Secrets Beneath the Soil: The Ultimate Shakedown, Part 1

A new series gets underway as we launch into Part One, taking us from Port Elizabeth to the Karoo Highlands, with a few very interesting stops along the way as we dive into some history.
0:00 - Series Intro
2:30 - An Early Start
4:32 - A Secret Beneath the Soil
11:15 - The R390 & A Town Lost in Time
13:37 - Oviston
15:26 - Problems Arise in Bloemfontein
18:42 - The N8, and an Unplanned Route
20:55 - Orange River Crossing
22:33 - The Lonely Northern Cape
24:01 - Arrival at Soutpoort
Thanks as always to channel sponsors:
4x4wholesalersafrica.com
www.lasportec.co.za
eezi-awn.com
www.nationalluna.com
diversityblends.co.za
pausecoffee.co.za/
kampenbraai.co.za

[@BruceRPaxton]

Matt I have to commend you on this. The first offroad channel delving into some of the history and stories behind the places you visit - the way I've always thought it should be done - not all diesel and dust. Its quite apparent you've done your homework. Keep it up.

[@mattdubber]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@garethhayward7710]

Wow what a brilliant video good to hear all the history just a bit of advice l have a troopy with a alucab rooftop tent and l would like to install a solar panel on the top who would be the better company in PE to install it and do the connection to a redarc system. Thanks gary

[@markmuller2320]

Honestly, mate, your videos are amazing. Genuine. I don't think you realise what a captivating storyteller you are. I don't just mean the narrative, but the whole effect of your videos. I've said it before, but for real, well done! 👍

[@moncellbenade1732]

You did something special with this video. The integration of the history, awesome engineering and some history of SA mixed with the overlanding, is truly something special and at least worth the comment and a share. Noord Kaap has got the best sun sets and probably the reason why I refuse to leave my home town. Thanks Matt, looking forward to the next one.

[@nawiribrahim]

Just 1/3 thru the video and I had to pause, give you a 👍🏼 before savoring the rest. I always like to trace your trips and see what you saw with my own eyes. Thanks for the tremendous effort in making these videos as your travel. Big fan.

[@cyrilwelman1798]

Matt, I am giving you and Nicole a much deserved award 🏆 for this top quality video. It is so informative in all aspects and a pleasure to watch. Excellent work you guys. Looking forward to the next one. Congrats with your shooting competition achievements. Safe travels.

[@JandK1978]

I had my sister and brother-in-law over just last week and he was telling me about this tunnel! What a coincidence!! Awesome vid!!

[@duncanwallace7760]

I have pictures of myself as a small kid at the exit of that tunnel, not long after it was completed. I was told that the tunnel was so long, they had to factor in the curvature of the earth while digging it.

[@dudungidi9151]

Your content is healing. I pray you succeed in your travels. Do it for you and for the viewers and followers. Thumbs up👍🏽. Watching from Pietermaritzburg, KZN

[@SuperHobo92]

Great to see you taking the doggo with you. Showing all us doggo parents that you can take the pupper with on awesome adventures.

[@sendaimatt3380]

Watching this makes me miss SA. Thank you for taking us along.

[@markusdippenaar331]

Excellent Envy Rig!! Great Couple and happy traveling Dogo perfect life.

[@matumelanemokoena2439]

I'm black man i like your style ❤

[@dudungidi9151]

Me too❤😂

[@juvi999]

Welcome back Matt!! So happy to see your videos to return. You have one of the most beautiful content on KZbin.

[@donovanventer5040]

I really enjoy how you show off our beautiful country! We truly live in a stunning part of this world!

[@george1187]

I loved everything about this travelling story you shared with us . Thank , Matt , for reminding us in what extraordinary place we live ! The history of the Fish river tunnel , the civil engineering that went on , the stories behind , all made me quite emotional!

[@regsparkes6507]

I do enjoy these travelogues,.. 'Huxley' is so well behaved, i.e. not running off at each stop along the way, good pup! I am now, of course, looking forward to part two., Thanks Matt and NIcole.

[@paulw9293]

Looking from Australia Matt, this is just an epic production. To see the vision & strategy put together, incredible complexity of the project, & finally the purpose of this...your shakedown journey! Thank you so much! ✌️from the Noosa Hinterland.

[@derrickboscombe2385]

Matt and Nicole, I thoroughly enjoyed part 1 and the historical information that I'm sure that many of your followers were not aware of. Looking forward to watching the rest of your trip and learning more about our country.

[@Kevin_Ridenour]

It’s wonderful to see these places through your eyes, places I will likely never see in my lifetime. And I’m happy to see you and Nicole have added Huxley to your family. He seems to be a dog built for your lifestyle. Cheers!

[@johannvanschalkwyk2141]

Thx Matt, Soutpoort looks like a great place…

[@sannamagranna6552]

Excellent video. Love the history you inserted. The Soutpoort sunset is breathtaking.

[@Donoaccount]

Loved every second of this episode, well done Matt. The historicity in your episodes only complimented by great footage and narration. Cannot wait for the next episode!

[@africansafariexperts1499]

Matt, Seriously - thank you!!!! Thoroughly enjoyed the historical information. Been to the Gariep Dam but had no idea of its significance or of the tunnel facts. Ive done lots of back roads in SA and love those small towns as much as you do :) Congratulations on your competition win and really looking forward to the next episodes! :)))

[@vossierebel]

Congrats on the mission accomplished! Great first part of the shakedown!

[@KabirDhupelia]

This video is next level, loved the historic view into the places you visited, and it’s awesome that Huxley joined the journey

[@swannie]

Matt I want to congratulate you on some awesome "cinematic" clips during the intro on this video. Great camera and edit work. The rest speaks for itself.

[@user-zp8hh1qd9g]

What a GREAT episode. Well done Matt and Nicole. Keep up the good work....!!!!

[@saagg642]

Dude, drone shots of this beautiful part of Africa is the pinnacle of your cinematography in my opinion. Love it!

[@lourensjoubert8652]

This is AMAZING!!! How do we not know this??

[@louisstroebel9423]

Dankie dat ons die Land kan verken deur jou kamera lens. Doen so voort.

[@mennodegroot1109]

Absolutely incredible video once again, Matt! From the history of that amazing feat digging a tunnel THAT long to a beautiful drive, I'd love to do myself one day!😃❤️

[@gerhardpotgieter9091]

Man i love these videos of your overlanding trips, and the nice history lessons along the way. One of my friends placed second in that match you shot in Bloem, nice to see it was on this trip you attended the match. Enjoy, look forward to the next one!!

[@coadyg]

Thanks for sharing another great video Matt with some very interesting history. My wife's family are framers in the Sundays River Valley and benefited greatly from the orange river irrigation scheme.

[@davidvanbreda9056]

Excellent video, well balanced and very informative without coming close to being longwinded or boring! 😅 Well done. Looking froward to the rest of the trip and seeing how you settle into the new camper setup! 👍👍

[@IsabelleHowarth-ju6ce]

We loved this Matt! Great job wow 🎉

[@lianduplessis5214]

What i great video, thanks Matt, Nicole & Huxley (spelling? 😁) and congrats on the 1st place at the shooting comp 🥇 Staying close to the West Coast I hope we can cross tracks sometime and enjoy a cold one together! Safe travels

[@patrickwilliamson29]

Awesome history lesson boet, can't wait to see the next episode in the series

[@AndreSkein]

Awesome!! Love it!! Now cant wait for part 2!!

[@austalien1]

thanks Matt just stunning

[@leonpotgieter4701]

This is as good as it can get. Well balance. Thanks

[@hubba7016]

History lessons gem... the berries... dankie julle...

[@michalf6460]

wooww i love it!! new knowledge beutiful road. love the wheel shots!

[@barryroberts2196]

Thank you both for sharing your journey with us, oh, & not forgetting Hucksley ! I live in the South West of England where we have some beautiful country side but I'm sorry to say, it can't compare with South Africa. Looking forward to the next leg of the trip. Take care.

[@tenacent5961]

lovely👏

[@francoisduplessis2413]

Hi Matt u passed steysburg where i was born 1953 talking about koffiebus and teebus know the area very well have a safe trip thanks

[@johanbowers2091]

I just love your videos. I love your opening statement. God bless you guys

[@AwlDeigh]

Well done! So enjoy

[@henrygiddy]

Wow this is awesome 🎉

[@ExperienceWildAfrica]

Thank you for sharing the history of the tunnel. Did not know of it. Where did you manage to get the historical videos? Awesome job!!!

[@ianlevy8765]

Very well done Matt, thank you. Agreed that the NC is so special and nearly impossible to explain to others who have not camped out there. Still would dearly appreciate you telling me the height of your bakkie from tent top to roadway.

[@theunsdupreez9132]

Thqnks Matt great info

[@chrisbeling7350]

Great vid guys. 👌

[@tristanhall5971]

Thanks!

[@mattdubber]

You’re welcome!

[@lourensjoubert8652]

Hi Matt & Nicole!! Thank you for a great video. Well made and informative. I have opened a folder in Google earth some time ago and have been loading spots from you guys. Seems we will just be missing you in the Kgalagadi in the middle of this year. We will most likely be leaving as you guys arrive. Thank you for a well made and informative video, we did enjoy it very much and we are looking forward to the Gifberg video as we are nervously looking forward to it in December, not sure if we should cancel Gifberg or push through as it seems a bit on the rough side for a laden overland vehicle all good things to you both

[@Longhornoverlanding]

Hey Matt Great Video as usual. Please tell about the fuel consumption you are getting using the Alu Cab Camper, and is there a lot of noise and drag. Thanks

[@matthewboonzaaier]

May I ask what seat cover/dog bed/hammock you have there which you use on the back seat? And would you recommend it? Great content btw

[@johanjansen4709]

Have been watching you from the PCP days. Enjoy your content. Please can we have some info on the GPS app or software you use to plan trips? Want to do Gamkakloof in December. And some help will be appreciated. Keep up the great work

[@KevinSimpson-ps8rk]

Great vid! loved the historical aspect, such as the tunnel.

[@airgunslugslingers]

👍👍👍

[@roarman75]

Thx Matt. My dad was one of the civil engineers for the road from Steynsburg to the dam. Where did you find that video footage of the tunnel and dam? I would love to show my mom.

[@mattdubber]

It’s an old film by the national roads agency, you can find it on youtube if you search orange fish river tunnel👍🏻

[@felix121984]

Hi first time going to South Africa. Is Pilanesburg or should i choose Kruger National Park ?

[@legend7ify]

................................God bless

[@tiagopinto-coelho1894]

Hi Matt, I’m having the exact same issue with my NL battery system. Did you manage to fix your problem? Thanks

[@mattdubber]

Yes, the cable that was installed from main batt to aux batt was just too thin. Needs to he at least 16mm

[@tiagopinto-coelho1894]

@@mattdubber thanks 👍🏻

[@davidfletcher6028]

I liked craddock

[@hhhc364]

Mat jy kan nie net goeie content skiet nie maar ook n geweer 😂

[@user-co8fv1eo4e]

white history channel

[@stevenewtech]

Making great memories, especially with Huxley, furkid 🦮

[@tatertots-n-soup]

Great adventure by some really great people

[@tatertots-n-soup]

0:12 Does this mean you finally figured out what that 7-8 year old boy already knew?