Botswana 26 April to 3 May 2022
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- Location: Ekurhuleni
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Friday 29 April Piper Pan CKGR
Unbelievably a week have flown by so quickly since we left home.
We had a lazy morning checked on breakages and repairs
The Syncro ignition switch could not turn anymore and was luckily stuck switched on
And cracked from corrugated road abuse so stripped the white ign bone out and cable tied it on steering to work
On Avons Jeep we removed his tyre and fitted the spare
Re inflated the flat to see if it held air and
Found a piece of wire in and plugged it so for emergency use he does have a spare wheel for use
Around 11am we set out for a drive and checked out Camp site 2. in the bush and not large enough for 5 campers
On the way back Avon and my self set out to inspect the closer watering hole. And found no Animals
Then Decided to head in the direction of Exede gate ................ and saw on Garmin a burnt our wreck icon
24km away and decided we crazy enough to go check it out.
On the drive I Spotted one of the largest Koedoe s I have ever seen with Rowland Award Winning Horns
So hour and half later of slow driving as the road is bad we found it. One burnt out Jeep Avon a Jeep driver was shocked to see it and was a Jeep JK four door Body.
We turned around and Headed back on the very bumpy road to camp 30km.
As we got to Piper Pan Alley spotted a Male Lion and saw us driving opposite side of the pan and directed us to where the Young male was.
He was laying in the shade and very well spotted by Ally.
We called everyone in camp on the radio to come spot the lion and all drove out of camp to the lions sighting.
Manny eventually no patience wanted to see if he is going to get the Lion to get up and drove past him back to camp. Lion lazaly got up and walked 200m closer to our camp and plonked him self down again Thanks Manny lol
We eventually got back to camp With the thought there is a wild Lion less than 200m from camp and we made fire to cook food you are very very wary of your surroundings
We had an eventfull night everyone on edge
Wessel was on the tip of his toes sitting on his chair feeding the fire.
He went to his Bush Lapa and I told everyone I'm Going to prank him and sneaked around the back of his trailer.
I nearly peed in my own pants from laughing and even had to put a hand over my mouth and nose to silence me before giving Wessel a fright I could not believe how on edge and nervous Wessel was.
Wessel in his trailer busy making his bed and everyone supposed to be at the fire
But Renay and Tanya were peeping through the trees towards his trailer.
I made a slight noise behind the trailer and he came out with his torch very scared but brave shinning the Torch around he was trying to determine the origin of the noise.
Me still trying to contain myself from bursting out of laughter. I gave it a few seconds and scratched and made a huge noise behind him on his shower cubical.
It was Tik Tok Video worthy according to Tanya spying from the other side. He did not touch ground dived in to his trailer and slammed the door in a flash
with me laughing so loud he realized it was my and let Rip a few hard words
Everyone had such a laugh but Wessel did not think we were funny with his heart pounding out of his chest he even broke the inner door handel rushing in to the trailer and I had to open the door from outside.
Not to long after that we all were fooling around and the lion gave a Roar realy hard and it sounded he was right next to me we All jumped and everyone was on edge with the red lens on my touch we shined around and could see the red Eyes clearly just outside camp. We all thought after that it was time for everyone to go to Bed and just as things were quite we heard some load roars that really sounded in camp (We did search for spoor the next morning but could not find any)
Andreas from his rooftop tent I saw someone investigating with a torch
But saw nothing
I heard him still a few times during the night
But stayed in my bus
NOT THAT I WAS SCARED
FOR A LAZY LION AS MANNY CALLED HIM.
Syncro Cox Camper
SJ 410 TarzanTiny
Millennium Beetle VR6 T Liberty
And a few VW Air cooled Toys
SJ 410 TarzanTiny
Millennium Beetle VR6 T Liberty
And a few VW Air cooled Toys
- LesseW
- Location: Centurion, Pretoria
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Pierre you are capturing all the experiences. Thanks for doing this, it takes a lot of time and typing. Keep it going!
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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FJ Cruiser
Bushlapa Baobab 4
FJ Cruiser
Bushlapa Baobab 4
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- Location: Ekurhuleni
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Saturday 30 April Piper Pan CKGR
Alarm was set for 5:30am I peeped out the window and it was still pitch dark and heard a few rain drizzling drops on the Syncros roof and when we got up to make coffee we saw dark clouds in the sky but the rain was gone.
It is called a "kar vuil maak reen"
Drove to the watering hole before sunrise to see if we spot any early thirsty animals but none to be seen
While sitting at the watering hole in the distance we heard what is possibly the rest of the lion pride Roaring that indicate there are more lions on the Pan.
Set of on some roads around top part of the pan game driving and saw 2 Jackals and spotted 3 Giraffes on the pan eating grass.
Quite a unusual sight to see them spreading there legs as to drinking water but munching on the grass.
Drove back to camp and saw some more Springbok and Gemsbok on the way back to camp.
Back at camp we chilled chatting and sorting the route we will be taking to Sunday Pan past Deception Valley next day
Wessels Shower heating unit brackets broke off and Avon and I fixed it and re attached it to the trailer back door
Then Renay and I sorted dough and let it raise to bake another bread for our Impala patties for burgers at Supper
I lit the fire lighters under the Charcoal and got the small braai ready to put the pot in and bake the bread
Again we were sitting at Wessels camp and I sneaked to the back and made a noise at his shower and he was up in a flash
We all had a giggle again and planned the rest of the day
Later in the day Renay and myself went for a bucket shower in the open air ablution cooled ourselves down.What a lekker cool down
Other braai Fires lit and the rain made its Appearance again
Again soft rain on and off
Amazing to see
"Jakkals trou met Wolf se Vrou"- Sun shines but it is raining a old Afrikaans saying
Managed to braai the patties and made a awesome burger with freshly baked bread
It was a awesome sight to see Rain in the Kalahari and experience it.
We sat around the camp fire chatting about our trip
I filled my spare 2 Jerry cans of fuel in to the main tank with the 2 belly mount long range tanks still full of fuel.
Just before bed time I unfolded the extendable Adendorff Ladder and put the Empty Jerry cans and 2 water containers back on the rear roof rack eliminating rushing to pack up in the morning.
Made sure fire is out before bed then time to jump in the bus and have a awesome night's rest.
Syncro Cox Camper
SJ 410 TarzanTiny
Millennium Beetle VR6 T Liberty
And a few VW Air cooled Toys
SJ 410 TarzanTiny
Millennium Beetle VR6 T Liberty
And a few VW Air cooled Toys
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- Location: Ekurhuleni
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Sunday 1 May Sunday Pan CKGR
Got up and had Breakfast then on slow speed we packed up rest of our camp and was ready to leave camp half past nine
And we all rolled out in convoy passing Khokoje Pan then San Pan and then Tau Pan
It was lunch time and we thought we might be lucky to get lunch at the Tau Lodge.
As we drove closer we spoke what could be for lunch
Just after the Lodge gate the rest of the convoy waited for me to do the 2km drive alone to the lodge and find out if we are welcome.
Just aswell they stayed back as the road to lodge was very narrow and they only serve there own booked inn guests no normal visitors.
Back at the convoy we got some nice shady trees and parked there for a quick lunch before heading to Deception Valley direction.
Then Manny had a left front flat tyre.
Closer inspection side wall damage
I turned around with the bus to go Assist with Tyre breakdown.
Used my highlift Jack and made quick work of lifting
Manny and Andreas could not alighn the special spanner to lower the spare wheel
I stepped in and was right on the hole and we could lower the spare
After tyre change we carried on down Deception Valley and Rolled in past the watering hole up to Sunday Pan camp site 4
Manny and Andreas went to look at camp site 3. And decided to camp there seeing both campsites were booked for us.
I just opened the Gazebo and did not pitch side tent so open air camping.Made Fire and some lekker Lamb chops with salads and baked bread. Opened the Quick pitch ensuite
Next to the bus again and plugged in the shower pipe for a nice hot shower in the bush.
Syncro Cox Camper
SJ 410 TarzanTiny
Millennium Beetle VR6 T Liberty
And a few VW Air cooled Toys
SJ 410 TarzanTiny
Millennium Beetle VR6 T Liberty
And a few VW Air cooled Toys
- Mad Manny
- Location: Johannesburg
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Lekker report Bugger.
Thanks for helping guide it in, otherwise I'd never had got that tyre changed!
Thanks for helping guide it in, otherwise I'd never had got that tyre changed!
"No one ever got stuck - in mid air!"
2010 Fortuner D-4D 4x4 'Fearless'
2006 Conqueror Conquest 'Gearless'
2010 Fortuner D-4D 4x4 'Fearless'
2006 Conqueror Conquest 'Gearless'
- Shane
- Location: Hennenman/Virginia
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Geeze Bugger, I would never have taken you for such an articulate masterpiece...
You surely weren't after a few beers at that one YEF we attended
But what a good report! Thanks for the effort and sharing it with us!
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You surely weren't after a few beers at that one YEF we attended
But what a good report! Thanks for the effort and sharing it with us!
Sent from my SM-G998B using Tapatalk
- Martin de Jager
- Location: Ekurhuleni
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I must compliment you Bugger, the factual presentation really allows us all to experience this great tour. Well done.
2011 Toyota Prado 3.0 VX,
2013 Suzuki Jimny, Ratel (larger than life),
2023 Toyota Starlet xr auto,
2019 Invader Duo.
2013 Suzuki Jimny, Ratel (larger than life),
2023 Toyota Starlet xr auto,
2019 Invader Duo.
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- Location: Johannesburg
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I too, am most impressed by this vivid account of this
exotic squads adventurous foray into darkest Africa.
Many thanks for the account and photos.
Perchance did that raucous Portuguese missionary plant
Waypoint Stone Crossses en route and convert the local San to God-Fearing Christian ways ?
exotic squads adventurous foray into darkest Africa.
Many thanks for the account and photos.
Perchance did that raucous Portuguese missionary plant
Waypoint Stone Crossses en route and convert the local San to God-Fearing Christian ways ?
... Famous Fiver VoorLoper ...
... Veni Vidi Vici ...
... Veni Vidi Vici ...
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- Location: Ekurhuleni
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Thanks guys
Yes I.must Admit writing such a report does take up a hell of a lot of time
Will keep posting and send pics
We still had some lekker times
Yes I.must Admit writing such a report does take up a hell of a lot of time
Will keep posting and send pics
We still had some lekker times
Syncro Cox Camper
SJ 410 TarzanTiny
Millennium Beetle VR6 T Liberty
And a few VW Air cooled Toys
SJ 410 TarzanTiny
Millennium Beetle VR6 T Liberty
And a few VW Air cooled Toys
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- Location: Ekurhuleni
- Has thanked: 72 times
- Been thanked: 146 times
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- Contact:
....
Monday 2 May Sunday Pan CKGR
Sneaked out of bed around 7am folded up the Quick pitch Ensute from previous nights shower and Wessel and I drove out on a game drive. As I started to drive out I heard a knocking noise left front.
I drove a bit more and we crossed paths with Avon on the trail now we were 3 lol
Said to him next open patch I want to stop and investigate.
We stopped and I inspected left front
And found another casualty from the Corugated roads the shock top center bolt have managed to vibrated slight loose and nearly out.
That would have been a job and a half to compress the coil spring and re fit the shock
In the bush with out coil spring compressors.
Tightened up the nut and checked it after a few Km and I was happy on repair and for safety inspected rhs aswell but lock nut working good there.
We finished the loop and found a few of the guided tour operated camp sites. And staff sorting accommodation while their guests are out.big tents for mess rooms kitchens the works and laundry hanging everywhere meaning lots of wster available. We got back to camp and fried some onions with left over lamb and mixed it inn with Egg and Cheese for Breakfast called a Moerby meal.
Wessel made the promised Potjie Manny was nagging about but Wessel did not share any of his Potjie with Manny or any one else than Duvan.
I Inspected the water tank level inside the Syncro to see how much water we used for previous nights shower and hand washing.with the water level just below 50%. we still good for water as we got 1x5L left and if need be the one 25L Water Jerry can is drinkable .
Afternoon was casual and we baked a fresh bread and made a nice Spagetti with Spinach dish for supper.
Played a Prank on Wessel and Duvan again with a rubber Snake that had Wessel awake and on the edge of his seat and eyes bigger than his plate of food same as Lion insedent
Just before bed Renay and myself had a nice warm shower again under the awesome milky way of stars.
Syncro Cox Camper
SJ 410 TarzanTiny
Millennium Beetle VR6 T Liberty
And a few VW Air cooled Toys
SJ 410 TarzanTiny
Millennium Beetle VR6 T Liberty
And a few VW Air cooled Toys
- LesseW
- Location: Centurion, Pretoria
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Pierre goes and puts a massive rubber snake next to my caravan but in such a way that as you get to the door there is just enough light on the £&@“ snake. First time I did a back flip in my life.
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Land Cruiser 200VX
FJ Cruiser
Bushlapa Baobab 4
FJ Cruiser
Bushlapa Baobab 4
- Mad Manny
- Location: Johannesburg
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Mad Manny wrote: ↑Wed May 18, 2022 7:45 pmBugger wrote: ↑Fri May 13, 2022 3:49 pmAround 10km from the camp site the Syncro developed a problem
Intermittent no power and then the engine died.
After a quick assessment I was sure no fuel pressure.
Jumped under the bus and found the spade lug on Fuel pump positive side vibrated off.
I pushed it back on the fitting and bus started up no problem.
That happened one more time before we got to campsite 10 where we were to camp and drove a bit slower from 40 to 30km/h to eliminate harsh corrugated road vibration.Bugger wrote: ↑Mon May 16, 2022 6:32 pmThursday 28 April
...and hit the engine protection skidplate bar hard on the ground from the bad roads and eventually pushed up against the oil sump causing a vibration and bending the original oil filler blank plate and caused oil to start dripping out.Luckily when I discovered this we were not to far from camp luckily i only lost around a liter of oil.
The oil leak on the sump and starter issues i managed to sort both out before supper.
The problem with the starter I found the Main power cable from battery lug nut vibrated out and not making contact.
That's more Car Trouble than I've had my entire life...
"No one ever got stuck - in mid air!"
2010 Fortuner D-4D 4x4 'Fearless'
2006 Conqueror Conquest 'Gearless'
2010 Fortuner D-4D 4x4 'Fearless'
2006 Conqueror Conquest 'Gearless'