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The accommodation at Majuba was comfortable and the weather was not too cold so we slept well. We left Majuba at 08h04 and headed along the unpaved road to 3 Provinces 4x4. We could have taken the paved road route via Volksrust, but then where is the fun in that.
The shortest distance to 3 Provinces 4x4 Adventure camp, as the crow flies, is only 11km. The longest 40km route (1:50 hrs) took us through beautiful farmlands. The road from the R543 to the 3 Provinces Farm could be a challenge for a 4x2 vehicle during the raining season. We met the owner who provided clarifications of the available routes, checked us in and warned against the making fires at the camp sites due to the dry season before we could proceed to the camp site. They provide a very detailed trails map that highlight the tough sections and possible drive-arounds.
The camp is basic with showers and toilets with hot water provided by a Donkey Heat exchanger. There is no electricity at the camp. It was tempting to pitch camp on a site with a great view, but we know from experience that this provides no protection from winds that normally occur on a mountain slope.
We found a good site (15c) close to the ablutions. As Mike was the 4x4 tour leader, he confirmed that he expects to leave early the next morning. I decided that it would be more convenient to pitch my tent instead of the roof-top tent on my Defender to avoid the need to break camp each morning.
My camp site with wind shelter and Mike enjoying coffee
Mike's luxurious camp site unfolded from his 4x4 trailer
The camp site is up the side of the mountain with beautiful views across the valley and awesome sunsets as it faces west. We spent the rest of the day pitching camp and scouting the 4x4 trails in preparation for the arrival of the LROC vehicles. By about 7PM that evening and in the freezing cold I may add, every one of the 10 Landy assemblage had arrived safely. We gathered around the communal fire, and immediately we all felt like old friends. What a privilege!
Ablusions, Showers and communial Braai with Donkey Heater
We were the 2nd vehicle from the group of 9 vehicles (5 Defenders and 4 Discoveries) to arrive at the camp site. We pitched camp and enjoyed a cup of coffee before heading out on a route to gauge the difficulty of the “tough’ sections. Mike did a close inspection of the “tunnel route” and made a call that we should avoid this to limit possible damage to vehicles. The last time I did serious technical driving was about 17 years ago. It was fantastic to know that I still had the skill and my 20 year old vehicle was still an extremely capable vehicle in such a technical environment. We managed all the tough obstacles without any incidents and returned to camp feeling the 4x4 trail would be very manageable for the Defenders and Discoveries. The route we took was 13.2km and took 03:52 hours to complete – We started at an altitude of 1895m and the route peaked at 2257m. The route for tomorrow would be longer.
Mike & Philip at the peak of Langkrans mountain
Awesome Views and 4x4 trail
This is where Black Eagles nest and the 3 provinces join (Natal, Free State & Mpumalanga)
This is an indication of the trail we covered
By the time we got back, more LROC members had arrived. The camp has a communal fire/braai area where we all gathered in the evening to cook our food, enjoy the warm fire, and share adventure stories. A fire was lit under the Donkey to ensure there was hot water for a shower and to wash the dishes. Mike did a brief introduction and provided clear instructions to everyone that we leave camp at 08h00 sharp and any late comers would be left behind which meant most people had to mobilise to get ready at about 07h00 the next morning.
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