General Info and Description of event.
*** This get together is planned to be held at Sani Top Lodge on 9
March @ 18h30. To log the event you need to be there at the pub
between 18h00 and 19h00. ***
The main gathering will be at the pub. This pub is the highest in
Africa; a new meaning to the words "getting high" . At this
height the Gluhwein does taste better. Drivers please stay
away from any alcohol. We are planning to stay over on Friday and
Saturday. This is not compulsory neither prescribed to log this
event cache. As a bonus or as an addition to this event there are
several geocaches in this area. For the more adventurous cachers or
the ones that want to attend that do not have access to a
4x4 could make use of the 4x4 taxis and pay their fee for a
trip up and down the pass. I am not sure of the going rate. If
there are any open spaces in a vehicle please communicate this to
the cachers via a note. During this event we will discuss the
hiking route and event planning for the next day as a secondary
objective. Please go to bed early if you are joining us for the
hiking trip, you will need it.
How to get there:
Closest access road is from Himeville. From Himeville the next stop
will be the South African Border Post, which is at 1967 meters ASL.
Here you will have to complete the necessary formalities. You will
then enter 8 km of "no man's land" and you will negotiate several
hairpin turns with grim names such as Suicide Corner, Grays Corner,
Icy Corner and Reverse Corner. If I remember correctly then there
are 22 of them. Some of the sections are at a 30% gradient. From
the RSA border post you will do the climb up Sani Pass to about
2874 meters. Here you will have ample opportunities to appreciate
the beauty of the mountains and the scenery is extremely pleasant.
Please keep in mind that this is subject to weather conditions and
mist could spoil your view. The Lesotho border control point is on
your left as you get to the top.
Some
border formalities and requirements for entry:
·
Make
sure that your passport is valid.
·
Most
citizens, including North Americans, Australians, New Zealanders,
British, Southern Africans and most Europeans can get a free permit
upon entry, usually valid for 30 days. Your passport should be
valid for another 6 months after leaving. Note that things
regarding visas might change over time and that certain
nationalities do need a visa. It is best to check the nearest
embassy or consulate.
·
A
new requirement is that you have to provide proof of insurance for
the vehicle. If you are not the owner of the vehicle then written
permission from the owner must be obtained. Make sure you have your
original registration paper with you if you are the owner. They can
request this documentation at the border or at a
roadblock.
·
Only
4x4's are allowed and low range is essential.
·
Border
gate opens at 08h00 and will close at 16h00.
·
Please
note that raw meat is not allowed into Lesotho and you will have to
forfeit the barbeque. Sani Top does have something on the menu for
the stomach and you will be responsible for your own account
with regards to food and drinks.
·
No
animals/pets are allowed.
·
Road
fees payable in Lesotho are in the region of about R10 per
day.
·
Slow
down when you encounter any animal or locals.
·
Carry
apples or some other fruit in case you encounter any locals. Do not
hand them sweats.
·
Please
do not take any photos at the border and/or of any
official.
Some off road driving tips:
·
The
event organizer and his team will be available at the RSA Border
Post from 10h00 to 10h30. (DV).
·
The
vehicle travelling from the bottom to the top has right of way but
some people do not understand this rule or choose to ignore
it.
·
If
you park your vehicle at the top make sure that your handbrake is
not pulled to the maximum. You could be in for a surprise the next
morning after an extreme cold night.
·
Make
sure that antifreeze is added to the cooling water system at a
ratio of 50/50.
·
Make
sure your battery acid level is correct or you will battle to get
it started the next morning.
·
Park
your vehicle with the front against the building or wall to prevent
wind blowing through the radiator and engine.
·
If
we encounter any snow conditions in the pass or somewhere during
our trip try to slow down using the gearbox. It is easy to slide
and to lock the wheels if you misuse the brakes. Keep a
considerable distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
We will carry two radios, one in the front and one at the
back.
·
The
cache owner will lead from the front. You are responsible for the
vehicle behind you at all times. If you cannot see him or he falls
behind you will slow down and allow the person behind you to catch
up. The driver in front of you is responsible for you again and he
will need to slow down.
Personal Tips:
·
Make
sure you have sunglasses available. The reflection of the sun on
the snow is a problem. (If there is any)
·
Make
sure that someone in your team has sun block with them.
·
If
needed make sure that you have enough clothing for layering. Make
use of thermal underwear, which will keep you dry and will maintain
your body heat temperature. Then wear a T-shirt, then a shirt then
a jacket or fleece jacket and then a raincoat to keep any wetness
away from you. Don't forget your pants. Make sure that you boots
are water resistant and if needed coat them with a fresh layer
of polish without polishing. Wear thick socks or make use of
special thermal socks. If your feet get wet or cold they will stay
cold for the rest of the day. Maybe this will not be needed but be
prepared. Also do not forget the blanket for your sleeping bag.
More important - under no circumstances should you forget the
sleeping bag. I am not planning to share mine.
·
Accommodation
is at a first come first serving basis. Keep your valuables such as
cameras and GPS equipment in the vehicle and out of plain
view.
Weather Forecast:
·
This
is unpredictable at his best. It could be hot, it could rain, it
could snow - it could be anything. We will inform the potential
attendees of the weather reforecast about 3 days in
advance before the event on a daily basis.
Best of all this is a different world with different people and we
hope all will enjoy the company, the adventure and the geocaching
stories. Good luck.