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Landroving Edition 123 - April 2017

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Published by Land Rover Owners Club of Southern Africa, 2017-08-25 06:21:52

Landroving 123

Landroving Edition 123 - April 2017

Keywords: Land Rover,4x4

EDITION 123 - AUTUMN 2017
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE LAND ROVER OWNERS

CLUB OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

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Visit: www.lroc.org.za or Telephone: 062 926 3649

The official magazine of the Land Rover Owners Club of Southern Africa
IN THIS ISSUE:

From the Editor Page 5
Chairman’s Desk Page 6
Camping and Glamping in Namibia Page 7
Landylife experiences Page 14
Tour de Tuli Page 20
Angola – Cost and affordibility Page 26
PE Chapter activities 2016 Page 34
Defender Trophy Page 42
Catering for long trips Page 52
Recipe: Bread pudding Page 54
Living with my 1986 Range Rover Page 55
Passes Page 56
Defender Trophy Page 58
Kids’ Fun Page 66

CODE OF CONDUCT 3
Abide by the rules, constitution, conservation code and code of conduct of the LROC.

Be a considerate member.
Drive responsibly.

Assist fellow members.
Promote the safe and responsible use of Land Rovers.
Respect rules in all Parks, Conservation areas, Public and Private land.
Maintain your vehicle in a sound on and off-road condition.

Do not litter.

TO ADVERTISE IN LANDROVING PLEASE CONTACT JACQUI STROEBEL AT
[email protected] OR THE CLUB ADMINISTRATOR AT [email protected]

DISTRIBUTION: Posted to LROC members, supplied free of charge to advertising Land Rover
dealerships, Parts suppliers, Workshops and Accessory Outlets.
COVER: Lineup at Sandwani, 2016
LEGAL SMALL PRINT:
The opinions expressed in LANDROVING do not necessarily reflect those of the Land Rover
Owners Club of Southern Africa, it’s Committee or members. No responsibility is accepted for any
damages or injuries which may arise therefrom or from Advertisers adverts

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE LROC

Visit: www.lroc.org.za or call 062 926 3649

Chairman: Ansie Blignaut ([email protected])

Vice Chairman: Jacques Beard ([email protected])

Secretary: Malcolm Timberlake ([email protected])

Treasurer: Dana Cloete ([email protected])

Editor: Alida Timberlake ([email protected])

Clerk of Events: Hennie Steyn ([email protected])

Driver Trainer: Brendon Lowe ([email protected])

Trophy Secretary Lizette Beard ([email protected])

Quartermaster: Lizette Beard ([email protected])

Membership Secretary: Jonathan Bydendyk ([email protected])

PRO Johan Kriek ([email protected])

Radio Officer: Jacques Beard ([email protected])

Club Administrator: Madeleine Zwaneveld ([email protected])

Join one of our Chapters:
Border Chapter (East London and surrounds): Athol Cocks - [email protected]
Eden Chapter (Garden Route and Little Karoo): Alta Naude - [email protected]
Lowveld Chapter (Nelspruit and surrounds): Lorraine Dicker - [email protected]
Port Elizabeth Chapter (Port Elizabeth area): Paul Foster - [email protected]
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FROM
THE EDITOR

Alida Timberlake

Sitting in the boma at the recent LROC At the AGM we acknowledged Jan
AGM listening to the various reports all and Leone Vorster as 40 year members
testifying to yet another successful year of LROC. They visibly love Land
of Landroving, I was once again struck Rover and their travel stories attest
by the logo on the banners: “For people to living the life! In the latter half of
who love Land Rover” - in many cases this century when many of us won’t be
more than one Land Rover and in some around anymore, our younger members’
cases just Land Rover parts – in neatly loyalty to the club will continue to be
packaged containers – waiting to be acknowledged and although some of
reassembled into one working vehicle! them may still be driving refurbished
With the demise of the Defender and vehicles, I can imagine (as scary as it
the launch of the new-look Defender, may seem) that most of them will be
owning a Land Rover has almost enjoying their landroving experience in
become a contentious issue; some super techno (perhaps even driverless!)
seasoned Landy owners receiving the Land Rovers.
latest design with some scepticism. Enjoy reading about our club members’
The chairman’s recent survey revealed trips and experiences. We look forward
that many LROC members are to meeting some of you as you join us
requesting trips and events which on the many and varied outings and
they can comfortably attend in their events arranged by the dedicated LROC
Discovery, Range Rover or Freelander committee to get the most out of your
and I guess the time has come for us Land Rover – whichever model you
to make that paradigm shift, put our might drive.
scepticism aside and embrace change in Alida
an effort to promote the club to all Land
Rover owners – including those people PS. Don’t forget to send me your
out there who drive new world Land trip reports to publish here for the
Rovers, but who nevertheless love Land enjoyment and inspiration of all our
Rover! members.

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Chairman’s Desk

It is unbelievable that we are different classes of vehicles (old vs
already in the third month of 2017. new, more off-road vs more on-road)
And what a year this will be! Our as well as various preferences of our
new committee started off with a members (going off the grid,
bang. We have a new Vice Chair- camping/staying in style, etc). For
man, PRO, Membership Secretary, our more senior vehicles, look out,
Regalia keeper, Clerk of Events and the weekend of 16-18 June has been
Treasurer and a lot of new ideas for reserved for Seekoeigat and the
taking the Club into the future. Series (or as I like to call them, the
Jonathan, our Membership Serious vehicles) and for our more
Secretary, has also taken it upon modern crowd there is a Lesotho trip
himself to revamp the website – and on the horizon. We’re also planning
what a change this will be. I have a re-vamped battlefield trip, visiting
seen the draft site and cannot wait some old favourites as well as
for it to go live. Members will be able tackling new places. Keep an eye out
to join electronically, book events for the newsletters for more
on-line, information will be easily information and ensure that you
accessible and we will be able to book and pay early so that you don’t
accommodate a lot more of the miss out.
members’ ideas. I want to invite anyone reading this
Talking of members and ideas, we magazine who is not yet a member to
have had a number of members who join LROC. If you are not sure, come
made themselves available to assist in and join us at one of the events and
organizing and leading trips. Some experience the spirit of the Club. I
of them also attended our planning assure you, you will immediately feel
session. The outcome of this is that at home – this is the best place to get
you will see a lot more events offered to know your vehicle and get closer
this year. Some weekends will see up to nature with like-minded people.
to three events being run concurrent- I cannot wait to see you around the
ly. The idea is to accommodate our campfire.

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Camping and Glamping in Namibia

by Ian Simpson

Last year my brother-in law and his out early one morning on the long
wife asked us to organize a 2 week haul across the Trans-Kalahari road
first time visit to Namibia to see through Botswana with the aim of
the recognized tourist attractions. getting through the Buitepos border
Amanda and I would drive up there before it closed. Buitepos campsite
in our Landy and meet them in has been upgraded considerably
Windhoek where they would hire a since my last visit 17 years ago and

4x4 with roof tent. Coming from the although nothing special,
UK we decided that although they it provided us with a
were prepared to camp, we should try pleasant site with power,
and make sure that they at least had clean showers and a safe
reasonable shower and toilet facilities place to sleep.
each night, so this was the starting Windhoek was an easy
point. drive from there to meet
August 2016 arrived and we set up with Scott and Louise
where they had booked
themselves and us in
at the River Crossing
Hotel. Great luxury for
us to be in a chalet. After
collecting their double
cab Nissan, drinks on the
verandah followed and watching the
sun set over Windhoek was a real
pleasure.
Then the time came to start the
trip properly, and we set off on the
long run on a tarred road down to
Keetmanshoop and the Quiver Tree
forest.

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We had time to see the farm cheetah that next time in Luderitz the old

feeding and enjoy a sunset walk lighthouse building on top of the

through the quiver trees which are rocks (shown here) should be our

extremely photogenic at this time of accommodation. So it was that we

day. This was to be our first night of booked the lighthouse which has 2

camping, so roof top tents were set double rooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen

up before dark and after a shower and lounge for the night. Besides

with plenty of hot water a fire was having a very comfortable (and

ready for the meat. This site had a sheltered) bed, the building has a

huge flat slab of rock to use as a table winding metal staircase onto the

and no other vehicles to be seen small open platform right at the top.

although there were about 6 other What a magnificent place to sit and

occupied sites far away. have sundowners while watching the

I specifically bought my Kalahari sun set over the bay and the sea in

110 Defender in 2006 with a 300 Tdi the west and on the other side a view

motor and no electronics. However over the Luderitz habour and town.

the immobilizer/alarm is the only The next two nights were to be

electronic part and after 10 years of spent at the very well-appointed

no problems this was the night it campsite of Sossus Oasis at Sesriem.

had to create a fault. Even without To get there we had to negotiate

activating the immobilizer the 460km of corrugations and a bone

hooter would blast every time either shaking rocky surface with plenty of

a door was opened or the ignition dust - The worst road of the whole

was switched on and then only trip. This campsite has 12 separate

could I press the remote and turn individual sites arranged in a 200m

it off. This did not make for a very diameter circle with a swimming

environmentally friendly situation pool in the centre so that campers

for fellow campers as we could not are not on top of each other. The site

deactivate this mode (Imagine the consists of a shaded concrete floor

frustration of switching the car off looking out from the circle with your

to watch a bird or animal and then own wooden enclosed solar shower

having the hooter blasting when and toilet at the one end and power

starting off again). to charge batteries. A nearby garage

On a previous trip to Luderitz and shop offer all you need including

we had nearly been blown into ice creams for the heat of the day! It

the sea while camping at Shark was close enough for us to be able to

Island and my wife, who has a visit the enormous Sesriem canyon

thing about lighthouses, had said that afternoon.

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Luderitz lighthouse

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A hot air balloon ride had always .Kuiseb Canyon
been one of the things at the top of
my bucket list Thus the following a concrete bridge above the dry
day was the highlight of the trip river bed we realised that from the
when my brother-in-law offered to construction date of the bridge, it
give us a hot air balloon ride over the was in fact only a year or two later
Sossus dunes as a birthday present. that we had camped under it on
(Thanks again Scott and Louise). our first “South West Africa” trip in
Being able to do this over Sossus 1978. Photos at home confirmed this
Vlei dunes and desert as the sun campsite from 38 years previously.
was rising is an experience never The whole run to Walvis on a
to be forgotten. Not forgetting the good gravel road and then tar
obligatory champagne breakfast in to Swakopmund meant that we
the desert on landing. had time to visit the most helpful
and friendly (non-franchised)
We then had time to take a drive Land Rover garage you could find
into the beautiful Vlei dunes. Even anywhere. We had a leak in the
after this, my third visit, they are
a spectacular sight and it is very Kuiseb Canyon 1978
difficult to stop taking photos as each
turn in the road offers a different
view.
From here we had a 350km
run through to Walvis Bay and
Swakopmund with a compulsory
stop in Solitaire for apple pie. While
crossing the Kuiseb Canyon on

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cooling system and had to fill the trees to set up on and a clean tiled
reservoir regularly. The water pump bathroom all to yourself. All in
was the suspect, spilling coolant all perfect condition and within walking
over the engine, but we could not see distance of a restaurant for dinner.
any leak. Nigel Hardress-Williams As perfect as this was it still felt like
in Johannesburg kindly supplied camping in someone’s garden, so not
the name of Nico Theron at Vineta near the top of the memory list.
Shell Garage. (Thanks to him and Chris Nel’s morning “Living Desert
Attie Smit for the help). Nico fitted Tour” was amazing and he makes
a pressure tester and we soon found a the tour so alive with his humour
small split under a water hose which while finding all sorts of desert
was quick and simple to replace, but life that without his knowledge we
more importantly on hearing about would have had no idea of how to
our alarm/ immobalizer problem find. Beetles, snakes, spiders, lizards,
that we had lived with for 5 days, he
plugged in his analyser and cleared
the fault instantly. Thanks Nico.
The following day we were booked
on one of Chris Nel’s “Living Desert
Tours” for the morning so we wanted
to be in town. Alte Brucke camping
was right there with each site having
its own piece of lawn with palm

Sossus Vlei. 11

skinks, geckos, chameleons, Cape with hot water.
Hare and various birds. The tour was There are lots of animals, including
finished off with a drive through the eland, pigs, peacocks, farm dogs and
dune fields to the coast. This is a very even alpacas to make a walk around
worthwhile experience if you are in the Goanikontes grounds interesting.
the area. Our next overnight stop was
Driving along the Moonscape Road Spitzkoppe. This massive group of
and down into the Swakop River rocks appear out of the flat landscape
the scenery is unique. Surrounded long before reaching it and once
by huge eroded mountains as far as there one has to be impressed by
the eye can see with not a sign of the size and beauty of not only the
any vegetation at all except the odd main mountain, but also all the huge
sighting of the interesting Welwichia rocks around the base and the well-
plant. recognized rock arch.
However, as one reaches the valley Here we found a campsite right on
floor the little oasis of Goanikontes the western end so that we had a
appears with green trees, green lawns beautiful uninterrupted sunset across
and some lovely old buildings dating the surrounding plains. This site had
back to 1903. This is an operating no facilities at all but was isolated
farm with a restaurant, chalets and without any other people or vehicles
campsite run by extreme friendly and in sight. Due to the most spectacular
accommodating owners. Although views of the stars and bright milky
only sandy campsites, they are on the way, sitting around a camp fire that
evening, everyone voted this to be
Spitzkoppe the best camp of the trip without any
dry river bank with plenty of shade, doubt.
taps at each site and clean ablutions Then on to Etosha and Halali
12 campsite which had to be voted the
least liked camp of the trip. Sites
are on top of each other in one
unimaginative open sandy and dusty
area . However, the hide overlooking
a floodlit waterhole, which offered a
display of family disputes by a group
of rhino, as well as clean ablutions,
the pool and restaurant all made for
a pleasant night. Etosha was very dry
but we still had some good sightings

of almost all the animals with lots of with hot water and a floodlit water
great photo opportunities.
The following 2 nights were spent in hole visible from the site. A pleasant
the luxury of Masharu Game Lodge
which I had won as a prize for a way to end and prepare for the long
photo in Getaway magazine together
with a set of BFG tyres. Having our trip home on the Trans Kalahari
own luxury air conditioned chalet
with en suite bathroom , swimming Road the next morning.

Waterberg Plateau Wilderness The Trans Kalahari has many 60

pool; breakfasts on the verandah, and 80 kph speed limits through the
dinner in the boma after drinks and
game drives into the park for all 4 of villages which we were very careful
us made the stay very different and
exciting. to stick to. However, there was
Back down to earth we then spent
a night camping at the Waterberg one place which consisted of a few
Plateau Wilderness campsite where
the high cliffs make a spectacular huts and a radio tower, where I am
view as the sun sets. These sites are
each cut into a section of bush so absolutely sure that there was no sign
are away from each other although
within sight of others. Each site and of course they had the trap just
has its own bathroom in a central
ablution block. after exiting . R700 later (and even
From here it was off to our last
night in Namibia at the Kalahari a credit card machine to collect the
Guest farm campsite just before the
Botswana border. Only 5 or 6 sites money) we were on our way again.
but well-spaced and clean showers
With the time lost due to the fine, a

petrol and coffee stop and the border

crossing, we arrived in Zeerust after

dark and looked for the first place to

pop the rooftop tent before heading

home the next day. A wedding

venue mentioned camping on the

sign so in we went to eventually

be taken down a dirt road, through

gates and past a whole lot of broken

trucks and tractors. We thought we

were camping in a scrap yard. To

our surprise when we woke in the

morning we had all that behind us

but we were looking onto an open

plain and ‘koppie’ in the distance

with Blesbok roaming in front of us

as we ate our breakfast.

So, all in all, it was a wonderful trip

of some 6000km including some

varied camps and interesting places

to stay. 13

Landylife experiences

Introducing you to a wonderful Landy way of life.
by Martin Smithson

Bulldog Bilko in Boudicca ‘off to dose of ‘give and take’, to succeed.
Africa’ Be wary though as Landies tend
to take over your life. You become
This tells of how I became an secretly driven into their wonderful
addicted Land Rover fan, and of my Landy ways. Once tempted you
ongoing experiences of 4x4ing and never look back. It may even be at
overlanding. I share with you some the price of other unions in your life.
of those special times when events, Occasionally Landy relationships do
usually unpredicted, happened. break down, often with regret later.
Just as we drive the bumpy road of
Land Rover claim to be the ‘Best life - perhaps straying ‘off road’ now
4x4 by Far’. Just live with one for and again.
a while and you will soon realise
how very true that is. Each one, I have lived with a few of these ‘off
like we simple humans, has a certain the road temptresses’ despite the
charm, and its own special quirks. many warnings and threats from
They all have individual foibles and other quarters. Fear not, your
imperfections, also their personal Landy will soon find you many more
characters, fascinations and allures. friends.
Like you and me they also, at times,
can be stubborn and more than a jot At the time of writing my harem
temperamental. comprises four Landys:-
- ’74 Series III Air Portable
Living with a Landy is akin to a Lightweight - Boudicca. [The
marriage. Long-term relationships
require bonding, blended with a

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charioting ‘off roader’ who in Roman argued over who should take me

times dealt many a blow to the for a drive. So, I took Boudicca to

invading Romans] South Africa where she now lives

- ’96 Discovery 300tdi - Taska. with my Defender Kalahari already

[Boudicca’s daughter]. domiciled at my home there.

- ’09 Freelander 2 Thankfully they get on well together,
- ’06 registered Defender ‘Kalahari’ entertaining me wherever we go -
300tdi – a limited edition model more of that in other tales to follow.
made around the time of launch

of the TD5. I confess

Basically, it’s a to Land

TD5 chassis Rover affairs

and body fitted over the

with a, soon years which

to become ‘broke down’

redundant, for various

300tdi engine reasons. Just

and running like real life!

gear. It was Past liaisons

introduced to include a
Disco2 a
satisfy a demand My Kalahari in the Kalahari

from South Africa, 2002-2005, for Disco3, a Range Rover as well as

an over lander without the electronic various hybrid ‘off-roaders’. My first

gizmos of today. One that could LR acquaintance was as a young

easily be ‘fixed’ in the bush when lad on a friend’s farm in an old

needs must; a big plus for hammer ‘Series 1’.The cattle and sheep in

and screwdriver mechanics like me. the fields never got as much food

I rather suspect though, that at the and attention. The LR seed was

time there were a number of now planted then to germinate, grow,

redundant engines and running gear blossom and bear fruit years later.

needing to be shot of. The 300 is the Harvest time for me came during

best engine Land Rover ever made. the early ‘80’s during the years of the

Sadly, the distinctive Kalahari side famous Camel Trophy [1980 -2000]
decals were removed before I bought sponsored by Land Rover and Camel
her and I’ve not been able to find Cigarettes. Competitors from
replacements anywhere. around the world competed in what
became known as the ‘Olympics of

A couple of years ago I had to split the 4x4 world’. This involved doing

up the family. They constantly extreme things in extreme locations

15

such as Argentina, Zaire, Brazil, ‘operator’ error.
Borneo, Chile, Sumatra, Siberia,
Australia, USSR and Burundi to Often you hear of a Land Rover
name but a few. being ‘broken down’ or having ‘gotten
stuck’. This is not true in most cases.
Selection and training was conducted Land Rovers are more capable, go
on the Eastnor Castle Estate near more places and suffer more hard use
Ledbury in the Western Midlands and abuse than anything else on four
near the Welsh border. Land Rover wheels.
still carries out testing, and Land
Rover Experience Day promotions at Land Rovers rarely break down
Eastnor. Final selection and training or get stuck as such. It’s a case of
took place during the winter months Progress becoming Temporarily
of January and February each year. Impeded [PTI] - a term used to
The trainees were obliged to sleep
under canvass for those cold weeks of At ‘Gottenstuk’ in the Sahara Desert
induction, the instructors preferring
to stay in the warmth of a guest save a driver’s face and ego. This
house my wife and I owned nearby. upholds the Land Rover reputation
Many a wonderful late night and and nurtures the relationship betwixt
early morning was enjoyed, along machine and driver. Cooperation
with much camaraderie and washing between Land Rover and driver is
of clothes and gear. I was now fully crucial for recovery with dignity and
converted to the faith of Landyism. self-esteem from any PTI. PTIs are
great experiences. They help you get
When things go wrong, or perhaps to know your Landy more intimately.
don’t go as planned, as they do Whenever and wherever you
from time to time, the Landy is encounter a PTI Land Rover friends,
often blamed. Of course, Landys new and old, are sure to come to your
take it all in their stride without aid and enjoy the event with you.
so much as a complaint, grumble It is uncanny how they are there
or murmur. After all, the poor
Landy isn’t able to answer back.
This suits us ‘operators’- making
us feel, mistakenly, more powerful
and superior. In reality every such
incidence experienced of Land Rover
non-cooperation, non-compliance, or
any other such mulishness we might
call them, are in fact the result of

16

17

when you need them most. Very renovation, stress and ‘pocket
occasionally though, when you have mining’.
been especially brainless, you might
wish they would evaporate. PTIs come in various guises; the
list is almost endless. Each one is a
We’ve all been there. Remember the lesson making life more interesting,
old saying: “80% of the Land Rovers exciting, rewarding and memorable.
ever built are still on the road, the
other 20% got home”. An immense For each worthy PTI I award my
untruth, as all owners know. Every version of the CTM (Camel Trophy
Landy is perfectly capable of ‘getting Medal)
home’. A few - I agree - may need Concocted to recall memories of the
a degree of persuasion and TLC Camel Trophy for the people, places,
to get there. Occasionally this pleasures and sacrifices met along the
takes months or years of grafting, Landy road.

Thank you, Land Rover, for all
the adventure, experience and the
urge to do more with the great
life you have and continue to
open up for me and my friends
worldwide. A well-earned CTM
goes to all Land Rovers.

I look forward to telling you of
some of my many PTIs enjoyed
over years in different countries,
not all involving a Landy directly,
but one was with me at the time
of each ‘hiccup’.

As a new owner once said to
me unwittingly – “did I park my
Landy or is it broken down”?

Perhaps a PTI?

My version of the CTM
(Camel Trophy Medal)

18 Yorkshire mud

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BRING BACK PROOF.

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19

Nedbank Tour de Tuli
LROC’s role as Support Group

The Nedbank Tour de Tuli and the Furthermore, it offers private access
Land Rover Owners’ Club (LROC) to almost 2.5 million hectares of the
have had an established relationship finest wildlife, marine areas as well
since the inception of the Tour in as diverse cultures. By contributing
2005. During the LROC 2017 to the conservation of Africa’s
AGM Jakob Jordaan presented spectacular biodiversity, the company
a brief overview of the Tour shares the benefits derived from
prompting requests that the content ecotourism with rural communities.
should be shared with the broader
LROC audience for information Apart from these specialized,
purposes and to prompt volunteer educational and explorative safaris
participation. across eight African countries,
Wilderness Safaris is host to almost
Wilderness Safaris 50 luxury though remote camps. 85%
of the staff at Wilderness Safaris are
Wilderness Safaris was founded from the rural villages around where
in Botswana in 1983 and is widely the camps are located. Although it
acclaimed as Africa’s foremost sounds exciting, the children grow
ecotourism operator. Guests can up in isolated surroundings far away
expect life-changing journeys from appropriate educational, skills
through some of the most remote development facilities and resources.
and pristine areas on the continent.

Kwetsani Camp – one of the Wilderness Safaris’ Vembura Plains Camp – one of the
20 remote camps in Botswana Wilderness Safaris’ remote camps in

Botswana

Children in the Wilderness development
• Teacher training programs
In an attempt to address this • Extensive scholarship
challenge, Wilderness Safaris
established Children in the programs
Wilderness (CITW) as a non- • Nutrition programs in
profit organization to develop the
leadership skills and environmental schools
education of the children in remote • Setup and development of
areas. Children from nearby rural
areas are often included in the vegetable gardens
programs designed to instill the • Installation of solar water
importance and relevance of nature
conservation in day-to-day living. pump and water tank systems
The environmental and life skills
educational platform created through CITW children upliftment support during the
this initiative focuses on the next NTDT
generation of decision-makers by
inspiring them to care for their Nedbank Tour de Tuli
natural heritage and to assume the
role of future custodians of these
areas.

The CITW education initiatives,
however, are costly and CITW was
inspired to introduce the annual
mountain bike adventure, Nedbank
Tour de Tuli, as a fundraising effort
relying on voluntary support.

CITW children education pogramme in The first Tour was held in 2005 as
action the Tour de Kruger covering the
Transfrontier park that includes
CITW assists children, teachers and the Kruger National Park in South
parents to learn in their own milieus Africa and the Parque Nacional Do
about the following: Limpopo in Mozambique. After four
years, the Tour was relocated to the
• Village upliftment Transfrontier park across the Greater 21
• School infrastructure

Mapungubwe area jointly in South medical practitioners and masseuses
Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. constantly caring for possible injuries
Hence known as the Nedbank Tour and specifically the hard-working
de Tuli. Over the years the tours legs! There is also a dedicated
developed in stature to become administrative area.
some of the finest mountain biking
experiences worldwide. Participation All funds raised through the NTDT
gives national as well as international are channeled directly into the
cyclists the opportunity to live out CITW program. In 2016, a nett
their passion for cycling in some profit of R3.5 million was paid over
of Africa’s most remote natural for CITW educational purposes!
wonders.
LROC Volunteer Contribution

Cyclists on the NTDT in Botswana Since the NDTD’s inception in
2005, LROC drivers and their
vehicles have been involved as
voluntary staff assisting with the
respective Tours. This effort is
organized under the leadership of
Andrew Howard. Up until now, a
combined total of about 240 LROC
vehicles participated as support
vehicles. During the Tour, LROC
support staff assist with logistical
support to key personnel:

In 2016 the NTDT attracted almost • Medical doctors, nurses
320 cyclists and 120 support staff. and masseuses with all their
They overnight in custom-made medical kit are transported
temporary bush camps assembled in from camp to camp as well as
virgin bush areas. The camps consist on the cycle route
of one-man tents for all, a medical
tent as well as ablution facilities. • Photographers and
It also has a transportable kitchen cameramen are transported
preparing meals and refreshments on the cycle route
for about 450 patrons. Furthermore,
a marquee tent is erected to serve • They act as ‘weep vehicles’
as dining area for the hungry and collecting those in need on
a bar for the thirsty and brave! The the cycle route
medical facility includes dedicated
• Manning strategic points
22 along the cycle route

LROC vehicles with VHF radios • Two rows of seats that can
cover the full geographical daily accommodate up to four
distance of about 70 kilometers. In passengers
the end this creates the backbone of
the Tour’s communication network. • A tow bar
• A licensed VHF radio with
The actual Tour requires intensive
preparation and for this purpose the latest ORRA frequencies
Andrew Howard and Jakob Jordaan allocated to the channels
are respectively responsible for • A GPS to guide you to
the recces of the vehicle routes the remote places. You will
in South Africa, Botswana and receive the necessary track
Zimbabwe. Although the areas for logs prior to the Tour - sound
the NTDT stay the same, the daily knowledge of the Garmin
routes differ from year to year. The Basecamp software is
recces aim to identify and set up recommended!
track logs for these routes between • Overnight tent
the overnight camps (mainly for • Recovery equipment for the
the support vehicles), tea stops for technical sections and river
the cyclists, strategic points and crossings
emergency rescue roads. A joint total During the Tour, you will be catered
of approximately 80 LROC vehicles for with food and soft drinks.
were involved in the preparatory
phase from the inception of the Tour.

How can I join the NTDT support LROC volunteers at Strat 6 for the afternoon
teams? briefing.....

The dedicated assistance of the Furthermore, a transport allowance
Land Rovers and their drivers from is payable to you for fuel and toll fees
the LROC certainly contributed to expenditure.
the overall success of the NTDT
events. To ensure that you and your 23
Land Rover become part of these
passionate teams, you have to meet
the necessary preconditions. You
will have to be a paid-up member of
the LROC, be available for 5 days to
attend the full event and ensure that
your vehicle is equipped with the
following:

Above: Taking a break…. Below: Being a LROC v

Still attracted to volunteer as a LROC member for the Tour? Then
the registration details. You w

24

volunteer for the NTDT has its privileges…

n email your interest to [email protected] for
will be heartily welcomed!

25

Angola - cost and affordability

by Malcolm Timberlake

Many of us have heard that Angola takes me. But if you’re working with
is one of the most expensive places limited leave, this option isn’t viable.
in Africa. How one travels and for Dave Morgan, who organised the
how long are big determinants of trip had done something we don’t do
affordability. What is affordable often in the Club, he had
for one may not be affordable for found a guide, Martin Le Roux,
another. The initial cost estimates who has done many trips through
may not be the final costs. Angola before. Many questions were
asked regarding his reliability and
The first and obvious issue when experience, and then answered at our
it comes to affordability is the first meeting, when Dave Betton,
immediate cost of an overland trip, who had previously been on a trip
such as the one we undertook to with Martin, put our minds at ease.
Angola. However, the uncertainty lingered.
A WhatsApp group, Landy to
When I got the call to join a group Angola, was formed by Martin and
to go to Angola, getting a feel for on this forum many questions were
the costs was a first thought. This posed and information was gathered.
having to be weighed up against the The proposed route was planned.
opportunity of the experience. Just to This was to be a ‘self-drive, self-cater’
get to the departure point, Ruacana, trip. We were to meet in Ruacana
is quite a distance and then there on the 9th September at 16h00 after
were other considerations, such as making our own way there. This
how much leave would have to be
taken to ensure a reasonable trip. Our guide Martin
And so, as with all trips, the process
of data-gathering started. Email
links to websites and magazine
articles were exchanged, and
conversations were held with people
who had already been there. This
process can take a long time, as many
know. Sometimes I think I would
like to pack, get into the Landy and
just wing it and see where the road

26

was no different to all other LROC Diesel in Angola was 135 Kwanzas
trips we had done but the distances per litre and at the official exchange
were far greater. Spreadsheet models rate of K12/R1 (officially known as
were exchanged, with cost estimates AOA/R) this calculated to R11.25/
changing by the week. My first litre – not too far out of line with
estimate was around R37 000 for the average price in SA, Namibia
two of us including guide fees and a and Botswana through which we
R5000 contingency! That was based had to travel. The one pre-booked
on 8000 km and R12/litre average - accommodation we had at Flamingo
fuel being the highest cost item by lodge, was paid for in advance and
far. paid in Rands. Martin’s guidance was
to take only R5000, and he could
A cost cutting suggestion was made arrange an exchange into Kwanzas,
that we go without a guide. Others which eventually was at 30K/R1.
have done it, so why shouldn’t we? Why the big difference? Apparently,
While we mulled it over, another Angolans need currency to buy
question soon arose: Could we afford goods in Namibia which they can
the risk? So, while the thought do in Rands, and are prepared to pay
lingered, it didn’t gain much traction. informal exchange rates. This was
subsequently confirmed in a report
Translating the costs into the right I read put out by Rand Merchant
currency was the next question. Bank in South Africa, stating
What to take and how much? Do that many goods are traded at the
we take US dollars or Kwanzas (as informal rate. This fact made things
well as Rands)? How much of each all the more affordable. Diesel would
and what would be needed for an then cost the equivalent of R4.50/
emergency. Insurance cover excluded litre, or 3 times less. Our guide
repatriation in Angola so what would fees had just been made far more
it cost to get to the Namibia border? affordable.
What if this or that happened and
worse still, a crisis on Doodsakker? We travelled a total of 8800 km, 3
So, we exchanged information. I days to Ruacana, 20 days in Angola
decided to take US$1000 in cash and 3 days back to Johannesburg.
as part of the emergency fund as a Only 4200km of which were inside
credit card could not be relied on. Angola, starting and ending in
The political fallout of Nenegate Ruacana. The larger amount of
had blown out the Rand to well 4600km was travelled getting to
over R16/$ so I waited, hoping for Ruacana and back. Some of our
a recovery to more reasonable levels, group decided to extend their travels
which paid off in the end when by visiting Etosha before the trip
it recovered to around R13.50/$.
27

or after. With only 2 nights at sometimes a fuel station with a
Flamingo lodge, the rest of the trip water point) and how much time to
in Angola involved bush camping spend at each spot. When on a tight
or beach camping. This cost saving timetable, it’s really valuable to have
made Angola far more affordable. experience at hand.
Finding the right campsite each
night was part of the reason for Accidents should be avoided at
having an experienced guide. We all cost in Angola as it could be
did a lot of travelling each day and expensive. However, this is not
the thought of the added hassle of something that is always within our
finding a camping spot, and reaching control: Dave had a vehicle cut in
agreement within a group, increased front of him during busy lunchtime
our appreciation of having a guide traffic in Lubango. Working with
who took us directly to a convenient the local traffic police, making
(and safe!) overnight spot before statements and negotiating with the
sunset. The aspect of time and vehicle owner and driver (not the
effort is too often overlooked when same person and both Portuguese),
considering cost and affordability. needed some understanding of
local ways. Reaching a settlement at
Another, but related factor in the right price in such a situation,
determining affordability, is the makes affordability take on a whole
choice of border crossing and the new meaning. Imagine having your
time it could cost by making a passport and Identity documents
wrong call. Our trip was in an anti- withheld and still having to pay for
clockwise direction mainly due to accommodation etc. while you wait,
our wanting to do Doodsakker from or possibly having to return to the
north to south, so instead of using country for a court hearing – at an
Santa Clara as our entrance border, undetermined future date! Having
Martin took us through Calueque, a US dollars certainly helps but what
small yet newly built border post, not you end up paying in the settlement
far from Ruacana - hardly seen on is a function of the skill of your
Google maps. Going through Santa guide.
Clara would have been very time
consuming as many have testified. The other question, which only arose
as we travelled through Angola, was
When it came to sight-seeing what economic and environmental
and finding water points, the cost costs Angola has suffered due to
of having a guide faded into the various issues.
background. He knew exactly where
to go for clean water (sometimes The first and most striking
a communal water wheel, and observation regarding the economic
cost to the country is the long-term
28

29

Unfortunately, time did not
allow us to interact with
locals, nor did we have the
language to do so, but we
were all touched by what we
saw.

Then there remain the
ever-present land mines, in
some areas clearly marked
to prevent entrance into an
area.

effects of the war on Angola. There is We visited the graves of Angolan
clear evidence of the devastation that and Cuban soldiers who died in
followed the war and we also came battle. These graves are derelict and
across the remnants in the form of do little justice to the cost of that
abandoned military equipment from war. The best depiction of the war
tanks to armoured cars, artillery guns is in Luanda at the São Miguel fort
and shells. We visited bunkers where and War museum. This was a most
military activity took place. We saw informative visit and definitely not to
damaged bridges and abandoned be missed. In fact, a visit to Luanda
Mig fighter jet drop tanks. However, is a must.
what is not seen by the tourist is
the loss of life that occurred and the North of Luanda are the many
emotional impact that must have abandoned ships which lie there
had on families and communities like beached whales as a monument
who used to live and laugh together to the start of the civil war in
in what are now derelict, burned out 1975. Then there was the cost of
abandoned buildings. the Dorsland Trekkers who spent
months travelling to Angola, only to
30 have to return many years later.

The second striking observation was from baboon to various small buck
the deforestation taking place around and even a python. We were horrified
Uige, the most northern point of our to see the carcass of a Pangolin for
trip. Large areas are being burnt and sale, given that on our return we
replaced with banana plantations. We were to hear that SITES CoP17 had
passed logging trucks carrying huge finally declared a total ban on all
tree trunks; trees that would take trade in Pangolin of which 4 species
years to regrow. are found in Africa.

A related observation was the Neither of these industries is
prolific availability of charcoal. The sustainable and Angola will need to
Angolans don’t sell wood along the take action soon as it cannot afford
side of the road, as you will find in so the destruction of the environment
many parts of South Africa. Rather, in this way in the long run. However,
we could buy large bags of charcoal. it must be mentioned that fresh
Often we would see smoke rising produce and the ever-present
from forest areas where charcoal was traditional chicken delicacies are
being made. This remains an income available at vibrant roadside markets
for many, especially in the more throughout the rural areas as well as
remote areas we passed through. in towns along the route. At these
This charcoal burns effectively and markets informal traders sell many
we used it for most of our regular other products including beautiful
evening braai fires. African fabrics and hardware.

Thirdly, the killing of wild animals The fourth observation was the
for food which are hung for sale unmaintained infrastructure.
along the side of the road ranging Incomplete and unmaintained

31

electrical installations, water foreign exchange with capital
canals, and roads, which all projects and social programmes
will cost more the longer they either grinding to a halt or severely
are allowed to go unrepaired. being cut back. Fitch ratings agency
This is particularly the case recently confirmed this cutback in
with roads. The costs escalate capital expenditure in Angola. In a
with time which places a far recent report I read that Angola will
higher demand on the public have to cut its fuel subsidy in 2017,
purse in the end. On occasion so the cost of travel in Angola is
we did experience good likely to rise. Once commodity prices
roads built by the Chinese. rise again, the Angolans will again be
The bridge which crosses able to afford to continue building
the Rio Catumbela outside their infrastructure and so improve
Lobito is a masterpiece in modern life for all their citizens - as well as
engineering. The road from Lobito for tourists.
down to Dombe Grande is also good
and allows one to enjoy the scenery, A clear positive sign for me, however,
instead of the distraction of avoiding was the number of motorbikes on the
potholes and driving at continuously roads, even in remote areas. Not only
varying speeds.

Then there is the dependence on
oil revenue. The Angolans run an
oil-for-infrastructure programme.
This is evident in the houses which
were built outside many of the larger
towns. Unfortunately, many remain
empty as they are too far from the
business centres, making transport a
problem. We saw road infrastructure
dependent on the oil revenues that
have ground to a halt. En route from
Dombe Grande to Lucira we passed
no less than 13 incomplete bridges,
around which we had to make large
detours.

With the price of oil falling from
over $100 a barrel to under $50 more
recently, many African oil exporting
countries have been starved of

32

do they provide affordable transport infrastructure, meeting the needs of
for many families, but a motorbike its people If Angola is to see tourists
is far cheaper to buy and run than a arrive in greater numbers travel will
vehicle, thus improving affordability need to be made easier by improving
to many. Along the road, we found the means of travel and reducing the
fuel stalls where bottles of fuel were administrative cost, in particular visa
being sold. This is a clear illustration applications.
of how industrious the Angolans are
in finding appropriate solutions to Travelling in Angola the way we did
their problems. is not as expensive as was initially
expected. The diversity of experiences
Angola is a large country with made it all very worthwhile and our
many challenges, not least of which excellent, experienced guide was a
are: overcoming the devastation welcome bonus.
of the civil war and rebuilding the

Dorsland graves

33

PE Chapter 2016 Report

7 February - Off Camber the run brought some more loose
The first run of 2016 was a return descents, some of them very steep
to Off Camber, last visited by us with two step (so named for the
in February 2012. Off Camber is double steep steps ) causing some of
close to Port Elizabeth at the start the vehicles’ back wheels to leave the
of the Elands River Road and has a ground and a rush of adrenaline as
very nice off road track with some the landy surges forward for a couple
challenging obstacles. It also boasts of meters before regaining grip
some excellent braai and camping and exiting the corner at the base
facilities and a large swimming pool. of the hill. As they say what goes
Six landys arrived to enjoy the down must go up - or something
day: two lovely Range Rovers (a like that - so, another log bridge
classic and a P38) 1 Discovery and and steep climb out of the valley
3 Defenders. We set off on the followed. The ground was very loose,
run and enjoyed some interesting the Range Rover spitting rocks from
descents and off camber tracks with its tyres. Oh no! I think I’ve got the
a short steep turn onto a double log line wrong, lost traction, back it up
bridge which had to be taken with a bit, not too far, don’t want to get
care to avoid dropping a wheel off into the bushes, change the line a
the logs. Progressing further into little… The Rangie finds grip on
her Cooper STTs and we are on
34
our way. No stopping now
until it flattens out and we
can stop and go back to
watch the others. Next is
the Rangie P38; the 4.6
V8 sounds lovely. Oh no!
Malcolm has taken the
same line as me and got
into the loose stuff and lost
traction, unfortunately the
V8 beast can’t seem to find
enough grip to get forward
motion and every meter

35

back takes him closer to the trees. think it proved how good traction
After some discussion, it was decided control works as he of course made
that I should walk the 20km back to it look easy keeping a constant
where I left my Range Rover (it felt slow pace and moving the steering
that far to me) and reverse down the slightly from side to side to gain
hill far enough to be able to attach traction. Very impressive; I was quite
several tow straps together in order suspicious that he had lockers front
to be able to assist Malcolm to gain and rear but he insists the Landy is
enough momentum to break free of standard.
the loose stuff. The rest of the run was great fun
with some brilliant deep gulleys and
At this point I have forgotten to loose inclines to challenge us all. We
mention the two 14 year old girls finished with a braai and the children
in the back of my Range Rover, my enjoying the swimming pool washing
daughter and her friend. Although off the day’s dust. Mark and Lisa
my daughter has been on many 4x4 also drove out to join us for the braai.
trips, this was her friend’s first one 13 February - Wayne Bolton Save
and she seemed less than impressed the Rhino - Addo
that we are reversing down the same On Saturday, the 13th February, we
hill we recently battled to drive were lucky enough to be invited to
up. Still they were soon engrossed join the Addo Honorary Rangers
in their gaming consoles again
and not too concerned. Now that and Kingsley Holgate to welcome
Malcolm was extracted, we watched Wayne Bolton on the final leg of his
the defender drivers and 80 day cycling trip touching many of
Dawie in his Disco 4
earnestly discussing how
they were to conquer the
hill. Dawie was up next,
charting a course to the
right of the loose stuff
and making it look easy.
He was followed by Jerry
and Carl also making
short work of it albeit
with some wheel spin and
plenty of loose rocks being spat out
by the tyres. Last was Xander in a
Defender TD5 with traction control
who took the most difficult line. I

36

19th, 20th March - Rooihoek
Baviaanskloof

the SAN Parks around South Africa. We are indeed spoilt to have such a
Wayne was cycling to raise money beautiful wilderness area so close to
in support of Rhino Conservation. PE. The Baviaans Kloof is always so
Wayne had embarked on his 6000km enjoyable to drive through. We left
expedition on his bicycle over two early Saturday morning to drive the
and a half months ago to visit 19 100km or so through Patensie in the
SAN Parks around South Africa. Gamtoos valley to the start of the
A group of cyclists gathered in Baviaans trail. A stop was made at
Patterson and joined Wayne and Komdomo, to collect our prebooked
the “One Land Love It” team for permits for the camp site and then
the final 23km to the park where we proceeded to the wilderness.
a gathering of Honorary Rangers,
Land Rover owners and Kingsley Although a little dry, the Baviaans is
Holgate had formed to watch the always special to me. I was fortunate
Addo Ranger Guard of Honour to be a passenger for this trip which
escort Wayne into the allowed me to really enjoy the
main camp. We joined stunning views as I was driving along
the crowd in the Boma with Carl in his TD5 Defender.
to listen to Kingsley, Carl had definitely come prepared
Wayne and others speak as the landy was packed to the roof;
of their passion to save even squeezing in my sleeping bag
the Rhino from the and cooler box etc. was a challenge.
scourge of the poachers. Also along for the trip was Julian,
Afterwards we enjoyed a Helen and their young son and
drive through the Addo
Elephant Park before
heading home.

37

daughter in their V8 County Station up and the water pistols were armed
Wagon, Mark in his V8 Disco 2 to discourage monkeys from trying
accompanied by two friends, Jerry in to steal every piece of food in sight
his 2.8 Defender and Rod Fox, who although this ploy didn’t work 100%
met up with us later on Saturday, also as Mark declared “I am sure I packed
in a defender. some potatoes in the Landy - what
happened to the potatoes? ”, Stitch,
When we arrived at Rooihoek, we Mark’s friend, came back from their
found the camp sites to be poorly site and explained that there was a
demarcated and it was difficult to monkey sitting in the tree next to
work out which numbers were ours, their site enjoying Marks potatoes.
although thankfully there were not Oh well, this is a good reminder to
many other campsites taken so we keeps things closed.
took those
we thought As the night
should fell and the
be ours. fire burned,
Talking to we enjoyed
the other a braai
campers, and the
it seemed camaraderie
that they of Land
had booked Rover folks.
several Oh yes, we
sites so we found out
were not why Mark’s
expecting friend is
an influx of rowdy campers later called Stitch. He was a medic in the
on. As I relaxed with a cold beer SA army during the conflicts and got
and checked out the river, Carl his name because he could sew so
got busy setting up camp and nicely.
unpacking the Landy. I thought it
best not interfere as he seemed to On Sunday we enjoyed a lazy
have everything under control. I morning, and then walked in and
must add that Carl, his wife Julie, along the river, crossing over to the
and son Duncan, are seasoned long other side to find what appeared
distance travelers and are always well to be leopard prints in the sand.
organized. Soon the fire was going The water was clear and cool. The
and Carl was busy with a pot bread. children and adults thoroughly
The other campers were also all set enjoyed the swim.

38

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39

Later in the afternoon, Carl and I, constructed all those years ago.
and Julian and family left for home, Lunch was at The Lookout
while Mark, his friends and Jerry Restaurant, overlooking the citrus
decided to stay another night. We orchids of Kirkwood. It was a very
left them some of our provisions lovey venue, reasonably priced with
and headed home. On one of the good service.
sharp passes, we met a vehicle 21 May - Brakefontein
towing an off road trailer. Well Seven Land Rovers joined the 4x4
he wasn’t towing at the time as he club for this outing to a farm just
seemed to be having a problem. Of outside Kirkwood. In total there were
course Julian being Julian was the probably around 18 vehicles. After
first out to see if he could assist and the formalities and finding Carl who
dived under the trailer to assess the
problem. After a half an hour or so, had lost his way after stopping to
he had managed to assist another vehicle, we were ready
carry out a temporary to go. Of course when there are a lot
repair to the spring of vehicles, the going can be quite
hanger of the trailer slow and this run included some
and the most grateful fairly steep loose climbs so being at
travelers were able the back of the convoy was a matter
to continue on their of patience and enjoying the scenery.
journey. Not too Today was to be no different; one of
much later we were our newer LROC attendees found
back on the tar and the first assent quite daunting and
on our way home. made what seemed simple to any

24 April -
Paardepoort / The
Lookout Restaurant, Kirkwood

Six landys turned out for the social
Sunday lunch run. We drove out
on the R75 to Wolvefontein and
then joined some dirt roads to make
our way back towards Kirkwood
via Paardepoort. The Paardepoort
pass is very scenic and an area not
frequently driven. When I drive
these old roads, it never ceases
to amaze me, how they were

40

other drivers, look difficult. We beautiful gardens and large stoops.
then realized he had not engaged his We left late in the afternoon for the
Defender’s center lock. Once this drive home. It was a very nice day
was pointed out, progress was much out.
easier.
19 June - Darlington Dam
The run itself was a trip up to the
lookout point and a return down
the same way which was not so
challenging for some but others
found sections difficult. A Toyota
bakkie had to be recovered by
another bakkie, fortunately for the
driver not a Landrover.

The braai facilities were excellent

and the farm house was very

interesting to look around. We Only four landys made the trip out

LIHULeLnAjo6yAedD alagnldismcappse o20f 1y4es1t1e/r2y4e/a1r4 10:14 AMtoPDagaerl1ington Dam, formally Lake

with such lovely large cool rooms, MeCntzM. ThY e dCMamMYis CaYn CiMmYprKessive

41

sight in the middle of the arid Mount Ingwe is fast becoming a
country side. It was completed in favourite with us as our host Lucas
1922 and ironically was followed by is very hospitable and the farmhouse
a prolonged drought with the dam accommodation is very reasonably
only filling up in 1928. Many settlers priced and well-appointed with
who invested in the construction of plenty of things to do and keep all
the dam lost their money due to the ages occupied.
problems encountered during the
construction process. The dam wall The weather was wet with light
was raised by 1.5 meters in 1935 to drizzle on the way out, making the
increase capacity lost to siltation and approximately 70km of dirt road
again in 1951 by 5.8 meters. more enjoyable and of course the
landys made light work of it. Some
Anyway that is enough history. We of the guys took their off road bikes
met up with Rob and Moira who and disappeared to one side of the
had driven down from Bedford in farm, while those of us with more
their lovely Series 2 station wagon. sense drove a section on the other
Although we were a small group side in our Land Rovers, following a
we had a very enjoyable braai at the track which climbed steeply up the
edge of the dam, with only one other mountain to eventually reach a small
vehicle in sight some distance away. hut close to the top with magnificent
views over the valley that we
My daughter Meghan had an glimpsed though the low lying cloud
opportunity to test her newly from time to time.
acquired metal detector and found
some real treasure: enough tent After a look around the hut, we
pegs to pitch several tents and a descended on another track which
spark plug attached to some fishing hadn’t been used for some time. It
line obviously used as a sinker. entailed some clearing of vegetation,
Unfortunately she found no gold ably performed by Carl. Not long
coins or Kruger Rands but never after we returned to our camp, the
mind. guys with bikes returned with Mark
having taken a fall and in some pain
30th, 31th July - Mount Ingwe with what appeared to be a broken
shoulder. Shortly after, Mark’s wife,
42 Lisa, and Jerry’s wife, Nikki, arrived
having come out later due to other
commitments. Lisa sent Mark to
hospital with his friend Kerry and
announced she was staying as she

43

and their daughter, Sarah, had been Zuurberg is always a favorite
looking forward to the weekend and amongst the members. We met
Mark wasn’t going to spoil it for at Nanaga farm stall just past
them. She said it’s his own fault if Colchester at the intersection of
he wants to play with motorbikes. the Grahamstown, Port Alfred
It was a cold evening and the guys Cookhouse roads. Along for the
gathered around the braai outside, trip were two Range Rovers, three
discussing the off road merits of Defenders, a Series 3 station wagon,
Land Rover versus motorbikes and a Series 2A station wagon and 4
all agreed that though slower off Discos, one of whom just drove by
road, there was little chance of falling our gathering in the car park, got
off a Landrover unless you were chatting with us and decided to join
doing something very stupid. The us for the day.
ladies on the other hand sat inside
in a nice warm room and probably We drove up to towards Sidbury,
had a similar conversation but could turned down to enter Shamwari
see little merit in either motorbikes Game Reserve, drove through part
or Land Rovers and were just going of the reserve and then up past
along to make sure their husbands Alicedale. We crossed through
didn’t do anything stupid like another game area, where we saw
agreeing to buy another Land Rover many buck and antelope; eventually
- nor a motorbike. joining the N10. We then drove
down through the Olifants Kop Pass
News came through that Mark had before turning onto another dirt road
only sustained sprained ligaments to enter the Zuurberg range. At this
and nothing was broken which point Juan informed us that he had
lifted everyone’s spirits , and the run out of fuel. (It must be noted
celebrations carried on well into the that his vehicle had been running
night. On Sunday morning, some quite rich but, wow, this was some
members went out on
another run while others
chose to stay at the camp
and enjoy a leisurely
breakfast before packing
the landys for the journey
home.

25 September - Zuurberg
Lunch Run

44

45

serious fuel consumption even for a enjoyed by all.
6 cylinder series 3). Anyway a plan
was soon hatched to organize some After lunch we sat out on the
fuel and we continued on our way, veranda enjoying the view and
arriving at the wonderful Zuurberg company while our overindulgence
hotel in time for their extravagant settled and then we set off for home
Sunday carvery lunch thoroughly via the Zuurberg Pass. This is one of
our most well attended runs; must
have something to do with the lunch.

2 - 4 December - Christmas Camp
Mount Ingwe

After our previous stay at Mount
Ingwe, we had all agreed that Mt
Ingwe would be an ideal venue for
the Christmas camp, having all the
facilities to keep the children, ladies
and guys happily occupied. We

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drove out on the Friday in the early Groot River Poort in September
afternoon. Being only approximately 2015 the water had been pushing
an hour and a half drive from PE it over the bonnet of the Landys when
is quick to get to and allows plenty entering the river. The heat in the
of time to unpack and enjoy the river valley was horrendous; probably
evening. We were all to make our 40°+ so after a short stop we started
own way there, but by chance we met the journey back up the mountain
Carl, Julie and Duncan and Jerry and track. What little breeze there was
Nikki at the start of the Elands River came from behind us and the Range
Road and so drove in convoy to our Rover was feeling the heat with the
destination. temperature gauge rising past normal
even with the electric fans on, so on
After arriving and unpacking the reaching the top of the climb we
landys, the fire was started and Carl stopped for a while to let her cool a
prepared his famous chicken potjie little.
while Julie made a delicious potato
bake. Carl provided sweetie bags for In the distance we could see 10 or
the children and sweet treats for the so wild horses, we watched as they
adults. Several chocolate slabs and slowly made their way towards us
packets of sweets, chips and biscuits maybe hoping to get some food
appeared in our rooms. I think Carl from us. They looked quite thin and
is destined to become the children’s undernourished. After a short while
favorite uncle, as well as mine and we set off again to make our way
Belinda’s as we do like a little bit of back to camp. When I say camp,
chocolate. We had a great evening the term is used loosely as we were
of chatting and catching up with staying in two beautifully renovated
all our LROC friends’ news and of 4 bedroom farmhouses.
course the evening would not have
been complete without one of Jerry As we returned, we found the others
and Nikki’s always welcome Irish sitting in the shade of an old wild fig
Coffees. tree.

Saturday morning dawned
hot and sunny. A few of
us had a drive down to
the Groot River Poort but
there was not much water
flowing - hardly enough
to wet the tyres. The last
time we came through the

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The children were spraying each box wine.
other with water pistols. Adults
usually run away from being squirted Our evening ended with a braai and
by water pistols, but not today. later with an Irish coffee, sitting
Everyone was welcoming being in front of the house with all the
sprayed and made no effort to avoid lights off, gazing at the stars and
the water. Later in the afternoon, contemplating the meaning of life. I
Father Christmas made his usual think I worked it out: Get out there
appearance, on the bonnet of a 110 and enjoy your landy, your family and
Defender, to bring pressies for young friends while you can.
and old and sweetie bags for the
children. It is always satisfying to see As I have mentioned, it had been a
the excitement of the children and very hot weekend and many of us
hearing the laughter of the adults had parked our vehicles under the
when Father Christmas hands out shade of the trees at Mount Ingwe
the gifts. with the windows and doors open to
keep the vehicles cool. When Mark
Once we were back in the Landy we
realized we had additional sweetie and Lisa arrived
bags, so we took a drive to the small home on Sunday
houses of the domestic workers evening and
who look after the accommodation were unpacking
and Father Christmas handed their Disco 2
over what we had left, much to the they noticed
astonishment of those sitting around an unwelcome
their fire enjoying some chateau de passenger
slithering out
48 from under the
vehicle: a rather
large female
Boomslang.
On enquiring
how they knew
it was female, they said it was
heading towards the shops. Oh and
something about the colour. They are
not sure if it had been underneath
the vehicle or inside the vehicle … I
can only imagine the scene if it had
been discovered inside while on the
trip home.

It has been another wonderful year with our LROC friends and we are
looking forward to many more runs in 2017.

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Trees of Africa

Aloe dichotoma (Quiver Tree, Kokerboom)
Small tree with a thickset trunk and dense, rounded crown; occurring in desert and semi-desert
areas, usually on rocky ridges. Leaves blue-green or yellowish green, spineless on both surfaces.
The soft branches were once used by the San as quivers for their arrows. A favourite nesting site for
social weaver birds.
A. pillansii has a taller trunk with fewer, more erect branches and a sparse crown. It is confined to
the Richtersveld and adjacent areas

A. dichotoma: tree A. pillansii: tree

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