Botswana self drive guided with 4x4ventures: Stage3

[@thabolebusha357]

i spent a lot of hours working and watching your vids. i have a ford ranger 2.2ltr and i have fallen in love with the car all over again after seeing your videos. looking to get a wrap before i really takeit out there

[@4x4ventures_southafrica]

Thanks Thabo. Not a bad motor and yes, very happy with it. A wrap is expensive and shows all the scratches, so make sure you know what you are in for. Protecting the paint underneath is a priority for me, and branding, but at quite a heavy cost. Enjoy it mate, and thank you for your support 👍

[@african7498]

Awesome series - fantastic quality footage. It's been a while since in Moremi - did Nam side of Linyanti 2 years ago. Time to head back. Thanks for sharing.

[@karen3497]

Love watching your videos. Amazing footage. Can't wait for the next adventure.

[@chrisblatherwick6569]

Perfect perfect perfect squire, each episode is just better than the previous one! I really liked seeing footage of the Ranger in action in the cut lines. Keep it up Ryan!

[@4x4ventures_southafrica]

Thankyou Chris, much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed. 🤟

[@munyaimutshidzi2749]

What a great and inspiring overlanding videos, what's the name of the sound track on this video at 20 seconds?

[@CambridgeCrusaders]

Some incredible visuals on this series! Can't wait to head out to Botswana sometime soon!

[@4x4ventures_southafrica]

If you do, Botswana will leave an impression. An amazing place

[@EdwardBath]

What a great episode! All the information anyone needs when traveling Botswana!

[@Flipoff94]

Loved this little series, and cant wait to see your next trip! Makes me excited for our trip end of June. That cutline route you took to Ihaha looks alot like the road from Ghanzi to Xade, hellishly soft sand and deep ruts from those water trucks.

[@4x4ventures_southafrica]

The cutline from Linyanti to Ihaha was the lesser of the 2 cutlines we travelled. The one from Magotho to Linyanti was very very tough going. My fuel consumption jumped to 19.2ltrs per 100kms. Yes, ghazni terrain is very similar. All kalahari sand, and the thick stuff made our trip great. I was very happy with my 2.2 Ranger, and the value of the mods is now validated. Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed the series. Enjoy your trip in June, it is a privilege to do, so cherish your moments and relish in the Botswana wilderness and any hardships you face. They make a trip memorable.

[@SamoesADIY]

Ek like jou videos, ons wil ook so trip doen deur botswanna na vic falls toe in volgende jaar.

[@greatsouthernoverland]

We have been really enjoying your adventures!!Its getting really fired up to do a self drive trip in Sth Africa:) Cheers from Aus

[@4x4ventures_southafrica]

Thank you Vic. Much appreciated, and yes, join us when you in South Africa. I can assist with a self drive guided 4x4 adventure of a lifetime. Truly wild and exposed to the African bush, it just doesn't get better. Keep well and thank you for the kind words. Cheers and keep well 🤟

[@greatsouthernoverland]

@@4x4ventures_southafrica I will take you up on that, it would be amazing fella. Cheers

[@dharmse01]

Amazing work my friend! Professional as always.

[@4x4ventures_southafrica]

Thankyou David, and glad you enjoyed.

[@ajopperman]

Baie goeie werk!! Het die Botswana videos baie geniet. Hou so aan!!

[@4x4ventures_southafrica]

Thankyou Riaan 🤟

[@motheolebelo]

Loving these uploads and the quality. Wow

[@4x4ventures_southafrica]

Thankyou Motheo for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed. Keep well mate

[@russelpeel617]

Great videos, really well filmed and thoroughly enjoy the videos. Please do more action shots of the Ranger in the terrain you're in. Would love to see the road conditions and how the bakkie handles it.

[@hyltonleaf-wright4298]

Totally agree. Left out the getting stuck which is what makes it interesting

[@xandredupreez5761]

Very nice! Keep it going! Organize a group of people to join on your next trip! Will share videos!

[@4x4ventures_southafrica]

Thankyou for sharing, much appreciated. That is the plan, to make these trips accessible to people keen on doing something like this. It is not an easy trip to sort out by ones self, do able but tough. Self drive 4x4ventures guided overland trips 🤟

[@nopressure4967]

Great series - thoroughly enjoyed it. I haven't watched all your previous video's, but maybe you could indicate to people how important it is to turn off traction control (in the ford its a good continual 7 second press and hold) and tyre pressures you chose in relation to your vehicle weight in the soft sand. Thanks again

[@4x4ventures_southafrica]

Thankyou for the comment, and yes, in one of my previous episodes, in season 1, I talk about how to access and use 4x4, with a mention to deactivating traction control. A 50% disengage is a simple press, and a 90% disengage is 7-10 sec hold. Yes, I am busy putting the KM3s through their paces for a full review, as they are sponsored by BFG. Have taken your points to book, and will add them in the coming episodes. Thanks again

[@GetOutGO]

Awesome series! Looking forward to the next one (have space for another vehicle in the convoy? 😈)

[@4x4ventures_southafrica]

Hi Christoff, thanks for the kind words. Always room for Get out Go. We must chat. 👍

[@brendanlubbe2259]

You guys had an awesome trip. Those cut line tracks are a pain and can take a long time to complete. Do you plan on doing a similar trip to Zim in the future?

[@4x4ventures_southafrica]

Hi Brendan, yes, so Zimbabwe trip is in talks. Want to do Matopos, Hwange, and then Mana Pools, and then Gonarezhou national park. Would like to try and get sponsors involved, both subscribers and product brands, also, more vehicles 5 max. Maybe donations to help with series travel costs, and production costs. What do you think?

[@brendanlubbe2259]

That is something I really wanted to do back in SA. You have a great tool in you pocket, being your editing skills and I believe if you were to approach various suppliers and invite them to send gear with, you should get something in the form of sponsorship - maybe not immediately but certainly long term!

[@4x4ventures_southafrica]

We'll see how it goes. Maybe something happens. Thanks bud, and next episode is Ranger setup to be self sufficient when overlanding.

[@brendanlubbe2259]

@@4x4ventures_southafrica my alert button is on!

[@coadyg]

Great video how did you find the boarder crossing into Zimbabwe at vic falls. Did you take extra fuel over the boarder?

[@4x4ventures_southafrica]

The Zim border crossings are hellish and expensive compared to crossings from SA into Botswana. Not my cup of tea. We had 20ltrs left on top which we brought through Zim. The Jerry cans were not checked.

[@kobbiemelo2203]

😂back when the Ranger looked fantastic.

[@mikesole7616]

Loving these, very informative and well shot. Quick question is that the 2.2Xl ranger? Looks mean with all the mods! I have recently purchased a 2.2 4x4 XL and would like to know besides tyre's what would be your first few upgrades. Cheers!

[@4x4ventures_southafrica]

Hi Mike. Appreciate your comment. This is a tough one, as it depends what your ranger will be used for. If I were to do this over, I would go in this order. TAKLA seat covers, KM3 Mud Tyres, OME suspension, rock sliders, RIVAL front and rear bumpers, RSI Smart canopy, RING DC to DC battery charger, POWER PLUS pedal booster, Front Runner drawer slider system, Front Runner 45Ltr X 2 water tanks and pump, Front Runner roof racks, radio comms, STEDI spot lights, RUNVA 1200lbs winch, iKamper / Front Runner / Eezi Awn Roof Top Tent, Eezi Awn shower cube, and as addon I would get a small gas geaser for shower. This would be a great overlanding vehicle. Hope this helps 🤟

[@mikesole7616]

@@4x4ventures_southafrica Great thanks for the info much appreciated! I think for now seat covers, tyres, rock sliders, suspension and a canopy upgrade will be on the fist list of mods. The rest all in good time ;) Have you done any engine mods ie chips or re-maping etc? Also is your 2.2 a Manual or Auto box? just out of interest sake. Cheers!

[@mikesole7616]

Sorry I see you said "POWER PLUS pedal booster" will look into that shot!

[@4x4ventures_southafrica]

Hi Mike. You can do power upgrades as your ranger will start to get heavy. Big tires are the first loss in power, maybe 10%. I regain this with the Power Plus. Faster throttle response, but no added power. She gets moving a little faster. I have stayed away from engine remaps etc because of warranty. When warranty expires, I will look at straight pipe, catch can, egr blanking and bigger intercooler. If there is budget, maybe a hybrid turbo. This all costs a very handsome penny. Took me 4 years to get to this point. Send me pics when you get there, and if there is anything else I can advise. Oh my 2.2 is manual. Prefer it this way for off roading purposes and feeling the motor

[@mikesole7616]

@@4x4ventures_southafrica Legend thanks for this, yeah was worried about doing too much to the motor with regards to warranty, but we travel fairly light (for now haha) so I'm generally happy with the current power. Will see how things change with the tyre upgrade etc. Will send pics when its done but for now its stock standard and nothing to really look at ;). Cheers! have a lekker one!

[@madridista007]

Hello...I am driving from Kachikau to Magotho camp on Jun 25th, 2020. Can you advise how the roads would be for a novice like me to drive on? I have seen videos where some cars are easily going across but you showed the thick sands which is what I am afraid of. Is the sand thick form Ghuha gate to Savuti and on to Magotho? Thanks

[@4x4ventures_southafrica]

Hi and thank you for your enquiry. I haven't driven the roads you mention, however I know there are thick sands in these areas. It is quite simple. On approaching sand obstacle deflate your tyres to 1.0 bar. Access 4L and pull off in 3rd gear. I travelled between 25km - 35km / hr. If you have standard suspension concentrate on the road, and watch out for rolling pits. These will bottom out standard suspensions and you can break something, especially if carrying weight. Anything over 300kgs in the back can have big impact at speed on bottom outs with standard suspension. Momentum is the key, not too fast, and not too slow. If your tyres are deflated, 25kms per hour is perfect. Watch out for stumps on the road edges, dodge them at all cost. Dont be afraid, just be wise, and slow it down. Be sensible and cautious for on coming vehicles using the same road. There is allot going on when you out there, but if you stop, and assess before entering any sand obstacle / obstacle you will be be prepared. If you do get stuck make sure you have water, and good snatch strap that is load rated. Someone will drive past and assist. The roads are frequently driven by tourists and parks vehicles / tour operators. Watch out for lions, elephants and buffalo. Have an excellent degree of caution out there in the wild. Enjoy your trip and remember that getting stuck is part of the adventure. Make the most of all experiences and stay happy. Hope this helps you

[@holdenowen]

Hi there, how are the KM3’s holding up?

[@4x4ventures_southafrica]

Hi, yeh, so the KM3s are still great. Some new developments and learnings which I wasnt expecting - will keep that one for the episode. Also been chatting to other off road enthusiasts who are driving the KM3s and the response thus far is mixed. All will be revealed in my full review. I am just under 70 000km and got them fitted, rounded up, at 30 000kms, so 40k kms on them with driving ratio of 80% asphalt driving and 20% off road driving. Would I get another set . . . . . You'll have to wait to find out🤙

[@mduduzimkhabela2245]

This are great videos. I miss the outdoor and this is a great reflection of the beauty of our Africa. Just a quick one. With regards to the cats. Is it wise to camp with normal tents or a roof tents. From the top of my head. I know the leopard, wild dogs and hyenas are the cormmon cats and dogs in most nature reserve.

[@4x4ventures_southafrica]

Hey Mdu, thanks for your comment and query. As long as it is a canvas tent you should be fine, just be careful your head is not up against the canvas when sleeping, in areas where there are hyenas. As for lions, my preference is an RTT, but is not essential, a ground tent is also fine. As soon as your fire is out, then time to get into your tent or RTT. Remember that all predators are reactive, they cannot justify or reason a tent shape or what it is made of. They see shape as a solid object. They will however react to smell, and movement, so keep windows done up to a point and keep all food out of the tent. When needing the toilet, either take a container into the tent, or have a very bright torch, or someone spotting for you. Be vigilant, be cautious and be wary. Always take the necessary steps to ensure your safety. Food in camp is a big problem. Lock it away in sealed containers behind locked doors. All dirty plates to be cleaned, paper plates and bones to be burnt in the fire. You will be fine.

[@hyltonleaf-wright4298]

You forgot lion, hippo, elephant, snakes, scorpions and I think I have left out a few