There are various trails available, varying in length from 5 to 200 km's. Time required to complete them varies from 2 - 12 hours. The trails are suitable for 4X2 vehicles with diff lock; also suitable for a soft roader, a vehicle without low range; low range gears are required to complete these trails; vehicle needs good ground clearance; trail guides are available but not obligatory; rescue services and GPS waypoints are available; there are camping and accommodation facilities; food/catering is available, or a shop with supplies; is shade on these trails. The Stoney Ridge Off-road Academy is essentially a training venue, but the trails are of a far higher standard than one normally finds at such a venue - you could just as easily call it a 'driver-training bush camp and game farm'. Because most of the trails are guided, they can be tailored to suit all experience levels, time constraints and all types of vehicles, while invariably placing an emphasis on relaxed family fun for outdoor enthusiasts. There are six trails. Five are 4x4 trails, and one is for 4x2s with diff lock. The trails wind through 2400ha of scenic indigenous bushveld, featuring a range of natural terrain from steep slopes and rock steps to sand, mud, river crossings and dongas. There are escape routes should you run into any difficulties. Stoney Ridge also offers the option of self-drive GPS routes or a variety of guided trails where there's much to be learned from the gentle coaxing of guide John Rich. And if you don't know how to use that GPS yet, enrol for one of the regular courses. Stoney Ridge is one of the recognised venues for Mitsubishi Xplorer and offers some of the finest 4x4 driving tuition available in South Africa. Accommodation: The simple, rustic bush camp offers comfortable tented accommodation on raised wooden platforms. Tasty and wholesome meals available on request. There's also a campsite on the banks of the Bloukrans River. John and his wife Susan pamper guests with easy and natural hospitality. A weekend here is highly recommended for all 4x4 skill levels as well as anybody who simply wants a relaxed retreat. Stoney Ridge also caters for mountain biking, hiking, fishing, river-tubing in summer and birding (290 species). Archery, paint ball, horse riding and team-building exercises are available on request. Tour of the South African (Anglo-Boer) War battlefields for which the area is renowned.(Information supplied by DriveOut Magazine).

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