Castrol Magnatrek Day two: radio ads and rocky rapids

With the first full day of activities behind them, the teams thought they had an idea of what to expect on day two of the Castrol Magnatrek Family Edition. But the morning of the second day brought a different kind of challenge, one that tests the mind. First, however, teams got stuck in the most important iPad game of their lives. Whoever got to the highest level, won – as simple as that.

After this little brain teaser it was time to get seriously creative. The second challenge was called MagnaMedia Moguls and teams each had to create their own radio commercial for Castrol Magnatec. Luckily, Janina from Jacaranda FM was there to help and she visited the teams from all the different spots they found around the lodge, giving them tips and encouraging the process. Even the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of Magaliesburg showed face, just in case someone made an offensive slip.

Janina sharing her secrets with the Rough-Busting R.V's

After all the commercials were recorded, we gathered in the lapa for another spectacular buffet meal, but we weren’t allowed to hear the finished products just yet. We were going to have to wait until dinner time.

Another buffet

Luckily, there is always something to entertain on the trek, and after lunch we headed off in convoy – the convoy has been named Magnagration in the meantime – to some faraway little town in North West Province. Parys.

Magnagration on the move

We passed through a place called Carletonville. It didn’t take long.

The town of Carletonville

We rode along a lot of nothingness and were thankful for the air-conditioning as summer seemed to have come early in these parts. Stopping off at RenGwe Guest House for a quick tennis ball throwing challenge (Molecular Dispersion) we also had the chance to meet the friendliest iguana in the province, Drake.

Our accommodation for the night was at Khaya iBhubesi (the home of the lions) and the teams barely had a chance to take in their surroundings as they were ushered straight to a pile of indemnity forms. This could only mean adventure. The type of adventure, in fact, that involves a wide river, some rocks, some rapids and a few boats and paddles. You guessed it, we were going white river rafting.

Teams, crew, sponsors and cameramen all strapped in and took off down the river and everyone was relieved to be out of the sun and into the water. The entire party paddled forth, dodging rocks only to get pushed onto them by their (not very supportive) friends. The mucking about only ended because the teams had to compete in two challenges.

The Go with the Flow challenge first had teams paddling through a rapid against the clock, and then racing across the width of the river and back while one member had a paddle and was blindfolded and the other one’s paddle was taken away so they can navigate. As you can imagine, this particular part of the challenge proved to be rather entertaining. The Rough-Busting R.V’s walked out top while the Clever Khueles took so long, they got disqualified.

With the sun setting beautifully behind the tress and the leaves forming long shadows across the water, it was time to head back and check out those radio commercials.

With yet another impressive buffet before us – we were getting unnaturally used to these – we listened and giggled at some rather creative 40s segments, but we still weren’t allowed to know the winner. From here on further, no winners were going to be announced.

The last challenge was lots of fun. Mystery Mixtape had teams (and crew) guessing the titles of songs and some parents were forced to let the children work their magic here. With everyone already having a boogie in their seats, the rest of the night was ours to enjoy. Another exciting and tiring day at the Castrol Magnatrek. Makes you wonder what’ll come next.

To get in on the action, you can tune in to Jacaranda FM. Janina (@janinasays) will be doing live updates from the trek. You can also follow the teams on Twitter or find @Magna_Trek or @JacarandaFM. I’ll also be tweeting (@Adelgreen) from here. If you’re in the Gauteng surrounds and you spot the Magnatrek convoy (it’ll be hard to miss) tweet us a picture.

Watch the video below and answer the question at the end to stand a chance to win a family voucher (4 family members) for a one night stay, DBB valued at R3 400.00 at Khaya iBhubesi.

Catrol Magnatrek Day 2

Khaya iBhubesi

Situated on the banks of the Vaal River, just outside Parys, Khaya iBhubesi is the gateway to the home of the lion (we heard them roaring from our rooms). They specialise in conferencing and team builds, organising activities like the white river rafting experience themselves. The chalets vary in size and offer a luxury, thatched stay. The food is spectacular and the staff are very friendly. To find out more, visit www.khayaconference.co.za.

If you’ve missed out on some of the trek excitement, click here to read the previous posts.

Related Posts

The rise & fall of SUP boarding in the Swartvlei Estuary

17 April 2018

While on assignment in the Garden Route, our Welcome Lishivha went SUP boarding and came... read more

Exploring Mauritius’ captivating Chinatown on foot

4 April 2018

Famed for its beaches and alluring water, Mauritius has a fascinating cultural side often missed... read more

Airbnb celebrates 10 years and announces exciting new offerings

10 March 2018

From 16 listings to a whopping 4.5 million in 10 years – welcome to Airbnb's host-led... read more