adminhas its own dimensions and the learning experience never ends.
A different story
Although I have driven the full range of the Land Rover SUVs from the robust Range Rover, the slick Range Rover Evoque and the solid Discovery 4 in various terrains ranging from the wine estates in Cape Town, the winding tracks in Pretoria and the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg, I have a different story to tell about the Land Rover Experience in Livingstone, Zambia, earlier this week.
While my initial expectation was a homely feeling in conditions almost similar to home (as neighbours), I found the obstacle course in the off-road detour one of a kind — thanks to the dedicated team of instructors from Land Rover Sub-Sahara Africa that had flown from Johannesburg and took us through our tracks.
All-terrain vehicles
As part of a team of motoring journalists from Zimbabwe, Kenya and Tanzania, we all had a chance to drive all the four all-terrain vehicles including the new Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport, the Evoque and the Discovery 4.
During one of the off-road experiences, we had an opportunity to drive through a winding and rocky descent which proved to be the ultimate test of courage, strength and agility as we went down a cattle trail that had never experienced any vehicular traffic.
The deep ravine was so intimidating that the instructors disembarked from the vehicles and guided us down one by one while at the same time having a feel of some of the terrain control features of the vehicles.
Unique experience
It was an awesome experience that I will for a long time reflect on.
What also made the experience unique was the proximity of the mighty Zambezi River whose rapids seemed to be urging the powerful engines to keep on surging ahead.
I will not be able to tell you straight away which of the four vehicles is the best, but I can tell you that one of them is a must-have for any discerning family that is out to enjoy the finer things in life and with Land Rover, definitely nothing is impossible.
Whether it is city driving, the occasional outing or your normal daily business, you need a Land Rover and it will take you far.
It was a defining moment as we urged closer to the gorge right on the Zimbabwe/Zambia border as we had to reduce our speeds to a crawl as the steep edges seemed to point to the end of the world.
We conquered nonetheless and had an opportunity to have some refreshments as we absorbed some of the picturesque views on the border line.
The way out was also eye-catching as we absorbed wildlife freely roaming in a peaceful and tranquil environment.
Awesome driving experience
Besides the awesome driving experience, I will also have lasting memories of the smoke and thunder of the rain forest from the Zambian side.
Obviously I will not be dragged into the age-old debate on which side has the better offering of the Victoria Falls between the two countries; but I would say that both deserve due recognition and offer life changing experiences.
Clad in raincoats, we walked through the rainforest and watched in awe as the water pounded the bottom of the cliff and showered the environs with refreshing water.
The Victoria Falls are unique and so is the Land Rover experience.
Online Reporter