LANDROVING IN KZN

February 2005

3 Falls January 2005                                             By George Goswell

19 vehicles turned up even though the weather looked like it would rain. Rain it did not but still managed to get wet. The picture tells a story. Reversed back to get out of the stop over area and the wheels broke through the top sand layer. The Landy kept sinking down until its axels were resting on the bottom. Required 3 Landies to pull it out. Once out of the water a spray of Q20 and away we went. The only part other than inside that water got into was the gearbox. The gearbox was completely under water and the water got in via the gear stick. The good old 111S has been stuck in many a worse situation than this and this just add another episode to its life history.

The 3 Waterfalls are in the Shongweni valley. Close to Durban but far enough away for most to not know about them. I am sure that for those who it was their 1^st trip into the valley they were impressed with what is on their doorstep. Again I say it, you have the vehicle, use it.

The 1^st Waterfall is reached along dirt road along the railway service track. The trail has steep cliffs towing above one on the one side and a steep drop off on the other with views of the Shongweni Dam in the valley. The drive takes one through a tunnel before rounding the last corner and being presented with a large cliff faced bowl with a waterfall in the back corner. Not a very big river but at this time of the year the water dropping from rim above looks impressive.

The 2^nd Waterfall is over the ridge and in the next valley. The falls are reached by dirt road going up through the quarry. One is able to drive within 10 m of the top of the falls. A bigger fall of water and viewed from the top.

The 3^rd Waterfall (above picture) is reached along a trail that follows the river in the valley and crosses it a few times. Rocky and muddy in places but posed no problem for any of the vehicles on the way to the falls and the lunch stop. I kept stopping the convoy to walk back and offer assistance to some of the vehicles over the more technical sections. This makes the drive longer as we seem to be stopped more than moving. The drive is not only about reaching the Waterfall, but is a learning exercise in how to cope with the different types of terrain and building confidence in one’s vehicles capabilities.

This is what the LROC is all about, a group trail drive with experienced members willing to offer assistance and advice so that all will be able to experience the freedom and adventure that the Land Rover offers us.

Club Dates For Your Diary 

DARKEST AFRICA – Weenen 19-21 March 2005

Directions : Take the N3 up through the Mooi River toll and onto Escort. Take the Escort turn off and proceed through the town of Escort and out the other side on the R103. About 2.5 km outside Escort is a turn off to the right, Weenen / Weenen Game Reserve. Travel along this road for about 25km until the T junction with the R74. Here you turn right and will pass the entrance to the game reserve on your right. The town of Weenen is about 10km along the R74. As you come into Weenen there  is a petrol garage on the left, here you turn left and follow the dirt road for about 17/20km. Keep right at the fork  “Tugela Estates”  and cross the river. The turn off to Darkest Africa is to the right after the bridge.  If required to travel up with other members or would prefer to meet at the garage in Weenen then give Henry or George a call.

A few pictures from the December Lesotho trip across Southern Lesotho.

At the top of Ramalitso Pass                                                    At the entrance to Seforong Gorge

Going down to Seforong Gorge                                               The track up from our 2nd camp site next to the Senqu

OFF ROAD TIP. When the going gets tough and a vehicle has to be recovered or just lead through a tough section of the trail the information fed back to the driver needs to be understood. The driver needs to have a close relationship with the person outside to prevent misunderstanding. One person needs to take control and the hand signals used need to be understood by both driver and helper. Take a little time to explain and understand what is going to happen and the signals to be used. Do not rely on shouting as the commands shouted out may be drowned out by the noise of the engine and/or the winch.

Stand where you can be seen, make your signals clear and unambiguous and make sure that the driver knows exactly what you’re doing.

DEFENDER NEWS                                    Source : Land Rover Monthly

Land Rover have confirmed that the Defender will receive several modifications to ensure that the vehicle will stay in production until at least 2008. The announcement made at the end of 2004 confirmed that 750 jobs would be saved at Solihull. The major change will be the adoption of an engine from Ford’s Puma family of diesel engines to replace the TD5 and ensure that the vehicle will be Euro IV complaint for the new rules in 2006.

A Land Rover spokesman declined to be specific on the engine to be used but it is believed that the 2.4 litre unit used in the Transit is currently undergoing evaluation. Work is also underway to establish if Defender production can continue past 2008. Defender, the icon of the Land Rover range, continues to enjoy a healthy following, with sales for 2004 topping 18000 units.

FLAT WHEEL - LIGHT RELIEF: 

Questions asked on a South African Tourism Website about South Africa, which were answered by the website owner.

Q: Does it ever get windy in South Africa?    I have never seen it rain on TV, so how do your plants grow? (UK)
A: We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around watching them die.

Q: Will I be able to see elephants in the street? (USA)
A: Depends how much you've been drinking.

Q: I want to walk from Durban to Cape Town - can I follow the railroad  tracks? (Sweden)
A: Sure, it's only two thousand kilometers.    Take lots of water.

Q: Is it safe to run around in the bushes in South Africa? (Sweden)
A: So it's true what they say about Swedes.

Q: Are there any ATMs (cash machines) in South Africa?    Can you send me a list of them in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Knysna and Jeffrey's Bay? (UK)
A: What did your last slave die of?

Q: Can you give me some information about Koala Bear racing in South Africa?  (USA)
A: Aus-tra-lia is that big island in the middle of the Pacific. A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe which does not...   Oh forget it.    Sure, the Koala Bear racing is every Tuesday night in Hillbrow. Come naked.

Q: Which direction is north in South Africa? (USA)
A: Face south and then turn 180 degrees.    Contact us when you get there and we'll send the rest of the directions.

Q: Can I bring cutlery into South Africa? (UK)
A: Why?    Just use your fingers like we do.

Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule? (USA)
A: Aus-tri-a is that quaint little country bordering Germany, which is.. ..Oh forget it.   Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night  in  Hillbrow, straight after the Koala Bear races. Come naked.

Q: Do you have perfume in South Africa? (France)
A: No!    We don't stink.

Q: Can you tell me the regions in South Africa where the female population is smaller than the male population? (Italy)
A: Yes, gay nightclubs.

Q: Are there killer bees in South Africa? (Germany)
A: Not yet, but for you, we'll import them.

Q: Are there supermarkets in Cape Town and is milk available all year round?  (Germany)
 A: No, we are a peaceful civilisation of vegan hunter-gatherers.    Milk  is  illegal.

Q: Please send a list of all doctors in South Africa who can dispense rattlesnake serum.(USA)
A: Rattlesnakes live in A-mer-i-ca, which is where YOU come from. All South African snakes are perfectly harmless, can be safely handled and make good pets.

Q: I was in South Africa in 1969, and I want to contact the girl I dated while I was staying in Hillbrow. Can you help? (USA)
A: Yes, and you will still have to pay her by the hour.

Q: Will I be able to speek English most places I go? (USA)
A: Yes, but you'll have to learn it first.

CONVOY RULES. 

Trails should be done in the company of other vehicles. A few basic rules if adhered to will make the journey a lot more pleasant for all. The ideal situation would be for all the vehicles to have a CB radio installed. If this is not possible then position the vehicles with radio’s at the front, rear and in the middle of the convoy. Position the slower vehicles up towards the front of the convoy behind the leader.  

• Keep a gap between vehicles on the open road to allow others to be able to overtake.
• At all times keep the vehicle behind you in sight. If you loose sight of the vehicle slow down or stop, they could require help. The convoy will travel at the pace of the vehicles at the back.
• On dirt roads keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. The condition of the road will dictate the distance. Dust and loose stones need to be taken into account.
• On off road trails never enter an obstacle whilst the vehicle in front is still in the obstacle.
• Allow the vehicle up front time to get up or down a hill before you attempt it.
• Never overtake a vehicle in convoy on a trail, unless it’s to assist someone in distress. Use the radio to stop the convoy to allow safe passing.
• Once out of an obstacle wait to check if the vehicle behind requires help before heading off.
• If for what ever reason you need to leave the trail/convoy and head home inform the leader.
• Make sure that your vehicle has recovery points up front and at the rear. A tow hook is not a recovery point.

AND REMEMBER all the vehicles need to work together to allow all to enjoy the trail. If you require help or assistance along the trail do not feel embarrassed to stop the convoy and ask for assistance.

Dear George

The purpose of this email is to introduce the Overland Challenge 2005 to you and your club members. It is a non-sponsored and non-profit event and any exposure such as forwarding this mail to club members or to include this information in your club newsletters will be appreciated tremendously. The Final is free and traverse South Africa, Eastern Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia. The Final is also referred to as: Beira to Swakop 2005 - Indian to Atlantic Ocean - Big Seven of Africa - The R50 000 gift from above.

We truly believe that this is a world-class event presented by an extremely competent Team from the Overland Industry. We are convinced that 4X4 and outdoor orientated persons will find the Overland Challenge interesting, fun, challenging, rewarding, fulfilling, etc.etc.etc....  Much of the future of this very promising event is in your hands. Please assist us in spreading this message to the individuals who will determine its future. 

Extract out of the Media release:

"The Namib, Chobe, Vic Falls, Savuti, Makgadikgadi pans, Lake Malawi and Serengeti are some of the exotic destinations that more and more adventurous South Africans are exploring with their vehicles.

Overlanding as it is known requires skills such as driving, teamwork, theoretical knowledge and practical application. The Overland Challenge tests these skills by taking participants to some of the most beautiful and challenging Southern African destinations. Industry leaders hone the competitor's skills on route and the event is also used as a vehicle for various types of overland-orientated research and community upliftment. The Overland Challenge is suitable for beginners through to the most experienced Overlanders. For the mere price of an entrance fee to a competition each team receives much more than they paid for. This is excellent value for money.

The Qualification rounds are held over a full day within an hour's drive from Gauteng and Cape Town.  The entrance fee is R798 per team and a maximum of 250 teams may enter in total. Qualification rounds start on 5 March 2005 and run through to the end of April 2005.

The Semi-final rounds will be a five-day expedition to the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana."

For more information or to enter the challenge go to www.OverlandChallenge.co.za or phone 082 789 3314

I emphasise - This is neither a sponsored or profit making event. Thank you in advance for contributing to the success of this excellent event.

Best Overland Regards

Anton Matthee
www.OverlandChallenge.co.za - Organiser
Cell: 082 789 3314
email: anton@OverlandChallenge.co.za

The day after a man lost his wife in a boating accident, two grim-faced policemen greeted him at his door. "We're sorry to call on you at this hour, Mr. Wilkens, but we have some information about your wife." "Well, tell me!" the man said. The policeman said, "We have some bad news, some good news and some  really great news. Which do you want to hear first?" Fearing the worst, Mr. Wilkens said, "Give me the bad news first." So the policeman said, "I'm sorry to tell you sir, but this morning we found your wife's body in San Francisco Bay."  "Oh my god!" said Mr. Wilkens, overcome by emotion. Then, remembering what the policeman had said, he asked, "What's the good news?"  "Well," said the policeman, "When we pulled her up she had two  five-pound lobsters and a dozen good size Dungeness crabs on her." "If that's the good news than what's the great news?!" Mr. Wilkens  demanded. 
The policeman said, "We're going to pull her up again tomorrow morning.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Doc,
I've got a problem.  Sometimes while scrolling through trip reports I find myself only staring at the Land Rover pics instead of reading the whole article.  Sometimes even trip reports done by other vehicle makes isn't that interesting to read at all and seem to be somewhat boring!  Any Land Rover I see on the road or parked somewhere must be inspected, and each time seeing one I get a chill through my body with these luring images of some or other bush/camping scene scrolling in front of my eyes.  This sometimes leads to severe thoughts of not wanting to be in the city any more and even leads me to buying a big steak and heading home to start the fire. I think I've got a problem and need help.....!!!

FOR SALE

Land Rover ARB Diff Lock: For 90 or 110 or Discovery. R.4000 incl everything. Plus Roofrack For Land Rover 90, black aluminium R.2500. Tel. Wayne. 084-5802538

LANDROVER DISCOVERY SERIES 1: Bonnet R.800.. Rear prop shaft flex coupling R.200. 082-7799099

LANDROVER 2/3 SAFARI CANOPY: Full length top. Sides & rear door. Very good cond. R.5500. 011-9581544
 

LANDROVER DISCOVERY Roofrack: Full length aluminium. Incl 2 aluminium tables & extra fittings. R.2900. 082-5515049

LANDROVER SWB BIN: R.500. 031-5057118

LANDROVER TD5 SPARES: New s/steel exhaust pipe complete. R.2000. BBar. R.1200. 082-9255849

Looking for Series 1 & 11 spares give Ikuy Volkus a call.
He wants to get rid off them in a hurry as he is moving abroad. Give him a call.   057 - 3527116.

LANDROVER CSW TDI D: 300 Series. Good cond. Reliable. Lots of extras. R.70000. Tel. Ken 033-3975121. 084-7871237

Landrover Discovery 98: Left hand drive 2door V8 petrol. Selling for spares. Done 45000 km. Price R60000 082-6807294-

Landrover td 5 engine complete good condition R.25000 neg. tel. Wayne 0720640582 072-0640582

Landrover TD5, standard bull bar, good cond, R.900onco. 082-8296921

FRONT RUNNER ROOF RACK: For Landrover Defender 90, incl ladder. R.2900. Dbl Gas bottle holder for rear of Landrover. all in new cond. R.400 011-4636751

Spares: Roofrack, ladder, spots, awning. Safari Snorkel. 5 BF Goodrich tyres new. For Landrover Def 90. R.10000. Tel. 0836686599

LAND ROVER 110: Complete roof. R.1000 onco. Tel. Peter. 082-6533853-

Land Rover Discovery Series 1: Workshop Manual in electronic format. Very detailed. R.200. 082-7822173-

Land Rover Defender stationwagon: Land Rover original accessories. Back seats, loading space protector, front seats rubber carpets, rear light protection bars. Front bumper. R.2000 neg. 082-7847774-

Land Rover Discovery V8iS: 1997. NEW: Batt, Clutch, Water/Petrol Pump, Engine Mountings EXTRAS: Dual Batt, OME, Alum Bashplate, Bullbar Bumper, Stainless Water Tank, Rubber Mats, 29MHz Antenna. R99000 083-6348178-

LAND ROVER Rims x5: Forword control. 16". Good cond. R.1500. 021-7973048

Land Rover Discovery Equipment: Roofrack with side awing. R.5000. Roof tent complete. R.3500. GPS 300. R.800. Feul cans. Can be sold sep. R.9000 the lot. Tel. 082-8200228. 082-8200228

LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90: Roof rack. Alluminium. Black. R.2500. 083-6250608

LAND ROVER 90: Internal Rollcage. R.2500. 083-4001100

LAND ROVER ARB: Diff locker. R.5000. 083-4001100

Steel Land Rover Defender 90 Roofrack: Incl ladder, good cond. R.1200. (PTA East) Tel. John. 083-2765012

Rims: Five Land Rover Defender steel rims. Brand new, used for 1000 km only. R.1000 for all five. 082-7847774-

Canopy - Canvas for Land Rover 130, brand new,R.5000.00 082-5772346 

BULLBAR: To fit 2000 onwards Land Rover Discovery. Good condition. R.750. (Randburg). Tel. Gordon 082-8912672. 011-7927410

ALUMINIUM TWIN GAS BOTTLE BRACKET: With set of roof carriers to fit Land Rover Defender. R.800 or to swop for model RC aircraft. 083-2741944-

Toyota 2.4 Turbo Diesel, with adaptor plate, to take Series III Land Rover gearbox, R.11,500. Ph 082-7889355

Garmin 60 CS GPS: Brand new in box. Unwanted gift. R.3950. 082-4522702-

GPS GARMIN: Streetmap. R.400. 082-4265743

GPS MAP 76CS: Sophisticated GPS with all maps loaded. Has electronic compass & altimeter. Huge memory with colour screen & full auto routing. Brand new. Bargain. R.4216. 011-3358131-

GPSMAP 60CS. The most popular GPS with auto routing, electronic compass & altimeter. Brand new R.3972 082-4536407-

FRIDGE / FREEZER: Engel. 40L. 12V & 220V. Good cond. R.3500. 082-4648235

Yskas: Minus 40. In goeie werkende toestand. R.3500. (Silverton). 082-8870111

Fridge/Freezer: Minus 40, combination, R.3900. 073-1835263

Winch warn m8000.R4500 contact.Abrie 0724613559 072-4613559

Warn Winch, 9000i, R.4,500. Ph 082-9560587

Warn X9000i,9000 pound winch, In good working condition. R.4000 033-3914337-

2000 Land Rover Discovery (M) V8i XS (White) 70000km with balance of 2 year LR warranty (Nov 2004). Immaculate condition with TB/RT/AC/SR/Tracker and Nokia car kit. R170000.00 onco Call 031-7653675 0826039077 

1990 Defender Hi Line V8 SW. Galv chassis, power steering, air con, SS Exhaust, Air Con, 120l fuel tank, dual batt, howling moon awing. R70 000.00 onco. Eddie Alcock 031-7673143

WANTED

3 Door range Rover in good condition. Call Ralph 083666660

 3.5l V8 motor. Call Martin 0828782339

 Series 111S gearbox (Santana) complete or in pieces. Plus a LWB Series bin.    Call George Goswell 0836581324

Last Modified : 07/02/2006 13:47