4x4 Action Group

Rivertrip 2025 trip report

I joined the Patrol club for their annual Rivertrip event. Joining me was my wife and two kids.

Day 1:

Met up at Petropoort at around 7 to leavy to the molototsi Rriver entrance. Weather was cold as can be with maximum temperatures being around 10 Degrees and apparently some snow in Centurion when we left. On the way to Giyani Anthony got a sidewall cut and we had to put in 6 or seven plugs, then continued on our journey. We encountered a massive rain storm nearing Polokwane, and one fatal crash on ysterberg. Just after ysterberg got some nice hail as well. At around 12:00 we descended into the river, aired down and made our way to Camp. We did as usual, got some fire-wood and set up tent for the night. Got a bit or rain around 22:00, which was a first for me on a rivertrip, nice soothing music for sleeping.
Always interesting to see different peoples set-up, from glamping on rooftop tent or AHA-campers, all the way to people just sleeping under the stars with 5l of water. Stays up late and just enjoyed the fire whilst enjoying some good braai-time.

Day 2:

We drove along the river, and over to a large flat rock formation, always very scenic, made brunch, headed towards camp around 15:00, time for some fire again, nice scenic one, but in saying this, we were about 26-28 vehicles that braai'd heated water etc...
Day 3:

This is the day of ROCKS! Just after the Dzumri bridge there are 2-3 rocky sections with some "bypass" routes, but these are not for the faint of heart, and having done them each year for the last 5 years, I decided that I will get out at the Dzumri Bridge and enter the river again after about 5 km, missing the rocky section as a whole. Now this is important to understand that unfortunately there is a lot of sand mining taking place in the river. This is not legal mining, and not small scale mining in any way! These are TLB's, trucks, lorries and mining sections the width of the river, 3-4meters deep 200m long at a time. Now what this causes is basically when the river starts flowing again, the rocks get exposed and and the environmental impact is huge! But a bit more on that later. Thus we were originally only 2 vehicles that wanted to bypass the rocky sections, and when I turned my head again, 8 more vehicles followed me out of there. Dropped back into the river after the rocky section and about 2 hours later about 8-10 vehicles more joined us, they started the rocky section and it was just too much, got out and joined us in waiting/ laying around lazy. If memory served the vehicles took between 4-6 hours for the rocky sections and there were buckled rims, bent bumpers, broken lights and people were exhausted! Half glad I missed it this year, half sad as it is always an experience! Will see what next year brings. Set up camp around 16:00 about 2km before the fig trees. This night was small fires, and multiples of them, rather than one central fire.

Day 4:

Whilst some of the convoy went along the Kruger fence, I decided to spend a night at the Kruger, as this would be our last night, thus I headed to Phalaborwa gate, booked a night in Balule and set up camp for a peaceful night of camping. Saw some nice animals, night life and noises of the bush, what a relief from Patrol snorers the nights before Enjoyed the day at the Kruger, headed out at 14:00 and started back home.

Overall a very very nice group this year, with a large variety of vehicles, ranging from Cruiser 300's, 80 series, Patrols, Hilux and even a custom 4x4 sprinter conversion bus with Patrol axles.

You don't need a massive vehicle to do the rivertrip with, just same basic underbelly protection, and maybe rock sliders. very fun trip and worth it every year.

Next come some things about the river itself and sustainable.

Part 2

Just to show everyone interested where we are in the world.
We entered at the Molotosti river and the group drove along that river to the Fig trees, exited, drove against the Kruger fence, entered at the Kruger national park "Fence", drove along the Klein letaba towards Giyani and exited there, sometimes the trip can be done in reverse.

Ideal situation in my opinion is two nights in Molototsi, two nights in Klein letaba. Klein letaba river is definitely easier driving than the Molototsi, but slighlty "boring", where the molototsi is more technical.

Now as before mentioned the sand mining is getting fairly bad, and to illustrate that, here are some photos of the EXACT same spot, but mined out up-river. The reslults are quite shocking.
2003
2016
2017
2018
2021
2023

Thus it can be seen that from around 2017 there has been a steep decline of sand, exposing more rocks. This has huge environmental impacts and I would also argue that the river does not feel as "safe" anymore.

The rivertrip is a special 'gem' where one can still experience some wild camping, but with the river deteriorating in terms of drivability and sustainability I believe that is a matter of time before it will not be safe and comfortable enough to do in smaller groups. Safety in number will be key.

Over the last few years I have also found that there are now 'tour-operators' charging people (as they may do it obviously) to do this as a tour. This increases the amount of people that drive in the riverbed, which I am perfectly happy with, but as we know very few people have camping ethics and leave the place a mess, bottles, toilet paper, plastics etc. And the more people there are, the more this happens. At some stage the locals or authorities are going to step in, and it will be the end of it.

Positives however I believe are plenty for the area and community! We always make sure to stop at some of the shops/shebeens and filling stations nearby. And you can just imagine the amount of fuel/food/snacks that the travelers purchase there and what it means for the area.

Part 3

I would also just like to give a special shoutout to the Patrol group who organize this event each year.

Tinus who is the Kamp-Kommondant and Anthony who is always in the lead searching for tracks and making the trip pleasant and safe for everyone.

The group every year consists of very compassionate people, who are never in a hurry, always ready to lend a hand where needed, and never leaves anyone behind. Most people on the trip carry their own weight, whether it be packing rocks, fetching fire-wood or helping to cut up trees.

The fact that there is NO brand bashing is also truly amazing in itself. Just a humble set of petrolkoppies enjoying life and adventure. Really hope the river stays "open" so many more such adventures can be done.

Muller and Werner also made absolute core memories when they offered the kids some sand-boarding, this was absolute happiness money cant buy.

Another great trip done and dusted and memories made.

Thanks Peet nice report.

Yes I do agree that sand mining does have a impact on the rivers. What one needs to remember that the area had above normal rains the past years.
February 2025 the Molotosi were in full flood way above normal levels contributing to abnormal erosion.

Dankie Peet

Daar is al baie memories gebou in daai rivier.
Ek kon nie hierdie jaar saam nie, maar is bly almal het dit geniet.

Hoeveel karre was daar toe alstesaam?

Trolly Fan wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 14, 2025 7:50 am

Dankie Peet

Daar is al baie memories gebou in daai rivier.
Ek kon nie hierdie jaar saam nie, maar is bly almal het dit geniet.

Hoeveel karre was daar toe alstesaam?

Ek het getel so 27-28 karre die jaar, seker so 40% van hulle was nie Patrols nie. Maar baie lekker groep gewees, een vir die boeke.