I don’t know about you, but one thing that sends my irritation gauge far into the red is the traffic jams every time there’s nothing more than an impala crossing a road in the Kruger National Park.
And if it’s a predator ... well, have you ever tried going to the loo during halftime at Loftus? Enough said.

Luckily there are three trails – away from the well-travelled (and overcrowded) roads – where chances of a traffic jam are about the same as a truce between Land Rover and Toyota owners.

Sanparks call these three day trails (Madlabantu, Mananga and Northern Plains) “4x4 adventure trails” as only 4x4 vehicles are allowed on them.
But don’t let the “4x4” bit mislead you. Mainly jeep tracks, the trails are more an opportunity to get away from the madding crowd and to explore unknown parts of the park than they are hardcore 4x4 trails.

Although you do drive through a number of riverbeds and dongas, the 4x4 requirement serves mostly to limit environmental damage.
But you don’t have to be a Wild Willie Winch – you’d probably be able to do most parts of the trails in a (borrowed) Mitsubishi Tredia. As long as it’s dry.

In the rainy season your driving skills will definitely be tested in certain parts, but when the trails become too muddy, they are closed temporarily. This prevents park employees from having to send someone out every so often to tow out a guy who’s stuck.

But here’s the really cool bit: The park doesn’t send a guide along with you – you’re on your own; only six vehicles are allowed per day on each of the trails; and on top of that you’re allowed to get out of your vehicle.
And yes, in case you’re wondering, there are sometimes more game, but they tend to shy away from people as they aren’t used to them.

If you strike it lucky, you can watch a pride of lions devouring their kill over the space of some hours without battling your way through a ruck of 25 other vehicles.
On other days though, you’ll have to be satisfied with a couple of impalas and a lone warthog.

This is what you can expect from the three trails:

1. Madlabantu Adventure Trail

Madlabantu, which means “man eater”, comprises two parts: one south of Pretoriuskop and the other one to the north. Although large parts of the trail run through monotonous tall-grass sour veld, many crossings of rivers and streams alleviate the boredom.
The trail’s southern part starts on the Pretoriuskop-Fayi Loop before heading south along and through the Nsikazi River.
The northern part starts on the Napi road and runs past the Mtshawu Dam near Shabeni before rejoining the Napi road near the Shabeni Koppie.
The trail runs through a great plain, where you can see buffalo, elephant and white rhino.
Don’t be startled by hikers on this trail; parts of Madlabantu run along a guided walking trail.

Where is the trail?
Directly south and north of Pretoriuskop, in the south of the park.
How long is the trail? 38 km
How long will I be driving? ± 4 hours
What can I expect to see?
Rare buck such as sable antelope, tsessebe and reedbuck, as well as white and black rhino. Buffalo and elephant are also quite plentiful.
What’s the highlight?
The Mtshawu Dam, where you’ll see numerous wild animals drinking.
Where do I book?
Pretoriuskop  013 735 5128/32

Related reading: Madlabantu Trail | Drive Out