The Free State should have a soundtrack. Not one of those corny CDs promoting the province's rugby team, but a memorable tune similar to the one by Hans Zimmer for the movie 'Crimson Tide' — moody and powerful. The power suits the majestic mountainscapes and Vrystaat vlaktes; the moodiness gives you a feeling that something is about to happen, as in a good thriller.

Don't have anything like this in your collection? Tune into OFM, or hum a melody — because music the views most certainly need. While you'll get this sensation driving a sedan along any major Free State road, imagine the rush behind the wheel of a 4x4, diff-lock engaged, motoring up the steep Moolmanshoek or Koranna sandstone inclines in low-range second gear? Get your vehicle on these trails…

1. MOOLMANSHOEK

Difficulty: 2 to 3
Minimum time: Three hours
Guided: Compulsory, usually from horseback
Cost: R200 a vehicle
Minimum: Three vehicles, maximum eight

The lowdown
Moolmanshoek rests within a cauldron of sandstone cliffs, dominated by the impressive Visierskerf Mountain. There are three diverse hill-and-dale jaunts on offer, all of which require a working knowledge of rock driving. While experience and recovery equipment are necessities, the routes aren't vehicle breakers.

Accommodation varies from luxury DB&B (R420 to R795 a person a night) to camping, (R75 a person a night). No day visitors are allowed.

2. KORANNA MERRIMETSI 4X4

Take note of
The two-day Koranna hiking trail.
The way there
Take the R709 out of Excelsior towards Winburg/Marquard (dirt road). At the T-junction turn right towards Marquard, then follow the signboards.
Make a plan
Contact Danie Vorster on tel 051-973-7204 or 082-569-5506, e-mail koranna@mweb.co.za or visit http://www.4x4eco.co.za.

Difficulty: 3 to 4
Minimum time: Five hours
Guided: Compulsory
Cost: R100 a vehicle for the half-day trail, R200 for a full-day trail.
Minimum: Three vehicles

The lowdown
Keen to expand your rock-driving prowess or want to know what your 4x4 is capable of? Koranna owner and trail designer Danie Vorster is constantly working to add exciting new challanges to his routes. He is also an experienced off-roading instructor who will teach newcomers sound 4x4ing techniques and coach veterans and their vehicles into near roll-over angles.

The family trail combines eastern Free State mountain views with bird-watching, historical sights and a few worthy technical assignments — on one section you traverse a rock ledge less than three metres from a sheer drop. Should you want more riveting approaches and drop-offs, tackle the extreme trail — 800 metres of potential disaster that could take longer than an hour to negotiate. It pays to watch your navigator carefully here.

Sleep in an old Victorian sandstone house, built in the late 1800s. It costs R110 a person a night self-catering (if more than two people). The Merrimetsi Barn (a dorm-style hiking hut) costs R70 a person a night and camping is R55 a person a night.

3. TUSSEN-DIE-RIVIERE

Take note of
Despite being a hunting reserve, there is plenty of game.
The way there
Turn right about 30km out of Bethulie towards Smithfield on the R701.
Make a plan
Contact Francois van der Berg on tel 051-763-1114 or 084-549-6676.

Difficulty: 2 to 3
Minimum time: One day
Guided: Compulsory
Cost: R40 a vehicle plus R30 park entry for six people

The lowdown
This 23 000-hectare provincial game reserve takes its name from the Orange and Caledon rivers between which it's situated. The 80-kilometre trip through the reserve along well-maintained dirt tracks isn't especially challenging, although there are certain sections which require low range. These could be bypassed, making the trail suitable for soft-roaders.

You're likely to see a variety of game such as kudu, eland, red hartebeest and blesbok and, if you're fortunate, elusive black rhino. It's a whole-day outing, so pack enough padkos and, if you have small children, make sure they're up for it.

Four-sleeper, self-catering chalets cost R200 a night (this includes the entrance fee); camping costs R60 a person a night.

Take note of
The host of options available, including paintball, mountain biking and off-road go-carting in homemade buggies.
The way there
From Clarens, take the R711 towards Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Bergwoning is 15km on your right.
Make a plan
Contact ThysMaritz on tel 058-256-1124, e-mail maritzmj@telkomsa.net.

Difficulty: 2 to 4
Minimum time: Two hours
Guided: On request
Cost: R100 a vehicle

The lowdown
A series of mild inclines, vaguely steep downhills and switchbacks provide a fulfilling cruise between the cliffs on the border of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. It's not just picturesque mountain driving though, there are a number of river crossings and muddy sections that require low range. The trail is short, giving you plenty of time to enjoy all the other activities on offer.

5. DIDIBENG

Take note of
Trout and bass fishing in the dam, and Anglo Boer War trenches.
The way there
In Ficksburg turn right out of De La Harpe Street into Steyn Street and follow until it becomes dirt. Keep left; Meiringskloof Nature Park is 2km further on.
Make a plan
Contact Jo Kerkhoff on tel 058-223-0067 or 082-896-4956.

Difficulty: 2 to 4
Minimum time: Three hours
Guided: No
Cost: R80 a vehicle

The lowdown
There are many viewpoints at Didibeng. The ways to reach them are equal in scenery, but differ in steepness and the amount of loose rocks on the track.

There is a main circular track which has short loops radiating off to lookout points, picnic spots and hikes in the Rooi Mountain range. Each of these loops is clearly marked and graded on the map.

Tackle all the climbs (the rocky beast up to Ventersberg is the toughest) and take time to appreciate each view site. Take a friend along to help you navigate the 30-kilometre trail and share the views with. Low range and a good ground clearance are advisable.

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