3 PROVINCES 4X4 & HELSHOOGTE | Main Route in a Jeep Wrangler & More

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We give you a detailed account of the route, what to expect, where to stay and what else to do if wheeling isn't your thing! We even test out our latest roof rack configuration, equipment, gear & mounting solutions.
3 Provinces 4x4 Adventures is situated near the small town of Volksrust, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
We encountered our first challenge and hadn't even reached the official start of main route. En route to the Rock Mountain Cabins, we had to cross a black clay embankment.
The main route is about 34km in length. The weather conditions before and during the trail and number of vehicles will determine how long it takes to complete it. A detailed trail guide and map is provided.
As the official start of the trail, we were welcomed by a water crossing with thick mud beneath. You can expects these during rainy season and it's best to assess the depth before crossing it.
3 Provinces Main Route is well known for its elevation gains. The first uphill climb on the trail is a level 4 obstacle easily becoming a 4.5 with wet conditions.
Loose boulders, deeply rutted sections and mud made this a very satisfying section to tackle.
We didn't need to drive for too long before we were surrounded by breathtaking mountains as far as the eye could see.
The mid part of the trail makes its way across the very top of one of the mountains where the Highveld grasslands meet the Drakensburg escarpment in what is deemed to be a transitional region.
The main route combines elements of an eco route and a 4x4 offroad trail. After taking in the panoramic views, we encountered challenging sections as we made our way through the mountains.
We anticipated ascents and descents with rock steps due to the elevation gains on the trail. Allow time to walk these sections and assess the terrain. It's slow going but very rewarding.
We finally arrived at the notorious Helshoogte - the most dangerous and challenging part of the trail.
Helshoogte is graded at Level 5 which is no surprise at all. It's a 300m incline with a 100m elevation gain. Very large loose rocks and a massive rock step/ledge to overcome at the top.
Now this was the conundrum. We are the only vehicle on the trail and the rain is moving in. The official map indicates a longer bypass route available. It also indicates that Helshoogte should only be attempted with high clearance and double locking differentials (we have open diffs). Also we need to capture footage of the attempt which means stopping and losing momentum.
The entry point to Helshoogte is tricky. There is a 1.5m deep washed out path. We had to navigate around this.
After this, the really loose rocky section begins and the wheels constantly looking for traction. The Jeep soldiers on and on.
Then we reach Helshoogte's apex. Water was running down some of the rock ledges making it very slippery.
After the exhilarating Helshoogte, we had another 100m of elevation left to reach the 3 Provinces beacon.
It's 2253m above sea level and where the boundaries of Mpumalanga, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Free State provinces meet. The spectacular lookout point is on top of a 90m high cliff, called Langkrans.
Reaching the 3 Provinces beacon does not signify the end of the main route. At 2253m above sea level, we had to make our way down.
There's something incredible about being surrounded by mountains. We love these kinds of routes because descending from the peak means we get a front row seat to the layered landscape of majestic mountains.
One final level 4.5 obstacle stood between us & a cosy evening at our Mountain Rock Cabin.
"Tonnel" or "tunnel" is a steep descent with deep cross axle entry point. A large rock ledge separates the first and second part of the obstacle. Slippery conditions meant we had to navigate our way around the large rock ledge. After this, we literally slid down the mud tunnel at crazy angles! We found ourselves sliding off into the side constantly.
This was a not so subtle reminder of the incredible, challenging & memorable 3 Provinces trail we conquered!
There are quite a few short hiking trails along the 3 Provinces Main Route. With the weather improving during our stay, we seized the moment embarked on one of the hiking trails accessed at the official start of the 4x4 trail.
From the plateau of the Highveld Grasslands, we hiked all the way up the Drakensburg escarpment to take in breathtaking views on a sunny day!
Overall it was a well balanced trip with action, serenity, natural surroundings & physical activity. We thoroughly enjoyed this trip & hope you are inspired to venture out to 3 Provinces 4x4 Adventures next!

[@4WheelingSA]

Cool video. Going there in Feb!

[@the.sher.khan.]

Thanks for watching! That's so cool. It's going to be epic!

[@shaneadams7190]

Really enjoyed this video. Looking forward to connect with u guys sometime in future to get a insight into your learnings. Keep going.

[@the.sher.khan.]

@@shaneadams7190 Thanks for watching. Much appreciated. Happy to share as much info as possible