There comes a time in every 4X4er's life when they get jealous. It could be of a buddy's driving skills, their vehicle, new GPS or snazzy rooftop tent. Is it wrong, then, to turn green over a Rhino?

Not a black or white specimen, but an army-green one. One that weighs only half a ton, is left-hand drive, runs on petrol and can go where its namesake can't The fibreglass Rhino is a hoot to steer, especially when manoeuvring up a precarious mountain pass with "Out-of-Africa Al" shouting for you to watch your approach line — from fear of plummeting over the edge. You relish the last 200 metres of the ascent and attack each switchback with a tighter turn — scaring your guide (and the Rhino's owner) dizzy.

Safely at the top, with Imbabala Lodge at your back, you notice the thunderheads building over the distant Drakensberg. You realise that during the next few days rainwater will wash through the dongas at Cedarville; in the Hidden Valley the Mooi River will rise; Thangami will be extra muddy and Ngogo covered in mist. You dream of taking the Rhino along on the remaining mountain missions.

1. NGOGO 4X4

Difficulty: 2
Minimum time: Five hours to full day
Guided: Compulsory
Cost: R300 a vehicle plus R60 guide fee
Minimum: Two vehicles
Nearest town: Newcastle, 5km

The lowdown

This 40-kilometre guided (by knowledgeable local Sbu Ngcobo) trail is an ideal opportunity for first-timers to build some confidence in their mountain-riding and river-crossing skills. The historic spots and views of the Drakensberg will keep even the most hardened jeep-jockey coming back, though. If the area's misty or there's any sign it might become foggy, retire to the cosy bar for a couple of cold ones — you will get lost if you head out in these conditions; even Sbu sometimes does.

Take note of
Hiking, bird watching and trout fishing.
The way there
Grey Goose is 5km along the R34 from Newcastle to Memel.
Make a plan
Contact Pieter Erasmus on tel 034-315 3221 or 082 874 1733, email greygoose@intekom.co.za or visit http://www.greygoose.co.za.

2. CEDARVILLE 4x4 TRAILS

Difficulty: 2 to 3
Minimum time: Three hours to full day
Guided: Compulsory
Cost: R50 to R400, depending on trail chosen
Maximum: 10 vehicles
Nearest town: Cedarville, 8km

The lowdown

Cedarberg Guest Farm owner Gerrie Nel offers a variety of tailor-made trails through the hilly Cedarville area. From a three-hour cruise on his farm to rough sojourns into Lesotho, there's something to suit your vehicle and technical expertise.

Getaway recommends the Dagga Route — follow the path used by marijuana smugglers and their donkeys over the mountains from Lesotho into South Africa. It ranges from dusty dirt tracks to river crossings and deeply eroded dongas. Diff-lock and recovery gear are recommend.

Comfortable self-catering cottages and camping facilities are available is R25 a person a night.

Take note of
You can farm for a weekend — help dip cattle, milk cows or count sheep from horseback.
The way there
Cedarberg Guest Farm is on your left 8km out of Cedarberg on the R56 towards Mataiele.
Make a plan
Contact Gellie Nel on tel 039-757 5535, or 083 262 5464, email gerrie@futurenet.co.za or visit http://www.wheretostay.co.za/cedarberg.

3. HIDDEN VALLEY TRAILS - SOUTHERN CROSS

Difficulty: 3 to 5
Minimum time: Three hours
Guided: Compulsory
Cost: R175 a vehicle
Nearest town: Mooi River, 40km

The lowdown

Southern Cross lies deep within the Hidden Valley, just outside Mooi River, and is run by Dave van Niekerk — Range Rover maniac, amateur mechanic and ex-professional gambler. There are over 200 kilometres of trails in the valley, ranging from near undrivable ditches to basic training sections. Dave coaches and guides in the patient, unperturbed Hidden Valley way. It's a relaxed, happy place for novices, new-vehicle owners and masters alike.

Stay in a variety of places in the valley. Self-catering at Zulu Falls costs R150 a person a night, camping from R30 a person a night.

Take note of
The farm is the home of the annual Southern Cross trance music festival.
The way there
Take the R622 out of Mooi River towards Greytown. Turn left at the Joubert's Vlei Store onto the Middelrus gravel road. Cross the Mooi River and turn right onto the D371. Southern Cross is 8km further.
Make a plan
For accommocation and trail options, contact Sarah Fletcher on tel 033-263 1140 or 084 973 8895.

4. THANGAMI SAFARI SPA

Difficulty: 3 to 5
Minimum time: Five hours
Guided: No
Cost: R50 a vehicle
Maximum: 10 vehicles
Nearest town: Vryheid, 33km

The lowdown

There are more than 180 kilometres of dirt tracks crisscrossing this 12 000-hectare game reserve in the Black Mfolozi Valley which, it is said, used to be the hunting grounds of Shaka. The 55-kilometre mountain trail is strictly for ex-perienced drivers in vehicles with low range and diff-lock. River crossings, steep climbs and a nasty, bending downhill called G3 will invigorate you and your passengers almost as much as Thangami's famous mud baths. The remaining 150-odd kilometres are great for a family game-viewing and dirt-driving trip.

Fully equipped self-catering four-sleeper chalets cost R390 a night (in season). Camping costs R50 a stand plus R30 a person a night (in season).

Take note of
Lots of game in the reserve, and there are warm springs and mineral-rich mud baths.
The way there
Take the R34 from Vryheid to Melmouth. After 33kms turn right at Glückstadt. After 24kms cross the Black Mfolozi River and turn left at Zwati Store. Thangami is 17km further on.
Make a plan
Contact Gert Uys on tel 034-942 2001 or 083 256 6036, email info@thangami.co.za or visit http://www.thangami.co.za.

5. IMBABALA LODGE

Difficulty: 4 to 5
Minimum time: Six hours
Guided: On request
Cost: R75 a vehicle
Nearest town: Weenen, 25km

The lowdown

Rocks, dongas, sand, mud, climbs and downhills. This is a hard-core and technically demanding route for those not afraid of denting a vehicle or spending a whole day negotiating a trail. If you do have the privilege of attempting it in one of the Rhinos (you'll have to ask Al really nicely) — think golf cart with 4x4, low range and diff-lock — you'll probably want to trade your 4x4 in for one of these beasts.

Oh yes, and get owner Al to tell you a story about a certain palm tree.

Take note of
The extensive web of quad-and motorbike trails.
The way there
Take the R74 from Greytown to Weenen. Drive through Muden; the turn-off to Imbabala is 20km further on.
Make a plan
Contact Shoneen Taljaart on tel 033-496 1189 or 082 824 4838, email imbabala@worldonline.co.za or visit http://www.imbabalalodge.co.za.

This feature originally appeared in Getaway Magazine. For more, visit getawaytoafrica.co.za