4x4ventures

26/01/2024

I recently got an amazing invite & opportunity to work and travel with these legends from;
Chris, Connor and Neil.

So it was an opportunity to take the Ranger out and put the Tough Dog suspension through its paces and capture a great trip with good mates, in the wild.

It would be a 6 day trip starting at Tsendze Rustic Bush campsite in the Kruger National Park, and then into the lesser known parts of the Makuya Nature Reserve in the Limpopo district, NE of South Africa, where we would finish up at the amazing Nthakeni campsites up at Pafuri.

What a trip this turned out to be, with new places explored and new friends made. This was going to be a new venture for Ed and I, as we were tasked to film and photograph this epic adventure.

Enjoy the next series of posts of this unforgettable adventure.

25/01/2024

Awesome to meet the legend Jenene from Ultimate Foam Inserts Can’t wait to take the foam inserts on their first adventure, coming soon.

Their work is amazing and if you are like me, where everything should have its own defined place and space, then this is a fantastic solve for your custom storage solution. Impressed with the turn around time. Thank you Jenene.

Reach out to them asap for your ultimate foam inserts
061 466 4772
www.ultimate foam inserts.co.za

17/01/2024

A massive trip comes to an end as we finish up with a night at Nata Lodge campsite (quite noisy, but okay) and a night at the amazing for our last night. Thank you to Adele and Alberto for your legendary support and for hosting us at your next level campsite on the Limpopo river. Stunning!

17 days, 2 blokes, 1 rebuilt Ford Ranger motor and a very very successful adventure. Thank you to Ford Hatfield Fourways for keeping the adventure alive legends. We covered 3684 kms, visited Zimbabwe and Botswana and had sightings unlike any other in amazing wild places.
Simply fantastic.

Massive thank you to my brother in law Rhys for being an absolute legend That's Kiff . Helping with the driving, filming, guiding and tracking, even though he gets it wrong at every turn 😂. Always great to have you around the fire bud.

A NEXT LEVEL thank you to Sereth Logistics for the amazing support with all the fuel. Absolutely amazing people and making the adventure possible. BIG shout out to my Patreons for your on going support. You are all amazing people and I am truly blessed to have you as part of the 4x4ventures family.

HUGE thank you to Opposite Lock, Takla Products, Indeflate and Tracks for Africa as well as LaCie for the great partnerships. I appreciate your products and the great friendships made.

On to the next adventure, coming soon and episode almost done. Till then, I’ll see you at the next one legends 🤙



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14/01/2024

www.4x4ventures.com The new website has just gone up live. Finally.

Taken a while but it’s now official - bladdy brilliant. Our online shop & merch page coming soon.

Hope you enjoy and let me know what you legends think 🤙

.com

11/01/2024

What an experience as we spend our last night and day on the edge of the okavango delta at Khwai, Magotho old campsite 12.

Simply put, out of this world as we encounter near enough everything in this wild place.

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08/01/2024

Magotho khwai old campsite 12. I camped here more than 5 years ago and very little if anything has changed.

What a spot this is and as the rains begin to form we set up camp for our remaining 3 nights in the wild. Magic

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30/12/2023

The story goes and I have to share this . . .

I’m travelling back from a recent trip, and see someone lurking around the ranger & taking photos, outside a fuel stop and a favourite of mine to pick up some lekker Biltong.

Now, I am a fairly cautious fella when it comes to humans, so I tentatively approach this chap and start having a chat. Shame, come to find out that he was such a lekker guy. He explains to me that he is an artist and would like to build a wooden replica model of the Ranger, and could he take some pics for scale reference and detail. I said go for it!

Look, I was tired from a 7 hour drive so I didn’t think much of it after sharing my number with him, which Rhys then says, wrong move, but, benefit of the doubt sort of thing. Some weeks and a month or two later and the legend woodworking artist, Lourens Meyer sends me pictures of updates and progress.

This fella blew my mind, as I had completely forgotten our meeting, and to be honest would like to welcome all of you to support him. He needs it and in all honesty deserves good things. He took 2 months to build this scaled down replica model and it cost me R1650 including delivery. It’s not perfect, but it is damn good and very impressive.

What an artist and a really lekker guy. I for one am very happy. Remember that this is handcrafted, with every detail added and built and functioning out of wood. Damn, he even hand painted some of my awesome sponsor logos. A flippen legend.

Thank you Lourens ! Onwards and upwards for you and yours mate, and wishing you an amazing 2024.

Contact him on - +27 (0) 60 416 3923 for your one of a kind handcrafted vehicle model

See his work & visit his page LM Hout Kuntse: L.M. Hout kunste

28/12/2023

The river Khwai at Magotho Campsites in the Botswana delta, next level stuff.

I once heard from a respected fella that Bots is overrated, as a punt to encourage exploration in other countries. And, yes, to anyone I would say do it, explore all the countries that you have the privilege to, but not at the expense of one being better than the other. Each adventure is spectacular in its own unique way. I enjoy exploring the delta and, well . . . . this place will deliver in spades everything that you would want from a truly accessible wild adventure and in very wild places with little to no fences or protective barriers. It is a true charm for overlanders with a passion to experience wild places.

The delta is a magic place and exploring the Khwai has confirmed my belief that it has got to be the highlight trip of all my adventures to date.

24/12/2023

Our 3rd and last night at the Savuti camps, it’s been great.

However, the Ford starter battery is running flat every night, and with no reasons found other than an old battery, we have to use the victron Blue Smart AC/DC charger plugged in to the inverter at the back, to charge it every morning. A plan for the back up plan. A great bit of kit without a doubt.

We now head for my favourite overlanding adventure destination, the Khwai area, and without any bookings made Rhys and I decide to travel where the wind takes us, but, not before we head back to the ellie kill. And a good thing we did, as we come across great sightings again of the Savuti Marsh pride. This episode is going to be something special.

Savuti during the hot dry months is simply stunning and will deliver great sightings. Just be prepped for the heat.

That's Kiff

23/12/2023

Savuti, a place I’ve been to before, but a place I’ve never experienced like this before.

My lion spotting drought ends as we finally come across a sighting that one only here’s about from the lucky few. We meet up with the famous documented “marsh pride” lions doing what they do best, and that is successfully hunt elephants. On this sighting the 17 strong pride had taken down 3 elephant adolescents all within 20 meters of each other in one afternoon.

The hunt happened the day before we arrived unfortunately, and with the smell of death in the air, this became a routine trip for us for the 3 days at savuti. Epic.

21/12/2023

Golden sunsets at SAVUTI camp in the Chobe National Park.

We are looking forward to the adventures of 2024 as the sun begins to set on a magical 2023. It has been Spectacular.

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19/12/2023

Thank you for your amazing support from the good people of Kasabushi Camp and lodge in the Kafue National Park, Zambia.

Looking forward to visiting you again soon 🇿🇲 🇿🇼 🇲🇼 🇧🇼 🇦🇴 🇹🇿 🇰🇪 🇲🇿

13/12/2023

New Episode now UP ON YOUTUBE.

https://youtu.be/EiZiyb8ZSHg?si=6NMLnGX5cX0mvFJl

Hope to see you there and enjoy as the festive season for most begins and is already underway. Stay safe out there and enjoy 👌

That's Kiff
Opposite Lock 4WD & Vehicle Accessories
Indeflate
Takla products
Tracks4Africa

Overlanding Zambia & Zimbabwe as Rhys asks me my final thoughts and reflections of this amazing trip, around a wild campfire in the Matusadonna National Park...

09/12/2023

After leaving Ihaha campsites along the Chobe river, we make our way to the SAVUTI, where we enjoy wild moments and an adventure like no other. AMAZING.

📷 pics courtesy of our travel friends Uli and Mirja (Bots Queen) that we kept meeting up with on this adventure. Thank you guys, and more about this adventure to follow in the coming days.

Talk about an adventure shifting gears as wild moments, African sunsets and great times gets better and better.

05/12/2023

After spending one night at the Senyati campsite, we head for Ihaha, in the Chobe National Park where we would spend 2 nights, and the game drives were amazing alongside the Chobe River. CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

Now we had heard allot of rumours about the Ihaha campsite, about Namibian locals crossing into this campsite at night in search for opportunities to take one’s property. This is still happening and is a very real problem, as we had 2 people in our camp between the hours of 2am and 3am, barefoot and up to no good. They fled on account of everything being locked up and my vigilant brother in law Rhys. That's Kiff

The biggest problem is that to stay at Ihaha for 2 nights is a very costly exercise, R3600 for 2 nights for 2 people, and there was no protection, guards doing rounds or any warnings at the entry gate. I find it a massive problem, and, inexcusable that this known problem still persists. To feel unsafe in an expensive, wild camp is not tolerated. And with that I had to voice my opinion to the camp manager at the time. A nice fella named Alan, assured me it wouldn’t happen again.

The following night, our last one here, the rangers were increased and patrol rounds happened. I still didn’t rest easy., and unfortunately won’t be back and camping at Ihaha again.

It is a real pity that this problem continues in this very special place. I’m not sure what the solve is. Let me know if you have had any similar issues at Ihaha campsite.

03/12/2023

After a fantastic 7 nights exploring Hwange, we head back into Botswana and arrive late at the Senyati campsites not far out from Kasane.

The adventure begins to shift gears and we are loving every minute of it.

30/11/2023

Our first night at the wild campsite in the private Tshakabika private concession, and it’s fantastic to be back, with the rig fully set up and the sand free ground sheets making this place feel like home.

No ellies near camp this time though, thankfully, but we did have a young leopard visit us in the very early hours of the first morning.

Being so hot a dry during the month of October, Rhys and I count 29 dead elephants at waterholes and alongside the tracks throughout the park. After chatting with safari operators it becomes evident that the Ellie’s have nothing to “graze” and as a result they over drink to supplement their hunger, raising the risks of picking up bacterial infections from the shallow waterholes and sloshy pools. It’s tough.

What makes this an even tougher situation to realise, is the passing of a matriarch female, not 8 meters from where we sat at Masuma Dam, right in front of us. It’s going to be a tough episode to cut.

With 2 days left in the National Park we sit back and enjoy this very special place, take in the sights, sounds and smells with every sunrise and sunset, brilliant to be on this fantastic adventure.

29/11/2023

Hwange magic!

Camping our third night at Masuma dam is simply bucket list stuff, expensive, but worth it, maybe. A massive thank you to the amazing Andre and wife for allowing us to camp under their exclusive booking of Masuma Dam.

During the dry season, this dam becomes the central drinking spot for what seems like every elephant that calls Hwange home. As my good mate once said, over a thousand elephants visit this waterhole in a complete day.

Whilst we have amazing viewings on this our 3rd day in Hwange, look out for the next post to see how nature can separate the weak from the strong!

27/11/2023

Been an adventurous couple of months, and picking back up with the ZIM and Bots trip. So much more to come legends.

Spending 2 nights at Robins camp we explore the area, and Hwange delivers in spades. No cat sightings but the Roan antelope makes the far off adventure so worth it. Next we head to Masuma dam and then onwards to the wild campsites of Tshakabika.

The new suspension is proving to be a fantastic addition to the big ol girl. Thank you to for assisting with this insane bit of kit.

14/11/2023

Swipe left to follow this 17 day wild adventure with us.

This adventure sees us leaving Elephant sands with rain in the distance as we make our way to Zimbabwe’s oldest and largest national park, the Hwange National Park.

Being the month of October, this trip would be very very dry and an absolute scorcher as temperatures are at their highest.

We soon realise that to get good wildlife sightings we would need to head to the dams and waterholes that occur in the general area.

Our first 2 nights are at Robins camp, a very nice spot, but sadly over shadowed by the national park’s hefty daily park fee rates, billed in US$. We have 7 nights booked in Hwange and the costs are right up there.

Massive thank you to Sereth Logistics for fuel support, the amazing people that supported the trip on Go Get Crowdfunding, for upgrading and allowing me to test the suspension system from and the legends from my Patreon page. At kept my adventure alive, and this trip is the first official test, and running in of the new 2.2 motor that could. What a test this would turn out to be.

12/11/2023

We are back in SA and loving it.

After a spectacular 17 days in the bush, we now begin the task of settling back in the big grey smoke.

A massive thank you to Adele and Alberto from the stunning for allowing us to close the adventure off in the right way. You guys are absolutely incredible and have an amazing campsite. We will be back to your special slice of heaven asap.

More coming soon legends and follow the 4x4ventures Instagram and FB pages to follow this amazing adventure into the wilds of ZIM and Botswana. It is epic!

08/11/2023

Massive discounts at the legends from Hi Q Centurion Make a plan not to miss this one 👌

are coming get ready to save !!!!!!!!BIG!!!!!!!!! give us a 👍 and share follow us on Instagram we will be posting crazy combo's !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

20/10/2023

The ranger is ready and the next adventure begins tomorrow with a 3am departure time. I am biting at the bit to be back on the dirt, off grid and in the wild.

*thank you to all the brands that helped make this adventure possible, and to all of you that donated in the go get crowdfunder, and my legendary patrons. Wow, you are all amazing people and I sincerely appreciate your kind words and help 👌

Now let’s get the ol girl cleaned up and looking spiff for the first part of the adventure.

Where to???

19/10/2023

Before every overlanding adventure trip, or after 5000kms I pop in to Hi Q Centurion
To get:
6 Tyres cross rotated and included
Any wheel or rim repairs done
Valve replacements if need be
Wheel balancing
And wheel alignment.

For your next adventure get yours done by the best in the business at HiQ Centurion. Thank you for your support guys 👌

17/10/2023

What an awesome weekend spent with you all as Overlanding Escape, and very chuffed that the ranger made it with zero problems other than a struggling starter battery. Ford Fourways did a great job.

Here’s to the next adventure 🍻

17/10/2023

HELP THE NEXT ADVENTURE
https://gogetfunding.com/helpthe4x4venture/

Make a meaningful impact to our next adventure, and let me take you to wild places.

$570 ALREADY RAISED
$2500 IS THE TARGET
Let's get there legends.

Thank you to all the legends that have made their contribution to believing in the 4x4ventures show. Absolutely amazing support, and I am truly greatful, and humbled.

*The fact is that your support will have a profound effect on the next wild destinations we travel to, the number of magic days we get to share with you out there in the wilds of Africa, and the number of episodes that will be dedicated to you. The fan, the friend, the family member to my small South African overlanding adventure show that encourages and inspires like minded people to get out there and enjoy the adventure.

Cheers and stay golden.
Ryan

16/10/2023

What a fantastic day Econo Lift Suspensions & Offroad Products as Norman and his amazing crew fit the Tough Dog Suspension setup to the Ranger. A massive thank you to Darrell, Coba and team from Opposite lock 4WD & Vehicle Accessories Africa for supporting the 4x4ventures Overlanding Adventures.
Now we take it on a wild adventure as I get ready to leave with Rhys this coming Friday and put the Tough Dog Suspension through the African test. Next level

05/10/2023

Hi legends,

As of late there have been a few requests from believers in 4x4ventures, to support the show via a "Crowdfunding" platform. So, here it is, your opportunity to make an impact to our next overlanding adventure in a meaningful way.

https://gogetfunding.com/helpthe4x4venture/

Now there is no sad story here, or reasoning as to why you should support the show. The fact is that your support will have a profound effect on the next wild destination we travel to, the number of magic days we get to share with you out there in the wilds of Africa, and the number of episodes that will be dedicated to you. The fan, the friend, the family member to my small South African overlanding adventure show that encourages and inspires like minded people to get out there and enjoy the adventure.

Stay golden and thank you for your support, and the possibility of making it happen.

03/10/2023

* AN UPDATE ON THE RANGER

Hatfield Ford Fourways has come on board and helped out in a BIG way, making the repair to the ranger allot more affordable for me in my personal capacity.

A massive thank you to Service Manager, Tylor and Head Mechanic, Ryan for professional service, repairs and for taking the time to educate me about the diesel engine.

A massive weight has been taken off of my shoulders and to be able to breath and realise that the next adventure is alive and now very possible is truly humbling. Needless to say that the motor has been replaced along with injectors and the Ranger will be on the road within the week. Absolutely amazing and truly grateful.

Thank you to all of YOU, for your kind messages, words of encouragement, and eagerness and willingness to support me and the 4x4ventures show. To keep my dreams and passion alive has been very inspiring. You guys are amazing and true legends.

Thank you and love to my amazing wife and kids, I know I haven’t been the easiest in this tough time, but much better times ahead.

So, what next? The adventure is being planned, new partnerships formed and I’m excited to get behind the wheel of the ol girl. I’ll see you at the next one. Stay golden and enjoy the week ahead

01/10/2023

NOW UP -
https://youtu.be/of3MSnkJfhw?si=8iievhrykCQPyEcC

Zambia to Zimbabwe | NEW EPISODE 3 | UP ON YOUTUBE | TONIGHT 6PM

Join in on the adventure as we overland travel from Zambia and head in to wild Zimbabwe where we explore the western side of this beautiful country. A night in Kariba, the wild of Tashinga camp in the Matusadona National Park, and wild camping in Hwange National Park and end where it started Elephant Sands campsite. MAGIC !!

Looking forward to seeing you legends then 🤙