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Date: 2025-04-07
Departure From: Pretoria
Departure Time: 06h00
Destination Name: Christiana Riverbend Campsite (Christiana)
Arrival Time: 13h00
Total Travel time: 7 hours
Weather:
Overcast with light rain throughout the day
Departure Temperature: 17C
Peak Temperature: 22C
Odometer Reading (km):
Start: 239 517
End: 239 954
Total Distance: 437
Passes:
Passes:
None
Trip Summary:
Trip Summary:
The real adventure only started when I joined Mike at the TotalEnergies fuel station along the N14 at 06h30. We both had VHF radios to communicate along the route. These are very handy devices when travelling.
We followed the N14 and turned off to Carletonville to take the back roads to avoid traffic and heavy trucks. Mike radioed in to say his vehicle battery presented issues the previous evening and had to be replaced. He identified a suitable Battery service centre in Potchefstroom. We continued along the R501 to Potchefstroom and had his vehicle's battery replaced, all in 30min.
We continued along the N12 before taking a secondary road to Orkney and later joined up again on the N12 to Bloemhof and on to Christiana. The region had obviously had lots of rain as the fields were flooded and dry riverbeds were now flowing strongly. One section of the road to Orkney was flooded for about 150m.
Replacing the Vehicle's Battery
Road to Orkney was flooded
The veld was green and rivers were running - We must count our blessings when they arrive. We passed through areas that grew sorghum, maize, cashew nuts & sunflowers. We also passed game farms and cattle farms.
We arrived in Christiana and I lead the way to Christiana Recreational Resort to setup camp. The Vaal river had broken it's banks and the resort was flooded. The manager indicated I had the incorrect location and must go to Riverbend Camp further down the road. We arrived to people moving tents and equipment to storage located on higher ground. There was only one camp site available with a "glamping tent". We were assigned the site including the use of the tent ablutions, as the camping ablutions were under water. The Vaal water level was about 2 metres from the tent and Daleen was concerned we could be flooded out by the next morning. The manager assured us that the Vaal would only rise later Tuesday evening so we would be safe.
Daleen and Mike
Ablutions under water
One can easily imagine how pretty the camp site would be when the Vaal River was flowing normally. There were lots of Willow trees and grass and the facilities we could see sticking out above the water looked in good condition.
The "Glamping Tent" is well laid out and would make a comfortable stay. We used the electrical connection along with the ablutions in the tent. The host, Judy was very helpful and apologetic for the conditions and provided braai wood at no charge.
The Route:
The Route:
Places travelled:
Carletonville
Potchefstroom
Orkney
Bloemhof
Christiana
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