4×4 enthusiasts tackle wet southern terrain

Around 30 4×4 enthusiasts braved the cold and wet conditions in southern Namibia over the long weekend for the annual Outdoor 4×4 Festival hosted by Land Rover Owners Namibia (LRON).

The initiative started in 2016 during a Landy festival at Uis, where about 100 Land Rovers from across the country gathered for a weekend of activities.

This year, participants met at Canyon Roadhouse near the Fish River Canyon.

The destination was chosen to promote local businesses, LRON member Henry Bisschoff says.

The expedition was met with rain, muddy and slippery roads, and detours after the Naute Dam reached full capacity and its sluices were opened, according to the Namibia Water Corporation.

With roads closed, visitors had to travel over the dam wall to reach the campsite about 80km away.

What is usually a dusty gravel road became a muddy and slippery route – conditions few 4×4 enthusiasts would complain about.

Bisschoff tells Top Revs, which joined the expedition, that drivers should be cautious in such conditions. “Always be aware of the dangers of muddy roads, water ponds and pools, as rivers might wash away low-water bridge surfaces.

Vehicles could get stuck or even overturn,” he says.

He adds that such incidents can be costly, especially in remote areas where medical assistance is not readily available.

His advice includes deflating tyres according to manufacturer specifications, driving in all-wheel drive (4H) for better traction, and maintaining low speeds. Convoys should also keep a safe following distance.

Essential equipment for such trips includes recovery kits, sufficient fuel, tyre repair kits and updated GPS systems.

Vehicles should be properly serviced beforehand, with checks on components such as the transfer case, differentials, freewheel hubs and batteries.

“Any failure can leave you stranded, often in remote areas,” Bisschoff says.

He notes this was the third festival since the initiative began in 2016, although the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted momentum.

“We had a setback with Covid, we lost momentum and now we are back with a bang. The difference now is we opened up to all makes of vehicles,” he says.

LRON has since expanded participation beyond Land Rover owners, welcoming all off-road and 4×4 enthusiasts who share an interest in camping and exploring Namibia’s landscapes.

The club maintains strict rules, with committees overseeing media, health, environmental matters and waste management.

Its motto is to “take nothing except photos and leave nothing but tracks”, although off-road driving is restricted to designated routes.

Respect for nature was evident when a member who left tracks in soft sand was handed a spade to cover them – to the amusement of others.

Activities extended beyond driving, including jogging, cycling and walking.

A drag race with a twist was also held on a nearby farm, where drivers navigated a single track and could only overtake at a turning point.
“The race was interesting.

Not that you can race with a Land Rover, but it is all in the spirit of the Outdoor 4×4 Festival,” Bisschoff says, adding: “We race slowly in our Land Rovers.”

Participants also visited historical sites such as the Holoog train station, war graves and old lime kilns within Gondwana Canyon Park, where conservation rules apply.

Bisschoff thanks sponsors M&Z Motors, LR Parts and Hollard Insurance for supporting the event.

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