (for trails with water stops)

• Personal water bottle (refills provided)

• Camera or smartphone for capturing the day

• Recovery gear (if available): tyre deflator, compressor, snatch strap (not essential)

COSTS

R950 per vehicle

(excludes permits)

R300 per person extra

Minimum 4 vehicles

Gear up: Overland 4x4 course

Your journey is the destination—let's make sure you get there.

The Gear Up: Overland 4x4 Course is designed specifically for overlanders who are preparing to explore the wild, rugged, and beautiful corners of Southern Africa—not by chasing extreme trails, but by embracing the open road, gravel passes, and remote landscapes that define true overlanding.

This course focuses on what matters most to overlanders: safety, preparation, and self-reliance. Unlike traditional 4x4 courses that revolve around challenging obstacles and adrenaline-fueled trails, this course is about ensuring that you and your vehicle can confidently tackle real-world conditions—from soft sand and muddy detours to corrugations and unexpected mechanical issues—all while protecting your vehicle and respecting the environment.

What you’ll learn:

• How to properly prepare your vehicle for an overland expedition

• Essential accessories and why they matter in real-world scenarios

• How to drive on the typical terrains encountered while overlanding (sand, gravel, rock, water crossings)

• How to avoid the kind of mistakes that can leave you stranded far from help

• Vehicle maintenance basics & common field repairs

• Packing smart: weight distribution, accessibility, and efficiency

• Spare parts checklist and recovery gear recommendations

• Border crossing tips and regional travel advice

• Special focus on solo overlanding: self-recovery, safety planning, and mindset

Who is this for?

This course is for anyone planning an overland trip across Southern Africa—whether it's your first big adventure or your tenth. It's especially valuable for:

• Solo overlanders who want to travel smart and independently

• Couples or families preparing for a self-supported road trip

• Travelers who want to avoid breakdowns, delays, or getting stuck

• Anyone unsure about what gear, tools, and knowledge they really need before heading off the grid

If you’re dreaming of remote coastlines, desert tracks, or winding through wild reserves, this course will give you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to make it there—and back—safely.

What to Bring

This course is focused on preparation, knowledge, and real-world application. No fancy gadgets required—just bring yourself and the vehicle you plan to travel with.

Essentials:

• Your own 4x4 vehicle (in good mechanical condition)

• Full tank of fuel

• Valid driver’s license

• Spare tyre (in good condition), jack & wheel spanner

• Owner’s manual (useful for real-world examples during the course)

• Comfortable outdoor clothing & closed shoes

• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses

• Notebook & pen

• Personal water bottle (refills provided)

• Any gear or packing system you already use (optional, for evaluation)

• Sense of adventure!

COSTS

Group lesson: R1,200 per person (min 2 pax)

One-on-One: R1,700 per person

Excludes lunches and permit fees

Because no one should tackle the trail alone.

Trail Mate is your go-to companion for off-road adventures when you’d rather not hit the trail solo. This isn’t a training session, it’s not a tour—it’s about having a second, fully capable 4x4 vehicle along for peace of mind, safety, and a shared love for the dirt road.

Whether you're testing your rig, exploring a new route, or just want the confidence of backup support nearby, Trail Mate has your back.

Who is this for?

• Experienced 4x4 drivers who are confident behind the wheel but want a buddy vehicle nearby

• Overlanders scouting new routes or remote areas

• Weekend warriors hitting the trails with no one else available

• Solo travelers who understand that sometimes, it’s just smarter (and more fun) to have someone along

Trail Mate is not a guided tour or driving course—it's about support, safety, and shared adventure.

Trail Mate: Your Off-Road Wingman

What to Bring

Essentials:

• Own 4x4 vehicle (with a full tank and in good mechanical condition)

• Valid driver’s license

• Tyre pressure gauge & deflator

• Basic recovery gear (if they have): snatch strap, shackles, compressor

• Spare tyre, jack, wheel spanner

• Comfortable outdoor wear and closed shoes

• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses

• Water & snacks

• Two-way radio (if available – we can provide a loan unit if needed)

• Charged phone or GPS (optional but helpful)

R950 per vehicle

Excludes permits for trails

Get in touch