The Desert Diva We offer self-drive expeditions to interesting places; we consider that it’s the journey, not just the destination that makes our trips special.
- Our trips are led by experienced drivers with over 14 years dune driving experience
- Our trips always start on easy terrain and we gradually build up to larger dunes
- We start with a safety briefing and offer coaching where and when required to our new drivers to allow them to drive over obstacles safely and under control
- We drive in a convoy, and communicate via walkie talkie
- They are low-level, easy trips with no advanced manoeuvres such as side-sloping and side-cresting
- Your Safety is our priority!
For 4×4 driving in Dunes
Suitable vehicles:
Not all four wheel drives are created equal! I have listed some of the more popular cars, suitable for dune bashing, below, but the list is not exhaustive so please enquire if you would like to come and your 4×4 is not on the list.
- Dodge Ram,
- Ford F150, Raptor, Ranger 3.2TD
- GMC Silverado (recommend that it is lifted),
- Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Grand Cherokee (only certain routes)
- Landrover Defender, Discovery, LR3 or LR4,
- Mitsubishi Pajero,
- Nissan Patrol Safari, New Patrol Y62(models with “City” bumpers have to be driven with extreme care, others are good), Pathfinder pre-2005, Xterra pre-2015,
- Toyota FJ Cruiser, LandCruiser, Landcruiser Prado, Tundra
For easy track Driving
Any AWD or 4WD or 4×4 with adequate clearance
What’s the Difference Between a 4×4 and an AWD/4WD?
Features of four wheel drive cars vary between manufacturers and models; some cars are billed as ‘All Wheel Drive’ (AWD) whereas others are ‘Four Wheel Drive’ (4WD) – or more popularly referred to here, as ‘4×4’.
AWD cars generally have permanently engaged four wheel drive; power is delivered to each wheel via a computer, ensuring good road holding. However, these are not ideal for sand dune driving (commonly known as sand duning) because, in the split second it takes for the computer to decide which wheel to channel more power to, you could find yourself stuck!
Many experts are of the opinion that prolonged sand driving can put immense strain on an AWD vehicle’s drive train, possibly leaving you with a broken down car at the edge of the desert and a hefty repair bill to follow.
However, 4x4s are heavier, often more expensive, but with a competent driver behind the wheel they should be able to traverse extreme terrains. Most 4x4s have part-time four-wheel drive meaning that 2WD – normally to the rear wheels – is used for road driving, cutting down on fuel and tyre costs.
When you hit the sand or the rocks, switch the vehicle into four wheel drive and a series of differentials will deliver equal power to each wheel There are times when maximum power and control are required – a 4LOW function changes the gear ratios to assist you out of the trickiest of situations. Remember though, that most 4x4s have a maximum speed of 45kph when this is selected – so you will need to change back to 4HIGH for more moderate terrain.
Car Requirements
4×4 vehicle
- 4 LOW gear
- Must have recovery points front and rear – they will probably look like this, but are unlikely to be shiny and red! Most 4x4s will have them – if in doubt send us a photo!
- Must be in tip-top condition (this includes the spare tyre too)
- Those with locking wheel nuts should carry a key to release them
Recovery Equipment
None, you do not need any!
Our lead car is equipped with a Warn winch – most of our recoveries are done with this as we believe it to be the safest and most gentle way to recover stuck cars from sand. We also have an array of snatch straps, shackles, shovels and sand boards so we are well prepared for most eventualities.
If you do have some recovery equipment already, feel free to take it along!
Petrol:
Please arrive at the start point with a full tank. If there is any requirement to carry extra petrol we will list this in the trip description.Most of our trips can be completed on 3/4 a tank or less.
Insurance
Car damage on our trips is extremely rare and even then is usually limited to slight damage to bumpers. However we do recommend you have offroad insurance, just in case.