Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

Well this is a new "old" route. The route was established in the 1990's and lived a long happy life until a small case of a divorse forced a sale. The new owner, or rather a partner was not into 4x4's and closed the trail. About three years ago there was an attempt at re-opening a section of the trail but this proved unsuccessful. Then after much pestering by yours truly it was decided to re open the original route again. Now we are talking, one of the toughest around, yes, yes, bring it on. Well after many months of walking, swearing and sweating the trail is open again.
During December Alex Roux came down on his annual holiday and we met up at the trail. Maybe I have it wrong but I recon Alex thoroughly enjoyed himself and his Patrol did not let the side down. Apart from "Winch Hill" (aptly named) he did it all without toooooo much of a sweat. My poor old Pajero is really showing it's age and lack of diff lock (rear) and with a bit of help (just a little bit from a winch ) I managed Fat Lady. The trail is now really comming together and I invite all members from the Nissan Patrol Forum to come down and try the trail. I will undertake to give a 30% discount on your trail fees if you are a current (before today's date) member. We can also arrange camping, from "bush" camp (no electricity) but great ablutions, to caravan park with/without electricity and self catering chalets. There is a restaurant and pub on site with camping on the riverside. In short, MAGIC

Dave, that's good news and a very generous offer that I will certainly keep in mind

Dave
Thanks for that offer. We will keep it in mind for our next visit to the area. It might be a good idea to let WegRy know about this route.

Hey Dave!!
Glad to see you on here!! When are you getting your patrol?
How about dragging some photos or the link from when we went on the trail. not sure how to do it. And post some photos of the trip with Alex?

Hi Reinier,
I am still working out how to post photo's, not as easy as the community forum. My Patrol is still high on the priority list, maybee I should have taken that GU, I believe it sold for R78000.00 voetstoets, I would gladly have paid that and more.

Hi Everyone

My trip report for December 2012 is still a work in progress.
But indeed, this included Moorkuyl (28 Dec). This is more or less between Kleinbrak and Grootbrak in the Southern Cape (slightly inland)
This was a tougher trail than I expected.
The dirt on the rocks was very dry, making cause for spinning.

Dave, I think in hindsight I would have driven the penultimate obstacle in 2nd - similar to how I would drive a mudhole. Else too much spinning.
However "Fat lady" was too steep for second gear - at least for the Lexus pulling a three ton vehicle.
The Rubicon's much slower crawler gear gives them the right range in third for that obstacle.
The new hillux bakkie certainly showed the effectiveness of traction control on the front diff.
In fact, "Fat lady" convinced me that I will ultimately need to get me front lockers. Also for the "horse shoe" in reverse.

I am still expecting photos from a few eye witnesses on "Fat lady", but this is a picture of the "Fat lady" from down at the camp sight.
As usual, pictures don't do justice...
View of the area from atop one of the hills at Moordkuyl

Some more pictures my brother in law took of Moordkuyl

These are mainly from the Fat Lady obstacle.
At soem point the car disappears under a cloud of dust, showing how slippery the dry dirt made the obstacle.
Later on the Puma winched itself up, using a the Hillux as anchor - after breaking its sides haft