Minwater caters for all levels of experience.

There are four trails to wit the "Rooiberg" trail, the "Steenbokrant" trail, the "Sandberg" trail and the "Kloof" trail. The full distance of the 4 x 4 trails is approximately 30km (6-8 hours).

The most difficult trails or sections of trail can all be avoided. A detailed route map will be supplied.

The trails have been graded on the following scale:

1: Very easy. Suitable for inexperienced drivers in 4x4's without low range and 4x2's with diff lock.
2: Easy to moderate. Some experience and a 4x4 recommended.
3: Moderate. Experience and low range recommended.
4: Difficult. Experience and low range imperative; recovery equipment and diff lock recommended.
5: Very difficult. Loads of experience, a serious 4x4 and recovery equipment imperative; diff locks strongly recommended.

Rooiberg

Grading:2

This is a short trail of only 7km (2 hours). The turning point of this trail is on the highest peak of the Rooiberg Mountain range. It is a wonderful view point.

As a result of the mountainous terrain, the same route is used for the ascent and descent. The trail is fairly steep in places but the surface is reasonably good when dry.

Steenbokrant

Grading: 3

This short trail of just 4,5 km (1 hour) is a circle route. The trail crosses several dry watercourses, at least one of which requires special care. You will also encounter a steep ascent and rocky ridges. Some experience and a vehicle with good ground clearance are essential. Low-range is strongly recommended.

Sandberg

Grading: The "Gat": 4. The remainder: 2

The full distance of this trail is 17km (3 hours). The trail ascends Sandberg Mountain on top of which is a big plateau, from where one can see many a kilometre.

Two different routes are used for the ascent and descent of Sandberg Mountain. Both trails are rather steep and rough in places. Low-range is not essential. The trail on top of the plateau is predominantly level.

The "Gat"

This optional section is at the westernmost end of the Sandberg Trail. The trail descends into a deep ravine, "Appelfontein Kloof". The distance of this section of trail is only 500 m, but the trail drops about a 100 m. The trail hugs a precipitous mountainside. A stopping place or turning space is uphill of the steepest and roughest section of the trail (80 m in length). It should only be used by experienced drivers with 4x4's with low range and good ground clearance (N.B. grading: 4). Diff locks are strongly recommended. It is also strongly recommended that this section of trail be reconnoitred on foot before venturing upon it with a vehicle. In wet conditions this section of trail must be avoided.

Kloof

Grading: 4/5

This trail is only 1 km long, but it takes one vehicle about an hour to complete. A variety of difficult obstacles such as rocky ledges will be encountered. One of which, the Wall, presents an exceptional challenge, even to experienced drivers. The Wall can, however, be avoided.

This trail is suitable for experienced drivers with serious 4x4's. Low range and very good ground clearance are definitely required. Diff locks are recommended. It is also strongly recommended that this trail be reconnoitred on foot before venturing upon it with a vehicle. During the journey somebody should accompany the vehicle on foot to 'talk' the driver through the trail.