Pajero Owners Club of South Africa

Leeuwenboschfontein - managed to cover the trail up to grade 4 - not advised to have attempted the grade 5, as the SWB had no diff-lock - Sills dented, tyres chipped and chaffed, heads bumped ------------- but not one Pajero let us down

That looks like such a nice place - I have driven past and always thought it would be nice to go camping there.
Definately on my todo list.
Oh and well done with the trail, looks challenging (was it dry?)
And the Pajeros look awesome !

Hi ChrisB

Day 1 & 2 were cold and wet. Freezing at night (especially day 1). From 3rd day, it got steadily warmer, but still very pleasant, and dustier each day.
The climb to the topmost peak, (with gazebo, braai area, fantastic field of view and suspended toilet on the side of the mountain top, was a great respite) was grueling and time consuming, as we had to periodically get out of the Pajeros, to suss the terrain and obstacles (quite technical). Certain areas, that were so steep, were paved with meshed-up rock. This tore into the tyres a bit - got the scars to prove - but in the end, it was well worth it.
The camping site, way down below (viewed on the r/h side of one of the panoramic photos), was rustic, but very clean, always with hot water, 220v availability, shade, toilets spotless (everyday) and always with toilet paper.
I must say that the mountain bike cycling group , as well as the 4x4 enthusiasts - (ourselves included ), all were very responsible, courteous and considerate, of all around us. There was not one bad incident, the whole stay !!
There's even a small "plaas" shop, on the farm, for minor incidentals/essentials and treats. The owner of the farm also approached most, and had a genuine interest, that all visitors were happy. He even made available, a high pressure water cleaner for the cyclists (we soon took advantage after the first 2 muddy days) .
Touws Rivier is only +-30km (gravel road), so blankets were snapped up after the first night there.

All in all, it's also on my REVISIT list

A few more photos of the pleasant Leeuwenboschfontein 4x4 / mountain bike excursion - 16-19/12/2010

Thanks for the report, Achille.

You and Aslam clearly had good fun!

Anton

Hi Anton
We certainly did. Getting the LWB ready now for the next trip.....

Hi Nino,
Excellent trip and report
Are you satisfied with the Cooper Discoverer STT tyres? What pressure are you using on the rock and mud?

Hi Jenki
I'm very happy with the Cooper STT's.
Even the "road noise" is at a very acceptable level. The grip on the surfaces covered was just phenomenal, hence the Grade 4 trail covered, even without diff-lock. I honestly think & wish I could have also attempted the Grade 5 section.
For the dry river bed, the harder surfaces, loose sharp stone and massive boulders, we kept a constant 1.4/1.5 pressure, which for the latter sharp/hard surfaces, proved to be more optimum for us.
I will seriously opt for the same tyre make, for the LWB, once the BFG A/T's are done - even the price is more favourable at +- R1750 as compared to the BFG's A/Ts @ R2200.........so between what you get, the ride quality & the math.....there's not much to ponder on (in my perspective)

Yes, I have the same positive experience.
I'm using tyres size 285/75R16 (33x11.22x16) for my Patrol GR and for Pajero as well - the same set, of course, just I've to change wheels for the off road event. Pressure is usually 1,2 bar for mud, 1,3 (1,4) for hard, rocky surface.

Hi Achille,

Awesome pics, looks like you really had fun, let me know next time you go, I'll join you.

I was actually reading up on Leeuwnboschfontein on the Dec/Jan issue leisure wheels/Drive out/ SA 4x4 (one of them at least)
and reading with quite a bit of trepidation,(as some of it sounds pretty steep) I specifically pointed out to Susan that a few of what they call grade 4, as what the Landy guys at Matroosberg referred to asgrade 3 (I personally thought they were grade 4).
I must say, the Pajero/Cooper STT combo certainly gets more respect and gives me more confidence every time I take Bismark off the beaten track.

Hopefully 80,000km's from now, we'll both still be on our same set (comparing scars) which sadly(thankfully maybe), I have not managed to get on them yet.

Cheers
Ned