Beharry's safari trek a success

Guyana-born, naturalised Jamaican Cecil Beharry's Land Rover Defender 110, TD5 did not fail him on his one-week safari across the Pakaraima Mountain in Guyana, earlier this month.

"The vehicle gave no problems and it handled the terrain superbly," said an elated Beharry.

The senior said that his journey through the mountainous areas and dense forests was a very adventurous one, but posed some problems in the beginning, as rain had almost rendered the muddy terrain impassable.

"Only nine vehicles participated in this year's safari, as about 10 pulled out because of the adverse weather," said Beharry.

"The rain made it difficult to travel on the open trails in the jungle."

Beharry said because of the inclement weather and the thickness of the forest canopy sunlight was not able to make contact with the soil to dry it out quickly enough.

"On two occasions, I slipped off the ridges, made by the army-type trucks and huge tractors, into a rut."

The convoy with which Beharry travelled included two 4WD ATVs and one motorcyclist from Canada. However, by the end of the one-week safari, only six vehicles made it, as two had major mechanical problems and another was lodged in mud for four hours, while the motorcyclist was forced to turn back, due to the dangerous terrain.

Memorable moment

In the end, Beharry had covered just under 1,500 miles on the safari. He was the oldest participant on the trek.

"I am already looking forward to returning next year. I'd say the most memorable part of the safari for me was driving in the muddy trails with my prized Land Rover," Beharry added, after thanking his sponsors, Elarc Welding Products Limited, for making his trip possible.

The retired businessman was the first overseas participant to take part in the annual safari. In 2009 and 2010 he was a co-driver. This year's safari was rescheduled from its initial March 26 date to April 1, ending on April 9.

- Laranzo Dacres