10 pro tips for off-roading

The number of SUVs and lifestyle bakkies on our roads is still on the rise, and new enthusiasts enter the 4x4 world daily. André Botha from African Off-Road Academy shares some useful tips and basic principles to guide beginners – and remind veterans while he's at it.

- Cyril Klopper

The main principle you should always keep in mind when you're behind the wheel and tackling a 4x4 obstacle is a mindset of finesse. Yes, there are other important techniques and features that also play a massive role and are essential for your safety on an off-road trip – but finesse is the first and most important thing you need to master.

André has years of experience and has already equipped many newcomers to the 4x4 world with these 10 handy tips.

1 It's important to always drive within your ability. There'll be times when you need to send it – like in the soft sand of a desert – but always be mindful of staying within your comfort zone. Assess the obstacle before you tackle it. Think it through and plan a line that will require the least aggression. There's no reason to risk damaging your chassis if you could've simply rolled a large rock out of the way instead.

2 Avoid nasty surprises by walking the obstacle before you drive it, and checking whether the road is actually passable. The last thing you need is to wrestle your way through a tough 4x4 obstacle that pushes your abilities to the limit, only to discover the road ends and you must turn around and suffer your way back through it again.