South Africa
Noordhoek
Knysna
Bavianskloof
Various
Hunting
Football world cup 2010
26 February 2010
YEAH!! And we're off! Afrika hier kom ons!
We finally left a bit later than we thought (10am - trying to find space for all
those last few small items) but our spirits are high. This is a good contrast to
when we left for Morocco. I think we feel as ready as we'll ever be and we're packed
to the rafters - there isn't space for a mouse. UPDATE: We have repacked
and disposed of unnecessary items and we are much more comfortable and organised
now.
Our "to do lists" have shrunk to just a few items, compared to when we first started
(which was about 12 pages long to a page long by the time we arrived in SA). These
are small items we are trying to do while travelling through South Africa on our
way to Mozambique.
Our first stop: Baviaanskloof. 3rd time lucky! I say that, because we haven't had
an easy time getting to this point. We got the Landy and then started the final
stages of our prep. Frank was still working at this stage and was only due to finish
end of Jan. We wanted to go camping on the weekends when he wasn't working and during
the week we were looking after the house where we were staying. As this is our family
home away from home, we never really get a chance to fix little things and now we
had some time to give the house some TLC.
Our first free weekend we were off to the Baviaans. We didn't really know too much
about the area and didn't know about the 4x4 routes, but the road through the Baviaanskloof
is very scenic and better in a 4x4 as it is a gravel road and very dusty. Starting
in Knysna, we took the road to Uniondale and then Baviaanskloof. It takes quite
a while to drive the road so we spent 2 nights in the kloof ending in Patensie.
We then drove from Hammansdorp back to Knysna - or should I say, we limped back
to Knysna because it was after we did the gravel roads which isn't difficult 4x4
driving, just slow and after you've left all the harder driving behind, reaching
Patensie, one of the TJM shock bush came out. Impossible? Yes, we know. But it happened.
Frank took the Landy to a garage/mechanic and they were able to push the bush back
into place with hydrualic press. Frank was on the phone to Footloose4x4 and TJM
at this stage and everyone was scratching their heads. But the Landy seemed fine
and we were on our way again.
While we camped in the Baviaans we heard about the 4x4 routes in the area. So off
we set on another weekend camping in the kloof. We didn't even make it to the start
of the 4x4 trail when low and behold... yes, this time the left hand shock bush
came out. So we turned around and slowly limped out of there. Back to Knysna. Back
on the phone to Footloose4x4 and TJM. Everyone by this stage is scratching their
heads wondering how this is possible. TJM Australia were talking to TJM in UK and
SA. To make a long story short, we went off to George (our nearest big town) to
have the shocks looked at. Luckily, Frank had a spare front shock which they could
use to replace the busted one. Luckily as it turned out the marketing manager from
TJM SA flew in to George from Pretoria to meet up with LA Sport George and was able
to see the bush issue first hand. He said we would be upgraded to the new Gold Edition
shocks for all our troubles and efforts. We've had really excellent service from
LA Sport (TJM supplier) in George - a big thank you to Magda and Norman and TJM
SA (thank you, Andre). TJM even offered to get our Gold Editions to us where ever
we are as we've already had delays in getting the Landy ready for our trip. Also,
the Golds for Disco's only arrive in SA in March. So hopefully we can get those
fitted at LA Sport in Nelspruit.
Having sorted the shocks and ticking off the items outstanding on our lists, we
were getting ready to leave. Frank was determined to put the Landy through a test
and to combat the Baviaanskloof 4x4 trail, so we incorporated that into the start
of our route. The trail goes through the mountains and takes about 6 hours. It is
very scenic. Out of 5 we would consider it a 2 for difficulty. Parts are a bit hairy
but the Landy makes it look like a walk in the park. The Baviaans made us think
a lot of driving through the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. We camped again at Doringkloof
and we are happy to report the Landy passed with flying colours!
Mentally, it was a good way to start the trip too as our first camp spot was a bit
"rough". There were what I would call "nature showers": no hot water and no real
privacy. There were a lot of ants and all sorts of bugs (luckily no mosquitoes)
but we did find out what a stinging fly was. Not the most pleasant. It was a good
way to start as it made us aware of what our travels will be about. Staying with
family and in B&Bs will be a bonus and it makes you appreciate places with few
bugs, pests (cats and monkeys!) and mozzies. I'm sure we will mention the pesky
monkeys and cats a lot. Frank and I are becoming good shots with the ketty (catapult/sling
shot). Vanessa has resorted to chasing them with a stick or picking up little stones
to use as ammo.
After the Baviaans our next stop was Graaff Reinet. Frank and I used to pass through
here driving North to South or vice versa when we travelled SA when we first met.
I think of it as a very romantic little town. We found the municipal camp site just
outside town on the way to the Valley of Desolation, looked better - mind the cats
and monkeys and it is also used as a truck stop, so very noisy. But all in a all
a good stay and good value for money.
We've started taking our anti malarials (Mefliam). Vanessa, whom I was most worried
about) has shown no side effects. I thought I would be the one to really suffer
but the only side effect I've had is that I can't stay asleep, but that could also
be the three of us getting used to sleeping together in a smallish space and noisy
camp sites. Frank, who normally has the constitution of an ox, has had a list of
side effects. We've spoken to the GP and Frank will be switching to doxycycline
– better lather on the sunblock.
We are on our way to Bloemfontein to visit family for 2 days or so and to tick off
those last things on our list. From there we will head to Lesotho. We should be
spending about 4 days there and then exiting at the infamous Sani Pass!