WHERE HAVE WE BEEN?

 

Well XClub members, the past few months have gone by so quickly, that I have erred in the writing department. Apologies, but here is what we have been up to in a brief (he he!) outlay, as there has been so much activity. But better yet, we are leaving for the Serengeti tomorrow morning and only returning in mid July, and promise to bring you some great pics.

We did several day trips in this period, amongst them the Groenkloof 4x4 Trail. This trail has 1 or 2 challenges to the novice, but is a popular venue for 4x4 and outdoor enthusiasts as the location is very central to the Midrand and Pretoria area. The braai facilities are great and the wildlife which can be viewed is varied, making this a great place to waste away a day of fun in the sun.

 

 

 

  

 

We attended the Swazi Reg Raid, held annually in the Ezulwini Valley district of Swaziland

by the 4WD Club of Swaziland. Guys and girls, if there is a must do ‘competition’ that you at least

participate in once in your life time, it is this event. It takes one, via printed instructions, through

great areas of Swaziland over two days.

 

   

Through rivers, over mountains and much more. And you are travelling average speeds of between 5km/hr to 40km/hr, as this is a timed event. Absolute fun for the family, and no danger (if you drive properly!) to your vehicle. Interested, in next year’s event, contact 4x4club@swaziplace.com.

 

 

 

Well, after spending 2 weekends in Lesotho, the Free State and a third in Swaziland, I can

officially state – IT IS GETTING COLDER FAST!  But that is no excuse for not getting out there. So we went exploring indeed.

 

So,off we travelled to a little known game reserve which belongs to the North West Province, situated on the outskirts of Rustenburg. This reserve has great camping facilities, clean ablutions and a small road network to attempt game viewing. However the park is so large, and unfortunately inaccessible via vehicle, that only a few game were spotted during our stay.

   

The reserve is also plagued by day campers of the noisy boom box kind, and the honorary rangers don’t seem to be able to manage it (well certainly not while we were there). Luckily, a strict OUT BY 6PM rule applies, and the evenings and silence is bliss.

     

Energetic we were, and even hiked one of the 5km trails on offer which is certainly stunning and worth doing! This park is indeed worth a visit.

   

Next up, we visited a new 4x4 trail in the Mpumalanga Province. The highlight of the weekend at Buffalo Gorge was certainly the “star party” on Saturday night where we were enlightened about our night skies. Constellations, nebulas, falling stars, satellites, iridium flares etc. were some of the many marvels covered and explained. Opportunities to view unimaginable galaxies, Saturn with its rings and moons, the “jewel box”, the dual star of Alpha Centauri, the constellations of Scorpio and Leo as well as many more astral features.

   

Our host for the evening Kobie van Zyl and his family assisted by Jonathan Greengrass without a doubt went out of their way to create and make this an exceptional experience by setting up telescopes, answering our questions and demonstrating certain solar features to us. The cold highveld air eventually saw the group grow smaller and smaller as we headed back to the warmth of a camp fire and bed

A leisurely rise on Saturday was followed by an introduction to Ryk Diepraam (Buffalo Gorge owner) who proceeded to describe the 4 x 4 trail, what the farm had to offer and what to expect on the trail. The farm offers bush camping, birding, hiking, abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking, horse riding and other activities. Our group visiting then tackled the 4x4 trail and enjoyed it immensely.

   

Buffalo Gorge offers two trails. The first, an 18km trail of varying conditions from short mud sections, to short rocky climbs & descents with marvelous scenery and grass covered slopes dotted with Wild Syringa, Peeling Plane, Transvaal Beech trees and Transvaal Milk Plum bushes. Although rated as between a grade 2 and 3, seasonal changes could make the trail more challenging, especially when wet.

No more than 10 vehicles can be accommodated and at least 6 hours should be allocated to allow for stops and appreciation of the highlighted viewpoints. This is an unguided trail, however a guide who could share the history of the area and point out the specific sites would provide for an added experience.

The next trail we conquered during this period was the McCarthy Rhino 4X4.  The guide Anthonie Coetzee was friendly, professional and did a fine job of guiding us through some very tricky obstacles. He was very patient in letting some of us do some serious rock stuff and experiment in the sand. It was good in that it gave us an insight as to what our vehicles are capable of in a tight situation.

The facility at Rhino has an abundance of different types of terrain to test your skills, mud, sand, rocks, uphills and downhills, to name a few. A very enjoyable day, culminating in a braai at the Lapa chatting to the old and some new members, was had by all.

Our club then headed north under the leadership of Jonathan Greengrass to Zimbabwe, with the route through Botswana which went well, but be warned the road between Nata and Pandamatenga is still riddled with axle breaking potholes. There are signs that the Botswana roads department are trying to repair them but I don’t think they can keep up. A reliable Botswana source indicated to me that the road would be completely re-tarred and the roads department has already started setting up road camps. The distance to be re-tarred is about 100km and it would be at least a year before it would be completed.

 

  

 

Once across into Zimbabwe they drove through the Hwange Park to Bumbusi Wilderness camp which would become their home for the next 4 nights. Here the group did various 4x4 drives and guided walks to view relics of the past, flora at its best and of course game viewing and birding. One could hear the nightly calls of the Barn and Cape Eagle owls in the trees above the camp and for the first time they spotted the Peters Fruit Bat. Lion, Leopard, Hyena were also part of the nightly calls heard which make it such a great bush experience.

 

   

 

From Bumbusi Camp the group worked their way up to Vic Falls where they spent the rest of the time sightseeing. The falls, being higher than normal, made sure that they all got a good drenching in the 35 degree C heat and even from the bridge across into Zambia. The power of the millions of litres or water crashing over the 2100 metre wide ridge into the 110 meter deep gorge cannot be described, only experienced.

 

   

Another day trip executed with precision during this period was the De Wildt 4x4 Trail, just other side the Hartebeespoort Dam. This trail borders the famous De Wildt Cheetah Reserve and Breeding venue. The trail runs through a small game park and has plenty to keep the enthusiast busy, again with great facilities for a great lunch after a hard day behind the wheel.

    

Then we took advantage of the long weekend in June, and sent 2 groups to Swaziland. One group went to the Mhilwane National Park and the other to the Hlane Royal National Park. Both are exquisite and have lots to offer, one with some comforts such as electricity, and the other not.

     

We not only explored the 4x4 routes, game drives and facilities of both parks, but also got the local 4x4 club to guide us through the mountains, rivers and plains of Swaziland in our 4x4’s. Absolutely stunning indeed.

 

Swaziland also offers the ‘culture’ tourist plenty of opportunity, and visits to the glass blowing factory, the Swazi Candles factory, various craft markets, fruit & veg markets and the newly created Swazi Secrets natural beauty product factory, which makes skin care products from the Marula Nuts. Awesome.

 

 

   

The, finally, we have concentrated immensely on the final execution of our Serengeti planning functions, as we leave on 26 June for a 10 000km round trip to what is the ultimate African venue! We will post you the resulting pictures when we arrive back.

In the mean time, enjoy your school holiday break and be safe where ever you go locally, or across our borders.

Alan

MARCH 2009

  

Well, the first ¼ of the year has come and gone, and next week it is Easter. Please remember the purpose and message of Easter as you head off to your favourite destination. Normally the N1 north and the N3 south is chaotic, so maybe the best route to follow, is your driveway... We will be travelling down to the Free State town of Fouriesburg, and enjoy some local hospitality, exceptional scenery and some warm friendships. Talking about warm, that area already has a cold bite to it. We experienced this in Lesotho last week.

  

Well the second bit of good news has now been released. First it was the acceptance and publication of the Driver Competency Certificate for 4x4 training, and now it is the fact that the Minister of Environmental Affairs & Tourism has signed the NOW documents.

  

The National Off-Road Workgroup (Now) presented its recommendations on the management of recreational 4x4 trails to Environment Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk on Monday. The document - titled "Strategy and Implementation Framework towards Co-regulation of the National Off-Road Sector in SA" - aims to create a practical and legal framework to control the use of 4x4 vehicles, off-road motorcycles and quad bikes in environmentally-sensitive areas. www.tafelberg4x4klub.com/now_nuus/player.html

  

The move now to formally legalize 4WD guides as part of the requirements to drive in yet to be defined eco-sensitive areas, is real. The industry now has 2-3 years to get a whole lot of actions in place, so that for once and all, we can address the wrong doers in the 4x4 sector.

  

It seems that it is not only that the law is focusing on the offroad industry. There are soon to be new traffic laws and a point system introduced across SA. What bothers me though, is that the lengthy eight page document which stipulates where and when you will get a fine and how many points you will be docked, states on the last page that you will be fined and docked points if you DRIVE IN CONVOY OVER WEEKENDS...Now Mr. Minister, how must as guides get those law abiding DCC in hand 4x4’s to and from the sensitive areas over weekends, with some sort of control! Eish. We will have to see what this brings about!

  

As the winter draws closer, and the rain fades into distant memory, we see the regional 4x4 and outdoor shows rearing their heads again. Will they be better, bigger and more informative this year. Lets wait and see. Pick your favourite, or attend a new one, but get out there and support the vendors.

  

We had our annual awards evening, and congratulations to Jonathan Greengrass for snatching the 2008 4x4 Guide of the year award, and Nigel & Denise Wilshire who scooped the 4x4 Family of the Year award for their great contribution, efforts, loyalty and dedication during 2008.

  

  

We list this month the increase in fines in Botswana. Travellers must be aware that cross border 4x4-ing is becoming more ‘watched’ by the authorities, both there and here. Our neighbours are just as tense about saving their environments as our own Ministry. So please respect the locals while across the borders, especially as we get to the holiday seasons of April and June/July.

  

We held our first Outdoor Enthusiasts Meeting at Echo 4x4 during March, which was a great success. In excess of 180 people turned up, and we had some great speakers and prizes on the evening. Congrats to Ollie Olwage for winning a full set of Bridgestone tyres in the lucky draw.

  

  

The second Bridgestone Fundi 4x4 Challenge has recently been held in the Gauteng area, and the first event held in Cape Town received great press coverage in the latest SA 4x4. The 2^nd event will be covered in the next edition again. Well done to all of those teams who made the “lights”.

  

  

  

Hennops Pride was the venue for this month’s day trip outing. Although a short trail, it possesses some real humdinger obstacles at times, especially after the recent floods and rains we had. The trail was so popular, due to it being close at home, that we took 2 groups out on the day. No serious situations arose except for a Landy slipping on a wet slope, and causing some anxious moments for the driver (luckily he is insured at Cross Country, but it was not needed).

  

Careful calculation, a winching exercise and plenty of support from fellow crews, saw the Landy come back on line and correct its path to complete the rocky hill climb.

  

  

After all the drama, and wet weather, the group got together and enjoyed a great family social and a braai. This venue stays a suitable day trip venue, and one can even camp there if required. It is close to Johannesburg and Pretoria.

  

  

One of my guides and myself headed out to the back of Pretoria to go and view a game / hunting farm, just out on the Malopo road. This stunning game farm is used mainly for hunting during the hunting season and includes some stunning game. The owners have thought it fit to open it up to the 4x4 community.

  

  

Although mainly farm roads are used for the driving, the vast extent of the Grade 1 track and road network will not excite the 4x4er looking for obstacles, but rather facilitate the 4x4er who is looking for a natural outdoor experience with game viewing.

  

Our short sojourn on the farm allowed us to view Rhino, Giraffe, Impala, Ostrich, Buffalo, Zebra, Kudu, Wildebeest, Roan Antelope, Watrebuck, Rooi Hartebees to name but a few.

  

There is various accommodation options from the lodge, to secluded facilities in the mountains overlooking a stunning dam. They will allow limited camping using the ablution facilities of the bush camp in the lower region of the large farm. We will definitely take a trip there later this year and get the full spoils.

  

  

Later in the month, we too a large group to Lesotho to visit the famous Afriski Resort. But why, as it has not snowed yet. Well, Afriski have now developed an eco sensitive trail, which leads from a path just above the resort, to the foot of Mount Aux Sources. Imagine that. The trail is a Grade 1 in the dry season, but with the hills and dales, I can see that rating change in the wet weather, as the underfoot surface will turn to bog and mud.

  

  

But have you ever been privileged to drive to the foot of a mountain, at 3355m above sea level. Stunning!!!

  

  

Once we reached the foot of the mountain, the energetic climbed the remain plateau to get spectacular views of the Drakensberg, from the unusual side – Lesotho. The real energetic then took a further brisk walk to above the famous chain ladder and to the top of the Tugela Falls. So, now you can get there without hiking, from the SA side!

  

We enjoyed the short weekend to Lesotho, and once again had a great social weekend with like minded people. Lesotho stays a stunning country.

  

Next month we do more exciting events, so watch this space. To end off, I include the photo of one of my member’s whose T Shirt says it all! Its better Offroad!!!!! Until the next edition

  

Regards

Alan

  

Hi there readers. Can you believe, the first 2 months of the year are already past. Well, as you can see from my pages, there is no rest for the wicked, and we just got January going, and we were quickly reminded that the December Holidays were gone, and forward focus was required. So, on the club side, I had to release the annual activity program.

  

As one of the most dynamic and professionally run outfits in the country, our members always look forward to the years program, as it has lots on offer and exciting trips, among the usual’s which we are forced to do, due to time, location and money. But, there is nothing like a free lunch. Members get a sneak preview, they have to attend the official Kick Off Braai, which this year was again held at the stunning venue of Scorpion Offroad College.

  

  

We had over 53 families attend our Kick Off Braai. It bode well for the year indeed. From about 10am, the members arrived, and as packs of 10 could be put together, the guides on duty took the 4x4’s along the 3 sections of the track & trail. In the mean time, fires were lit and on completion, the families braaied. Luckily the weather held out for all concerned and a great day was had by all.

  

  

Rumour has it that the last 2 couples to leave (no name no pack drill but they hang out in Irene I believe), were asked to leave after 6pm by the owners, so that they could lock the gates. I am glad our social events give people such joy that they simply don’t think about going home.

  

Then we held our first social at the Barnyard Theatre in Menlyn, which saw 74 people attending. The Latin themed show had members rocking in the isles. Eish, what a site.

  

Our first day trip rocketed into 3 convoys spread over a weekend to Serendipity. For the first time in 7 years, to drive this trail in the early summer. This meant that for the first time we would encounter serious water on the trail. This led to being an understatement later in the day, when the heavens opened up and it bucketed down for hours.

  

  

The Serendipity 4x4 Trail is not a difficult trail in the dry, and we often use it to get our usual navigators (read spouse!) to enhance their skills on a good day. However, the trail, with the influence of a lot of water, was definitely to be given the respect it deserved as we crossed gullies, climbed rocky hills and wound our way to the far end of the trail. It was during this stretch of the trail that we could witness the increase in the water levels of the small streams that would normally be dry in the winter season.

  

  

The back section of Serendipity introduced the drivers to a myriad of river crossings, some worse than others, some deeper than others. We had just driven in the one river section, when the heavens opened up and it started raining excessively. This was no good for the drivers who had to walk and view obstacles, and neither for the guide. It was not long, and we were soaked.

  

  

At the final river exit, we managed to get 2 Land Rovers through with a bit of excessive wheel spin and momentum on a mud embankment, but it was critical in order to have assistance should the other vehicles not make it up the near 90 degree slipper mud bank, especially with the vehicle exiting immediately from a river crossing, bringing excess water with it too. Then there was still the water from above, and the now fast flowing rivulets forming in the roads surrounding this exit area, all channeling down this embankment.

  

  

For safety sake, we soon realised that the best bet would be to drive each vehicle up the embankment as far as it would go, when the back wheels started to lose traction, hook a recovery strap and gently just pull the vehicle up the embankment with the Land Rover. This would be safer for the driver and the vehicle, and would ensure that we did not waste time in the belting rain.

  

  

Finally the group completed the trail, its excellent offerings, with Alan Goodway, Nigel Wilshire and Greg Koch soaked to the bone. At the end, some decided to inflate their tyres in the rain, the rest headed for the Kranskop One Stop, where hot coffee would make the inflation exercise a lot more comfortable. And still it rained…..

  

  

All in all a great 2 day experience in a very wet Serendipity 4x4 Trail, which is often only driven in the dry winter months. We saw numerous game from the front vehicle although the long grass and dense bushed made it difficult. We ended up the weekend with a good braai at one of the huts made available to us for the weekend, and then headed home in the city bound traffic.

  

  

At the beginning of this month we visited the delightful Bass Lake 4x4 and Dive venue down south of Johannesburg. With a convoy of enthusiasts, the day was spent enjoying 5 hours in the 4x4 trail, with a rustige braai and a Dive session by the divers in the group. This day was well led by Nigel Wilshire, and up and coming guide in the club, and everybody had a great time.

  

  

Our training has already kicked off, with the new GPS Software and GPS, Mapping & Navigation course being combined in 2009, and the first course fully booked. This course is presented by GPS & Navigation Guru, Kevin Bolton from centurion. We have been running this course successfully for 6 years now.

  

The first leg of the eco conscious Bridgestone Fundi 4x4 Challenge, took place in the Wiesenhof 4x4 Training facility in the Western Cape. It is a beautiful area, but there was no time for the competitors to take in the view, the flora nor the fauna. With great prizes ultimately at stake, the focus had to be on the 10 obstacles that lay ahead. The obstacles had been constructed in an existing 4x4 training facility available on the farm, so as to minimize negative environmental impact. Congregating under the blazing summer sun, during a week of 30+ degree temperatures and raging fires in the area, the competitors completed the first scrutineering exercise of the year, and readied their vehicles for the challenge, with the odd sweat on the brow.

  

  

At the end of the day, Cape Town based Leon Olivier and Renier Swanepoel in a legendary Range Rover took 3^rd place. Second place, and again taking the Western Cape entries to the podium, was Morne Lourens and Jan Ras in a Land Rover Discovery, with top honours going to Andre and Yvonne de Villiers from the Safari Centre team.

  

  

There was good banter at the prize giving, and many competitors exclaimed that Andre should have got the last place prize, a set of high tech hiking / walking sticks, due to his actions on the trail where he timeously walked each obstacles, viewed it from different angles and plotted his lines precisely. This was all in gest, but Andre proved his point. He did walk, yes, walked away with the prize trophy! A lesson to be learnt by all 4x4ers out there. So, it was a near stock Toyota Fortuner that took it, with three Landies chasing hard from behind. Not one Land Cruiser made it to the top 10.

  

  

The first heat of the year is over and the competition moves to Gauteng for heat 2, to be held at the African Outdoor Facilities close to the Hartebeespoort Dam in March.

  

I am also in the process of organising another 4x4 Trail and Guides Course for the first quarter of the year. So send me an email at 4x4offroad@mweb.co. za if you are interested.

  

In our industry, finally action, with promises of enactment from Q1 2009. Great news, but much work to be done still. We earnestly await the approved Driver Training Unit Standards that now have been approved, to be adopted in the industry and see the new Certificate of Competency realise, and then as per the ‘co-regulatory strategy’ tabled by NOW and applauded by Minister van Schalkwyk, the unit standards for offroad guiding to be built, tabled, approved and to become official. This will go far to have 2 mechanisms to start taking action in the industry.

  

The recent killing of a tourist by an elephant, whilst being led a by ‘unqualified’ guide, which now sees a large law suit developing is a sure indication that legal guiding is going to get a lot of attention into the future – be it culture, nature or adventure based. And again we see the fight over an indemnity form being key in this case, as arguments against this is now mooted, as the guide had no qualifications. So be aware when next heading offroad.

  

Well, the end of February has passed, we have some exciting trips lined up, with the biggie this year being our Serengeti Trip, so keep coming back here monthly to check what we are doing.

  

Regards, be safe and stay insured at Cross Country!

  

Regards

  

Alan

  

  

  

HAPPY HAPPY!!!!! 2009 has arrived, and another year full of adventure awaits us all.

  

The short Christmas break certainly was well worth it, although I personally feel more tired after an intensive family holiday, than a good old bush break. But hey, quality time with friends and family in other environments (such as the usual tourist traps we visited) is required as well. As I stated in the last posting, we headed off to Knysna for a two week and a few days break.

  

Commercial indeed and expensive! But hey, we must spoil ourselves too now and then, with no pressure of leading groups and convoys, group safety, available facilities and the rest. But why Knysna I hear you ask? Yes, it is one of my favourite spots in SA, when not in the bush. But wait, you won’t believe that if I selectively post pictures, you may well think we went on safari (in India – Tigers?)? Well the action packed itinerary myself and the Koekemoer family (a guide family from my club, resident in the North West Province) put together, we certainly enjoyed the ‘commercial’ side of the great outdoors. Check this out!

  

We did a boat cruise, saw white lions and awesome tigers, cage dived with crocodiles……,

  

  

  

discovered the caves of the Cango, interacted with cheetah cubs, rode ostriches, fed elephants……….,

  

 

  

  

  

snorkeled the Tsitsikamma National Park’s waters, crossed the hang bridge, body surfed in Buffels Bay, visited the Billabong Factory Shop in Jefferies Bay (what will a holiday be without shopping with the wife and kids!)……,

  

  

drove the Prince Albert’s Pass, the Outeniqua Pass, the Montague Pass, the collection of passes between George and Knysna along the back, gravel roads…………….,

  

  

  

did the infamous Knysna Forest Trail with Bhejane 4x4 Tours and drove the sand dune 4x4 trail in Vleesbaai. Yes, we also still braaied, ate out (Jimmy’s Killer Prawns Knysna took a serious knock with their ‘eat as much as you can’ special) and had a jol! Oh yes, and between all of this we still had a visit from Father Christmas and celebrated New Year!

  

  

The Secrets of the Forest Trail was once again a winner. With 9 vehicles from our club and some newsletter guests, we met up with Frank, the owner of Bhejane 4x4, who was to guide us through this concession. He was ably assisted by a local community guide, which is a strategic part of their concession responsibilities in this SANPARKS area.

  

Although not a long trail in distance, Frank adds significant value during the trail, over the radio communications which they supply, as well as on foot, during the stops made on the trip, with regard to information. Information and knowledge on the fauna, flora, the Knynsa elephants, the wood cutter history, the silk worm farming, the history and behaviour of the forest and many more other interesting pieces.

  

  

The trail wanders through the 1 of 3 remaining forest areas in the Southern Cape area, and crosses a few rivers and streams on the way. The pace is gentle and relaxing. It is thought that the excess of oxygen makes one feel drowsy towards the end of the tour – not a bad overdose in my books.

  

  

On top of one of the ‘islands’, tea and coffee is served as Frank imparts more knowledge on the local vegetation and after a good 4 hours in the forest, the group finally exits to the Diepwalle community’s restaurant, for a traditional wood cutters lunch of Vetkoek and Ginger Beer. Excellent stuff, and what a great trail to do if you are in the area. No serious 4x4-ing, as a existing forest track is followed, and 4x2’s are also welcome.

  

We then followed this wonderful experience with what promised to be a more daunting 4x4 trail, in the Mossel Bay area, 2 days later. The Vleesbaai Dune trail is situated on a farm just outside of the Vleesbaai settlement, and runs through a series of dunes.

  

  

Unfortunately the dunes (like the rest of the region) had received rains a few days prior and the tracks were rather harder than normal, thus making the going easy.

  

  

Thus the experience of pure sand driving was not gained, but the setting was ideal. We were 8 club vehicles, all families who were holidaying in this area.

  

  

We ended up helping some guy with a recovery, who was stuck in the dunes in a nasty situation (he is the bakkie!), and got him out of his predicament.

  

  

  

  

Our holiday ended safely, and we ventured the daunting roads back to Gauteng before the weekend rush. Now on to what this year holds, with NO New Years resolutions made this time around.

  

Well, no rest for the wicked. With a full itinerary planned for 2009, I will attempt to keep you enlightened by all of our trips and doings, while the industry goes from strength to strength under difficult economic times. Saying that though, a good decrease in December and January 2009 on the petrol price front makes getting outdoors a lot easier again.

  

May your travels be successful this year.

  

Alan

  

And here we are…nearly year end…..Hi there fellow adventurers….

  

Well the matrics are nearly finished with exams, and soon the holidays will be upon us. We all know that as the kids flock down to the seaside, it comes with all its perils and risks, until the parents get there. Well parents, lets hope that the life long education you gave your kids, certainly pays off and no issues arise. And while we talk about holiday, now is the time to service those caravans, trailers and equipment before your long haul, where ever it may be. With all the water that has saturated SA, hopefully your venue is a dry one!

  

Talking about dry, it was a real shame to get the news and finally see some pics, of the raging destruction of Nata Lodge in Botswana. This has always been a favourite stop over for many South Africans in Botswana, and it is a real pity that this has happened just before high season holidays. We wish them all a rapid recovery….hopefully they had good insurance.

  

This month we visited a 4x4 trail in the Waterberg known as Taaibos 4x4. The Taaibos facility is also popular amongst schools for weekend camps, and offers a large swimming facility in a dam (built by Italians many many years again), a foefie slide, bungalows for camping, a camp site, ablutions, walking trails, many well marked trees and of course a 4x4 trail.

  

 

  

Taaibos offers a classic Waterberg rock challenges with 14km of steep climbs, demanding descents and some serious river rock driving. The multiples river crossings can become very interesting during the wet season. Difficulty is rated between a 2 and 3, but allow at least five hours. There is an abundance of game in the Waterberg conservancy, and there is also Pedi and Bushman rock art

  

  

  

 

  

I am pleased to announce that the 2009 Challenge entry will be open as of the 18^th of November 2008. Please visit www.bridgestone.co.za and click on the 4x4 Fundi Icon. Download the documents and fax the completed entry applications to me on 086 608 0931.

  

  

So what are you up to this Holiday season. Well, as a family, we are heading for a practice run (only kidding, we have a enough camping practice!) to the Dube Game reserve just outside of Brits in the North West Province. This stunning 200ha game reserve has a camp site which is rustic, yet modern with electricity and lighting at each stand, with some grassed (the game just love the grass!) and some not. Furthermore, good ablutions, swimming pool and other basic amenities, make it for a close by getaway. The club is spending the long weekend in December there.

  

Then we head off to Knysna for a short break over Christmas and New Year. This is always meant to be a relaxing period, but turns out requiring a holiday back home to recover. With a few mates and fellow members down there, we always end up doing tons of stuff, and very little rest. That region of the country has lots to offer, like the enormous Monkeyland and Bird Parks, the Knysna Elephant park, the Wolf Sanctuary, the sea and forest.

 

  

Talking about the forest, we will also be undertaking the stunning guided Knysna 4x4 forest route with Bhejane 4X4 Adventures. They have special permission from South African National Parks, and have obtained the keys to enter this secret realm. 

  

The trip starts between 08h30 & 09h00 from the Garden of Eden, on the N2 between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, where you meet your guide from Bhejane 4X4 Adventures who will give a short briefing and hand out 2-way radios to everyone.  The Bhejane guides are direct descendants of the Italians that were lured here in 1880 to try and start a silkworm farming operation in the Knysna forests. 

 

We will enter the Bhejane concession area just north of the Garden of Eden where the guides will give a full introduction and a description of the morning's activities. From here on, we meander slowly into the heart of the remaining indigenous Knysna forest, stopping en route to explore and discover many of the forest's secrets - its ecology, its history, its inhabitants, threats and its future.  Last year we were bleassed to see the near impossible Dwarf Knysna Chameleon!

  

The tracks that we will use are the original logging tracks used by the early woodcutters and which are now the management paths utilised by SANParks.  Road conditions are safe, ecologically friendly and not at all detrimental to your vehicle. Participants of all ages are welcome as the forest offers something for everyone.

    

Coffee, tea and juice will be served en route and you can look forward to the culinary skills of the forestly ladies at the Diepvalle Community Restaurant.

  

If you want to join me and my family on this outing somewhere between the 20^th December and the 1^st of January 2009, give me a call by sending me your details on 4x4offroad@mweb.co.za  We can then as a group, collectively go and experience this phenomenal adventure. I already have 3-4 4x4’s lined up. We can then set the date…weather dependant.

  

So, as we all wind down our working year and prep for our annual sojourn to our best kept holiday venues, be safe!

  

Alan

Hi there X-Club enthusiasts,

  

Well how time flies. Here we are heading for November, and soon Christmas Holidays are upon us! Have you written your letter yet. Well, focusing on adventure, we had an exciting month exploring some adrenalin pumping trails and venues. The long haul to Namibia was awesome, and the other two, a local trail in Limpopo which certainly is worth doing, and the other a stunning day outing down south of Johannesburg, with some extra facilities and opportunities such as scuba diving available. Believe me, we are a busy group indeed and treasure the time we can spend outdoors with our club. Maybe we should invite some of you X Club enthusiasts out on a day trip soon – I will talk to management about some trips in 2009? Keen, send me an email at 4x4offroad@mweb.co.za or contact the X-Club Administrator directly.

  

Well first adventure this past month included a day outing to Bass Lake 4x4 and Dive facility close to Henly on Klip, in the traditional Vaal area. This trail can be long if you use it as a training and ‘play’ ground. Based on the hard clay and sand soil, it is an ideal venue to test different options, and learn more about your vehicle and your abilities, without the danger of damaging your vehicle. I am a strong advocate that if you have nothing to do, go out with your vehicle and get to know tour combination better.

                 

  

This facility, owned and run by Alan Pepper, a renown 4x4er and trainer, is the ideal family outing, at a reasonably low cost on a weekend. 4x4ers can enjoy the ups and downs of the trail, some mud, some water and some built obstacles in the back corner. After a most enjoyable day in the field, relax at a boma next to the man made lake, and if so inclined enjoy a good scuba or snorkel. The water is always pleasant there. We enjoy our annual family sojourn to this venue.

  

                

  

Interested? Visit www.basslake.co.za                         for more details.

  

  

                                  

  

  

Our next great experience was a trip from Luderitz to Walvis Bay Dune Trip under the leadership of URI ADVENTURES from Namibia. I cannot start to explain how great this trip was. Amongst some tough competition of trips I have done in my life, this rates with the top 5! Absolutely stunning. Top venue, top tour operator, great food, excellent company with my fellow club members and so many more cliché’s, I cannot imagine where to start.

  

      

  

From our 2 day sojourn to Luderitz via the Spitskop Monate Reserve outside of Upington where we stayed over on the first night, to the stay in the Obelix Lodge in Luderitz. The excitement mounted as we registered, did the final checks and refueled in Luderitz, ready to roll into the desert in our convoy.

  

         

  

Uri Adventures, under the leadership of Eben and Marita Delport (owners) treated us to a great meal and briefing in the Protea Hotel in Luderitz, and the next day we rendezvoused at Coastaway Tours’s venue, for final briefing and radio installation. What a pleasure to finally meet Lewis Drukker, the figurehead and owner of this operation. Them and Uri Adventures have joined forces to share their beautiful concessions with us enthusiasts. They both deliver first class services and experiences.

  

 

  

Well, then off to the desert it was. 6 days and 5 nights of absolute pleasure and adrenalin. I remember day 1 when some participants (navigators, wives, kids et al) wanted to bail with the ‘big dunes’ we started cresting and the long slip faces we descended. I am talking about 2-3 car lengths. What, by the end of the day we were traveling down 70-90 metre dune slip faces at 36 degrees – awesome stuff.

  

 

  

Dune driving is not only what it is about, as the wrecks, both ship and land machines, deserted mining towns, nature scapes, animals of the dunes and the sheer beauty of the environment (yes, sand blowing everywhere at over 50km an hour can be pretty!) is all part of the stunning package.

  

 

  

Every night, Uri Adventures ‘built’ a camp, where hot water, shower facility and a toilet was a standard feature. Then the food! To die for. Steak to order, fruit salad and custard, superb daily lunches, with salads and even eggs on the LAST day! Man those boys know what they are doing!

  

I can carry on for days, but there is just no space. Watch the press for more on this story, as it must be shared. Send me enquiries and questions if you want to do this trip!  Our convoy consisted of old and new, petrol and diesel and we all made it (bar 1, but more on that later!). I think the pictures will be enough to entice you!

  

  

My crew also drove the challenging Mateke 4x4 trail in the Limpopo Province. Although most of the trail is scenic and comfortably do-able, sections of the trail is graded serious 4-5. Mateke's 4x4 trail runs through rocky terrain with steep inclines and a few river crossings that made for a challenging outing. Well the men (and some woman) certainly had their hands full on the day, building aroads and packing rocks, as some of the section of the trail is indeed dangerous, tricky and must be approached with caution. Provided you choose your path carefully with your vehicle in mind there is minimal risk of vehicle damage.

  

  

The trail, situated about 60-70kms north of Thabazimbi, is a few hours drive from Pretoria, and with the start at 6.30am, and most of the people only getting home at 9pm, it was certainly a full day’s travel, enjoyment and hard work. With this trail concentration is mandatory! So, if you are seriously bored one weekend, hit the road and go and do some hard, yet enjoyous work.

  

  

Finally, and just to share this with any non X-Club member browsing this page, or to re-assure those X-Club members who often ponder their ‘grudge’ insurance purchase. I want to assure you that by insuring in decent offroad insurance such as one of the outdoor packages Cross Country offers, you cannot go wrong.

  

On our Luderitz trip, one of my member’s Land Cruiser ‘lost’ its complete gearbox on the 3d day of the trip, miles into the dunes. A sad state of affairs for the family of 4 indeed, but with a good bunch of friends and fellow club members, they and their kit were quickly dispersed across several vehicles.

  

Then it was a single satphone call to their Cross Country Broker. And that’s where we left it. On exiting the dunes in Walvis Bay, the necessary paperwork and authorities were granted and signed (remember it is a SA vehicle in NAM). By the Friday the vehicle had been recovered out of the dunes professionally by ‘partners’ of Cross Country and the vehicle was on a flatbed on the way to SA. The family travelled with us to Windhoek, where they then caught a plane back to SA. The recovery cost over R50K, but it was sorted by Cross Country, without a blink of an eyelid.

  

  

The essence of the story is, as I have on more than 3 occasions discovered when in distress myself, is a single call, an excellent service orientated broker, and the right 4x4 insurance company. There is very little choice I am afraid…..

  

Yes accidents do happen, and while casually traveling along the N4 this week, an intrepid guinea fowl leapt out of the ‘middle mannetjie’ bushes and placed himself squarely on my front windscreen! Man what an adrenalin rush (for me, not it!) – I almost did the proverbial! It happens so fast, as it was unseen until it literally said ‘hoezit’. Well covered in fine glass bits, I drove to Centurion Glasfit, completed a form, went for a walk during which I got two cell phone messages  - one to say the claim had been lodged with Cross Country, the next to say that it was authorized, and then after about an hour, I went to collect my vehicle with a new windscreen.

  

                

  

  

No hassles, no excess – just damn fine service. That is why I am insured with Cross Country! Shoo, I am glad though that there was no damage to vehicle or human being!

  

Till next time….Be sure you are ‘covered’ when traveling – and choose the best, forget the rest!

Alan