AFRICAN IVORY TOUR 4X4 WEEKEND

Imperial Toyota Strijdom park and Safari Centre got together and put a 4x4 route to plan for a weekend away to experience the outdoor and the capabilities of a Toyota 4x4 with the purpose of fun in mind . WOW all that can be said by the people that signed up for the weekend.

The weekend started early Friday morning when Mr Leon Kruger his two sons Kyle and Milan accompanied with Marchello De Sousa in his 80 series Toyota Cruiser, Michael Needham, Raymond Chetty and Shaun Cooper in a Fortuner, Philip Evans and Christo Greyvensteyn in a FJ Cruiser, Mitzi Schutte and Letitia Bezuidenhout with their Hilux met with the team Barry, Johan and Andre from Safari Centre in their fully equipped LX Cruiser. It was a sunny warm morning ready to do battle with the mountain, we all meet at the Total Petro Port on the N1 just outside Pretoria for drivers briefing and to receive a two way radio.

Departing from our meeting point we were all in convoy with lights on and harts beating not really knowing what lay ahead of us .We arrive at Mokopane and get informed to refuel and get last minute goodies as this is the last place to get before Sunday .We start up and head past Lebowakgome to the Strydpoort mountains .Yay we off the tarmac and on the dirt a short distance and we get informed over the radios Please engage low range , The mountain is in front of us and it’s the start of our 4x4 experience a small distance and we approach our first river and stop on the side for a picnic lunch and get to chat and get to know each other’s back round .

After packing up back in formation we start the real climb 2nd gear low range teeth rattling rock climbing terrain. The view getting better every meter we climb .On my right we have a straight down fall and to my left a mountain.  After a few hours of driving we reach the summit with the sun setting and driving through the long grass ,THIS IS AWESOME  I feel like a god and am proud to be South African. We arrive at Mafefe Camp no electricity no cell reception this is the best! Cut off from the outside world just us and our 4x4s. the fire is made and all are sitting around it joking and hearing story’s from our Safari team .We all eat off the braai and head off to sleep with the wind that’s come up and the light rain that’s falling.

Saturday morning arrives wind blowing and pouring with rain we all meet for bacon and eggs, today we head to our second camp 12km away and the whole day to get there. Let the FUN begin. We pull away and already we feel what this mountain has install for us ,we start our decent in the thick mud wheel spinning and vehicles slipping WOW what fun. The challenge hits us; we all get stuck except our friends in the 80 series who fitted mud terrain tyres .With the great help from the safari team and winch we are set free to continue. Our clothes are wet and some of us like Raymond are like boys playing in a new sand pit only difference is it is real mud. With smiles all round we head on forward looking for puddles to splash in.

We inter the Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve  up a very steep accent after crossing the Drakensburg range in a most spectacular way we arrive in Makutsi camp and are shown our awesome log cabins a reward for the hard work and battle with nature. After everyone has enjoyed a hot shower we all meet together around a bon fire and tell each other the experiences we had though-out the day, the fun and laughs and the team commitment from everybody.  

After a rest full sleep we all meet for the final route to Nelspruit, through the forests and very scenic mountain views. We arrive at the one stop just after Polokwane to grab some lunch and say our goodbyes, A little sad the weekend is over but what an experience and adventure had by all .A very big thank you to Safari Centre and the staff of Imperial Toyota Strijdom park for putting this weekend together and last of all to the customers that joined us you made this weekend a big success.

Thank you

Michael Needham

So ends one adventure but the horizon is filled with many to come.
From the desk of Oom Zulu thank you for the privilege of your company over what was a fantastic weekend of fun, laughter and magnificent countryside.

So the prep is almost complete on the new Toyota Land Cruiser 76 affectionately named Donkey to tackle its first trip in the bush.
Answering the call of the wild is a breeze with the unstoppable 4.2-litre diesel engine. It dishes out a laudable 96 kW at 3800 rpm while offering a stonking 285 Nm of torque from a low 2200 rpm.
Naturally prized more as a tough workhorse, there’s nevertheless a healthy dollop of retro appeal going on here as well. Spec levels are also not purely utilitarian – along with the indestructibility are more than just a few niceties. This model for example gets power steering, tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, air conditioning, electric windows, electric mirrors and a 12V accessory connector. And it also comes with remote central locking.
The list of extras fitted by Safari Centre is exhaustible and i will provide it for all to look at in the next write up so until then I will share a few pictures with all.

One of Limpopo’s best kept secrets.
Mountains, Rain-forests and Breath-taking Scenery on your doorstep!!
Day 2 will be 15 km and 4 hours of pukka low range through a virgin rain forest, crossing clear water streams.
This is pristine nature at its best. 
More to follow as we prepare vehicles and crew so keep tuned for the rest to unfold.

Part 2 we will reveal my new vehicle being prepared currently to take over duty from Zulu (much loved and missed Hilux 4x4) but wow wait till all see the new baby who has been already named Donkey by staff and friends.
Donkey, well speed wise on the highway maybe but on the 4x4 trail nothing will come close, however that's a story for later in the week to follow.
The only clue right now is that i am will still be behind the wheel of a Toyota!!