Landy Legion

When you get the opportunity to join a convoy of Defenders on a meticulously-planned trip through one of South Africa’s most stunning valleys, it’s one you simply can’t turn down.

- Micky Baker

Just inland of the Tsitsikamma lies a narrow, mystical valley, shielded from the elements by two monstrous mountain ranges. Where the Kouga Mountains clash with the Baviaanskloof, you’ll find an oasis of lush greenery along the otherwise arid outskirts of the Karoo, feeding off rainwater that fell far afraid of the fertile valley.

The Baviaanskloof is so peculiar, in fact, that it forms part of the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site. In all, the area is home to an incredible seven of South Africa’s eight major biomes, ranging from fynbos all the way to savanna. It’s no surprise, then, that organiser Johan Kriek saw it as the perfect setting for the 2018 running of the Cape Defender Trophy.

Armed with a solid Defender 110 hardtop from the kind fellows at Pon Steyn 4x4, also the Trophy’s main sponsor, I collected good ol’ Richard from his hamlet home and belted along the R62 and N9 towards the rendezvous point for the start of our epic trek. We’d be spending the night at Grootrivierpoort, on the east end of the valley, before making our way down to Patensie, the real starting line.

Meet & greet

Grootrivierpoort provided all participants with the opportunity to get acquainted with each other and with the nature of the challenge ahead. One by one, Defenders trickled into the picturesque campsite, until eventually we had all gathered around there, eager to down some chops and dops in anticipation of the long haul ahead.

Despite the name, the Defender Trophy isn’t a driving competition. Far from it, in fact! Anyone planning to pilot a rickety old Landy through the Baviaanskloof needs to be a competent off-roader, but the Trophy tests your mind far more than your donga-dodging.