September 2007 - South Africa and Lesotho

[Marc Lurie]

Note to forum moderators: Is it possible to make this a sticky thread please? It will make co-ordination of the trip so much easier.

Hi all,

As per a previous thread (which has become quite messy and wobbles on and off topic) about Sani Pass (http://www.landrovernet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=90865), you might have seen that the UNOFFICIAL Gauteng Chapter of the Landrovernet.com Forum is organising a short trip to the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.

This thread will be used to post an FAQ, up-to date information, any changes in plans, and to co-ordinate the trip.

I'd like to ask forum members to please keep off-topic posts and side topics off this thread in order to keep this thread as clean as possible, so that it will be easier for people to find the information they need.

I'm woking on the thread FAQ, and will post it as soon as possible.

Cheers,
MArc

[Marc Lurie]

GENERAL FAQ’s

Q) Ok, what’s going on then?
A) A bunch of forum members in South Africa were discussing a possible trip over the long weekend from the 21st to 24th September. The famous Sani Pass which links SA to Lesotho is soon going to be graded and tarred, and we all agreed that it would be a great idea to do the pass before it became do-able in any vehicle. At a pub meet, we discussed the idea of getting forum members from the UK (and elsewhere) to join us.

Q) Why Lesotho?
A) Lesotho is a tiny country that is completely surrounded by South Africa. It is an excellent place for South Africans to visit because it is within easy reach of most larger cities. The Lesotho border is about 4 hours drive from Johannesburg (6 in a Series Landy). The country is very mountainous and the vistas are magnificent. It’s not a typical African destination as there are no great beaches, no herds of wildlife (virtually no wildlife left at all), no heavy jungles etc. Much of Lesotho is dry scrubland or Montaigne woodlands. It’s a hard, rugged, and stark country with breathtaking vistas, very little infrastructure, and mountain passes that can be a challenge even in a four wheel drive.

Q) What will you be doing in Lesotho?
A) That’s a good question, and one that is impossible to answer. Africa has a habit of throwing a spanner in the works when it comes to planning. The basic plan is to enter Lesotho either at Maseru or Ficksburg, travel across the country to Sani Pass. Go down the pass into South Africa again. Back up the pass, travel inside the country a bit hopefully stopping at Katse Dam, and Sehlabathebe National Park via Semongkong. So that’s the BASIC plan. Any number of variable can/will cause changes.

Q) Where will you stay at night?
A) Personally, I’d prefer to rough camp wherever possible. It is fairly common for small groups to rough camp in Lesotho, and there are seldom any problems, particularly if you make arrangements with the local chief. If rough camping is not possible, there are small lodges that offer basic accommodation as well as the opportunity to camp at schools, mission stations etc.

Q) I’m in the UK, but I’d like to join you. Is this possible?
A) Sure. We will have a few spaces available for some extra people. If you can get to Johannesburg, then we’ll find you a place in one of the vehicles. We’d love to have some of you along on the trip. I’ll deal with this in the next FAQ thread.

[Marc Lurie]

I WANT TO JOIN YOU FAQ’s

Q) I’m in SA, and I’d like to join you for the trip. What do I need to do?
A) If you have a Landy, then just come along. The only paperwork you need is your valid SA Passport and your drivers license which is also valid in Lesotho.

Q) I’m outside South Africa. What do I need to do?A) Get to Johannesburg. So far there are about 4 vehicles in for the trip, which means we have space for about 4 non-driving people. If you arrive a few days beforehand, then forum members can make accommodation available at our homes free-of-charge for a few days. I’m taking a few days off work beforehand to be available for our visitors and will probably organize a short day trip to a decent game reserve, there will be the mandatory braai, museum stuff, short tour of Johannesburg, food, booze etc.

Q) What do I need to bring with me?
A) Clothes are unfortunately mandatory in South Africa and Lesotho, so you’ll have to bring some of those. It will be cold at times, so bring some warm clothing. Bring a decent pair of walking shoes or boots, preferably waterproof, a light raincoat etc. It’s best if you have it in a nylon stuff bag or rucksack because its easier to thro into the back of a landy. Please bring your own sleeping bag and a thermarest or something similar. I’m sure that we can arrange a few loan sleeping bags, but yech! Rather use your own. If you have a small tent that you can bring along, that would be great, however, we can scrounge a few tents together between us, so it’s not essential. Just let us know beforehand. If you’re on a British Passport, you will need only your passport with two completely blank pages.

Q) What’s this going to cost me?
A) Apart from your airfare to Johannesburg, it won’t be too costly a jaunt. I have little experience with groups of people on this sort of trip, but my recommendation is that there would be a “kitty” of funds that we each contribute to. This goes towards general costs such as camping fees, toll fees, general food, etc. Any alcohol or specialized food will be paid for by the individual. Any money left over in the “kitty” will be split up afterwards.

Q) What are prices like down there?
A) Food and drink is cheaper in Southern Africa than in the UK, so if you budget for a typical UK weekend away, you’ll have money left over. For example, a beer in a nice restaurant would cost around 90p and about 50p in a liquor store. A good bottle of red wine would be around £4. A main course at a reasonable restaurant would be between £2.50 (pasta dish) and £7.50 (kick-ass 500g mansize steak, or a dozen giant prawns). Of course, supermarket prices are even lower.

Q) What health risks are there?A) Very few. Both Johannesburg and Lesotho are malaria free areas. Altitude does cause problems for a handful of people, but they soon get used to it. There is no need for any specialized inoculations, but as with any camping trip, an anti-tetanus shot is advisable. The water in Johannesburg is perfectly drinkable (we’re actually quite proud of it), but we will use bottled water in Lesotho. There are world-class medical facilities available in South Africa if there is an emergency. Yellow Fever injections are not required.

Q) I’ve heard that Johannesburg is the most dangerous city in the world. Why on earth would I willingly go there?A) Let’s not beat about the bush on this one. There are unacceptably high levels of crime in Johannesburg. If one looks at the rate of violent crime in the entire Johannesburg area, it is staggeringly high. You must bear in mind though, that the vast majority of this crime is concentrated in areas that you will not need/want to be in. Crime is an ever present worry that Jo’burgers have learned to deal with. You’ll be with other Joburgers all the time, and we certainly wouldn’t want to expose you to any kind of danger, so the chances of anything happening are very, very slim. If you end up in the wrong part of Johannesburg you WILL be in trouble. We’ll make sure that doesn’t happen. South Central Los Angeles is one of the most dangerous places in the USA, but that doesn’t stop millions of people from seeing the rest of LA.

Q) What money can I use there?
A) The currency over here is the Rand. There are approximately R14.00 to £1.00 and you can change your UK money into Rands at any bank or Bureau de Change in South Africa. Credit Cards are widely accepted in South Africa, but in Lesotho only cash is acceptable. The currency in Lesotho is the Loti (plural maLoti) which is exactly equal to R1. Rands are perfectly acceptable in Lesotho. My recommendation is that you bring cash with you which can be changed into Rands as you need it, and have a credit card as a back up should you start running low on cash.

[Marc Lurie]

It's now been confirmed that Roger Whittle and Andy Deaves are IN for the trip. They will be buying their tickets in the next few days and will be flying into Johannesburg on Tuesday 18 September.

[Marc Lurie]

Here's some photos of Lesotho. The last one shows Sani Pass itself.

[K&S]

Wow! Especially that last photo.

I only hope our passports are ready.

[Andy Deaves]

It's now been confirmed that Roger Whittle and Andy Deaves are IN for the trip. They will be buying their tickets in the next few days and will be flying into Johannesburg on Tuesday 18 September.

London Calling!
Flights are booked for Roger and Andy :D
Details as follows: -

Flight SA 237 Departs LHR 21.30 Monday 17 Sept
Arrives JNB 09.20 Tuesday 18 Sept

Return Flight: :(
Flight SA 236 Departs JNB 20.40 Friday 28 Sept
Arrives LHR 06.55 Saturday 29 Sept

See you just now!:yay:

Andy & Roge

[Marc Lurie]

See you just now!:yay:

Min dae boet, Ja lekker. I scheme you two ous should maar wait for me by the robots at the airport. I'll fetch you wif the bakkie. Schweet my china, ek sê

Cheers,
Mawk

[Roger Whittle]

Min dae boet, Ja lekker. I scheme you two ous should maar wait for me by the robots at the airport. I'll fetch you wif the bakkie. Schweet my china, ek sê

Cheers,
Mawk

And that would be ..... ? Pidgin English or Afrikaanlish? :D

Roger.

[bvudzichena]

And that would be ..... ? Pidgin English or Afrikaanlish? :D

Roger.

Sefriken...

[Andy Deaves]

Min dae boet, Ja lekker. I scheme you two ous should maar wait for me by the robots at the airport. I'll fetch you wif the bakkie. Schweet my china, ek sê

Cheers,
Mawk

Mind the boat? What boat?....I thought we were travelling by Landrover me old china plate!? I'm packing me 'daisy roots' for the rough terrain!

Cherio me ol' cockney sparra!

Andy

[Marc Lurie]

Min dae boet, Ja lekker. I scheme you two ous should maar wait for me by the robots at the airport. I'll fetch you wif the bakkie. Schweet my china, ek sê

Cheers,
Mawk

Rough translation:
Not long to wait old chum. Perhaps the two of you should wait for me at the traffic lights at the airport, and I will meet you in my pick-up truck. Jolly spiffing old fruit.

[justMike]

Jolly spiffing old fruit.

<chokin... wipin tears...

has ummmm... anyone said outright that you lot are certifiable...??

not that there's anythin actually wrooooooooong with that... but...

definately aff yer heids... :p

me..?? jealous..?? naaaaaaaaaaaaaa... what gives you that idea...??

Ahem :(

[Marc Lurie]

Don't all English gentlemen say things like "Jolly spiffing", "Tally Ho", and "I Say!"? :D

[K&S]

<chokin... wipin tears...

has ummmm... anyone said outright that you lot are certifiable...??

not that there's anythin actually wrooooooooong with that... but...

definately aff yer heids... :p

:(

Probably something to do with the African heat and the sun .......


......... as Noel Coward said only mad dogs and Englishman go out in the midday sun. :eek:

[Emlyn]

Mark,

looks like a cool trip and I see Ol' Chap that the mood is getting there as well ek se!

I'm not able to come with for 6 days, boss wont agree.. Any chance of friday till monday and how could that work, or is that pushing it too short?

Regards,
Emlyn

[Marc Lurie]

Hi Emlyn,

Brigid is only taking leave on Friday, and we'll be back in Joburg on Monday evening, so we are in the same position as you.

We'll be heading off towards Lesotho on Thursday afternoon/evening. Can you join us?

Will you be alone? I need to book at Malealea.

[Andy Deaves]

Probably something to do with the African heat and the sun .......


......... as Noel Coward said only mad dogs and Englishman go out in the midday sun. :eek:

No Kevin, Not just the noon-day sun!! those of us that are mad and certifyable have sometimes gone out in all weathers up bloody great mountains covered in Ice, in a Force 10 gale, in white-out conditions being pelleted with Hailstones the size of golf balls, get in the middle of a lightning strike AND THEN decide that this mountain, or God himself doesn't really want us there to admire the view from the top! And no, this wasn't up K2 or Everest! :D:D:D

[Marc Lurie]

No Kevin, Not just the noon-day sun!! those of us that are mad and certifyable have sometimes gone out in all weathers up bloody great mountains covered in Ice, in a Force 10 gale, in white-out conditions being pelleted with Hailstones the size of golf balls, get in the middle of a lightning strike AND THEN decide that this mountain, or God himself doesn't really want us there to admire the view from the top! And no, this wasn't up K2 or Everest! :D:D:D

Sounds like Kilimanjaro, December 2003. :(

[Emlyn]

Sounds like Kilimanjaro, December 2003. :(

Since you jumped yr own forum... I want to climb Kili next year and prob do a trip up there in combination.. Will make it a new lead for info etc...

On lesotho (also mountains...) thursd afternoon and returning monday wld be feasible.. lots of driving tho.. and where is acco on thursday as it will get dark shortly after leaving....

greetz
E

[K&S]

YES PICKED UP THE PASSPORTS THIS AFTERNOON. That was cutting things a bit fine but well done to Home Affairs for getting it right for a change.


Emlyn that will be great if you can make it. :)

Mike and I will be leaving Thursday and will arrive back in Joburg Tuesday afternoon. Us series drivers like a nice sedate drive :D.

[justMike]

Sounds like Kilimanjaro, December 2003


what Andy fails to mention is that they don't actually HAVE any mountains in Hingland... just training hills for the proper mountains up here...

:p

<duckin

[Marc Lurie]

Since you jumped yr own forum... I want to climb Kili next year and prob do a trip up there in combination.. Will make it a new lead for info etc...

On lesotho (also mountains...) thursd afternoon and returning monday wld be feasible.. lots of driving tho.. and where is acco on thursday as it will get dark shortly after leaving....

greetz
E

Emlyn, feel free to ask Brigid and me about Kili. We drove there and back, and climbed the beast. I have a sneaking suspicion that I could be coerced into doing it again. ;)

For acco on Thursday evening, I'm investigating, and will feed back.

[Marc Lurie]

what Andy fails to mention is that they don't actually HAVE any mountains in Hingland... just training hills for the proper mountains up here...

An ex-member of my pub quiz team once answered that Ben Nevis was a Lake in Scotland. :D

Did I mention that he's an ex-member?

He left after we continually ribbed him about Lake Ben Nevis, the Everest Plateau, Mount Superior, the Snowdon Depression etc.

[Andy Deaves]

An ex-member of my pub quiz team once answered that Ben Nevis was a Lake in Scotland. :D

Did I mention that he's an ex-member?

He left after we continually ribbed him about Lake Ben Nevis, the Everest Plateau, Mount Superior, the Snowdon Depression etc.

Marc, this Ex- member...He wasn't from Aberdeen by chance? :D

[Marc Lurie]

Marc, this Ex- member...He wasn't from Aberdeen by chance? :D

You mean from here (http://www.routes.co.za/ec/aberdeen/photos.html) ?

Looks a tad different from what you expected, doesn't it? :D

[justMike]

You mean from here (http://www.routes.co.za/ec/aberdeen/photos.html) ?



ahhhhhhh... good to see it takes after its namesake... the Alice Springs of the north....

everybody knows where it is... but nobody (in their right mind) wants to go there... :eek:

Ahem...

Lake Nevis.... doesn't sound quite right huh..??

<shakin heid slowly.... chucklin...

[K&S]

Well Roger and Andy the time is drawing near and I must say I can't wait myself. I've hopefully got enough brakes to stop at the bottom of the passes :D and my new fuel tank and fuel lines seem to be intact with no leaks (although if you look at the petrol consumption you'd think there was a major leak :eek: ).

The weather has been ordered and is ready for you. This week our maximums have been around 30 C and this coming week is forecast at around 27 Celsius. You'll have to do the conversion to Farenheit (I can't even spell it never mind work with it .:rolleyes: )

The oldest Land Rover in the party is going to be Mike's 1959 Series II 88" followed by mine at 1969 and Michelle's from the 70s. So at least we'll have some series vehicles to help out the newer stuff if they struggle to make it through ;) . (you never know with these new coily type vehicles)

[Marc Lurie]

The oldest Land Rover in the party is going to be Mike's 1959 Series II 88"

And she's a cutey.

I've been delayed in going to the Congo, and will only be leaving on Sunday. I should still be back on Wednesday evening, so no plan changes needed yet.

Michelle and Bvudzi..... how's it going? Will you be ready in time?

[Emlyn]

I'm seriously busy with a Discovery... Will I still be allowed in? (besides that my boss may want me in Limpopo, but trying to convince him otherwise!)

[Henk Coetzee]

I'm seriously busy with a Discovery... Will I still be allowed in?

I have no problem with that :-)

[seekingserenity]

Michelle and Bvudzi..... how's it going? Will you be ready in time?

Nope.

[Roger Whittle]

Nope.


:eek: :(

Is there no hope Michelle? :(

Roger.

[Andy Deaves]

Well Roger and Andy the time is drawing near and I must say I can't wait myself. I've hopefully got enough brakes to stop at the bottom of the passes :D and my new fuel tank and fuel lines seem to be intact with no leaks (although if you look at the petrol consumption you'd think there was a major leak :eek: ).

Thats okay Kevin, Roge and I will be packing our reserve chute in case we need to bail out when you scream in the voice of Scotty from Star Trek "she canny take it Cap'tain She's going to blow!"

The weather has been ordered and is ready for you. This week our maximums have been around 30 C and this coming week is forecast at around 27 Celsius. You'll have to do the conversion to Farenheit (I can't even spell it never mind work with it .:rolleyes: )

Thats okay too Roge has already got the corks on his sombrero!...Roge and I are bi-lingual and part-time particle physisists and know when its hot and hotter...and I can't spell physisists either! :D

The oldest Land Rover in the party is going to be Mike's 1959 Series II 88" followed by mine at 1969 and Michelle's from the 70s. So at least we'll have some series vehicles to help out the newer stuff if they struggle to make it through ;) . (you never know with these new coily type vehicles)
Lucky for me I'm not bringing my namby pamby 2003 model then! The old trucks would feel like geriatrics :D

I'm getting really excited now....only 7 more sleeps!!

[K&S]

Lucky for me I'm not bringing my namby pamby 2003 model then! The old trucks would feel like geriatrics :D

I'm getting really excited now....only 7 more sleeps!!

Bring your kidney belt and all will be well.

I must admit to being pretty excited myself and I live here ;) .

Have got the name and phone number of the chap who runs the highest pub in Africa (at the top of Sani Pass) as he can apparently show us some routes at the pass to get us better views of the escarpment. Hope he'll be there and not away on leave :rolleyes: .

[Marc Lurie]

I think I'm cutting it a bit fine. I'm in the Congo and have to leave tomorrow morning before the first sparrow farts in order to get from Kolwezi to Lubumbashi, and then get a connection to Johannesburg. Fortunately, Hewa Bora Airlines are notoriously late in leaving Lubumbashi. :D If I miss the flight on Wednesday, the next flight is on Saturday.

I've got one weekend left to get the last few things sorted. I decided to install the roof rack again, and I need to figure out a way to fasten it. The original brackets are lousy. I think I'll bolt directly through the gutter with stainless bolts.

Henk, maybe we should meet up before the trip. What are you doing after work on Friday?

Are Bvudzi and Michelle coming in the Disco then?

[Henk Coetzee]

Henk, maybe we should meet up before the trip. What are you doing after work on Friday?

After work on Friday sounds good. Where should we meet?

Are Bvudzi and Michelle coming in the Disco then?

Then we won't feel so lonely amoung the "real" Landies.

[K&S]

Then we won't feel so lonely amoung the "real" Landies.

Hey hey hey less of the quotation marks there !!!!!

[Roger Whittle]

Hey hey hey less of the quotation marks there !!!!!

Seconded Kev'. Andy and I are both Disco' exponents and I have to tell you, they are real Land Rovers. No shame in an expedition in comfortable seats and softish springs. Disco's rock! :D (And climb walls.)


Roger.

PS: Stop counting nights Deaves - we've got a camping competition to organise. Wilton says he's got to be away by 15:00 on Sunday, so I said we ought to make that a target. :rolleyes:

[Roger Whittle]

I just thought of another question and since Marc is floating around somewhere in Africa, I'll ask it generally. Its easy enough anyway.

What is the domestic voltage in Jo'burg and what sort of sockets do you use? I can't quite bring myself to leave my lappie and phone at home, although there isn't much point in taking it on the trip. :D

Roger.

[bvudzichena]

I

What is the domestic voltage in Jo'burg and what sort of sockets do you use? I can't quite bring myself to leave my lappie and phone at home, although there isn't much point in taking it on the trip. :D



220V (although sometimes that goes as high as 250 or as low as 190 :eek:)
3 pin round 15A plugs.
You should be able to pick up a 15A to 13A adapter at your local electrical wholesalers. The South African Adapter on this (http://www.deltacom.co.uk/acatalog/International_Power_Plug_Adapters.html#aIPA_2dAUS_ 2dE) page will work here.

[bvudzichena]

Disco's rock! :D (And climb walls.)


You have seen the light!

Now if only mine wasn't about to blow up any day now :(.

[Marc Lurie]

I just thought of another question and since Marc is floating around somewhere in Africa, I'll ask it generally. Its easy enough anyway.

What is the domestic voltage in Jo'burg and what sort of sockets do you use? I can't quite bring myself to leave my lappie and phone at home, although there isn't much point in taking it on the trip. :D

Roger.

We use 220V as Bvudzi mentioned. I have all manner of adaptors for you if you need them. Because I travel in French, English, Portuguese, and South African colonies, I need all of them. :D

My plane is scheduled to leave Kolwezi in about an hour, and I should be home this evening.

Henk, I just realised that there's a minor rugby match between US and THEM on Friday. Does anyone know what time the match is?

[Henk Coetzee]

Hey hey hey less of the quotation marks there !!!!!

Sorry. I just picked up a hint of cart spring superiority ;).

Seconded Kev'. Andy and I are both Disco' exponents and I have to tell you, they are real Land Rovers. No shame in an expedition in comfortable seats and softish springs. Disco's rock! :D (And climb walls.)

My sentiments exactly. Disco's rock (and climb walls without spilling your drink!)

[Henk Coetzee]

Henk, I just realised that there's a minor rugby match between US and THEM on Friday. Does anyone know what time the match is?

Kickoff at 21:00.

Looking at the long weekend schedule, we will probably miss the games between US and Tonga and THEM and Samoa.

Henk

[Marc Lurie]

Kickoff at 21:00.

Well, that's quite convenient. We can meet somewhere at around 5pm, have a beer or two, and then I can still get to my friends place to watch the game.

You're in Pretoria? Which part?

BTW, does anyone remember the Star Newspaper's headlines the day we played Samoa in the '95 World Cup?


It read: "Jou ma Samoa" :D

[Roger Whittle]

Thanks Marc - will do, if I may. Good luck with Samoa - you know all those guys are seven foot nineteen tall and weigh as much as a Land Rover, don't you? :D

By the way, I like Henk already.:D

Roger.

[Henk Coetzee]

Thanks Marc - will do, if I may. Good luck with Samoa - you know all those guys are seven foot nineteen tall and weigh as much as a Land Rover, don't you? :D

By the way, I like Henk already.:D

Roger.

Hey it's you guys (THEM) who have to play Samoa now. We (US) have already beaten them. The seven foot nineteen high ones fall over it's when they're as wide as a Land Rover that it gets frightening.

After the Afrikaans translations which went around a bit earlier, I've been looking for one and found that there is no direct Afrikaans translation of "built like a brick sh1thouse".

[Henk Coetzee]

You're in Pretoria? Which part?

At work in Silverton, at home in Rietondale. Would you be able to get through to Pretoria? I'm hoping to finish work relatively early in the afternoon, although that may be one of the best laid plans......

It read: "Jou ma Samoa" :D

This one may also be a little difficult to translate.

[K&S]

Just a little story about real Land Rovers (note no quotations marks) ;). We were out on a land rover club event and a youngish chap driving a Defender comes over and asks what it's like to drive an OLD Land Rover. Shirley and I say to him give it a try and find out. So he hops in and then throws his head out of the window to shout to his buddy to look ....... but series windows are only ever half open and nearly cracks his skull in two. Shirley and I are now rolling on the ground ..... (in sympathy ? not on your nelly :D). After he recovers and feels he is up to it off he goes and at the first turn ends up in the bushes because he can't turn it. Eventually he gets the vehicle turned around and gets back and just shakes his already hurting head and asks "how do you actually get that thing to turn?" Then limps back to his Defender vowing never to drive a series landy again.

[Henk Coetzee]

buddy to look ....... but series windows are only ever half open and nearly cracks his skull in two. Shirley and I are now rolling on the ground ..... (in sympathy ? not on your nelly :D).

I have to make a true confession here. In fact there are two confessions to make. A few weeks back I had to do some work in Welkom and travelled down in a work vehicle - a relatively low spec new H!l@x. At some point, I felt the need to open the window and got muchly confused because I couldn't find the button to do this. It took me a while to work out that that was what the crank thingy on the door was for.

"how do you actually get that thing to turn?" Then limps back to his Defender vowing never to drive a series landy again.

At least I cut my teeth on H!l@xes and Croozas, in the days before coil springs, aircon and power steering.

[Roger Whittle]

I used to have a IIa 109" and got quite used to its supertanker handling and steering, but that was before I got married and I did that in January 1972 :eek:.

Perhaps I could renew the experience during our trip sometime? :D

By the way Henk, I bet that if there was a Afrikaans translation of 'built like a brick sh1thouse', it would sound awesome? :D

Roger.

[seekingserenity]

....but that was before I got married and I did that in January 1972 :eek:. Perhaps I could renew the experience during our trip sometime? :D

Roger, I had no idea you were planning on marrying while out here! :D

[Henk Coetzee]

By the way Henk, I bet that if there was a Afrikaans translation of 'built like a brick sh1thouse', it would sound awesome? :D

Indeed it would. One you hear occasionally which refers to machines, electronic devices etc. is "gebou soos 'n Land Rover".

[Marc Lurie]

I think an Afrikaans translation of "built like a brick sh1thouse" is "Os Durand and CJ van der Linde"

Our pack weighs almost a full ton!!!

Henk, getting to Pretoria on a Friday at any time after about midday is quite an issue. The backup starts at Allandale Road, and tails back to around Modderfontein Road. If there's an accident it can take an hour and a half to get past Allandale.

Which part of Pta is Silverton? My only real experience of Pretoria is Voortrekkerhoogte, and that ws in the mid-80's.

[Henk Coetzee]

Henk, getting to Pretoria on a Friday at any time after about midday is quite an issue. The backup starts at Allandale Road, and tails back to around Modderfontein Road. If there's an accident it can take an hour and a half to get past Allandale.

I am sitting with the same fear if it comes to getting to Joburg on Friday. Could we meet some time on Saturday rather.

Which part of Pta is Silverton? My only real experience of Pretoria is Voortrekkerhoogte, and that ws in the mid-80's.

Silverton is to the East of the City. Off the N1 at Lynwood and past the CSIR and Botanical Gardens.

You probably don't want to be reminded of Voortrekkerhoogte in the mid-80s :D.

[Henk Coetzee]

At least I cut my teeth on H!l@xes and Croozas, in the days before coil springs, aircon and power steering.

And on call, this morning my Disco decided to wear through a pipe on the power steering :(. Being fixed now as I type.

Henk

[K&S]

Rather now than half way through Lesotho :eek:

[Henk Coetzee]

Rather now than half way through Lesotho :eek:

My feelings exactly. Interestingly enough, she decided to blow a seal on the steering box a week before we left for Namibia last month. Somewhere an angel is smiling down on us.

[K&S]

Marc

Any ideas regarding timing of getting down Sani. We've just been offered a HUGE discount by the landy (series II, I must add, which also proves he's a real nice guy) owning manager of the Cathedral Peak Hotel for those of us on the Monday night who don't have to back in Jhb on the 24th. I'm just not sure of the timing and distances. Cathedral Peak is right up at the north of the national park in the Drakensberg.

It might be an idea for Roger and Andy to stick around with Mike and I who have the extra day available. That's if they can survive another day on leaf springs rather than coils ;) .

Mike and I are planning to be back in Jhb by the afternoon of the 25th.

[Roger Whittle]

Sounds good to me Kevin ...... are cart springs really that much worse than coils? Oh, wait - I remember now ....... :eek:

Roger.

[Marc Lurie]

Any ideas regarding timing of getting down Sani.

Kevin, I think that will depend on how many people there are crawling up and down the pass and what the weather is like. TBH, the pass in good weather is not a big deal anymore. It's not even the prettiest pass in the country, but it has iconic status.

IIRC the border closes at about 4pm, and the trip is about an hour, so you need to leave Lesotho by around 2:30pm.

We will be heading off back to Johannesburg that evening, and if we can make it to Joburg, you'll definitely be able to make Cathedral Peak. (Even in a Series ;))

[Henk Coetzee]

IIRC the border closes at about 4pm, and the trip is about an hour, so you need to leave Lesotho by around 2:30pm.

Are there any papers that are needed for the vehicle going in and out of Lesotho?

[Marc Lurie]

You don't need papers for SA registered vehicles, but I take mine just in case. Your SA driver's license is valid.

EVERYONE PLEASE TAKE NOTE!!!

YOU MUST HAVE 2 RED TRIANGLES IN YOUR VEHICLE IN LESOTHO.

ROAD BLOCKS: You are required to STOP at the STOP SIGN and WAIT for the police to signal to you to drive forward to where he is standing!!!. Most people pause at the Stop sign and drive up to the policeman without waiting for his signal. The police are very friendly when the above two conditions are in order.

As in Mozambique and Zambia, I usually just attach the two triangles to the bullbar so that the cop can see them without asking for them. It makes things easier because the cop feels that you probably know the rules, and are not a rookie traveller.

[Marc Lurie]

How do you get to Malealea? S 29° 49.704 E 27° 35.981

In Lesotho take the main South towards the airport. Do not take the airport turn off which is 18km but continue towards Mafeteng 45 km south. At a junction called Motsekuoa turn left at the junction and drive 10km on the tarred road, take the RIGHT fork, drive 15kms on tarred road. Turn left at the Malealea sign board and drive for 1km over the "Gates of Paradise Pass" Continue for 6kms and you will be at Malealea Lodge.

Suggested Routes

Johannesburg (500km)
Kroonstad,Ventersburg, Senekal,Marquard, Clocolan, Ladybrand, Maseru, Motsekuoa, Malealea

Durban (700km)
Harrismith, Golden Gate,Clarens, Ficksburg, Ladybrand, Maseru, Motsekuoa, Malealea

Cape Town (1000km)
Colesburg, Smithfield, Rouxville, Zastron, Wepener, Mafeteng, Motsekuoa, Malealea
(Overnight at Pula-House in Smithfield ex CT)

Bloemfontein (200km)
Dewetsdorp, Wepener, Mafeteng, Motsekuoa, Malealea

[Roger Whittle]

I'm going to need pronounciation lessons! :rolleyes:

Roger.

[Marc Lurie]

I have found a campsite/caravan park in Kroonstad which appears to be a good place to stay over on Thursday night. They have a restaurant that closes at 10pm, full ablution facilities etc.

I'm suggesting that the three vehicles who are leaving on Thursday afternoon (that's Henk, Emlyn and Me) plan to leave Joburg at around 2pm and get to Kroonstad at around 5pm. Does that sound like a possibility?

Kevin and Mike will meet us at Malealea on Friday.

Michelle and Bvudzi any ideas about your trip?

[Marc Lurie]

I'm going to need pronounciation lessons! :rolleyes:

Roger.

Lesotho names are difficult! They also have a strange linguistic quirk of pronouncing certain "L"s as "D"s. :eek: So, for example a place named "Semoli" (sem-OHR-lee) is actually pronounced (sem-OHR-dee). BUT "Malealea" is pronounced "muh-lear-lear" not "muh-dear-dear":confused:

[Andy Deaves]

Roger, I had no idea you were planning on marrying while out here! :D

Well it pays to do everything at least twice....but seriously, who'd want to marry Father Christmas? Mince pie crumbs in the bed and other places.....Okay, he did trade the sleigh in for a Landi and filled the freezer with Reindeer steaks! :D:D Sorry Children, he didn't really do-in Rudolf

[K&S]

You don't need papers for SA registered vehicles, but I take mine just in case. Your SA driver's license is valid.

EVERYONE PLEASE TAKE NOTE!!!

YOU MUST HAVE 2 RED TRIANGLES IN YOUR VEHICLE IN LESOTHO.

ROAD BLOCKS: You are required to STOP at the STOP SIGN and WAIT for the police to signal to you to drive forward to where he is standing!!!. Most people pause at the Stop sign and drive up to the policeman without waiting for his signal. The police are very friendly when the above two conditions are in order.

As in Mozambique and Zambia, I usually just attach the two triangles to the bullbar so that the cop can see them without asking for them. It makes things easier because the cop feels that you probably know the rules, and are not a rookie traveller.

Sheeeeesh !! don't shout so loud :D:D

[Henk Coetzee]

I'm suggesting that the three vehicles who are leaving on Thursday afternoon (that's Henk, Emlyn and Me) plan to leave Joburg at around 2pm and get to Kroonstad at around 5pm. Does that sound like a possibility?

We won't be able to get away from Pretoria before 2pm on Thursday, and it will probably be a bit later than that, which means that there is every chance that by 5 we will be in a traffic jam somewhere around Rivonia Road. We'll see how far we get and probably stay over in a B&B somewhere along the way and meet up with you in or on the way to Malealea on Friday.

Marc, I will be in Joburg - around Kensington for an hour or so tomorrow afternoon if you want to meet up for a beer and some essential last minute planning.

[K&S]

Marc,

Can credit cards also be used in Lesotho? Don't want to carry too much cash around.

Marc and Henk, do either of you have an inverter? I have re-chargeable camera batteries but if I can't re-charge then I'll just buy some spare batteries.

[Henk Coetzee]

Marc and Henk, do either of you have an inverter? I have re-chargeable camera batteries but if I can't re-charge then I'll just buy some spare batteries.

I'll have an inverter with me for just that reason.

On the subject of what will be needed, what is the availability of diesel like in Lesotho?

Also, is drinking water generally available?

Henk

[K&S]

That's the problem with this new age world. Before I go to work I have to make sure my phone is re-charged, my blue-tooth hands free is re-charged, my diary (pda) is re-charged and then hope my car battery is fully charged :rolleyes: .

Marc reckoned at our meeting to try and be fuel sufficient for about 600 kms. I'll have about 210 litres of petrol which at 3.5km per litre will just suffice :eek: .

I'm taking 60 litres of water with. Water for washing can be got from the rivers but I wouldn't be drinking any of it.

[Henk Coetzee]

That's the problem with this new age world. Before I go to work I have to make sure my phone is re-charged, my blue-tooth hands free is re-charged, my diary (pda) is re-charged and then hope my car battery is fully charged :rolleyes: .

Along with hundreds of cables, as each device uses a different charger, connector, voltage etc.

Marc reckoned at our meeting to try and be fuel sufficient for about 600 kms. I'll have about 210 litres of petrol which at 3.5km per litre will just suffice :eek: .

So a full tank (88l) will do the trick for us :D.

[K&S]

I'll be standing at the top of Sani Pass with a cardboard placard "Thirsty Land Rover to support. Forget wives and children just give me money to reach Johannesburg".

[Marc Lurie]

As Kevin says, it's best to take your own drinking water because you can't always guarantee fresh river water.

Credit cards are pretty useless except in Maseru itself, so it has to be cash.

Diesel is widely available at most cities/towns. I'm not sure about petrol, but I suspect that it's not a problem. The last time I was there, fuel was quite a lot cheaper than in SA :)

I have a small 100W inverter.

[Andy Deaves]

Hi Dudes and dudettes! :D

this will be my last post before Rog and I hit the road tomorrow afternoon to London Heathrow in my namby pamby 2003 Td5 with mud on the tyres from playing briefly in the woods this weekend on our Scouts Camping Competition. For the Record, Rogers group took the camping trophy, but it was really a one horse race!...I have to check the helm at work first thing tomorrow morning then its on with the Bermuda shorts and Hawaiian shirt then i'm in holiday mode! I can't get Roger out of his red christmas suit for love nor money! I will look forward to sinking a few ales with you all in just a few days....and because I have a Landi I'm expecting a kiss from Michelle!! I really hope you guys from Cape Town make it as we're bringing you a Red Cross parcel of spares for Olivia!

Hasta la visita!

[Roger Whittle]

Ready or not - here we come! See you in a few hours. :)

Roger.

[seekingserenity]

Michelle and Bvudzi any ideas about your trip?

...

[Henk Coetzee]

Doesn't look like anything that can't be sorted out in a jiffy:D. What about the Disco lurking in the background?

[bvudzichena]

Doesn't look like anything that can't be sorted out in a jiffy:D. What about the Disco lurking in the background?

Next time...

[justMike]

Next time...

fightin talk... OOOO rahhhhhhh... ;)

[Henk Coetzee]

Marc

Any ideas regarding timing of getting down Sani. We've just been offered a HUGE discount by the landy (series II, I must add, which also proves he's a real nice guy) owning manager of the Cathedral Peak Hotel for those of us on the Monday night who don't have to back in Jhb on the 24th.

Has anything been arranged about this? I am really not looking forward to a long drive at the end of a long day. Who should we contact to book here?

[K&S]

When I see you in Lesotho I'll give you the details. Craig said we can can just pitch up with no prior notice because he personally is away 'till Sunday anyway.

We'll probably be staying there en-route to Jhb (that's Mike, Andy, Roger, Shirley and me).

[Henk Coetzee]

OK. For those who couldn't make it, some of us are back and I have every confidence that those who didn't have to be back at work today will have everything sorted out soon and be back as fast as their Series vehicles care to travel.

I'm sure there will be plenty more on the trip when we've all got some sleep (Annalet and I got home at 2:40 this morning), but in the meantime, a picture of nearly 50 years of Land Rover history.

All in all, an excellent trip and a great idea.

[bvudzichena]

Henk,

Ek bel van gisteraand af vir Kevin en Marc maar kom nie deur nie. Is hulle battery pap? Is hulle nog in Lesotho? Waar presies het jy hulle gelos? Moet ons 'n "rescue mission" loots?

Die ou gryse...

[Henk Coetzee]

Henk,

Ek bel van gisteraand af vir Kevin en Marc maar kom nie deur nie. Is hulle battery pap? Is hulle nog in Lesotho? Waar presies het jy hulle gelos? Moet ons 'n "rescue mission" loots?

Die ou gryse...

Kevin se remme het druk verloor op pad Mokhotlong toe. Ons het langs die pad probeer bloei maar dit het nie die probleem opgelos nie. Toe Mokhotlong toe gery waar ons seels gekry het wat min of meer gepas het maar nog steeds nie die probleem opgelos het nie.

Ons het toe saam met Shirley oor Sani terug Gauteng toe gery, en gereel dat hulle sal bel as daar 'n "rescue mission" of 'n plan met parte nodig is. Ek het met Marc gistermiddag gesels toe ons by Sani Top gestop het en dit het geklink asof hulle besig was om 'n plan te maak, maar dat hulle eers vandag of more sal kan regkom.

Die Hotel in Mokhotlong spog met twee kroee en 'n snooker kamer, so ek's redelik seker hulle is gemaklik.

Groete

Henk

[bvudzichena]

Kevin se remme het druk verloor op pad Mokhotlong toe. Ons het langs die pad probeer bloei maar dit het nie die probleem opgelos nie. Toe Mokhotlong toe gery waar ons seels gekry het wat min of meer gepas het maar nog steeds nie die probleem opgelos het nie.

Ons het toe saam met Shirley oor Sani terug Gauteng toe gery, en gereel dat hulle sal bel as daar 'n "rescue mission" of 'n plan met parte nodig is. Ek het met Marc gistermiddag gesels toe ons by Sani Top gestop het en dit het geklink asof hulle besig was om 'n plan te maak, maar dat hulle eers vandag of more sal kan regkom.

Die Hotel in Mokhotlong spog met twee kroee en 'n snooker kamer, so ek's redelik seker hulle is gemaklik.


For the benefit of our one time colonial masters:

Kevin's brakes started losing pressure on the way to Mokhotlong. They tried to bleed them next to the road, but that didn't solve the problem. They then drove to Mokhotlong where they found seals that sort of worked, but didn't solve the problem.

Henk, his wife and Shirley (Wildchild on LRUK) then returned to Gauteng via Sani Pass, but not before agreeing with the guys still in Lesotho that they would call if a rescue mission needs to be arranged. Henk spoke with Marc yesterday afternoon when they stopped at Sani Top and it sounded as though they were making a plan, but that they will only be sorted this afternoon or tomorrow.

The Hotel in Mokhotlong has two pubs and a snooker room, so they are reasonably comfortable.

[K&S]

Just a very quick post to say Mike, Marc and I along with Roger and Andy are safely back in Jhb (02h00) this morning. We are one vehicle short which is still in Lesotho which will necessitate a rescue mission in the next week or so. Will tell more much later but I have to dash to work. :(

Emlyn and Bvudzi thanks for the calls about where we are :).

[Marc Lurie]

The Hotel in Mokhotlong has two pubs and a snooker room, so they are reasonably comfortable.

They may have two pubs and a snooker room, but they also had NO rooms available.

We went back to St. James Roman Catholic Mission where there is a a small lodge. No cell phone coverage, but at least there was tepid water, and a place to make a decent braai fire.

All in all, a good jol was had by all.

I'll post pics later, and video on YouTube.

Marc