Unfortunately there is no official 4×4 trail grading association or governing body in South Africa for new trail releases.
However, many trail owners follow the below guidelines for “how to grade your 4×4 trail”.
Grade 1: Easiest of 4×4 trails – for 4×4 novices or 4×2’s with a differential lock
Grade 2: Easy to moderate – 4×4 is required and some off-road driving experience required too
Grade 3: Moderate – Low range and 4×4 driving experience highly recommended.
Grade 4: Difficult – Experienced drivers only, low range and differential lock. recovery equipment highly recommended.
Grade 5: Extreme – Experts only with highly capable vehicles, not for solo trips. Recovery and back-up is essential.
Remember, there are 3 main types of 4×4 overlanders – Beginners, Intermediates and experts.
By advertising your trail to be easy or difficult cold impact the fun and safety of your guests.
If you are still unsure which 4×4 trail category your trail is – please list it as the default 5. To prevent any novice or beginners injuring themselves on your untested route. Also be sure to encourage feedback from past rivers to list on your website.
This should help you to “err on the side of caution” while your trail becomes more popular and established.
Oh! Be sure to list a 24hour contact number on the trail for emergencies and make sure you have all your local rescue, hospital and police contact numbers nearby.