* Looking back (over my shoulder)
* Trips & Tours
* Floods, Droughts, Fires and Disease
* Ben 10 Official (Day 2)
* Technical Tips
* Featured Pass
Well, well, well - 2025 was a very good year for MPSA for a host of reasons - too many to write about here, but various innovations helped to increase our subscriber base, our social media following and positive growth in tours bookings. We are looking forward to the new year and the various challenges we are likely to face.
We wish every one of you a healthy and happy 2026.
February 2026 - Amathole-Katberg Tour (Fully Booked)
March 2026 - Kouga-Baviaans Tour (Fully Booked)
April 2026 - Mountain Kingdown Tour (Fully Booked)
May 2026 - Wild Coast Tour (Fully Booked)
June 2026 - Great Karoo Tour (2 spots left)
July 2026 - Swartberg Classic Tour (6 spots left)
September 2026 - Cederberg Spring Tour (to be loaded soon)
October 2026 - Seven Sisters Tour (to be loaded soon)
November 2026 - Ben 10 Official (to be loaded soon)
Floods in the more northern parts of South Africa and especially in the Lowveld have affected road closures and infrastructure damage. The Kruger National Park has been adversely affected. The cost of the flooding has not yet been fully determined.
Droughts are evident in several areas, with the town of Knysna in the news again as only having 4% water reserves left at the time of writing.
Wildfires started early in December affecting many parts of the Western Cape. The news came in on 22nd December of an SUV towing a camping trailer that caught fire at the summit of the Uitkyk Pass in the Cederberg. The veld started burning immediately in the hot summer weather and consumed 53,000 hectares of pristine wilderness. The veld will recover and re-germinate after a season of winter rain, but spare a thought for the farmers and holiday makers who lost revenue and infratucture in the blazes that followed, which burned for several days, only being being extinguised on January 2nd.
From the farm manager at Driehoek, who was the first person on the scene, he tells the story that the family were driving up the pass towing a camping trailer. The brakes on the left front wheel were binding, which caused a rupture of the brake line, spilling brake fluid (there was a big online debate whether brake fluid is fammable or not and apparently it is under certain conditions) which resulted in the wheel catching fire. With no brakes, he attempted to bring the vehicle to a halt using the handbrake and in the process slid off the tarmac into a ditch. The family all got out in the nick of time with some minor burns.
That Facebook post generated a record 1.3 million views in 72 hours. (Bad news sells)
The burnt out carcass of the Nissan Patrol that started the Cederberg fires / Photo: Daniel Salvatore
We drove through most of the ravaged areas on January 3rd to deliver a painting (featured elsewhere in this newsletter) and observed the devastation first hand. More fires were reported in the Humansdorp area, Kouga, Mossel Bay (where whole suburbs were engulfed in flames and many homes lost), Stanford, Franschhoek and more. It's been a rough few weeks. The usual conspiracy theory around arsonists have circulated.
Foot & Mouth Disease has once again lifted its ugly head with a big outbreak in the Kokstad / Matatiele areas. Farmers in the Eastern Cape Highlands have contacted us and asked us to help spread the information that many of the Ben 10 passes will be closed with immediate effect. We stand 100 behind the farmers and have agreed to put whatever information out there via our social media channels.
Every time we drive the back route between Wupperthal and Matjiesrivier in the Cederberg, we make a point of stopping in at the quaint little one room cottage known as Santjie se Werf. Jan Titus, a seasoned Cederberger has lived there for many years, leading a solitary life. We take a few bags of basic supplies to help him ease some of the burdens of a tough existence, whenever we pass through the area.
We published a story on Facebook about him, coupled with a photo of his little cottage. One thing led to another. One of our followers, Pierre Jacobs, had taken a similar photo to ours and liked it so much, that he commissioned the artist, Roelof Rossouw, to paint it. That painting now adorns a wall in Pierre's home in Cape Town.
He arranged for a copy of his painting to be produced and offered to gift it to Jan Titus. We in turn, offered to effect the delivery, which took place on January 3rd. 2026.
In the photo a delighted Jan receives his painting and it really is beautiful. He had a lekker New Years surprise. On departure, he asked if on our next visit "Kan meneer vir my n dop saambring volgende keer"
Jan Titus proudly holding his painting / Photo: Charon Roberts
With general rain forecast for the last 4 days of the tour, we decided to get Bastervoetpad done on the driest of the days. Our convoy rumbled out of the Mountain Shadows Hotel gates, crossed the R58 and headed directly for the start of the pass, about 7 km away.
Whilst it wasn't raining, the area showed evidence of a high water table, with the local stream in full flow. Here we had a final set of radio instructions about what lay ahead and which gear to use and other sage advice, accummulated over a decade of driving the route. This is comfortably the most technical of the 10 challenge passes, as many of our guests were soon to find out.
Within the first 500m the fun started having to get through deep mud and ruts. Adrenaline levels shot up as drivers struggled with the slippery conditions, some of who had more than one go to get through some of the sections, but everyone managed to self recover and proceed on their own steam.
The fast flowing stream at the start of Bastervoetpad was a sure indicator of wet conditions further up the mountain / Photo: Trygve Roberts
Once up on the steeper gradients, things were easier (if you can call climbing large boulders and rock ledges easy). The good news was that the summit was clear and within 40 minutes we had the convoy safely at the summit to enjoy a well deserved leg stretch. The altitude at the summit is 2240m. It's not the highest of the 10 pases, but that view to the east over the forests and green slopes is simply out of this world. More often than not, the summit is under cloud or rain, so each time we get to the summit in clear weather, we consider it a bonus.
What lay ahead was 18 km of continuous descending over very uneven surfaces. If it was one kilometre of the rough staff, it would be OK, but it's 18 km of swaying, jolting, very slow driving in low range all the time. We got everyone through that tricky chicane section without too much drama.
Then came the second puncture of the tour. Rupert Worsdale's Land Cruiser 300 GR popped a tyre on a rock. That happened just after the chicane section. By the time I had guided all the drivers through the chicane, the manne had Rupert's wheel changed and ready to roll. Teamwork makes the dream work.
Alfred Mairs and Alan Butler helping Rupert with his tyre change / Photo: MPSA Guest
Visually the descent is akin to a Holywood movie, with tall, spindly waterfalls cascading down the cliffs, forming a dozen streams that all end up in the valley below as a fair sized river, which has to be crossed for times and no-one knows whether it will be too deep to ford, until we get there. Nothing like a little angst to keep the troops focused!
Our portable chainsaw did yeoman service as we cut the wattle back in various places to prevent scratches to guest's vehicles.
As soon we were officially at the end point of the pass, we stopped the convoy in the shady forests of PG Bisons Mexican Pines to enjoy a well deserve lunch. It had taken us just over 4 hours to complete the 28 km. That equates to an average speed of 8.7 kph.
Paula (who had been apprehensive about the pass) smiling widely with Alan after completing Bastervoetpad / Photo: Trygve Roberts.
With our 2nd challenge pass ticked off the list, we took the gravel road past Gatberg, later joining the R56 to Elliot (Khowa) where several guests needed to do some shopping and refuelling, allowing the group to return to our hotel independently, via the Barkly Pass.
That night there was a very good vibe in the pub as Chappies were handed out, to much merriment.
Next Episode: Heuningneskloof and Otto du Plessis - a flooded river and a big detour.
Battery maintenance is a critical but often overlooked aspect of owning a 4x4 vehicle. Whether you use your vehicle for off-road adventures, towing, overlanding, or daily driving, a healthy battery is essential for reliability—especially in demanding environments where a failure can leave you stranded far from help. Understanding how to properly maintain your battery will extend its lifespan, improve performance, and reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns.
One of the most important factors in 4x4 battery maintenance is regular inspection. Off-road driving exposes vehicles to vibration, dust, mud, and water, all of which can accelerate wear. Check that the battery is securely mounted, as constant vibration can damage internal plates and shorten battery life. Inspect terminals for corrosion, which appears as a white or bluish powder. Corroded terminals restrict electrical flow and can cause hard starting or charging issues. Cleaning terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water, followed by a thorough rinse and drying, helps maintain good electrical contact.
Keeping the battery charged is especially important in 4x4 vehicles, many of which run accessories such as winches, spotlights, fridges, air compressors, and communication equipment. These accessories place extra demand on the electrical system, particularly when the engine is off. If your vehicle is frequently used for camping or slow-speed off-road driving, consider periodically testing the battery’s voltage and state of charge. A battery that is consistently discharged below optimal levels will degrade more quickly. Installing a dual-battery system or a battery management system can greatly improve reliability for accessory-heavy setups.
When you see the corrosion, clean it immediately. The quickest way is to pour boiling water over the terminal.
Temperature also plays a significant role in battery health. Extreme heat can cause battery fluid to evaporate and internal components to degrade, while extreme cold reduces a battery’s ability to deliver power. In hot climates, ensure the battery is well ventilated and not exposed to unnecessary heat sources. In cold conditions, a weak battery may fail to start the engine altogether. Regular testing before seasonal changes can help identify a battery nearing the end of its service life.
For 4x4 vehicles that are not driven daily, such as weekend trail rigs or touring vehicles, inactivity can be particularly harmful to batteries. Even when parked, batteries slowly discharge over time. Using a quality battery maintainer or trickle charger when the vehicle is stored can prevent deep discharge and sulfation, a common cause of battery failure. This is especially important for modern vehicles with electronic systems that draw power even when switched off.
Finally, knowing when to replace your battery is just as important as maintaining it. Most automotive batteries last between three and five years, depending on usage and conditions. If you notice slow cranking, dim lights, or repeated jump-starts, it may be time for a replacement. Choosing a battery designed for off-road use, with higher vibration resistance and appropriate cold cranking amps, will provide better performance and peace of mind.
Proper battery maintenance ensures your 4x4 is ready for adventure, whether you’re navigating remote tracks or tackling everyday driving with confidence.
We recently produced a new 3 part video series (with telemetry) on Lundean's Nek Pass. The new three part series gives a wonderful insight on what it's like driving this pass, with its streams, waterfalls, herders and stunning scenery all the way into Lesotho.
Trygve Roberts ~ Founder
Don’t think of cost. Think of value.
* Compliments of the season
* Trips & Tours
* Hendrik & Annick from the duck shop
* Ben 10 Official - Day 1
* Featured Pass
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We will be taking a short break from today until early January.
Wishing you a joyful and peaceful Christmas from all of us at Mountain Passes South Africa. As the year draws to a close, we want to thank you for being part of our community and for sharing a passion for the remarkable landscapes, winding roads, and unforgettable mountain passes that make our country so special. May this festive season bring you rest, adventure, and time well spent with those who matter most, and may the year ahead be filled with safe travels, new discoveries, and many memorable journeys.
A quick recap on the year shows 8 tours completed. All of them fully booked. The new tour (Cederberg) we introduced was very well received and booked out quickly, to the point that we are already steaming ahead with pre tour bookings for the 2026 version.
From the social media side (Facebook) we gained roughly 30,000 new followers for 2025. Today's tally is 233,000 followers generating over 36 million post views for the year. Facebook continues to serve our style of story-telling particularly well.
Instagram is still a platform for busy people who don't like reading much. We are up 4,000 new followers to end the year on 35,000 followers.
On the back burner is the controversial Tik-Tok platform, where we have been operating for about 6 months and gained 3,800 followers, with results that read like a bizarre weather report of extreme highs and lows in terms of post views. I have yet to figure out the algorithm. We will make a decision whether to remain on Tik Tok platform in 2026.
We have wrapped up the last tour of the year with a sizzling Ben 10 Eco Challenge.
2026
JANUARY - No Tours
FEBRUARY - Amathole-Katberg Tour ( 2 spots open)
MARCH - Kouga-Baviaans Tour (Fully booked)
APRIL - Mountain Kingdom Tour Lesotho (Fully booked)
MAY - Wild Coast Tour (Fully booked)
JUNE - Great Karoo Tour (7 spots open)
JULY - Swartberg Classic Tour (6 spots open)
AUGUST - No Tours
SEPTEMBER: Cederberg Spring Tour (Bookings not open yet)
OCTOBER - Seven Sisters Tour (Bookings not open yet)
NOVEMBER - Ben 10 Official (Bookings not open yet)
DECEMBER - No Tours
If you want to reserve a place on one of the tours where bookings have not yet opened, we can offer you a priority reservation without payment required. Just send us an email request to
* Tours Updates
* Ben 10 Official
* Pat McAfee Show
* Wedding Bells
* Featured Pass
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Most of the tours are fully booked for the first half of 2026, but we still have a few places left for the Katberg Tour (15 - 20 Feb) and the Great Karoo Tour (20 - 27 June). Bookings for the ever popular Swartberg Tour (24-30 July) will open within the next week.
AMATHOLE-KATBERG TOUR.
I've said these words before. "Our best Ben 10 Ever" and yet thinking back on all the other Ben 10 tours, each one had it's own allure and amazing moments. This one, our 11th version was as close to perfection as what we could expect. Our group lost two tyres to sidewall cuts and we performed only one recovery. We dodged rotor storms and weather systems; rearranged routes to suit the prevailing weather; adapted our time schedules and somehow managed to complete the challenge successfully.
But let's start right at the beginning with some pilot induced error. About a year ago I made the decision to switch Thirsty Kirsty's headlights from the yellowish lights it originally came out with, to more modern LED globes. They cost at least double the price of the old ones, but here's the rub. They have given me ongoing problems, with the fittings rattling loose, LED's fusing and so on. The suppliers have replaced each set under warranty (to their credit). The LED's are made in Europe, so these are top end lights, designed to last. Let me also point out that the original globes had been in the vehicle since 2003 till 2025 (23 years) operating continuously without ever having to replace the globes.Everything keeps going right....
That little preamble brings me to the next part of the story. On the drive up to the Ben 10, we stopped in Robertson for breakfast and I noticed that the RF headlight was dead. On closer inspection, peering between batteries, radiators and pipes, I found that the LED globe was lying on a metal plate under the leisure battery and had detatched itself from its connector. So I made the mistake of trying to retrieve it and refit it. The only way was to uncouple the leisure battery, remove it, retrieve the globe, refit it and put it all back together.
* Tours & Trips
* Cederberg (Rooibos & Buchu)
* Latest additions
* Gamkaskloof
* Social Media
* Featured Pass
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November 2025 ~ Ben 10 Official.
This tour has been fully booked for some time. We depart for the Eastern Cape Highlands this Sunday for our eleventh Ben 10 tour. Including the original recce and filming trips we have done it at least 13 times. It's been raining a lot up in the mountains recently, with a report coming in from Valetta farm at the foot of Bastervoetpad that they had 40mm in a single day. The mountains are lush with fresh grass, the rivers and waterfalls are pumping and needless to say, there will be plenty of mud. There will be some slippin' & slidin'!
February 2026 ~ Amathole/Katberg Tour.
We have 6 places left on this tour. Think forest trails, hidden mountain passes, wildlife sightings, and charming small towns, all in the comfort of your own 4×4 — with expert guidance every step of the way. Whether you’re new to off-roading or already hooked on the adventure lifestyle, this tour has something for everyone. Expect a blend of:
March 2026 ~ Kouga-Baviaans Tour. Fully booked.
April 2026 ~ Mountain Kingdom Tour. Fully booked.
May 2026 ~ Wild Coast Tour. Fully booked.
June 2026 ~ Great Karoo Tour.
We have 7 places left on this repeat of our first hugely successful Karoo tour. A relaxed, mid-winter self-drive 4×4 adventure through the wide-open spaces of the Great Karoo. We have extended the tour by one day to be able to enjoy the Karoo as it should be. Expect game viewing, big-sky nights, easy and technical gravel, and classic passes, all with expert guidance and a small, friendly convoy.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ROUTE
Tours for the second half of 2026 will be released early in the new year.
The penultimate day of this wonderful tour dawned beautifully as only the Cederberg can deliver, with achingly blue skies, pleasant mid-range temperatures and no wind at all. We had an easy day on our schedule with a visit to the Skimmelberg farm which lies to the west of the N7 in a pristine valley, where they specialize in Rooibos and Buchu production as well as other crops. The farm is well worth a visit. The reception and guides are excellent, earthy - offering a real experience of local culture.
* Farewell my trusted friend
* Cederberg (Chapter 2)
* Tours Updates
* Tech Corner
* Did you know? Doublegees.
* Featured Pass
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I can count on one hand the number of people that I hold in the highest esteem. Abie Spies was one of them. Even staring death squarely in the eye, the intelligence and calm nature of this giant of a man shone through.
It was with a heavy heart, that I attended Abie Spies' memorial service last week. Abie was one of the first guests to book on an MPSA tour. It was in fact, the inaugural Swartberg Tour. It was the first of many. From client to friend things evolved gently, but steadily. It soon became evident that this quiet, tall man exuded certain qualities one rarely finds in such abundance in one person.
Standing six four in his socks Abie's great love (besides his wife and family), was waterpolo - a sport that he not only excelled in, but remained playing competetively until just over a year ago, attending all the senior tournaments around the country as a respected stalwart. There must have been 50 + of his waterpolo comrades at the service; a sure sign of the respect accorded Abie.
After a successful career in engineering in the field of metallurgy, Abie was able to retire with his lovely wife Yvette. A well read man with an astutely inquiring mind, but never argumentative, a penchant for photography and nature, I admired him greatly for his qualities and approach to life.
After contracting a type of leukemia called MDS two years ago, Abie spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals getting treatments and blood transfusions. Two weeks ago, he made the decision (in his usual calm and thoughtful manner) to call it quits. He kept all his contacts updated as to how things were going via his Facebook page, then posted his last photo with a short sentence:
"We've pulled the plug today and decided to come home to die. My condition has evolved so that the only way to survive at present is daily blood transfusions in a hospital, which is not sustainable or the way I want to spend my last days. It is more comfortable being in my own home. Thank you for all the great friendships, thoughts and messages over the last few months. I am comfortable at home, but my condition will deteriorate so fast, and so I request no visitors"
God Speed. Swim your last swim in a warm ocean of love and respect.
> Cederberg Seduction
> Tour Booking Releases and Updates
> Tech Corner
> Reader's Story
> Featured Pass
That first night at Kromrivier things went from hero to zero in the blink of an eye. The pleasant warm weather of the previous day disappeared faster than Greta on a sailboat. There was plenty of firewood on sale, but they were big pieces and one or two pieces of Blitz weren't quite up to Boy Scout standards in terms of successful fire making.
What we needed was tinder. The local bush had little to offer (being at the end of a wet winter) and no-one thought of bringing an axe along. Desperate times called for innovation, as our What's App group came alive with 'how to' methods and remedies to get the fires started. One guest deployed his Leatherman with some success. Some were more successful than others and the desperation ultimately leaned over into the bribery department, with lures of strong liquor being offered as a reward if the 'fire maestros' would come over and help their neighbours!
The mercury plummeted that night, boosted by a howling, gusty north-wester. Those that had booked into the luxury tents had to endure a wild and noisy night, whilst the smug ones in the chalets (including your scribe) slept soundly and warm. Thank heavens there were electric blankets in all the units (including the tents), so no one really got too cold, once they were tucked in.
It was still raining the next morning. On our programme for the day was a visit to Truitjieskraal, Die Stadsaal, San rock paintings and a wine tasting session at Cederberg Wines, scheduled for 12.30. We made a call at 09.30 putting the first three points of interest into the postponed folder, but in lieu of the hectic weather, decided that the wine tasting was the only realistic activity worth doing for the day.
A special Chappies Wolraad Woltemade award to Judy Evans who took a lengthy swim in the main rock pool of the Kromrivier. That river is always ice cold and the imagination runs riot when thinking of just how cold that water must have been after a 2C night plus the wind chill factor All invitations by her to the rest of the group to take the plunge were politely and vehemently declined!
That allowed everyone a relaxed and slow start. We regrouped at reception, destination Cederberg Wines. All that we had to do was drive about 7 km up the Kromrivier Pass and we would be there.
Everything about the winery was professional. Our knowledgeable sommelier welcomed our group of 26 guests and ran an excellent tasting session with flair and a touch of local humour. The large, black farm dog was delighted to get so much love and attention as guests relaxed with the rain pattering down outside.
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We have made some progress with tour planning for next year. Although exact dates have not been set yet, we generally run the tours in the middle space of the relevant month.
NOVEMBER 2025 - Ben 10 Official. There are two spots left.
FEBRUARY 2026 - Amathole Tour. This is esentially the Katberg Tour, which we have given a rebrand, due to the Katberg Pass still being closed, but we have added some new juicy bits to make this tour exciting and rewarding. It will be based between Bedford, Katberg and Hogsback. We should be able to open online bookings within the next fortnight.
MARCH 2026 - Baviaanskloof. As we didn't run a Baviaans tour in 2025, so we are putting this magical tour back on the calendar for 2026 due to many requests received.
APRIL 2026 - Mountain Kingdom Tour (Lesotho). There is just one spot left on this hugely popular tour. If you haven't been to Lesotho, here is your opportunity. We guarantee you will be amazed.
MAY 2026 - Wild Coast Tour - This will be the 11th running of this amazing trip. It's the longest tour in our arsenal (12 days).
JUNE 2026 - Great Karoo Tour - After the resounding success of the inaugural event, we will be running this tour again.
JULY 2026 - Swartberg Classic - This is probably our most perfect tour. It has all the magic.
SEPTEMBER 2026 - Cederberg Spring Tour.
OCTOBER 2026 - Seven Sisters Tour
NOVEMBER 2026 - Ben 10 Official
If you want to prebook a spot on any of these tours, drop us an email and we'll take care of the rest.
Running a tour during early spring is a risky affair, as it means hoping for a decent weather window between cold fronts. That sentence certainly proved itself last week in the Cederberg. All the guests survived the one day of bad weather, but we'll get back to that chapter a bit later.
Our tour group (fully booked) of 29 guests and 13 vehicles met at the lovely Val Du Charron Wine Estate in the Wellington Valley on Sunday afternoon, 14th September. This historic property has wonderful history including a steamy story of love across the colour line, brought to life in their Black Countess wine. Being a popular story, eagerly consumed from the label, it was the wine itself which got guests in the right mood as we got together on the deck overlooking the serried vinyards marching up the slopes, under the watchful eyes of the Seven Sisters (peaks which form a formidable barrier to the north of the fertile valley).
* Tours
* Snow White
* Tech Tips
* Latest video releases
* Featured Pass
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AUGUST
Our recent Swartberg Tour was another winner, delivering excllent weather, beautiful wild flowers and all the wondrous scenery this tour is known for. It was a dry winter in those parts which translated into quite a dusty tour, but that didn't stop guests enjoying themselves to the fullest. There were no punctures, no recoveries, no mishaps - just pure Swartberg magic. We will more than likely be moving the tour back to its original July time slot in 2026.
SEPTEMBER
Coming up this Sunday is the start of our inaugural Cederberg Spring Tour, which got booked out in record time. It's all systems go as we head off to the Val du Charron Wine Estate for the meet & greet this Sunday 14th September. We will write a full report in the following newsletter.
NOVEMBER
The Ben 10 Official Tour is the last tour of the year from 24th to 30th November. We will be driving the 10 challenge passes: These range between 1833m and 2590m ASL. You will experience the Eastern Cape in its summer finery with flowing rivers and a fair bit of mist and mud to add some spice to the already challenging routes. There is no tour on our calendar that generates more camaraderie than this one.
1. Joubert's Pass
2. Heuningneskloof Pass
3. Otto du Plessis Pass
4. Bastervoetpad Pass
5. Lundean's Nek Pass
6. Dangershoek Pass
7. Volunteershoek Pass
8. Carlisleshoekspruit Pass
9. Naude's Nek Pass
10.Potrivier Pass
In addition to the above we will drive another 17 passes:
Fetcani, Dawid se Kop, Bottelnek, Kraai River Pass, Grondnek, Benjaminshoogte, Greylings Pass, Perdenek, Barkly Pass, Tierkrans, Wintersnek, Ballochs Pass, Elandshoogte, Katkop Pass, Moodenaarsnek, Luzipoort, and Pitseng Pass.
Weather permitting we will take a drive up to the vulture viewing colony at Castle Rocks. Many other points of interest are included in this tour which include a drive up a private 4x4 route, a visit to Loch Bridge, the Funnystone River, Wartrail, New England and Lady Grey. We will slay the Bastervoetpad beast and celebrate the victory in style.
We have four places left. Book your spot sooner rather than later.
BOOK HERE: BEN 10 OFFICIAL
The New Year will see a number of exciting changes in our tours calendar. We will be running a Baviaanskloof Tour and a new tour, the Amathole Tour. The calendar for the first half of 2026 will be published in the next newsletter.
The Mountain Kingdom Tour in April 2026 is almost fully booked. There are 2 places left.
BOOK HERE: MOUNTAIN KINGDOM TOUR
Wilf Walker and his wife decided to indulge themselves in a mid winter holiday, travelling from their home town in the Free State to the Western and Northern Cape and drive some of the lesser known roads. They had no inkling of the drama and ordeal waiting for them.
Their routing took them from Merweville in the heart of the Karoo to Sutherland in the Northern Cape – a slow, gravel farm road (R354) peppered with many farm gates and definitely the sort of places they wanted to explore – a true “road less travelled”.
* Paying the rent
* Great Karoo Tour
* Technical Corner
* Wild Coast (The Haven to Kob Inn)
* Lesotho Tour Replay
* Featured Pass
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AUGUST: Swartberg Classic Tour (17th to 23rd). Bookings for this ever popular tour closed on the 31st July. We hpe the flowers and the parties will be wild and the weather docile. As usual there will be a comprehensive report on our return. We have kept the route the same as in previous years. The only change this year is that we are running the tour in August (for better wild fowers) vs the month of July in the previous 4 tours.
SEPTEMBER: Cederberg Spring Tour ( 14-19) This tour is fully booked.
NOVEMBER: Ben 10 Official ~ Take up the challenge and earn the badge, There is nothing to compare what this tour offers in terms of technical driving, adrenaline charged obstacles, stunning highlands scenery, towering mountains, comfortable venues and local cuisine, vulture watching and local engagement. Book early to avoid disappointment.
APRIL 2026 : MOUNTAIN KINGDOM TOUR
Our 5th self drive tour that covers all the very best Lesotho has on offer. This tour includes Sani Pass, Black Mountain Pass, Polihali Bridge construction site, Letseng Diamond Mine, Oxbow Lodge, Moteng Pass, Lifofung caves, Muela Hydro Power Station, Mafika Lisiu Pass, Katse Dam, Cheche's Pass, Mohale Dam, Blue Mountain Pass, God me help me Pass, Thaba Bosiu cultural village, Kome caves, Metolong suspension bridge, Botsoela Pass, Malealea Lodge, Gates of Paradise Pass, Maletsunyane Falls, Semonkong Lodge, Qachas Nek, Tsoelike Pass, Christ the King Mission (Senqu Horseshoe) and the absolute best is the Sethlabathebe National Park. Enjoy 9 nights and 8 sublime days in the Mountain Kingdom. It's a trip of a lifetime. You will have two highly experienced guides leading the way - Philip Rawlins and Trygve Roberts to ensure your Lesotho experience runs smoothly. Book early to avoid disappointment.
* Great Karoo Tour (Overview)
* Trips & Tours (Ben 10 Official & Lesotho open for bookings)
* Engine Compression (A Life Saver)
* Lesotho 2025 (The journey continues)
* Tyres (Inform yourself before you buy)
* Wild Coast. (Oceanos Rescue)
* Featured Pass (Bedrogfontein)
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Creating a brand new tour, carries with it some high risk and so many "what if" questions, but as they say in the classics, "He who dares, often wins" (the motto of the British Special Air Service (SAS). New routes hold a thousand opportunities to mess up grandly, but with thorough preparation and an adventurous spirit, mostly things turn out allright. And so it was.
Our inaugural Great Karoo Tour was much more than a resounding success, it rocketed itself straight into our Top 5 tours with a permanent slot in our calendar. Perhaps the perfect weather window had something to do with it?
We are still processing photos, videos and aerial footage, so in this newsletter, we'll give you an overview and thereafter provide the day by day detailed reports in following newsletters.
The six day / seven night tour kicked off in Kirkwood (Nqweba) at the Kronenhoff Guest Lodge in fairly crispy weather, with a huge cold front just having passed over South Africa. We had a 50/50 mix of existing and new clients on this tour, as guests got to know each other over dinner and some good red wine.
We got started on Day 1 in icy temperatures with all the vehicles having ice on their windscreens, but typically Karoo, the deep freeze temperatures soon give way to beautiful, calm, sunny days, mostly being T Shirt weather inside the vehicles. We arrived at the Kabouga Gate of the Addo National Park, signed in and paid the fairly hefty 4x4 route fee of R759 per vehicle, before heading west towards the Mvubu camp. Last year's "cash only" rule changed abruptly to "Credit cards only" - and that after I had ensured that everyone in the group had the prerequisite amount of cash ready!
The roads are decent up till that point, but get a bit rougher the further west one goes. The four river bed crossings involve driving for some distance over round stones, which requires precision driving and a light foot on the juice. Going up the ravine near the start of the actual Bedrogfontein Pass, our oldest guest, 82 year old Winston Ilsley, in his V8 Land Rover Discovery developed a suspension problem when the Landy decided to lie flat on its belly on some big rocks. We were in a pickle!
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