Driving School – The Fun Way!

Mandatory Off-Road Driving Course

Windhoek, 16 July 2012

In the afternoon, we had a mandatory off-road driving course with Richard from "Be Local". We met Richard at Windhoek Country Club, where, after a brief introduction, we drove to a nearby gravel pit.

Here, we were put through our paces for about two hours. We started by tackling a very steep hill full of large holes and deep ruts, while Richard politely but very firmly issued instructions. Just like learning to drive when you were 17!

Among other things, we had to put the vehicle into low range with the differential lock engaged, and then drive up and down the slopes in second gear.

My wife was certainly breaking into a sweat, but so were our passengers, our daughter and son. Yes, they even threatened to leave the vehicle and sat clinging to the back seats!

It was a fantastic experience, though – every big boy's dream! We felt we were in safe hands with Richard. It was obvious that he knew exactly what he was teaching.

After the gravel pit, we set off at a fairly high speed along a winding and undulating gravel road.

The principle was always to keep some power going to the wheels when turning or negotiating obstacles, and then reduce speed again on the straight stretches. Equally important was keeping well away from the edge of the road to avoid catching the edge (or ending up in the ravine).

All in all, it was a fun, exciting and very educational afternoon.

Pia was also rather proud of having passed her 4WD driving course (with flying colours). Now she can boast about it to her two male colleagues at work!

Pia feeling slightly under pressure
Richard from Be Local cracking the whip!

My wife and I taking a 4WD driving course with an experienced instructor – an incredibly rewarding experience! See video

Safety Briefing and Vehicle Inspection in Windhoek

Safety Briefing

Windhoek, 16 July 2012

Outside River Crossing Lodge Windhoek,
Blog author inspecting the Land Rover
Safari Drive, Namibia 2012

Monday, 16 July, began with a meeting with Duane from Safari Drive. During this meeting, we systematically went through our entire route across Namibia and Botswana to Zambia. Duane provided various instructions and useful tips for every single place where we would be staying overnight. He also went through the Land Rover's documents, particularly the precautions to take when crossing international borders.

The border crossing between Botswana and Zambia was apparently going to be a chaotic nightmare, but as Duane put it, clearly trying to sell the experience, "Everyone should experience that border crossing at least once in their lifetime!" (!)

The border between Namibia and Botswana, on the other hand, should be fairly straightforward. Just a few stamps in our passports, and we would be using probably the most remote border crossing of all, near Tsumkwe in the Kalahari.

We would also be crossing the veterinary fence on our way north, passing through the "disease control point" at Palmwag on the way towards Sesfontein.

The fence encloses the entire central part of Namibia to protect it from foot-and-mouth disease, which is only found outside the protected zone. When crossing back "inside the fence" into central Namibia, you are not allowed to bring fresh meat or dairy products with you. However, this does not prevent enterprising customs officers from confiscating food from tourists travelling out of the zone, as many tourists are unfamiliar with the regulations. At least the customs officer's family will have their dinner sorted out, which is some consolation.

The Land Rover we are driving is registered in Britain, and its number plate is easy to remember: "Xiao Alm". Roughly translated, something along the lines of "ordinary goodbye".

During the safety briefing, Duane also went through the satellite phone and satellite navigation system, and programmed his number into the phone's memory. As it turned out, we would need this safety precaution much sooner than expected! (1st car breakdown link, 2nd car break down link, 3rd car breakdown - and in real trouble link)!

Worth its weight in gold in an emergency
Always keep it charged!

Vehicle Inspection

After the safety briefing with Duane, we went outside River Crossing Lodge, where the Land Rover was waiting for us in the car park.

Here, every piece of equipment in the vehicle was systematically inspected and ticked off on a checklist. Everything was tested, including the diesel tank (110 litres), water tank (40 litres), rooftop tent, ground tent, high-lift and standard jacks, two spare wheels, fridge/freezer, various tools and every conceivable (and inconceivable) piece of camping equipment for four people.

This included mattresses, bedding, chairs, a table, a checked tablecloth (!), cutlery, glasses, a gas stove and a kettle.

The vehicle is packed to the limit and weighs close to two tonnes. It is very top-heavy, and the greatest risk is rolling over if you stray off the side of the road.

In practice, driving it feels rather like driving a large lorry.

We were also shown how to use the compressor to inflate the tyres. When driving through loose sand for an extended period, typically more than an hour, or if (when) you get stuck, you let air out of each tyre for one minute, which improves traction.

If the compressor breaks down, we also have a hand pump in the vehicle. That would take a couple of hours! As Duane put it, "It's good exercise."

Inspection of the Land Rover Defender
Everything is systematically tested before departure

Fully equipped with everything imaginable

My wife and I taking a 4WD driving course with an experienced instructor – an incredibly rewarding experience! See video