|
Post by danie on Apr 17, 2010 16:40:44 GMT 2
About three years ago I tried to make arrangements for a Lada group trip to Namibia. Unfortunately there was not much going on at the forum at that stage, and there was no definite interest in taking part in such a trip.
I think times have changed since then, and while I am still dreaming about a trip to the above mentioned areas, I just wonder if there would be any interest from other members to join. I am thinking of visiting the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the Caprivi Strip in Namibia, as well as the Skeleton Coast, Walvisbay, etc.
My intention is to start preparing my Lada for a trip like this, and start saving R100 to R200 per month............
Any interest ?
Regards
Danie
|
|
|
Post by Ari Bezuidenhout on Apr 17, 2010 17:22:02 GMT 2
Hi Danie
Yes me, that sounds good and should work with a bit of planning
Ar
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on Apr 17, 2010 20:10:29 GMT 2
Hi Danie Sounds like a great idea. Our biggest problem is the strength of the rand which has affected our main income from the UK. We used to get over over R13 to the Pound now we are looking at R11. The interest rate has also dropped so we just can`t win. At least there is plenty of time. Regards Ronnie
|
|
darryn
Veteran Niva Petrol Head
Ruchnoy Protivotankovyy Granatomyot
Posts: 713
Registered: Mar 5, 2010 21:50:09 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by darryn on Apr 17, 2010 22:37:43 GMT 2
This kind of trip is exactly why I bought a Lada in the first place. Count me in.
Laters
|
|
|
Post by danie on Apr 18, 2010 10:23:39 GMT 2
Hi All
Thanks for your positive response.
Please bear in mind that at this stage, the mentioned route was just a suggestion. Fuel and other travel cost, as well as time will obviously be a major factor, and I believe we should try to make this trip as affordable as possible. If this means that the trip needs to be shorter, we can always make other plans.
The main objective of this trip will obviously be to view that beautiful part of southern Africa - but at the same time, to get as many Lada owners together, as possible.
Ronnie, while you have already toured that area, I will appreciate your comments regarding travel costs, etc.
Regards
Danie
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on Apr 18, 2010 12:27:42 GMT 2
Hi All. I have already sent a PM to Danie as I do not want to create a negative impression. That is something I would not do as no one loves Botswana and Namibia any more than me. Until I retired we spent about 7 weeks a year roaming the bush, and loved it. My advice is save and go and be fully aware of what is reqd. Distance is a problem in both countries and more so in the bush. On our very first trip I alowed 2 hours to do 80 KM into Savute in Botswana. In reality due to deep sand and deeply rutted tracks it took nearer7 Hrs. Once you have decided on a route I will give you times based on my own experiences. Unless you have lots of time you should limit it to 1 Country or it is possible to do Botswana and the Caprivi. I mentioned to Danie In Botswana you cannot take meat North to South only South to North and that can also be problematic at times. The other thing so that no one is disappointed you CANNOT SEE THE DELTA from any where unless you go on a trip via a boat. The camp sites in Moremi are on the edge of the Delta and you still can`t see it. If you travel up the western side of the delta heading to Namibia You can see the Panhandle ( Okavango River ) from the private camp sites otherwise it is hidden from view. Due to the time taken getting from one camp site to the next you need to stay at least 2 nights or preferably 3 at each stop. After all you are on Holiday and want to enjoy yourself and not exausted by fighting the stearing for hours only to do the same the next day. Botswana is expensive (Fuel is cheaper ;D) but the game reserves depending on the exchange rate cost about R400 a day for the Lada 2 people and camping. The abulution facilities are in general Just about usable . This should give you some thing to think about and start planning ;D. Regards Ronnie
|
|
|
Post by danie on Apr 18, 2010 17:58:35 GMT 2
Hi Ronnie Thanks for your response. Everything you mentioned makes sense, and there are obviously a lot to think about.
To get more members involved, I think this trip should be planned for Botswana and the Caprivi only. Anyone who might be interested in joining, please feel free to air your opinion in this regard.
As mentioned, accommodation at the National Game Reserves is very expensive, and I think we should seriously consider other options as well.
Again, anyone who might be interested in joining this trip, please feel free to air your views.
Regards
Danie.
|
|
|
Post by danie on Apr 18, 2010 18:28:12 GMT 2
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on Apr 18, 2010 19:13:47 GMT 2
Hi Danie
You are correct to restrict your tour to 2 countries at most. The problem to Botswana is you have no alternatives as any private game areas we will not even mention the costs. You need to pass through Botswana to access The Caprivi so it makes sense to travel to Maun and then visit Moremi, savute, and exit in the north at Chobe. When you hit the tar road at Chobe it is 2 minutes to the Namibian Border Post.There are a couple of game reserves after you enter The Caprivi that were no charge but I have not been in them so can`t comment.I have books on them but things change rapidly in Africa so could be out of date. All who want to participate should start saving now as it will be an experience of a life time and it is ADDICTIVE. I KNOW ;D. Zimbabwe was always the cheapest but fuel is a problem. I was fortunate as i carried 300 liters of Diesel. Problem today I can`t afford to pour in that amount. All you fanatics must now put down your names and as much input as to where you would like to go to and what you want to see.
Regards
Ronnie
|
|
|
Post by danie on Apr 18, 2010 20:03:59 GMT 2
Thanks Ronnie
This is list of members who indicated that they are interested in joining the trip. More names will be added by time, or names could be removed if members change their minds;
Danie Ari Darryn Ronnie Hercules Marius ??
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on Apr 19, 2010 15:53:04 GMT 2
Hi Danie Being on pension I also have the problem of kitting out the Lada which also costs money. I have a solution to that which will solve my problem providing no one objects. I have the use any time of the Landy i sold which is fully kitted for serious overland travel. Using the Landy would solve a big problem for me. ;D You can then remove the ?? from my name. Regards Ronnie PS I don`t see Marius on the list
|
|
|
Post by Ari Bezuidenhout on Apr 19, 2010 16:48:59 GMT 2
Hey Ronnie then we tow you out every time you get stuck with the Landy Ari
|
|
|
Post by danie on Apr 19, 2010 17:29:01 GMT 2
Hi Ronnie The question marks have been removed with great pleasure - you are a Lada owner at heart, and we need you there - Lada or not !
We are going to have lots and lots of fun, towing the Landy out of trouble.......... ;D
regards
Danie
|
|
|
Post by danie on Apr 19, 2010 17:37:57 GMT 2
It would be nice if Hercules, Mike (our doctor) Marius, and anyone else would might be interested could join as well........... My wife is already very exited about the trip. Regards Danie
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on Apr 19, 2010 19:24:20 GMT 2
Hi All Towing the Landy out :PI don`t think so ;D I agree Hercules Mike ++++++++ Regards Ronnie PS Ari as we have something in common I will have the pleasure of towing your Lada.
|
|
Hercules
Veteran Niva Petrol Head
Lada - your peace of mind to take on the world's vast landscapes.
Posts: 785
Location: Gauteng
Town: Benoni
Registered: Oct 2, 2009 11:55:41 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by Hercules on Apr 19, 2010 20:41:24 GMT 2
Can count me in, just hope to sort out all the rubbish that life and children hold in. This stage of life every thing is upside down and will do my best to be on the trip.
Regards.
Hercules.
|
|
|
Post by danie on Apr 19, 2010 21:17:51 GMT 2
Hi Hercules It will be great to have you on board as well.
Fortunately time is still on our side. I think most of us still have to sort out a couple of things as well.
I hope things will be back to normal on your side soon.
Regards
Danie
|
|
|
Post by danie on Apr 19, 2010 21:39:02 GMT 2
O, I forgot to mention the names of our Aussie friends !
Hopefully Bobby and Andy will be able to make a plan as well.........
Danie
|
|
|
Post by Ari Bezuidenhout on Apr 19, 2010 21:42:24 GMT 2
Hi All
We should start thinking about the ideal time of year to go and length of time so that those who work can plan their leave etc.
Something like this is all in the planning, plan well and everything should go ok and most problems can be solved before they become nightmares.
Ari
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on Apr 20, 2010 10:31:24 GMT 2
Hi All. Ari is correct decide on the time of year and length of trip. To do this all must indicate when leave is possible. We also need a starting point, and if you intend heading to Botswana for example, The Petro port North of Pretoria would be a good place. I will also give a list of what I think you need to equip/carry as a minimum on the Lada. Of interest, the Savute channel is flowing strongly. It has a history of being dry for long periods. It flowed briefly in the late 1950`s and then again in the early 1980`s. Before this the last people to see it flowing were the early Explorers when it flowed from 1850 to 1880. I have never seen it with water . It has been flowing for about a year and is already full of Hippos and crocodiles. Probably the best time for game viewing is September, but an adventure of this kind is welcome at any time. ;D. All should do a bit of research as to what you would like to do and see. Hope fully others members have been before and can share their experiences and advice with us. Regards Ronnie
|
|
|
Post by marius on Apr 20, 2010 12:53:54 GMT 2
Hi all Yes I would love to go on a trip like this! The "unfortunate" thing is - we just started farming - lambing season right now! Very small beginning - but hell it keeps you busy! Not my idea of early retirement ;D Anyway between now and 2012 a lot can happen - so yes you can put my name on - VERY TENTATIVELY. If not - you MUST all come and visit on your way to Botswana. As Ronnie mentioned "tourist things" in Botswana can be very expensive - so perhaps by 2012 uncle Bob has retired down in Cape Town
|
|
|
Post by danie on Apr 20, 2010 17:42:21 GMT 2
Hi Marius I have added your name to the list, and really hope you will be able to join. Being an ex sheep and dairy farmer myself, I do know that it is not always easy just to leave everything and go on holiday at any given time ! Regards Danie P.S. Whatever you do - never start a dairy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Believe me, I know what I am talking about ...........lost everything............and had to start all over again.............
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on Apr 20, 2010 19:19:51 GMT 2
Hi Marius
Out of interest where do you live as i don`t think you ever mentioned it.
Regards
Ronnie
|
|
|
Post by danie on Apr 20, 2010 19:23:09 GMT 2
Hi All
As far as time of the trip is concerned, I think we should consider the cooler season - perhaps any period from June - September / October 2012.
Summer temperatures can get very hot in that area, and driving conditions should be much better during the cooler season.
I have spent 12 months in total on the Angolan border (Ovamboland, Kavango, and Caprivi) during my Army days, and I know that even winter day temperatures can get quite high. Winter night temperatures can get quite cold though.
The Angolan raining season usually finish during April, and the masses of water reach the bottom end of the delta during July each year.
Apparently the best time for game viewing in the delta is during May - October.
I would say June / July 2012 ............just a suggestion.
Regards
Danie
|
|
|
Post by Ari Bezuidenhout on Apr 20, 2010 19:36:58 GMT 2
Hi Danie
The timing sounds good to me.
I have checked online and it seems that we do not need visas for either botswana or namibia but we do need passports with at least 12 months to expiry on our return date.
Ari
|
|
|
Post by marius on Apr 20, 2010 19:59:11 GMT 2
Hi Danie / Ronnie The farm is very close to the current political "hot spot" in South Africa in the North West Province (Ventersdorp) and was until recently a fully functional dairy farm! The farm has actually been neglected for many years and we have a huge task ahead of us. We decided to farm with something that would best suit our lifestyle and are very easy to handle - boer goats! "I would say June / July 2012 ............just a suggestion." >> very good suggestion it gets VERY HOT over there and Ladas don't have aircons. On the plus side LOTS of game to see
|
|
darryn
Veteran Niva Petrol Head
Ruchnoy Protivotankovyy Granatomyot
Posts: 713
Registered: Mar 5, 2010 21:50:09 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by darryn on Apr 20, 2010 20:34:48 GMT 2
Well, I heard over the grapevine that there should be a global cataclysm in May of 2012. Shouldn't we try for a little bit earlier so that the End Of The World doesn't get in the way?
Sorry. Lame joke, but I couldn't resist.
|
|
|
Post by marius on Apr 20, 2010 21:33:03 GMT 2
Well if the cataclysm included some form of nuclear warfare/meteor impact the Lada should be one of very few cars that can survive the EMP (no fancy electronics that can fry) - so we might still be able to travel to Botswana Might even get free petrol on the way ;D
|
|
|
Post by danie on Apr 21, 2010 6:26:25 GMT 2
Hy Darryn I agree with Marius - if you see the grapevine gangsters again, tell them about Ladas..............but PLEASE don't tell them about the Botswana / Caprivi trip - we don't want them to join! ;D Regards Danie P.S. Also tell them to drink less of the grape stuff.
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on Apr 21, 2010 19:57:45 GMT 2
Hi All
I can go any time of the year so I will follow whatever you all decide. We both are looking forward to the proposed trip very much. We will also pay a visit to see Danie early next month and will take as much information as possible with us.
Regards
Ronnie
|
|