Go! Drive & Camp Jun/Jul 2022 (Digital)

Is the Jimny that thirsty? I read the article “East, west... South Africa’s best” in the February-March 2022 issue with great interest, especially because they embarked on their journey with a Suzuki Jimny, and I’m interested in buying one. What concerns me, however, is the fuel consumption mentioned in the article. According to it, the 40 ℓ tank gives you a range of about 350 km. This means the Jimny’s consumption was 11,5 ℓ/100 km, which in my opinion is excessive. I currently get 9 ℓ/100 km with my 2012 Nissan X-Trail – also a petrol model. The vehicle itself is bigger and heavier, with a stronger engine. If the consumption in the article is accurate, it will definitely change my plans. Even some of the big 4x4 bakkies are…

OVERLANDER Having initially built the Overlander off-road caravan for himself, Rudi Pretorius decided to make it available for sale. And now it comes in two configurations: the 590 Custom and 490 Custom. The two numbers refer to the length of the bodies (5,88 m and 4,88 m). While the models differ slightly, their layouts are more or less the same, with the bed in the pull-out, the bathroom in the nose, and an outdoor kitchen. In fact, the layouts are quite similar to that of a Mobi Lodge. Unlike the Mobi Lodge’s open bathroom, though, the Overlander’s shower is separate from the toilet and basin. The shower water is pumped to a 60 ℓ grey-water tank, but you can also have it run directly outside. The biggest difference with the Overlander is the…

Hein wins a cooler bag worth R220. Whether you’re a camper, fisherman, or sports fan next to a cricket pitch, this cooler bag has room for a lunch box and a 1,5 ℓ cooldrink bottle. The lid also has space for a coffee flask. The interior is lined with PVC, which makes it easy to keep the bag clean and hygienic. The bag has a short strap that reaches over the top and attaches with a Velcro strip, as well as a longer shoulder strap if you’re going to carry it over longer distances. It’s an ideal picnic accessory or a padkos bag for a road trip. winkel.weg.co.za…

Noises off… More and more new campsites are opening in and around the Dinokeng Reserve, with the Stilte Game Farm and Bush Camp the latest addition. Stilte is just past the reserve, on the Rust de Winter Road. The owners, Pieter and Gerida Booyens, worked in bush camps all over Africa for 16 years, and they used their experience to inspire the creation of their own spot – at Stilte’s bush camp no provision is made for electricity or water at your stand. The farm is 70 ha in size and there are several game species, including warthogs, jackals, steenbok, duikers, impalas, blesbok, and zebras. The campsite itself is not fenced, but there aren’t any predators to worry about. Don’t be surprised when Fiona or Surprise (a donkey and her daughter), or Bella…

Launched in 2021, the RAV4 Hybrid was widely commended for its combination of practicality, fuel efficiency and performance. This year, the RAV4 Hybrid lineup has been revised, with a new two-grade strategy comprising the familiar GX-R and VX. With the adoption of the new higher-tier grades (versus the outgoing GX), both the specification levels and visual drama have been amped up. THE LOOK In terms of character, the GX-R delivers a stylish yet rugged exterior with prominent black cladding, black over-fenders and a silver bumper protector. A large trapezoidal grille – with two parallel crossbars – and wide-set fog lamps frame the blue-hued Toyota insignia – a hybrid exclusive. The GX-R interior features leather trim, which extends to the steering wheel and shift lever, as well as orange detailing on the stitching, seatback…

OVERLANDER Having initially built the Overlander off-road caravan for himself, Rudi Pretorius decided to make it available for sale. And now it comes in two configurations: the 590 Custom and 490 Custom. The two numbers refer to the length of the bodies (5,88 m and 4,88 m). While the models differ slightly, their layouts are more or less the same, with the bed in the pull-out, the bathroom in the nose, and an outdoor kitchen. In fact, the layouts are quite similar to that of a Mobi Lodge. Unlike the Mobi Lodge’s open bathroom, though, the Overlander’s shower is separate from the toilet and basin. The shower water is pumped to a 60 ℓ grey-water tank, but you can also have it run directly outside. The biggest difference with the…

The third generation Isuzu D-Max was unveiled in Thailand in 2019, but various factors – including the COVID-19 pandemic – delayed its appearance in South Africa until this year. We attended the launch, where even President Cyril Ramaphosa popped in. The Isuzu D-Max is built in Gqeberha, like its predecessors, and is adapted to local conditions. “We are confident that the new Isuzu D-Max will continue in its proud legacy and raise the bar even higher for the brand” said Dominic Rimmer, Senior Vice-President of Technical Operations at Isuzu Motors South Africa at the event. After the ceremony, we drove the back roads from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape to George in the Western Cape. Inside and out The new D-Max looks slimmer and sportier than its predecessor. The roof is indeed 10 mm…

Model tested............................................................................................................ 3.0 Ddi V-Cross 4x4 (auto) Engine ....................................................................................................... 2 999 cc, four-cylinder turbodiesel Power......................................................................................................................................140 kW @ 3 600 rpm Torque ...................................................................................................................................450 Nm @ 1 600 rpm Transmission ..................................................................................................................... Six-speed automatic Fuel consumption.............................................................................................................................. 8 ℓ/100 km Tank..........................................................................................................................................................................76 ℓ Load weight ................................................................................................................................................ 1 082 kg Max towing weight ................................................................................................................................. 3 500 kg Measurements......................................................................................5 265 (l) x 1 870 (w) x 1 810 mm (h) Ground clearance..................................................................................................................................... 240 mm Wading depth ............................................................................................................................................ 800 mm Wheel size .............................................................................................................................................. 265/60 R18 Safety rating ............................................................................................................ (ANCAP 2020) Service plan....................................................................................................................... Five years/90 000 km Warranty ...........................................................................................................................Five years/120 000 km Price ............................................................................................................................................................. R814 700…

Like the Isuzu D-Max on the previous pages, the Mahindra XUV300 was also launched in 2019. But, unlike that bakkie, the XUV300 has been in SA for some time now. What is new about the XUV300, however, is that it’s just been named “safest vehicle in Africa”. It’s a bold claim – good luck trying to convince my neighbour that a Mahindra XUV300 is safer than his Volvo XC90. The title was awarded by the Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP), which focuses specifically on vehicles sold in developing countries. (You may recall that’s the same organisation which awarded zero stars to the Nissan Hardbody, calling it the “least safe vehicle in Africa”.) How safe? Global NCAP subjected the Mahindra XUV300 to several side and head-on collisions during testing. The result was a…

Model tested....................................................................................................XUV300 W6 Petrol Engine ............................................................................. 1 197 cc, three-cylinder turbopetrol Power.................................................................................................................81 kW @ 5 000 rpm Torque ........................................................................................................... 200 Nm @ 2 000 rpm Transmission ....................................................................................................Six-speed manual Fuel consumption....................................................................................................... 6 ℓ/100 km Tank.................................................................................................................................................. 42 ℓ Measurements.............................................................. 3 995 (l) x 1 821 (w) x 1 627 mm (h) Ground clearance.............................................................................................................. 180 mm Wheel size .......................................................................................................................215/55 R17 Safety rating .......................................................................... (Global NCAP 2022) Service plan................................................................................................ Five years/90 000 km Warranty ................................................................................................... Five years/150 000 km PRICE.................................................................................................................................... R261 999…

Noises off… More and more new campsites are opening in and around the Dinokeng Reserve, with the Stilte Game Farm and Bush Camp the latest addition. Stilte is just past the reserve, on the Rust de Winter Road. The owners, Pieter and Gerida Booyens, worked in bush camps all over Africa for 16 years, and they used their experience to inspire the creation of their own spot – at Stilte’s bush camp no provision is made for electricity or water at your stand. The farm is 70 ha in size and there are several game species, including warthogs, jackals, steenbok, duikers, impalas, blesbok, and zebras. The campsite itself is not fenced, but there aren’t any predators to worry about. Don’t be surprised when Fiona or Surprise (a donkey and her…

It’s muggy as you crawl into your tent on the banks of the Orange River. It had been a long day, and you fall asleep quickly, only to be awakened an hour or so later by a rumble. At first, you’re confused, but then realise it’s the wind coming from the east. You emerge sleepily from the tent and make sure the tent pegs are secure – just in time, as moments later, a storm blows through the camp. Very soon, fat raindrops strum against the tent, while it seems as if someone is taking pictures outside while lightning bolts flash one after the other. Deafening thunder follows, and you fold your pillow over your head in an attempt to muffle the sounds from above. Tonight is your final night of…

Launched in 2021, the RAV4 Hybrid was widely commended for its combination of practicality, fuel efficiency and performance. This year, the RAV4 Hybrid lineup has been revised, with a new two-grade strategy comprising the familiar GX-R and VX. With the adoption of the new higher-tier grades (versus the outgoing GX), both the specification levels and visual drama have been amped up. THE LOOK In terms of character, the GX-R delivers a stylish yet rugged exterior with prominent black cladding, black over-fenders and a silver bumper protector. A large trapezoidal grille – with two parallel crossbars – and wide-set fog lamps frame the blue-hued Toyota insignia – a hybrid exclusive. The GX-R interior features leather trim, which extends to the steering wheel and shift lever, as well as orange detailing on…

There were exceptionally good rains in Namibia (and other parts of southern Africa) this past summer because of the La Niña weather cycle. When there’s a large-scale cooling of sea temperatures over the central parts of the Pacific Ocean, it creates La Niña (Spanish for “little girl”). La Niña is the opposite of the El Niño cycle, which occurs when sea temperatures warm up. Both cycles have an impact on weather conditions worldwide. So, if you see La Niña in the weather forecast, you know Namibia is going get soaked. Usually, we see La Niña conditions every three to seven years, but in 2021 and 2022, the cycle brought heavy rains to southern Africa. If you want to chase the rain in Namibia next year, block out your calendar between January…

Namibia’s summer rains don’t occur only in the south. The whole country has been getting good rains for the past two years, but the farther north you travel off road, the wilder it gets. This year, the Damaraland and Kaokoland rivers flooded, and a few roads were impassable for days. (Travel with an experienced guide and in a convoy.) The south is more accessible and enchanting when wet. Choose dirt roads where possible – these are not only the most beautiful routes but also the most exciting in your off-roader. I’d choose the D316 past Ai-Ais and the D324 (rather than the B1 through Grünau) once you’ve crossed the border at Vioolsdrift and heading for the Fish River Canyon. Keep north on the C12, and take a look at the Naute…

The third generation Isuzu D-Max was unveiled in Thailand in 2019, but various factors – including the COVID-19 pandemic – delayed its appearance in South Africa until this year. We attended the launch, where even President Cyril Ramaphosa popped in. The Isuzu D-Max is built in Gqeberha, like its predecessors, and is adapted to local conditions. “We are confident that the new Isuzu D-Max will continue in its proud legacy and raise the bar even higher for the brand” said Dominic Rimmer, Senior Vice-President of Technical Operations at Isuzu Motors South Africa at the event. After the ceremony, we drove the back roads from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape to George in the Western Cape. Inside and out The new D-Max looks slimmer and sportier than its predecessor. The roof…

Model tested............................................................................................................ 3.0 Ddi V-Cross 4x4 (auto) Engine ....................................................................................................... 2 999 cc, four-cylinder turbodiesel Power......................................................................................................................................140 kW @ 3 600 rpm Torque ...................................................................................................................................450 Nm @ 1 600 rpm Transmission ..................................................................................................................... Six-speed automatic Fuel consumption.............................................................................................................................. 8 ℓ/100 km Tank..........................................................................................................................................................................76 ℓ Load weight ................................................................................................................................................ 1 082 kg Max towing weight ................................................................................................................................. 3 500 kg Measurements......................................................................................5 265 (l) x 1 870 (w) x 1 810 mm (h) Ground clearance..................................................................................................................................... 240 mm Wading depth ............................................................................................................................................ 800 mm Wheel size .............................................................................................................................................. 265/60 R18 Safety rating ............................................................................................................ (ANCAP 2020) Service plan....................................................................................................................... Five years/90 000 km Warranty ...........................................................................................................................Five years/120 000 km Price ............................................................................................................................................................. R814 700…

Be prepared to get wet if you want to camp in Namibia’s summer rainy season, but the rewards are great. The south is full of campsites with beautiful views – they become even more spectacular during a thunderstorm. Here is a list of the campsites with the very best views. Mount D’Urban C14 Each of the 10 stands at the foot of the mountain of the same name has its own bathroom, canopy, and braai area. The sunset from your camp chair or one of the lookout points near the camp is exceptional. Contact 00 264 81 547 3532 or mountdurban.com.na Namtib D707 There’s a reason why this campsite is a firm favourite among 4x4 travellers: from the camp you can watch gemsbok graze on the plains with the dunes of the Namib Desert far in the…

Mazda BT-50 3.0 Individual It’s the same bakkie, and yet it’s completely different. The D-Max’s ride quality is way better. Ford Ranger 3.0 Power Stroke V6 It’s an open question whether South Africans will buy the D-Max or keep their money until the arrival of the new Ranger. Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD6 4x4 Legend RS Toyota has been wearing the crown for decades, and we don’t think the competition is going to take it away soon.…

Vanwyksdorp lies in the heart of the Little Karoo, with the larger towns of Barrydale, Ladismith, and Calitzdorp to the north, and Riversdale and Herbertsdale to the south. But, no matter which direction you come from, you’ll be driving on a stretch of dirt road. We arrive via the famous R62 from the Cape, then turn right between Barrydale and Ladismith. This is a good dirt road that leads you to Vanwyksdorp, 33 km on. Nothing stops you from towing a standard road caravan. What does matter, though, is in which site you set up camp with it. We turn into the Karoo Bush Camp. If your caravan is slightly wider than your towing vehicle, it might get scratched and there’s a good chance you won’t be able to get through in…

Campsite Seven stands with power, on grass with a fair amount of shade. Ablution facilities From spartan to convenient. There are showers and pit toilets surrounded by a reed fence, and shower rooms with a roof and flush toilets – also with a reed fence and without a roof. Price R150 pppn (half price for kids under 12; free for under twos) Arrival and departure No set times. Contact 082 258 7940 bushwakka.co.za/ karoo-bush-campvan-wyksdorp-klein-karoo mikeandcarol@vodamail.co.za Nearest town Next to Vanwyksdorp. Road conditions From the R62, it’s 33 km of good dirt road. GPS S33.754686 E21.457960 Drive & Camp says The lights at the bathrooms turn on at night, so you’ll find your way in the dark.…

Like the Isuzu D-Max on the previous pages, the Mahindra XUV300 was also launched in 2019. But, unlike that bakkie, the XUV300 has been in SA for some time now. What is new about the XUV300, however, is that it’s just been named “safest vehicle in Africa”. It’s a bold claim – good luck trying to convince my neighbour that a Mahindra XUV300 is safer than his Volvo XC90. The title was awarded by the Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP), which focuses specifically on vehicles sold in developing countries. (You may recall that’s the same organisation which awarded zero stars to the Nissan Hardbody, calling it the “least safe vehicle in Africa”.) How safe? Global NCAP subjected the Mahindra XUV300 to several side and head-on collisions during testing.…

Campsite 16 small and level stands on lush green grass with little shade. Ablution facilities Clean, new, and close by with a gas geyser that works properly. Price R300 pn per stand for the first two, thereafter R100 pp. Maximum four people per stand. Arrival and departure 14:00 and 10:00. Contact 087 802 3578 rooiberglodge. co.za info@rooiberglodge.co.za Nearest town Vanwyksdorp, 11 km. Road conditions From the R62, it’s 43 km of good dirt road. GPS S33.728250 E21.557943 Drive & Camp says There’s no cellphone reception, but the WiFi is free and the signal is strong all the way to the campsite.…

Model tested....................................................................................................XUV300 W6 Petrol Engine ............................................................................. 1 197 cc, three-cylinder turbopetrol Power.................................................................................................................81 kW @ 5 000 rpm Torque ........................................................................................................... 200 Nm @ 2 000 rpm Transmission ....................................................................................................Six-speed manual Fuel consumption....................................................................................................... 6 ℓ/100 km Tank.................................................................................................................................................. 42 ℓ Measurements.............................................................. 3 995 (l) x 1 821 (w) x 1 627 mm (h) Ground clearance.............................................................................................................. 180 mm Wheel size .......................................................................................................................215/55 R17 Safety rating .......................................................................... (Global NCAP 2022) Service plan................................................................................................ Five years/90 000 km Warranty ................................................................................................... Five years/150 000 km PRICE.................................................................................................................................... R261 999…

The Limited, the flagship of the Ford Everest Series, is properly geared for towing. With its 2 ℓ twin-turbodiesel engine and 500 Nm of torque, it could tow a train. The removable towbar comes standard, and when you insert the caravan’s plug, the computer automatically detects the caravan – aids including the blind-spot sensors and the reverse alarm are deactivated. You’d think that with 20” tyres the ride would be bumpy on a dirt road, as there isn’t much rubber between the road and the rim. Plus, the extra weight on the towbar should put further strain on the suspension. But the ride is far from bumpy; in fact, you don’t even feel the dirt road. You just have to pay attention or you’ll start towing too fast.…

Model ...................................................................................... Ford Everest 2.0 BiT Limited (4x4, auto) Engine ................................................................................................Four-cylinder double-turbodiesel Power.............................................................................................................................157 kW @ 3 750 rpm Torque .............................................................................................................500 Nm @ 1 500-2 000 rpm Transmission ............................................................................................................. 10-speed automatic Drive............................................................................................................ Four-wheel with rear diff lock Tank.................................................................................................................................................................80 ℓ Fuel consumption with caravan................................................................ 16,7 ℓ/100 km (6 km/ℓ) Reach with caravan.......................................................................................................................... 480 km Tare weight ....................................................................................................................................... 2 446 kg GVM........................................................................................................................................................ 3 100 kg GCM........................................................................................................................................................ 5 900 kg Tow capacity ...................................................................................................................................... 3 100 kg Is the towbar removable?......................................................................................................................Yes Is there space for a drop plate?........................................................................................................... No PRICE.................................................................................................................................................. R858 600 * Read our detailed tow test in the April 2020 issue.…

It’s muggy as you crawl into your tent on the banks of the Orange River. It had been a long day, and you fall asleep quickly, only to be awakened an hour or so later by a rumble. At first, you’re confused, but then realise it’s the wind coming from the east. You emerge sleepily from the tent and make sure the tent pegs are secure – just in time, as moments later, a storm blows through the camp. Very soon, fat raindrops strum against the tent, while it seems as if someone is taking pictures outside while lightning bolts flash one after the other. Deafening thunder follows, and you fold your pillow over your head in an attempt to muffle the sounds from above. Tonight is your final night…

It’s always exciting to set up camp somewhere in the bush where there are no fences and you share the veld with the animals – all the better if the animals occasionally come to say hi. But the first prize, of course, is to find yourself in a reserve where the Big Five also hang out. At the Dinokeng Big Five Reserve there are a handful of these campsites – or bush camps, rather – and this is where you and an animal can look each other in the eye. The Jabula Bush Camp is about 4 km from the Tau gate as the crow flies, and you immediately start relaxing as you drive along the winding road through the rugged veld to your site. The hustle and bustle of the city…

There were exceptionally good rains in Namibia (and other parts of southern Africa) this past summer because of the La Niña weather cycle. When there’s a large-scale cooling of sea temperatures over the central parts of the Pacific Ocean, it creates La Niña (Spanish for “little girl”). La Niña is the opposite of the El Niño cycle, which occurs when sea temperatures warm up. Both cycles have an impact on weather conditions worldwide. So, if you see La Niña in the weather forecast, you know Namibia is going get soaked. Usually, we see La Niña conditions every three to seven years, but in 2021 and 2022, the cycle brought heavy rains to southern Africa. If you want to chase the rain in Namibia next year, block out your calendar between…

Namibia’s summer rains don’t occur only in the south. The whole country has been getting good rains for the past two years, but the farther north you travel off road, the wilder it gets. This year, the Damaraland and Kaokoland rivers flooded, and a few roads were impassable for days. (Travel with an experienced guide and in a convoy.) The south is more accessible and enchanting when wet. Choose dirt roads where possible – these are not only the most beautiful routes but also the most exciting in your off-roader. I’d choose the D316 past Ai-Ais and the D324 (rather than the B1 through Grünau) once you’ve crossed the border at Vioolsdrift and heading for the Fish River Canyon. Keep north on the C12, and take a look at the…

Campsite Five large stands with a tree or two and mostly soil. Ablution facilities Private bathrooms. Prices Weekends and long weekends: R207 pppn (R92 for kids aged 6-12). Mondays to Thursdays: R138 pp (R70 for kids under 12). There’s a once-off conservation fee of R80 pp (R50 for kids under 12), and the fee for your vehicle is R50 (also once-off ). Self-driving permits cost R250 for one day, R380 for three, and R450 for seven days per vehicle. (The rates for pensioners are R125, R190, and R225 respectively.) The self-driving permit includes the R50 vehicle rate. Contact 078 948 6781 info@jabulabushcamp.co.za jabulabushcamp.co.za Jabula Bush Camp Dinokeng Arrival and departure 12:00 and 10:00. Nearest city Pretoria, 50 km. Road condition Tar road, with the last 400 m good dirt road. GPS S25.358943 E28.353857 Drive & Camp says…

Start this 200 km route in Citrusdal in the Olifants River Valley. Follow the R303 regional road for 3 km to the foot of the Middelberg. The first mountain pass on the route, the Elandskloof Pass, dates back to the 18th century, and its lazy bends will entertain you for 7 km before it turns into a gravel road. Up next is the Middelberg Pass with its spectacular view of the Cold Bokkeveld, a valley measuring 70 km long. The Cold Bokkeveld is a high-lying valley about 1 km above sea level that’s tucked snugly between the Kouebokkeveld Mountain to the west and the Skurweberg to the east. The local municipality dutyfully maintains the pass, so the Middelberg Pass is always in good shape. Third in line is the Buffelshoek Pass (also…

Be prepared to get wet if you want to camp in Namibia’s summer rainy season, but the rewards are great. The south is full of campsites with beautiful views – they become even more spectacular during a thunderstorm. Here is a list of the campsites with the very best views. Mount D’Urban C14 Each of the 10 stands at the foot of the mountain of the same name has its own bathroom, canopy, and braai area. The sunset from your camp chair or one of the lookout points near the camp is exceptional. Contact 00 264 81 547 3532 or mountdurban.com.na Namtib D707 There’s a reason why this campsite is a firm favourite among 4x4 travellers: from the camp you can watch gemsbok graze on the plains with the dunes…

Maximum number of vehicles? Unlimited. Do I get a map? No. Will I scratch my vehicle? No. Do I need to take a compressor? No. May I braai? No, there are no braai facilities along the road, unless you’re staying at one of the many guest farms along the route. Can I turn around halfway? Yes. Is there cellphone signal? Yes. Best time to go? If you want to see snow, go in the Cape winter. The fruit farms harvest around February – that’s when we visited the Bokkeveld. Is this a good family outing? Definitely. May my dog come along? Sure, but some farms have sheep. So, keep a close eye on Rex. Can I ride a motorcycle here? Yes, you’ll often see motorcycles. Just for the day or the weekend? Just for the day. How long does it take? The…

Vanwyksdorp lies in the heart of the Little Karoo, with the larger towns of Barrydale, Ladismith, and Calitzdorp to the north, and Riversdale and Herbertsdale to the south. But, no matter which direction you come from, you’ll be driving on a stretch of dirt road. We arrive via the famous R62 from the Cape, then turn right between Barrydale and Ladismith. This is a good dirt road that leads you to Vanwyksdorp, 33 km on. Nothing stops you from towing a standard road caravan. What does matter, though, is in which site you set up camp with it. We turn into the Karoo Bush Camp. If your caravan is slightly wider than your towing vehicle, it might get scratched and there’s a good chance you won’t be able to get…

Campsite Seven stands with power, on grass with a fair amount of shade. Ablution facilities From spartan to convenient. There are showers and pit toilets surrounded by a reed fence, and shower rooms with a roof and flush toilets – also with a reed fence and without a roof. Price R150 pppn (half price for kids under 12; free for under twos) Arrival and departure No set times. Contact 082 258 7940 bushwakka.co.za/ karoo-bush-campvan-wyksdorp-klein-karoo mikeandcarol@vodamail.co.za Nearest town Next to Vanwyksdorp. Road conditions From the R62, it’s 33 km of good dirt road. GPS S33.754686 E21.457960 Drive & Camp says The lights at the bathrooms turn on at night, so you’ll find your way in the dark.…

As a family, we try to hitch our Mission off-road trailer to our Toyota Fortuner at least once a month to get away. My wife, Lisa, our daughters, Aimee (16) and Catherine (13), and I love getting closer to nature while spending quality time together, so we prefer places that are more remote and that don’t attract hordes of people. With the days getting colder, we recently searched for a place with a heated pool or something similar and came across the Noah Farm campsite near Wolseley thanks to a Facebook group we follow. It looked like our kind of campsite, and because it’s only an hour and a half’s drive from the Cape, we booked a place there for a weekend camp. TELL US MORE ABOUT THE CAMPSITE… You need a…

“With this trip, the Isuzu (that to this day hasn’t been named), proved it has what it takes” In 2004, I decided to buy a proper touring vehicle. My Toyota Venture with its front-wheel diff lock I’d installed had been good till then, but it was time for something different: longer, more challenging roads in Africa. I don’t know much about cars and have no preferences when it comes to a manufacturer, so I could shop around. My son-in-law Stephen de la Harpe swears by Isuzu, though, so when I came across a second-hand diesel model with 70 000 km on the clock, I bought it. A long, double cab with a canopy, which made sleeping inside possible. Our first long journey was north along the Zambezi to its source (the fourth longest…

Campsite 16 small and level stands on lush green grass with little shade. Ablution facilities Clean, new, and close by with a gas geyser that works properly. Price R300 pn per stand for the first two, thereafter R100 pp. Maximum four people per stand. Arrival and departure 14:00 and 10:00. Contact 087 802 3578 rooiberglodge. co.za info@rooiberglodge.co.za Nearest town Vanwyksdorp, 11 km. Road conditions From the R62, it’s 43 km of good dirt road. GPS S33.728250 E21.557943 Drive & Camp says There’s no cellphone reception, but the WiFi is free and the signal is strong all the way to the campsite.…

Boegoeberg near Clanwilliam is one of his favourite destinations, says Piet. This holiday resort is about a two-hour drive north of Cape Town, on the other side of Graafwater. But Piet says he turns off just past Kardoesie on the N7 and then follows the Koningskop gravel road in the direction of Graafwater. That way, you get off the N7 quicker, and your weekend, therefore, starts much sooner. Boegoeberg is located on the farm Lambertshoek and has several fantastic 4x4 trails. The great thing about this resort is that it’s not only for 4x4 enthusiasts; you can just as easily come here to simply camp and chill out. Another plus is that Boegoeberg is so centrally located – we make it our base when on holiday, and day drives take us to…

The Limited, the flagship of the Ford Everest Series, is properly geared for towing. With its 2 ℓ twin-turbodiesel engine and 500 Nm of torque, it could tow a train. The removable towbar comes standard, and when you insert the caravan’s plug, the computer automatically detects the caravan – aids including the blind-spot sensors and the reverse alarm are deactivated. You’d think that with 20” tyres the ride would be bumpy on a dirt road, as there isn’t much rubber between the road and the rim. Plus, the extra weight on the towbar should put further strain on the suspension. But the ride is far from bumpy; in fact, you don’t even feel the dirt road. You just have to pay attention or you’ll start towing too fast.…

Model ...................................................................................... Ford Everest 2.0 BiT Limited (4x4, auto) Engine ................................................................................................Four-cylinder double-turbodiesel Power.............................................................................................................................157 kW @ 3 750 rpm Torque .............................................................................................................500 Nm @ 1 500-2 000 rpm Transmission ............................................................................................................. 10-speed automatic Drive............................................................................................................ Four-wheel with rear diff lock Tank.................................................................................................................................................................80 ℓ Fuel consumption with caravan................................................................ 16,7 ℓ/100 km (6 km/ℓ) Reach with caravan.......................................................................................................................... 480 km Tare weight ....................................................................................................................................... 2 446 kg GVM........................................................................................................................................................ 3 100 kg GCM........................................................................................................................................................ 5 900 kg Tow capacity ...................................................................................................................................... 3 100 kg Is the towbar removable?......................................................................................................................Yes Is there space for a drop plate?........................................................................................................... No PRICE.................................................................................................................................................. R858 600 * Read our detailed tow test in the April 2020 issue.…

It’s always exciting to set up camp somewhere in the bush where there are no fences and you share the veld with the animals – all the better if the animals occasionally come to say hi. But the first prize, of course, is to find yourself in a reserve where the Big Five also hang out. At the Dinokeng Big Five Reserve there are a handful of these campsites – or bush camps, rather – and this is where you and an animal can look each other in the eye. The Jabula Bush Camp is about 4 km from the Tau gate as the crow flies, and you immediately start relaxing as you drive along the winding road through the rugged veld to your site. The hustle and bustle of…

FISHING RESORT TANGLEWOOD NATURE ESTATE BASS BASE The TangleWood Nature Estate lies on the banks of the Boskop Dam on the R501 just outside Potchefstroom (in the direction of Carletonville). Look out for the Happy Hooker bar and restaurant to the left of the road. TangleWood’s restaurant and shop – that sells the basics – is also here, while the dam is another 500 m farther down the road. The reception is on the right just before you reach the water, with the stands behind the trees and the dam on the left. Your stand has a braai area, electricity, shade, and grass. Depending on where you set up camp, you may need an extension cord. The bathrooms are close by and use gas geysers. The washing-up facilities are under a roof in front of…

Fish Black bass, carp, catfish, yellowfish, and labeo. Campsite 19 stands among trees on grass, plus six side by side on the water. Ablution facilities One building close to the stands. Price R260 pn per stand for the first two people; thereafter R70 pp (half price for children under 12). Up to four people per stand. Arrival and departure 14:00 and 10:00. Contact 076 402 0060 bookings@ tanglewoodnatureestate.com tanglewoodnatureestate.com Nearest town Potchefstroom, 15 km. Road condition Tar up to the gate. GPS S26.564502 E27.127550 Drive & Camp says The record here is a bass that weighed just over 6 kg – the catch-and-release rule applies.…

“We camp regularly in Dinokeng, and this is the second time we’re camping here. The stands are nice and big, and we like the distance between us and our neighbours. And it’s lovely to have our own private bathroom. Jabula is especially great because the lack of fences mean the animals can walk through the campsite at any time. Our children are used to these types of campsites and both know they’re not allowed to step out of the boundary line we draw in the sand.”…

Campsite Five large stands with a tree or two and mostly soil. Ablution facilities Private bathrooms. Prices Weekends and long weekends: R207 pppn (R92 for kids aged 6-12). Mondays to Thursdays: R138 pp (R70 for kids under 12). There’s a once-off conservation fee of R80 pp (R50 for kids under 12), and the fee for your vehicle is R50 (also once-off ). Self-driving permits cost R250 for one day, R380 for three, and R450 for seven days per vehicle. (The rates for pensioners are R125, R190, and R225 respectively.) The self-driving permit includes the R50 vehicle rate. Contact 078 948 6781 info@jabulabushcamp.co.za jabulabushcamp.co.za Jabula Bush Camp Dinokeng Arrival and departure 12:00 and 10:00. Nearest city Pretoria, 50 km. Road condition Tar road, with the last 400 m good dirt road.…

This recipe was inspired by Cariema Isaacs’ delicious Bengali fish curry and is somewhat simplified for the campsite. Mix all the spices together in a container and place the chillies, garlic, ginger, and onion in a bag before you head to the campsite. That ways, you’re ready when the big one bites. Ingredients (serves 6) 1 medium onion, finely chopped½ cup oil2 green chillies, seeds removed and finely chopped1 piece fresh ginger of 2 cm, peeled and grated2 garlic cloves, finely crushed3 green cardamom pods, bruised3 cloves½ teaspoon each mustard and cumin seeds3 bay leaves (or use a sprig of fresh lemon leaves)1 tablespoon garam masalachilli powder to taste FISH DISH ½ teaspoon turmeric1 teaspoon salt1½ cup boiling water6 portions yellowtail with skin on (or use any firm white fish) Here’s how 1 Fry the onion in…

The boundary between an SUV and a crossover is rather vague – nowadays car manufacturers only need to apply plastic panels over the wheel arches and screw a skid plate under the bumper and there you have it: an ordinary hatchback supposedly becomes an SUV. Citroën’s C3 Aircross is, at least, a little more than just plastic panels and a sticker kit because it drives rather well on a dirt road, even though it doesn’t have all-wheel drive or large diameter wheels. We check out the new C3 Aircross to see what’s changed since we last drove it. Inside and out As with most restylings, the metal bodywork remains unchanged, but plastic parts, including the front bumper, look different. The main change to the front bumper is the new lights – they’ve kept the…

Start this 200 km route in Citrusdal in the Olifants River Valley. Follow the R303 regional road for 3 km to the foot of the Middelberg. The first mountain pass on the route, the Elandskloof Pass, dates back to the 18th century, and its lazy bends will entertain you for 7 km before it turns into a gravel road. Up next is the Middelberg Pass with its spectacular view of the Cold Bokkeveld, a valley measuring 70 km long. The Cold Bokkeveld is a high-lying valley about 1 km above sea level that’s tucked snugly between the Kouebokkeveld Mountain to the west and the Skurweberg to the east. The local municipality dutyfully maintains the pass, so the Middelberg Pass is always in good shape. Third in line is the Buffelshoek…

Model tested........................................................................................................................ C3 Aircross SUV Feel Engine ...................................................................................................... 1 199 cc, three-cylinder turbodiesel Power......................................................................................................................................... 81 kW @ 5 500 rpm Torque ....................................................................................................................................151 Nm @ 1 750 rpm Transmission .......................................................................................................................Six-speed automatic Top speed ....................................................................................................................................................184 km/h Acceleration 0-100 km/h.............................................................................................................................11,8 s Fuel consumption............................................................................................................................ 6,5 ℓ/100 km Tank...........................................................................................................................................................................45 ℓ Luggage space...............................................................................410 ℓ (1 289 ℓ with seats folded down) Allowed load....................................................................................................................................................617 kg Wheel size ...............................................................................................................................................205/50/R16 Measurements.......................................................................................4 142 (l) x 1 756 (w) x 1 637 mm (h) Ground clearance.......................................................................................................................................178 mm Safety rating ..................................................................................................................... (NCAP 2017) Service plan......................................................................................................................Five years/100 000 km Warranty ............................................................................................................................Five years/100 000 km Price ...............................................................................................................................................................R401 900…

Maximum number of vehicles? Unlimited. Do I get a map? No. Will I scratch my vehicle? No. Do I need to take a compressor? No. May I braai? No, there are no braai facilities along the road, unless you’re staying at one of the many guest farms along the route. Can I turn around halfway? Yes. Is there cellphone signal? Yes. Best time to go? If you want to see snow, go in the Cape winter. The fruit farms harvest around February – that’s when we visited the Bokkeveld. Is this a good family outing? Definitely. May my dog come along? Sure, but some farms have sheep. So, keep a close eye on Rex. Can I ride a motorcycle here? Yes, you’ll often see motorcycles. Just for the day or…

As a family, we try to hitch our Mission off-road trailer to our Toyota Fortuner at least once a month to get away. My wife, Lisa, our daughters, Aimee (16) and Catherine (13), and I love getting closer to nature while spending quality time together, so we prefer places that are more remote and that don’t attract hordes of people. With the days getting colder, we recently searched for a place with a heated pool or something similar and came across the Noah Farm campsite near Wolseley thanks to a Facebook group we follow. It looked like our kind of campsite, and because it’s only an hour and a half’s drive from the Cape, we booked a place there for a weekend camp. TELL US MORE ABOUT THE CAMPSITE… You…

It’s no secret that South Africa’s legislation on towing weight is particularly restrictive. Manufacturers boast (quite rightly so) about their vehicles having a “decent” towing capacity – there are even bakkies that can tow up to 3 500 kg. And so, Volkswagen’s figure of 2 200 kg sounds very promising for the 2 ℓ Tiguan – it means there are only six of the more than 200 caravans on the market* that you can’t hitch to the Tiguan. Legislation, however, requires the GVM of what you’re towing not to exceed the tare weight of the towing vehicle. This means that in South Africa, you may not tow a caravan with a GVM that’s more than 1 579 kg with the Tiguan. Fortunately, half of the caravans on the market have a GVM…

“With this trip, the Isuzu (that to this day hasn’t been named), proved it has what it takes” In 2004, I decided to buy a proper touring vehicle. My Toyota Venture with its front-wheel diff lock I’d installed had been good till then, but it was time for something different: longer, more challenging roads in Africa. I don’t know much about cars and have no preferences when it comes to a manufacturer, so I could shop around. My son-in-law Stephen de la Harpe swears by Isuzu, though, so when I came across a second-hand diesel model with 70 000 km on the clock, I bought it. A long, double cab with a canopy, which made sleeping inside possible. Our first long journey was north along the Zambezi to its source…

Every time you start the Tiguan and turn it off, the automatic engine-off feature activates. So, when you stop at a traffic light, the engine shuts off automatically. I prefer the engine to stay on, but luckily you can deactivate the system at the push of a button until you start it again. (According to the booklet, you must deactivate the system yourself if the car doesn’t do this automatically while you’re towing. – Ed) The electronic panel in front of and to the left displays a wealth of information at a glance – from the engine and outside temperature, the distance you can still drive with the remaining fuel, to the digital and analogue speed reading and the direction of any wind. It’s a proper computer on wheels. The engine is…

Boegoeberg near Clanwilliam is one of his favourite destinations, says Piet. This holiday resort is about a two-hour drive north of Cape Town, on the other side of Graafwater. But Piet says he turns off just past Kardoesie on the N7 and then follows the Koningskop gravel road in the direction of Graafwater. That way, you get off the N7 quicker, and your weekend, therefore, starts much sooner. Boegoeberg is located on the farm Lambertshoek and has several fantastic 4x4 trails. The great thing about this resort is that it’s not only for 4x4 enthusiasts; you can just as easily come here to simply camp and chill out. Another plus is that Boegoeberg is so centrally located – we make it our base when on holiday, and day drives take…

Model .............................................................................................. 2.0 TSI 4MOTION DSG R-Line Engine ...................................................................................................Four-cylinder turbopetrol Power...................................................................................................162 kW @ 4 500-6 200 rpm Torque ................................................................................................350 Nm @ 1 500-4 400 rpm Transmission ............................................................................Seven-speed automatic (DSG) Drive...............................................................................................................Four wheel (4Motion) Tank....................................................................................................................................................60 ℓ Fuel consumption with caravan............................................... 13,9 ℓ/100 km (7,2 km/ℓ) Reach with caravan............................................................................................................. 432 km Tare weight ...........................................................................................................................1 579 kg Weight during test (nose weight of caravan included) ................................1 940 kg GVM...........................................................................................................................................2 190 kg GCM...........................................................................................................................................4 290 kg Combination weight during test ...............................................................................2 720 kg Tow capacity .........................................................................................................................2 200 kg Towbar’s weight index ................................................................................................. Unknown Towbar’s max vertical weight..........................................................................................100 kg Is the towbar removable?............ No, but it fits under the bumper when not in use Space for a drop plate? .............................................................................................................. No PRICE..........................................................................................................................From R746 400…

FISHING RESORT TANGLEWOOD NATURE ESTATE BASS BASE The TangleWood Nature Estate lies on the banks of the Boskop Dam on the R501 just outside Potchefstroom (in the direction of Carletonville). Look out for the Happy Hooker bar and restaurant to the left of the road. TangleWood’s restaurant and shop – that sells the basics – is also here, while the dam is another 500 m farther down the road. The reception is on the right just before you reach the water, with the stands behind the trees and the dam on the left. Your stand has a braai area, electricity, shade, and grass. Depending on where you set up camp, you may need an extension cord. The bathrooms are close by and use gas geysers. The washing-up facilities are under…

Conqueror, known for its tough off-road caravans, expanded its range with the UEV models in 2019. Instead of steel and aluminium, these caravans are made of aluminium and a synthetic material used in the aviation industry – hence the white panels rather than the traditional sand colour. Apart from the modern building materials, the UEV series boasts more innovations, the most striking of which are the slide-out modules that contain a double bed. A few manufacturers use a bed that pulls out on a sliding frame, but the UEV’s panels fold open. In addition, the panels are solid and doesn’t have the canvas sides of the traditional fold-out beds. The UEV-25 is one of the heaviest caravans on the market, which is why you need a proper towing vehicle with…

Manufacturer .............................................................................................................................................................. Conqueror Model ..................................................................................................................................................................................... UEV-25 Sleeps ........................................................................................................................................................................................... Four Size............................................................................................................................. 7,29 x 2,042 x 2,38 m (without air con) Wheels ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 16” Axle ..................................................................................................................................................... Independent suspension Tare weight........................................................................................................................................................................ 1 870 kg Load capacity .......................................................................................................................................................................330 kg GVM....................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 200 kg Chassis ............................................................................................................................................................................Galvanised Hull...................................................................................................................................................... Aluminium and synthetic Price..........................................................................................................................................................................From R697 735 Dealer network .................................................................................................... Head office in Heidelberg (Gauteng), 11 branches nationwide, plus Namibia (Windhoek) and Botswana (Maun). Contact ........................................................................ 016 349 6533 conqueror.co.za info@conqueror.co.za…

Fish Black bass, carp, catfish, yellowfish, and labeo. Campsite 19 stands among trees on grass, plus six side by side on the water. Ablution facilities One building close to the stands. Price R260 pn per stand for the first two people; thereafter R70 pp (half price for children under 12). Up to four people per stand. Arrival and departure 14:00 and 10:00. Contact 076 402 0060 bookings@ tanglewoodnatureestate.com tanglewoodnatureestate.com Nearest town Potchefstroom, 15 km. Road condition Tar up to the gate. GPS S26.564502 E27.127550 Drive & Camp says The record here is a bass that weighed just over 6 kg – the catch-and-release rule applies.…

What comes standard? Standard items include double coil suspension with eight shock absorbers, three water tanks (two that are 140 ℓ and one that’s 80 ℓ), a gas stove, the water pump and plumbing, the dimmable exterior and interior lights, an indoor bathroom, power system, geyser, two 102 Ah batteries, and the SnoMaster 173 ℓ indoor fridge. The list of more than 20 optional extras includes a 270° awning, microwave, Houghton H2000 air conditioner, gas cylinders, cutlery, TV with arm, and air suspension.…

This recipe was inspired by Cariema Isaacs’ delicious Bengali fish curry and is somewhat simplified for the campsite. Mix all the spices together in a container and place the chillies, garlic, ginger, and onion in a bag before you head to the campsite. That ways, you’re ready when the big one bites. Ingredients (serves 6) 1 medium onion, finely chopped ½ cup oil 2 green chillies, seeds removed and finely chopped 1 piece fresh ginger of 2 cm, peeled and grated 2 garlic cloves, finely crushed 3 green cardamom pods, bruised 3 cloves ½ teaspoon each mustard and cumin seeds 3 bay leaves (or use a sprig of fresh lemon leaves) 1 tablespoon garam masala chilli powder to taste FISH DISH ½ teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon salt 1½ cup boiling…

The boundary between an SUV and a crossover is rather vague – nowadays car manufacturers only need to apply plastic panels over the wheel arches and screw a skid plate under the bumper and there you have it: an ordinary hatchback supposedly becomes an SUV. Citroën’s C3 Aircross is, at least, a little more than just plastic panels and a sticker kit because it drives rather well on a dirt road, even though it doesn’t have all-wheel drive or large diameter wheels. We check out the new C3 Aircross to see what’s changed since we last drove it. Inside and out As with most restylings, the metal bodywork remains unchanged, but plastic parts, including the front bumper, look different. The main change to the front bumper is the new lights…

Last year in America there was the same number of camping households as the entire population of South Africa. It’s an enormous industry over there, and you’d think there could be similarities with ours, because everyone camps for the same reason: to spend time outdoors. It’s a bit like David and Goliath, and both these biblical figures would have had to deal with the blows the COVID-19 pandemic has and continues to inflict. We’ve experienced this in our camping industry – and so has America, on a much larger scale. By placing your finger on the pulse of the US camping industry, you not only get a glimpse of the activities of other campers, but also what may be happening at home. Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is the world’s largest system of…

Model tested........................................................................................................................ C3 Aircross SUV Feel Engine ...................................................................................................... 1 199 cc, three-cylinder turbodiesel Power......................................................................................................................................... 81 kW @ 5 500 rpm Torque ....................................................................................................................................151 Nm @ 1 750 rpm Transmission .......................................................................................................................Six-speed automatic Top speed ....................................................................................................................................................184 km/h Acceleration 0-100 km/h.............................................................................................................................11,8 s Fuel consumption............................................................................................................................ 6,5 ℓ/100 km Tank...........................................................................................................................................................................45 ℓ Luggage space...............................................................................410 ℓ (1 289 ℓ with seats folded down) Allowed load....................................................................................................................................................617 kg Wheel size ...............................................................................................................................................205/50/R16 Measurements.......................................................................................4 142 (l) x 1 756 (w) x 1 637 mm (h) Ground clearance.......................................................................................................................................178 mm Safety rating ..................................................................................................................... (NCAP 2017) Service plan......................................................................................................................Five years/100 000 km Warranty ............................................................................................................................Five years/100 000 km Price ...............................................................................................................................................................R401 900…

Supporters of off-road bakkies and those of 4x4 station wagons both argue that one is better than the other when it comes to adventures beyond our country’s borders. Bakkies are especially suitable for carrying cargo – you are, after all, loading a bunch of camping gear for your epic fishing expedition to the Kunene Mouth. On the other hand, an SUV focuses more on the comfort of its passengers, and this is also important – especially on a journey that will last a number of weeks. In this article, we weigh double-cab bakkies against mid-range SUVs. For the sake of fairness, we keep the budget below R1 million, which is why the Nissan Patrol, Toyota Land Cruiser 300, Land Rover Defender, and others of their kind are off the table. Our focus is…

It’s no secret that South Africa’s legislation on towing weight is particularly restrictive. Manufacturers boast (quite rightly so) about their vehicles having a “decent” towing capacity – there are even bakkies that can tow up to 3 500 kg. And so, Volkswagen’s figure of 2 200 kg sounds very promising for the 2 ℓ Tiguan – it means there are only six of the more than 200 caravans on the market* that you can’t hitch to the Tiguan. Legislation, however, requires the GVM of what you’re towing not to exceed the tare weight of the towing vehicle. This means that in South Africa, you may not tow a caravan with a GVM that’s more than 1 579 kg with the Tiguan. Fortunately, half of the caravans on the market have…

“I once owned a bakkie a long time ago, but that was the first and last time. I prefer an SUV because I’m not a farmer who needs a bakkie, and I tow a five-foot trailer. Everything is secure, and protected from dust and rain.” – Willem Brits “Hands down a bakkie because it has twice as much luggage space as an SUV. With an SUV full of people, you have to tow a trailer, and you can’t do that everywhere.” – Pieter Hoepfner “If you buy a bakkie, then you also need a canopy. And you have fitment issues, and it’s not dust- and waterproof...” – Tienie Vermeulen “I travel regularly with SUV owners and it takes them longer to pack up than me with my bakkie. I prefer a bakkie, because…

Expert packers load luggage into their vehicles like a Tetris computer game champ, but in reality your meticulously planned packing easily turns into a chaotic jumble – just think what happens when you need to retrieve something that’s way at the back of all the other camping gear. A drawer system may take up a bit of storage space by itself, but it makes your life considerably easier. Now you’ll no longer have to unload tents, chairs, and cooler boxes along the roadside so you can reach the tow rope that was the first thing you packed at home. GOMAD 4X4 Local is lekker This canopy manufacturer is from Brackenfell in the Cape, and Ciske van Gijsen has been in charge since 2006. In addition to aluminium canopies, they make items such as custom…

Every time you start the Tiguan and turn it off, the automatic engine-off feature activates. So, when you stop at a traffic light, the engine shuts off automatically. I prefer the engine to stay on, but luckily you can deactivate the system at the push of a button until you start it again. (According to the booklet, you must deactivate the system yourself if the car doesn’t do this automatically while you’re towing. – Ed) The electronic panel in front of and to the left displays a wealth of information at a glance – from the engine and outside temperature, the distance you can still drive with the remaining fuel, to the digital and analogue speed reading and the direction of any wind. It’s a proper computer on wheels. The…

Model .............................................................................................. 2.0 TSI 4MOTION DSG R-Line Engine ...................................................................................................Four-cylinder turbopetrol Power...................................................................................................162 kW @ 4 500-6 200 rpm Torque ................................................................................................350 Nm @ 1 500-4 400 rpm Transmission ............................................................................Seven-speed automatic (DSG) Drive...............................................................................................................Four wheel (4Motion) Tank....................................................................................................................................................60 ℓ Fuel consumption with caravan............................................... 13,9 ℓ/100 km (7,2 km/ℓ) Reach with caravan............................................................................................................. 432 km Tare weight ...........................................................................................................................1 579 kg Weight during test (nose weight of caravan included) ................................1 940 kg GVM...........................................................................................................................................2 190 kg GCM...........................................................................................................................................4 290 kg Combination weight during test ...............................................................................2 720 kg Tow capacity .........................................................................................................................2 200 kg Towbar’s weight index ................................................................................................. Unknown Towbar’s max vertical weight..........................................................................................100 kg Is the towbar removable?............ No, but it fits under the bumper when not in use Space for a drop plate? .............................................................................................................. No PRICE..........................................................................................................................From R746 400…

BEEF AND RED WINE POTJIE WITH GARLIC DUMPLINGS The right fluff Make sure your stewing beef has more meat on it than bones. Ingredients (serves 6 with leftovers) ¼ cup olive oil2 large onions, coarsely chopped2 medium-sized carrots, coarsely chopped1,8 kg stewing beef (use short rib, thick rib, or shank)2 tablespoons tomato paste6 garlic cloves, finely crushed1 cup red winesalt and black pepper2 cups beef stock, plus extra as needed1 teaspoon dry oregano2 bay leaves1 kg sliced roasting vegetables – we used pumpkin,broccoli, and sweet potato FOR THE DUMPLINGS ¼ cup garlic butter (we used the one from Parmalat)2 cups self-raising flour1 cup buttermilka generous pinch of salt Here’s how 1 Heat the oil in a saucepan or flat-bottomed potjie over the coals and fry the onion and carrot until fragrant. Add the meat and fry until it’s…

Recently our workshop was visited by the sales manager of a Chinese car brand with their latest 4x4 double-cab bakkie. The customer purchasing the vehicle wanted a suspension upgrade as well as an overlanding canopy, plus some additional off-roading items. We’ve had a number of these vehicles and the owners all visit us for the same reason, and the visits are increasing. Sadly, there are very few – if any – off-the-shelf 4x4 accessories available for these brands. This is purely down to a scale of economies. Until the numbers get to a point that it becomes economically viable to develop these parts for these brands, very little will be available. Interestingly, we’ve found that on many of the latest Chinese 4x4 bakkies, the suspension systems are near identical copies of the current…

Conqueror, known for its tough off-road caravans, expanded its range with the UEV models in 2019. Instead of steel and aluminium, these caravans are made of aluminium and a synthetic material used in the aviation industry – hence the white panels rather than the traditional sand colour. Apart from the modern building materials, the UEV series boasts more innovations, the most striking of which are the slide-out modules that contain a double bed. A few manufacturers use a bed that pulls out on a sliding frame, but the UEV’s panels fold open. In addition, the panels are solid and doesn’t have the canvas sides of the traditional fold-out beds. The UEV-25 is one of the heaviest caravans on the market, which is why you need a proper towing vehicle with…

People sometimes joke that camping is for the middle class who pay a fortune to live like the lower class. I also recently heard a caller on a travel programme say camping fees border on exploitation. I disagree with the caller and believe he doesn’t realise the extent of the input and operating costs required to keep a campsite’s head above water. If you want to camp on the cheap, you’ll have to accept poor, little, or no facilities. And that doesn’t really come “cheap” either, because being self-sufficient requires a solid investment in technology and built-in or added gadgets to provide water and power that isn’t available on site. There are basically three factors that determine camping rates: based on cost, value add, or prevailing market price. Rates are also affected by…

Manufacturer .............................................................................................................................................................. Conqueror Model ..................................................................................................................................................................................... UEV-25 Sleeps ........................................................................................................................................................................................... Four Size............................................................................................................................. 7,29 x 2,042 x 2,38 m (without air con) Wheels ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 16” Axle ..................................................................................................................................................... Independent suspension Tare weight........................................................................................................................................................................ 1 870 kg Load capacity .......................................................................................................................................................................330 kg GVM....................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 200 kg Chassis ............................................................................................................................................................................Galvanised Hull...................................................................................................................................................... Aluminium and synthetic Price..........................................................................................................................................................................From R697 735 Dealer network .................................................................................................... Head office in Heidelberg (Gauteng), 11 branches nationwide, plus Namibia (Windhoek) and Botswana (Maun). Contact ........................................................................ 016 349 6533 conqueror.co.za info@conqueror.co.za…

It’s not easy to nap comfortably in the back of a Suzuki Jimny, especially if you’re 1,9 m tall like me. It’s pitch black outside and I must sleep, because in three hours it will be my turn to drive. My wife, Suzaan, is behind the wheel, and our 14-year-old daughter, Miri, is helping her stay awake. We’re driving from Graskop in Mpumalanga to our home in Cape Town in one stretch through the night. As I half sit, half lie with my knees between my elbows, I think back to the reason for torturing ourselves like this. I suspect it all started with a woodcarving of a giraffe… We are in the home stretch of a two-week road trip that began in the Cape, went up to Musina and back again.…

What comes standard? Standard items include double coil suspension with eight shock absorbers, three water tanks (two that are 140 ℓ and one that’s 80 ℓ), a gas stove, the water pump and plumbing, the dimmable exterior and interior lights, an indoor bathroom, power system, geyser, two 102 Ah batteries, and the SnoMaster 173 ℓ indoor fridge. The list of more than 20 optional extras includes a 270° awning, microwave, Houghton H2000 air conditioner, gas cylinders, cutlery, TV with arm, and air suspension.…

ALUMINIUM CURVES The point of a caravan is to tow your “home” to new holiday spots you’ve never been to – or return to your favourite resort annually to hang out with old friends. There are, however, places where you can camp in a luxury caravan – one that stays put. On the roof of the Grand Daddy boutique hotel in Cape Town’s city centre are seven American Airstream caravans. According to the hotel, it’s the only designer rooftop Airstream trailer park in the world. Each caravan has a unique theme created by interior designers, and you pay between R1 750 and R2 995 pn per caravan, depending on the meal package, type of caravan, and time of year. Visit granddaddy.co.za The Old Mac Daddy holiday farm in Elgin, also in the Western…

CONQUEROR UEV-25 BORDERX EXPEDITION With 17”wheels, independent suspension, and an aluminium body and synthetic honeycomb panels. NAYELA OKAPI With 15”wheels, rubber axles, and a fibreglass body. OVERLANDER 590 CUSTOM With 15”wheels, independent suspension, and a body of the glass-reinforced plastic used on yachts. Drive & Camp loaned the UEV-25 from the manufacturer.…

Last year in America there was the same number of camping households as the entire population of South Africa. It’s an enormous industry over there, and you’d think there could be similarities with ours, because everyone camps for the same reason: to spend time outdoors. It’s a bit like David and Goliath, and both these biblical figures would have had to deal with the blows the COVID-19 pandemic has and continues to inflict. We’ve experienced this in our camping industry – and so has America, on a much larger scale. By placing your finger on the pulse of the US camping industry, you not only get a glimpse of the activities of other campers, but also what may be happening at home. Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is the world’s largest…

Supporters of off-road bakkies and those of 4x4 station wagons both argue that one is better than the other when it comes to adventures beyond our country’s borders. Bakkies are especially suitable for carrying cargo – you are, after all, loading a bunch of camping gear for your epic fishing expedition to the Kunene Mouth. On the other hand, an SUV focuses more on the comfort of its passengers, and this is also important – especially on a journey that will last a number of weeks. In this article, we weigh double-cab bakkies against mid-range SUVs. For the sake of fairness, we keep the budget below R1 million, which is why the Nissan Patrol, Toyota Land Cruiser 300, Land Rover Defender, and others of their kind are off the table.…

“I once owned a bakkie a long time ago, but that was the first and last time. I prefer an SUV because I’m not a farmer who needs a bakkie, and I tow a five-foot trailer. Everything is secure, and protected from dust and rain.” – Willem Brits “Hands down a bakkie because it has twice as much luggage space as an SUV. With an SUV full of people, you have to tow a trailer, and you can’t do that everywhere.” – Pieter Hoepfner “If you buy a bakkie, then you also need a canopy. And you have fitment issues, and it’s not dust- and waterproof...” – Tienie Vermeulen “I travel regularly with SUV owners and it takes them longer to pack up than me with my bakkie. I prefer…

Expert packers load luggage into their vehicles like a Tetris computer game champ, but in reality your meticulously planned packing easily turns into a chaotic jumble – just think what happens when you need to retrieve something that’s way at the back of all the other camping gear. A drawer system may take up a bit of storage space by itself, but it makes your life considerably easier. Now you’ll no longer have to unload tents, chairs, and cooler boxes along the roadside so you can reach the tow rope that was the first thing you packed at home. GOMAD 4X4 Local is lekker This canopy manufacturer is from Brackenfell in the Cape, and Ciske van Gijsen has been in charge since 2006. In addition to aluminium canopies, they make…

BEEF AND RED WINE POTJIE WITH GARLIC DUMPLINGS The right fluff Make sure your stewing beef has more meat on it than bones. Ingredients (serves 6 with leftovers) ¼ cup olive oil 2 large onions, coarsely chopped 2 medium-sized carrots, coarsely chopped 1,8 kg stewing beef (use short rib, thick rib, or shank) 2 tablespoons tomato paste 6 garlic cloves, finely crushed 1 cup red wine salt and black pepper 2 cups beef stock, plus extra as needed 1 teaspoon dry oregano 2 bay leaves 1 kg sliced roasting vegetables – we used pumpkin, broccoli, and sweet potato FOR THE DUMPLINGS ¼ cup garlic butter (we used the one from Parmalat) 2 cups self-raising flour 1 cup buttermilk a generous pinch of salt Here’s how 1 Heat the oil…

Recently our workshop was visited by the sales manager of a Chinese car brand with their latest 4x4 double-cab bakkie. The customer purchasing the vehicle wanted a suspension upgrade as well as an overlanding canopy, plus some additional off-roading items. We’ve had a number of these vehicles and the owners all visit us for the same reason, and the visits are increasing. Sadly, there are very few – if any – off-the-shelf 4x4 accessories available for these brands. This is purely down to a scale of economies. Until the numbers get to a point that it becomes economically viable to develop these parts for these brands, very little will be available. Interestingly, we’ve found that on many of the latest Chinese 4x4 bakkies, the suspension systems are near identical copies…

People sometimes joke that camping is for the middle class who pay a fortune to live like the lower class. I also recently heard a caller on a travel programme say camping fees border on exploitation. I disagree with the caller and believe he doesn’t realise the extent of the input and operating costs required to keep a campsite’s head above water. If you want to camp on the cheap, you’ll have to accept poor, little, or no facilities. And that doesn’t really come “cheap” either, because being self-sufficient requires a solid investment in technology and built-in or added gadgets to provide water and power that isn’t available on site. There are basically three factors that determine camping rates: based on cost, value add, or prevailing market price. Rates are…

It’s not easy to nap comfortably in the back of a Suzuki Jimny, especially if you’re 1,9 m tall like me. It’s pitch black outside and I must sleep, because in three hours it will be my turn to drive. My wife, Suzaan, is behind the wheel, and our 14-year-old daughter, Miri, is helping her stay awake. We’re driving from Graskop in Mpumalanga to our home in Cape Town in one stretch through the night. As I half sit, half lie with my knees between my elbows, I think back to the reason for torturing ourselves like this. I suspect it all started with a woodcarving of a giraffe… We are in the home stretch of a two-week road trip that began in the Cape, went up to Musina and…

ALUMINIUM CURVES The point of a caravan is to tow your “home” to new holiday spots you’ve never been to – or return to your favourite resort annually to hang out with old friends. There are, however, places where you can camp in a luxury caravan – one that stays put. On the roof of the Grand Daddy boutique hotel in Cape Town’s city centre are seven American Airstream caravans. According to the hotel, it’s the only designer rooftop Airstream trailer park in the world. Each caravan has a unique theme created by interior designers, and you pay between R1 750 and R2 995 pn per caravan, depending on the meal package, type of caravan, and time of year. Visit granddaddy.co.za The Old Mac Daddy holiday farm in Elgin, also…