4x4 Trails that we have been on

4x4 Trails

I have had a few 4x4's over the years, and have 1 currently, with an old Land Rover Series 111 1980..

I have had :

• Ssangyong Musso - Diesel - manual, and also a 320 petrol - manual
• Ssangyomng Rexton - old 290 - auto, as well as a newer 2.7 diesel auto
• Rang Rover - v8, but the old shape model - auto
• Land Rover Discovery 3 - TDV6 SE auto
• Chevrolet Trailblazer - 2.8 diesel 4x4 (current vehicle)
• Land Rover Series 3 - 1980 2.6 petrol model (also still have this)

I'm not a maniac when it comes to 4x4 trails and prefer those that will not damage the vehicle and leave it all scratched, dented and battered. For the more hectic 4x4 and trails closer to Johannesburg, I use the series III land rover. For longer trips and when towing the off road trailer, I use the Trailblazer.

Sani Pass

We have been up Sani a few times. Normally we go in winter.

In 2009 we traveled to the Midlands where we stayed a few nights prior to driving up Sani.

Midlands in KZN. A walk down near the river

We were staying over a few nights at Caversham Mill. Lovely place, and the room had a nice fireplace.

We then moved onto a farm stay. This farm had some really lovely chalets. It also had a super view out over the valley.

Then we tackled Sani in the snow. It was a relatively easy drive up in the Discovery.

A frozen "waterfall" near the top of Sani Pass.

The lesotho border post at the top of the pass.

Driving through some snow.

We stopped off at the lodge and visited the claimed highest pub. It really was cold, so we had some lovely hot chocolate.

Serendipity, Mateke and Marekele

Elizabeth and I decided to take the old 1980 series II landy on a few trails.

Camping at the river campsite at Serendipity. I used an old caravan rally awning that I had and riveted an extrusion onto the roof rack. It worked ok. But I can imagine that its much like a rooftop tent where you have to pack up every time you want to g for a drive. So not really ideal.

A drive in Serendipity

There are quiet a few accommodation options at Serendipity.
Below is a view of our campsite.

Driving up the hill at the start of the trail.

There was some water around, so I decided to take a walk through to see how deep it was. It only went up to just above my knees, so was not an issue for the landy.

We were all packed up and leaving Serendipity.

We decided to travel to Mateke via Rankins Pass. This is quiet a nice gravel road and very scenic.

We arrived at Mateke, safely, and were booked to stay in a "room" at the river camp. Basically its a camp where you sleep in a dorm kind of room on very hard beds.

On the second night we pitched Elizabeth's small tent and I slept in there while she stayed on in the dorm room.

Below is a road in Mateke. We did not do too much driving around Mateke, but did try out a few roads. No problem for the landy.

From there, Sue and my dad joined us at Marekele. We had a nice site, but it was not one of the ones near the waterhole. But, its still always nice to camp at Marakele.

We drove most of the roads around Marekele.

We also took the road up the mountain, to the signal units at the top. You get a fantastic view from there and the road is quiet enjoyable to drive.

Leaving Marekele National Park for home.