TRAVEL
Words: Greg Gearing | Photos: Sam Bradley and Christopher De Villiers
GO 4X4 OFF-ROAD ADVENTURING IN THE DURBAN GREEN CORRIDOR I WAS RECENTLY AFFORDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO TEST MY VEHICLE AND ENJOY SOME BREATHTAKING SCENERY WHEN I ACCOMPANIED MONTESEEL ADVENTURES ON ONE OF THEIR MONTHLY TRIPS DOWN THE VALLEY OF 1000 HILLS. THE UMGENI RIVER 4X4 EXPERIENCE IS THE BRAIN CHILD OF JACQUES MALAN, AND ONE OF THE MANY ACTIVITIES THAT CAN BE ENJOYED IN THE DURBAN GREEN CORRIDOR.
I have owned my 4x4 for over two years now and I get slightly embarrassed when I think of the ratio of time spent on the road to time spent actually using the vehicle for what it was designed for. I am sure there are many other people in the same position as me, who have bought a 4x4 in the hope of doing some off-road adventuring but for some or other reason haven’t had the opportunity or confidence to really test out their vehicles.
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GO 4X4 OFF-ROAD ADVENTURING IN THE DURBAN GREEN CORRIDOR
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THE UMGENI RIVER 4X4 EXPERIENCE OFFERS A FANTASTIC CHANCE FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVEN’T GOT MUCH EXPERIENCE WITH OFF-ROAD DRIVING TO CHALLENGE THEMSELVES AND THEIR VEHICLES IN THE COMPANY OF EXPERTS, WHO CAN GUIDE AND TEACH YOU IN A RELAXED ENVIRONMENT. The location of the trip is ideal; it’s a short drive from both Durban and Pietermaritzburg to The Hacienda Pub & Grill in Monteseel, where everyone meets for introductions and a short briefing. The trip is open to all makes of 4x4 vehicles and testament to this was that, on this particular trip, four of the five vehicles in convoy were different makes. But there will always be a few jeers between owners, the classic being between Land Rover and Land Cruiser owners.
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After meeting the other guests, who would be joining us for the day, we got into our vehicles and made our way towards the valley. A short stretch of tar road leads you down into the valley, where you are quickly reminded how aptly named it is because as far as your eye can see there is hill after hill. We soon traded the smooth tar for the rocky track as we began the first 4x4 section of the day. The relaxed environment of the day is great and helped to settle the nerves as we approached the first obstacle; a steep drop off into a dry stream bed and an equally steep climb out the other side. We all got out of our vehicles to watch the lead 4x4 show us how it’s done. You soon realise that it takes a mix of precision and confidence to tackle most obstacles. The precision ensures that you put your tyres in the correct place and the confidence ensures you have enough momentum to get you through the obstacle. Finding this mix is key to a successful day out, and the more obstacles we did the better we became at finding that sweet spot.
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GO 4X4 OFF-ROAD ADVENTURING IN THE DURBAN GREEN CORRIDOR
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THE CHILLED ATMOSPHERE ALSO MEANT THAT NO ONE WAS IN A RUSH AND THERE WAS AMPLE OPPORTUNITY TO STOP AND ENJOY THE SCENERY, HAVE A SNACK OR SWOP DRIVERS TO GIVE OTHERS IN THE VEHICLE AN OPPORTUNITY TO TEST THEIR SKILLS. We tackled a number of different obstacles from tight rocky corners and river crossings on our way down the valley towards the Umgeni River. The scenery surrounding the river is beautiful, with massive granite rocks protrude from acacia-covered hills. It’s hard to believe that these landscapes exist so close to Durban, yet many people haven’t had the opportunity to gaze upon their splendour. After a short break and a bit of playing around with the vehicles in the riverbed, we made our way to the final obstacle, a long steep hill climb, before heading to the picnic site. When you first look at the hill it is hard to imagine a big two-ton vehicle would ever summit it. The loose gravel surface provides minimal traction and logic suggests it won’t work, but by this stage we had all grown in our confidence. Once again the lead vehicle showed us the way. For this particular challenge momentum is definitely your friend, and a sizeable run up at the base of the hill is crucial. There is a real sense of excitement as you race towards the hill and began the climb. The excitement soon turns to awe as you realise just how capable a 4x4 vehicle is, and finally there is a since of achievement as you crest the hill’s summit. By this stage we had all worked up a decent appetite, so we made our way to the community-run campsite situated next to some picturesque rock pools and shady trees. In the true spirit of the day, there was again no rush as a braai was lit, picnic blankets spread and conversations of the day’s activities commenced. The picnic site offers a great opportunity for kids (and adults) to explore the area, try out a few of the natural bum slides and just soak up the beauty of a special river valley.
All in all it was a fantastic day out and I would highly recommend anyone who would like to improve their 4x4 driving skills while at the same time experience the wonderful Valley of 1000 Hills to join Jacque and his team on the next trip. •
MORE INFORMATION WHEN: Last Sunday of every month WHERE: The Hacienda at 121 St Andries Street in Monteseel at 08:30. (Near Botha's Hill) COST: R550 per 4x4 (Irrespective of how many people are in your car) COST INCLUDES: Tour Leader, lead 4x4 with all required safety and equipment should you get stuck, entry fees to picnic sites, community levy and guides 2015 TRIPS LEFT: Sunday, 27th September 2015 Sunday, 01st November 2015 Sunday, 29th November 2015 For further details please contact Jacques on email: malanjj@mweb. co.za, call 082-462-2908 or visit their website www.durbangreencorridor. co.za/book-activities/4x4-experience
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