5 Tips for Tackling Sandy Roads in a 4x4 Rental

Driving on sandy roads is a common part of many overland trips in Southern Africa. Whether you’re exploring the remote campsites of Botswana, reaching iconic destinations like Sossusvlei in Namibia, or venturing into South Africa’s wilder regions, sandy 4×4 tracks are often unavoidable. These roads – though officially designated and permitted for 4×4 rental vehicles – present unique challenges that differ significantly from tarred highways or gravel roads.

This guide offers five essential tips for navigating sandy terrain with a 4×4 rental, helping you stay safe and enjoy your journey without getting stuck. Importantly, this article does not cover dune driving, which is prohibited with rental vehicles. All tips here apply to sandy designated roads, such as those leading to national parks, lodges, and wilderness campsites.

Why Sandy Roads Require Special Driving Techniques

Sandy roads require special driving techniques | Photo: Remedios Remon via Unsplash

Unlike gravel or rocky trails, sandy roads are soft, loose, and prone to shifting under your tyres. If not approached correctly, they can easily bog down even the most powerful 4×4. The key to success lies in adjusting your tyre pressure, driving style, and understanding your vehicle’s 4×4 capabilities. Whether you’re travelling through Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve, heading to Sesriem in Namibia, or exploring Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa, proper preparation is essential.

1. Lower Your Tyre Pressure

Increased traction for soft terrain

It’s important to lower your tyre pressure when driving on sandy roads | Photo: Joshua J Cotten via Unsplash

One of the most important techniques when driving on sand is to lower your tyre pressure. By deflating your tyres slightly, you increase the footprint of each tyre, which helps distribute the vehicle’s weight more evenly across the surface. This prevents your 4×4 from sinking into the soft sand and improves traction.

Recommended pressure range:

• From standard 2.2 bar down to around 1.2 to 1.5 bar for soft sand.
• For very soft conditions, you can go as low as 1.0 bar, but only for short distances and at low speeds.

What you’ll need:

• A reliable tyre pressure gauge
• A portable air compressor for re-inflation (essential before returning to harder surfaces)

Drive South Africa tip: All our 4×4 rentals are equipped with essential tyre tools. If you’re unsure how to deflate tyres or re-inflate them after sandy sections, a representative will walk you through it at collection.

2. Maintain Steady Momentum (But Don’t Speed)

Keep moving without getting stuck

Keep moving and don’t get stuck! | Photo: Pete Alexopoulos

On sandy roads, momentum is your best friend. If you stop completely or hesitate too long in deep sand, your tyres may dig in and cause you to get stuck. The goal is to keep a consistent speed without over-revving or making sudden manoeuvres.

Helpful guidelines:

• Use second or third gear in low-range for steady torque.
• Keep engine revs smooth and consistent – avoid sudden acceleration or braking.
• If you feel the wheels spinning, ease off the throttle slightly rather than pushing harder.

Important: Always stick to the designated tracks. Off-track driving (including on sand dunes) is not permitted in any 4×4 rental and could result in fines or damage to the environment.

3. Use the Right 4×4 Mode

Know when to engage high-range and low-range

Know when to engage high and low range | Photo: Andreea Munteanu via Unsplash

Your vehicle’s 4×4 system is designed to handle off-road terrain, but you must select the correct mode depending on the conditions. Sandy roads usually require different settings depending on depth, incline, and whether you’re towing.

Typical usage:

• Use 4H (high-range 4WD) for light, flat sandy roads with good visibility and a low risk of getting stuck.
• Use 4L (low-range 4WD) for deeper sand, climbs, descents, or when starting from a standstill in soft conditions.

If your 4×4 rental has a diff lock, it can also be engaged in very slippery situations to distribute power equally to all wheels.

Drive South Africa tip: Our 4×4 rental team provides a full orientation before your trip, including a guide on how to switch between drive modes.

4. Steer Smoothly and Follow Existing Tracks

Avoid sudden movements and stick to visible routes

Avoid sudden movements and stick to visible routes | Photo: Bonnie Kittle via Unsplash

Sand driving is not the time for sharp turns or overcorrection. Keep your hands relaxed on the wheel, steer gently, and let the vehicle do most of the work. Sudden steering inputs can cause your front tyres to dig into the sand, pulling you off course. Where possible, follow in the tracks of vehicles that have gone before you. These tracks are usually more compacted and offer better traction than untouched sand.

What to avoid:

• Turning sharply at low speed.
• Braking aggressively (instead, slow down by easing off the throttle).
• Driving off existing roads or trails (which can be dangerous and environmentally damaging).

5. Be Prepared for Self-Recovery

Carry the right gear and plan for challenges

Carry the right gear and plan for challenges | Photo: Getty

Even seasoned overlanders occasionally get stuck in sand. Being prepared for self-recovery will save time, reduce stress, and may even prevent damage to your vehicle.

Essential gear for sandy terrain:

• Spade or recovery shovel
• Traction boards (e.g., Maxtrax)
• Tow rope or kinetic recovery strap
• Tyre deflators
• Air compressor
• Gloves and a tyre repair kit

Many 4×4 rentals from Drive South Africa come equipped with some or all of the above equipment. Speak to your rental expert to confirm all equipment before you set off.

Drive South Africa tip: When possible, travel with a second vehicle – particularly in remote areas of Namibia and Botswana. If you’re on your own, always inform someone of your route and expected arrival times.

Where You’ll Encounter Sandy Roads with a 4×4 Rental

A 4×4 rental allows you to access incredible destinations around Southern Africa | Photo: Getty

Sandy roads are common throughout Southern Africa, particularly in desert and wilderness areas. With a 4×4 rental from Drive South Africa, you’ll be able to access incredible destinations that standard vehicles can’t reach – provided you follow designated routes and drive responsibly.

Popular sandy routes include:

• Sossusvlei (Namibia): From Sesriem to the Sossusvlei, there is a sandy 4×4-only track (it’s especially sandy in the last few kilometres).
• Moremi and Savuti (Botswana): Deep sand is common in the dry season, particularly between Khwai and Savuti.
• Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa): Sandy roads connect remote wilderness camps and are only accessible by 4×4.
• Mabuasehube (Botswana side of Kgalagadi): Remote and sandy with long stretches between camps.
• Mozambique coastal tracks: Sandy roads lead to many beach lodges (check if your rental agreement permits cross-border travel).

Drive with confidence! Hire a 4×4 rental from the experts. With the right preparation and techniques, driving on sandy roads can be one of the most rewarding parts of your Southern African road trip. You’ll reach secluded campsites, photograph vast desert landscapes, and enjoy a sense of freedom that few destinations offer.

Drive South Africa offers a wide range of fully equipped 4×4 rentals that are perfect for sandy routes in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. Every rental includes basic recovery gear, and our expert team will ensure you understand your vehicle’s 4WD system before you hit the road.