Carnage Canyon - 18 to 21 March 2022
Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2021 1:52 pm
Introduction: Carnage Canyon is a 6.2km 4x4 route driving up river. The river will be flowing, but not too heavily by late March.
The route ends at 'The Beach'.
It is the toughest 4x4 trail in South Africa. Letele Pass is, apparently, tougher, but it's in Lesotho.
Carnage is far tougher than Baboons Pass.
The Trail is under the Custodianship of Ron of Traction 4x4.
Basically this is what will happen:
We will meet at a point (that Ron will give us closer to the time) on the Friday afternoon. It won't be too not far from Carnage Canyon.
We will then drive to Carnage & set up camp.
Ron will have the area cleared & he will set up mobile toilets.
On Saturday morning we will all drive back to the start, 2 or 3 km back.
Entrants will be give a briefing & then, at about 08:00, they'll head off.
Spectators will then view progress along the route, but not just watch, we'll need to assist where we can.
In the early afternoon the competitors will slowly get to where we camp & exit the river.
We will braai & have a good laugh.
On Sunday morning, Entrants will re-enter the river & continue up stream towards the beach.
Spectators can easily walk along to view & support.
Monday we pack up & head home.
Most attendees (including me) will NOT do the trail, we will be there as spectators.
The whole idea is for everyone to go, enjoy the weekend & help those doing the trail to the end.
It's a great trail to spectate as you will walk it faster than they will drive it
In order to do the trail, Entrants will need:
A well sorted & capable 4x4 (a Double Cab won't cut it).
At least 33" tyres (but ideally 35")
A good lift (75mm+)
Front lockers (ideally).
SFA would be beneficial, but kitted IFS vehicles also make it.
A well stocked recovery box, including Hi-lift jack, plenty tow straps & strong 'ladders' (MaxTrax will just break).
Right, with that done, lets get on with it...
What?:
A trip to Carnage Canyon, Limpopo
When?:
Friday 18 March to Monday 21 March 2022
Why Then:?
Monday 21st is a Public Holiday, if you take leave Friday you get a long weekend.
Where?:
56km this side (sort of) of Polokwane (Pietersburg) Limpopo
About 326km from the West Rand.
What Accommodation?:
Wild Camping only.
Cost?:
Club Members: Driver + vehicle - R400
Non Members: Driver + Vehicle - R650
Passengers: Over age 12 - R100pp
Children under 13 - No charge.
Note: The cost for Entrants & Spectators is the same.
NB: Please see post #22
What Now?:
You calculate your costs, pay the amount into the Club account using the reference Carnage.
Then (& only then) you post your details here.
If you are doing the Trail (competing), please state so & give details of your vehicle.
Example:
Bugger, paid, Entrant.
Tiny (SJ with lift, ultra low gearing, 33's - well sorted).
Banking Details:
4x4 Action Group
Nedbank Fourways
Account Number 1051513812
Branch Code 168-405
By When?:
You must pay by Friday 25 February 2021.
But note that camping space is limited, we'll probably restrict to 20 or 30 Spectator vehicles.
What's the BAD news?:
* It's wild camping (similar to the Barberton Tie The Dots).
There will be porta loos but you'll need to take your own showers etc.
You'll take all your own rubbish out.
* Your Off Road trailer will make it, but an Off Road Kakavaan probably won't.
Your Jurgens Xcape may make it.
But I don't think a Jurgens Explorer will get across the river.
I struggled (used LR & DL) to get my Conqueror Conquest across & I'm a sh!thot driver...
* Being a 4x4Action Group event, Club Rules & our Ten Commandments of 4x4'ing will apply...
What's in it for me?
* It will be a great weekend away.
* Entrants will have completed the toughest trail in SA.
* Entrants getting to The Beach will get a special commemorative sticker.
* It will count towards the UTM 50/100 trails Challenge (in fact Entrants will get two UTM entries - 3 nights camping AND the trail)
* It also counts towards the UTM 7 Devils challenge.
Right! Who's in?
