Willow the Tank, an ex-military 1994 Defender 110 200Tdi, came into Mel Henderson’s life in March 2023. Her name, Willow, is of Old English origin – the willow tree symbolises survival, known for its ability to thrive despite tough conditions. Apparently, Native Americans used to tie willow branches to their boats as protection from storms. She became Willow the Tank after her husband, Andrew, drove her through busy Hillcrest (KZN) and commented: “She drives like a tank!”. This is their story.
Built, not bought
Willow the Tank arrived at our home (Series Ranch in KwaZulu-Natal) as a standard three-door Defender 110 with two rear seats. “Yay!” I exclaimed, “We finally own a four-seater!” Well, that didn’t last long.
Andrew replaced Willow’s rear seats with a self-made wooden storage unit that doubles as a bed base. He fitted aluminium rails above the windows for camo-print curtains, wired up interior LED lights, and added a solar system with plug points. Over time, he designed and fitted MOLLE panels, attached branch deflectors (which conveniently double as clotheslines for wet towels), and made an aluminium drop-down table for Willow’s rear door. He even sourced a second-hand rooftop tent online, which later proved its mettle in a proper Drakensberg storm.
These modifications can be seen on our Series Ranch YouTube channel – it’s a DIY paradise for Defender fans!
I took on the task of crafting reversible window covers using large car sunshades and camo-print fabric. After watching countless YouTube videos, I got the holes punched for suction cups at Embocraft Shop & Training Trust, an NPO in Botha’s Hill. These covers reflect heat during the day and insulate against cold at night – win-win.
Rain, wraps, and racing to the ablutions
As a camping newbie, I quickly learned that every time we arrive somewhere, it rains. So, I started prepping meals in advance. Cold-weather favourites include pasta salad, curried beans, potato salad, cooked veggie sausages and chicken breasts in a tasty sauce. When the heavens open just as you light the braai, out come the pre-cooked goodies, bread rolls or wraps, a tin of curried veg, and a wettie for good measure. Gourmet under the gazebo!
We’ve also mastered the art of sprinting to the ablutions with a pre-packed bathroom bag in record time – it’s practically a competitive sport.
First trips and monkey business
Our first Landy camp was at Nyalazi campsite, just outside iMfolozi-Hluhluwe Game Reserve. We stayed on one of the smaller sites on higher ground under low-hanging thorn trees. The lower sites are much roomier. We slept inside Willow and were woken during the night by the cackling of hyenas, and in the morning, we spotted giraffes in the distance. Not bad for a first outing.
Our second trip was to Monks Cowl campsite in the Central Drakensberg. The birdlife was a treat and the hiking trails stunning. Watch out for vervet monkeys, though! One poor employee spent her days chasing them away from campers’ sites. These little thieves had a field day leaping on gazebos and “shopping” from unattended cooler boxes. We watched packets of chips zoom past us, grey tails streaming behind them, followed by a flustered staff member puffing after them. Highly entertaining.
Turning 50 with a bang (and a storm)
In October 2023, to celebrate my 50th, we headed to Hermits Wood near Drakensberg Gardens in the Southern Berg. With our rooftop tent, winch, sand ladders and MOLLE panels, we looked like seasoned overlanders. People kept asking, “Have you been to Botswana?” and we’d reply, “Not yet – we’ve only been to the Drakensberg and a game park!” The looks of surprise were priceless. We were clearly living proof of the motto: Fake it till you make it.
By the time we passed Pietermaritzburg, the outside temperature had climbed to 39°C. Despite Andrew fitting an extra fan to Willow’s radiator, the heat was overwhelming, and poor Willow started overheating. We pulled into the shade at the Hilton Shell garage, grabbed some ice cream, and took a breather.
That’s when we noticed a beady-eyed Land Cruiser parked nearby, its owner watching us. It rumbled over and its burly, red-cheeked driver — dressed in two-tone khaki and wraparound sunglasses – greeted us with a cheerful, “I come in peace!” We exchanged wary hellos. Some Toyota drivers just can’t help themselves when a Landy has its bonnet up.
Turns out, he used to own a 300Tdi himself. Claimed it cost more to run than he paid for it, that it broke down in Mozambique and had to be towed home, and that he swore he’d never buy a Land Rover again. Just as he made that bold declaration, his Cruiser’s alarm blared. I quipped, “Even your car’s laughing,” and to his credit, we all had a good chuckle. As he roared off, I patted Willow’s fender and whispered: “Never mind, we love you.”
Blown away at Hermits Wood
Hermits Wood is peaceful during the day – until you open the cooler box. The Friday evening brought a storm from nowhere. By 17:00, the wind arrived with hurricane force, tearing at the rooftop tent. We’d barely finished our pre-cooked dinner and made it up the ladder when it struck. Each time I thought it was calming, another gust hit, shaking us like dice in a cup. I was convinced we’d either be blown off the roof or the whole Defender would tip over.
The majestic trees of Hermits Wood, so idyllic by day, became looming threats. Each creak had me whispering to Andrew: “That one’s going to fall on us!” But miraculously, the tent survived. No damage, no leaks, and thanks to Andrew securing the ladder and reinforcing it with a wooden support, we stayed safely in place.
Lesson learned: arrive early and always leave enough space inside to move in during bad weather.
Snow, smiles, and Sani Pass
On the morning of 29 October – my actual birthday – the rain forced us to abandon our hiking plans to Rhino Peak. Instead, we opted for a relaxed drive up Sani Pass. The wetter the better, we say!
We stopped at The Whistling Goat in Himeville for a birthday breakfast, then grabbed huge slices of coffee-chocolate cake to enjoy on the pass. Outside the restaurant, we found two more Defenders parked near Willow. I was lining up a photo when a local recognised us from Facebook and asked: “Are you the Hendersons?” He invited us to watch the rugby final with locals at a nearby aircraft hangar. That’s the magic of Land Rover life – it’s more than a vehicle, it’s a lifestyle.
Sani Pass never disappoints. We’ve done it in Nelly (my 1977 Series 3), in Beasto (our 2005 Defender 90), on mountain bikes and motorbikes. This time, as we trundled up in Willow, it started to snow – just a sprinkle, but it was magical.
Willow the Tank is our forever vehicle. She’s the embodiment of fun, freedom and adventure. We’ve done bush and berg – next stop: beach. I’ve already packed my cozzie and snorkelling gear. Andrew, my mountain-loving man, just needs a little more convincing.
