Trail Savvy - Gravel Roads

Off-road driving tips, skills & practices

Isn’t it strange that most South African male drivers (yes, that’s us) believe that as soon as they hit a dirt road, their skill level is suddenly on par with a driving genius combination of Sarel van der Merwe and Sebastién Loeb. The hammer goes down, the red mist descends − and before you know it, your vehicle is fishtailing all over the place while the family goes all wide-eyed and grips tightly on any handholds.

Seriously, guys; what’s the rush? You are on holiday. Another 35 minutes on the road will still leave enough time to set up camp and crack a cold one.

Rule 1: Slow down. You are going to see more of the surrounding countryside, and be far better prepared to avoid the usual giant potholes, stray cattle, suicidal goats, quart-infused pedestrians and kamikaze drivers coming in the opposite direction.