Innehållsförteckning för August 2018 från Go! Drive & Camp

I was in Johannesburg recently to meet with clients, and besides all the promising conversations about exciting new projects for the magazine, there were three things running through my mind on the flight back to Cape Town. The first was the sheer pleasure of being able to shower for more than 30 seconds. I have to admit, I was very tempted to wrap my phone in the hotel’s shower cap and check my Facebook while the water washed over me, but I think the drought in the Western Cape and accompanying restrictions have changed us as people. I don’t think we will ever be as wasteful with water as we were in the past. I felt guilty for showering for longer than two minutes and instead closed the taps. The…

“Having heavy weights at both ends of the caravan may give you the correct ball weight but this may in fact cause towing instability when these heavy loads start moving around.” I was returning to Gauteng from Mapungubwe recently and noticed heavy traffic heading north (thankfully on the other side of the N1 going in the opposite direction). Two things dawned on me as I watched a solid procession of laden cars towing caravans, camper trailers and trailers with off-road and quad bikes. Firstly (and most importantly), the midyear school holidays crept up on me very quietly. I suddenly realised I’d been so busy at work that I didn’t plan any kind of breakaway over this period. I felt sad and somewhat disappointed with myself for a brief period and…

Model XC40 D4 Geartronic AWD R-Design Engine 1 969 cc, four-cylinder turbodiesel Power 140 kW @ 4 000 rpm Torque 400 Nm @ 1 750 rpm Transmission 8-speed automatic Top speed 210 km/h Fuel consumption 5,1 l/100 km Tank 54 l Ground clearance 211 mm Tare weight 1 698 kg Luggage capacity 460 l (plus 74 l underneath the floor) Towing capacity 2 100 kg Service plan and warranty 5 years/100 000 km Prices T3 Momentum (manual) R486 500 T3 Inscription (manual) R518 300 T3 R-Design (manual) R525 300 D 4 Geartronic AWD Momentum R599 000 T5 Geartronic AWD Momentum R605 300 D4 Geartronic AWD Inscription R630 700 T5 Geartronic AWD Inscription R637 100 D4 Geartronic AWD R-Design R637 800 T5 Geartronic AWD R-Design R644 100…

There are several authentic Bushveld experiences waiting for those who want to break away from the concrete jungle and all are within half a day’s drive from the Big Smoke. Over the years there have been quite a few campsites that we’ve visited on more than one occasion – especially after finding out they’d been revamped or altered in the many months since we’d last visited. This time, however, we’ve come across three gems that we’ve never encountered before. It just goes to show that when you think you’ve seen it all, there’s always a bit more out there. NYLSTROOM LODGE Fair game This spot, 25 km outside of Modimolle, has been around for 25 years, but owners Johan and Lorraine Maritz handed the day-to-day operations over to Shawn and…

Campsite A tree-rich camp with ample grass and a choice of ordinary or luxury stands. Ablution facilities Neat, clean and big. Price Ordinary stands: Out of season R460 p.n. for 4 people; long weekends and during holidays R640. Luxury stands: Out of season R600 p.n. for 4 people; long weekends and during holidays R810. Contact 012 252 1938/012 252 4625 kleinparadys.com Arrival and departure times Out of season: Friday 8 am and 4 pm Long weekends and school holidays: 12 pm and 10 am Road condition Highway to Brits. Avoid the D1195 just outside of Brits; the road is full of potholes and the tar on the sides are eroding. Rather take the longer but better R511 and after 17 km turn right on the D1195. The turn-off to Klein…

DAY 1 We meet at Namwi Island Camp near the Namibian town of Katima Mulilo. The evening will be spent socialising around the fire and getting to know each other as the sun sets over the Zambezi River. DAY 2 Making an early start after breakfast, and after everyone has been given handheld two-way radios, we leave for Katima Mulilo in Namibia. After refuelling our vehicles in Katima, we cross the border into Zambia. As the border post procedures here can take a while, we will only be travelling a further 115 km to our next overnight stop at Kabula Lodge campsite. Before dinner we enjoy an evening sundowner boat cruise on the Zambezi River. DAY 3 Today we visit a well-kept secret of the Zambezi River, the Ngonya Waterfall.…

FISHING RESORT MOUNTAIN FLY FISHING CAMPSITE Fly from your stand Campsites in the Magoebaskloof close to Tzaneen are few and far between. But the new Mountain Fly Fishing Campsite is a good reason to hitch your caravan. Not only is it a new place to camp but it’s also a great getaway for fly-fishermen. The campsite is on the farm Monte Cristo, where Josie and David Pirie farm with avocados. There are five dams filled with trout and you camp on the shore of the largest one. Each of the four stands has its own ablution facilities with shower, toilet, basin and washing-up area. The bathrooms’ hot water comes from a boiler stoked by the owner. There isn’t 220 V electricity, but solar panels keep the lights burning. It’s set…

BRAISED FISH Absolutely delish! This recipe will help stretch your rands. Fish is relatively cheap and you can bulk up the dish by adding potatoes. Ingredients 1 small onion, diced 15 ml oil 2 cloves 1 allspice berry 1 bay leaf ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 potato, cubed 100 g smoked fish, flaked 10 ml parsley, finely chopped 1 chilli, finely chopped (optional) Here’s how 1 Sauté the onion in the oil with the cloves, allspice berry, bay leaf and black pepper. 2 Add the potato and cook until soft. Add water if necessary. 3 Add the fish, parsley and chilli (if using). 4 Heat the dish but don’t stir too vigorously otherwise the fish will crumble completely. go! Drive & Camp says Braised fish is…

For those who really want to immerse themselves in their surroundings when camping in the great outdoors, we’ve put together the following affordable portable showers. They range from a solar-heated bag you hang on a tree and showers you need to plug into a 12 V power point to ones that run from a bucket. LEISUREQUIP DC TURBO SHOWER Cheap and cheerful It’s a compact little box that includes an electric pump for a decent flow, a 2 m long hose, suction cup for mounting, and holds up to 5 ℓ of water. Simply plug it into your car’s lighter socket and switch it on. The power cord isn’t particularly long though, so you might have to shower behind your Hilux. Price R400 from Camp & Climb go! Drive &…

VISITING ZIMBABWE WITH AN ORDINARY CARAVAN I wrote a letter to go! Drive & Camp about how we toured through Namibia and Botswana with an ordinary caravan and this letter was published in the December issue. We recently returned from Zimbabwe, where we also travelled with an ordinary caravan. We entered Zimbabwe via the Plumtree border post, which is north of Francistown in Botswana from where we explored the width of Zimbabwe to the eastern border. We visited places like Matopos, Masvingo and the Bunga Forest near Mutare. We unhitched our caravan at friends in Harare and drove to Lake Kariba and the Mana Pools. Then we headed back to Harare to fetch the caravan and then back to the Plumtree border post. We found the locals to be extremely…

“Should you really compare the Kruger with, for example, Mala Mala if you look at the price of accommodation?” People have been buzzing lately about the Kruger National Park losing its status as one of the top 10 reserves on our continent. Apparently, visitors travelling through Africa in search of an “authentic bush experience” feel it’s become too developed in certain places. That’s based on research by a company that offers safari tours, but if you ask me it’s a skewed result determined by someone who has a vested interest in the number of visitors at exclusive reserves in Africa. The two best safari destinations are apparently Serengeti in Tanzania and Mala Mala in South Africa, followed by the Mana Pools in Zimbabwe and the Okavango Delta in Botswana. The…

The fourth generation Suzuki Jimny was launched on 18 June in Japan, and yes, it’s definitely coming to South Africa. According to Megan MacDonald, PR manager at Suzuki Auto South Africa, Suzuki SA is trying to get it on our roads by Christmas. The body is squarer than its immediate predecessor and looks like the second generation Jimny, locally known as the SJ or Samurai. Inside, the new Jimny has been spruced up quite a bit with brand-new instrumentation and a 7” touch screen. The Jimny is powered by a 1.2 ℓ petrol and a 1.0 ℓ turbo-petrol engine, but it’s unclear whether both will be coming to SA. Prices are not available yet, but it stands to reason that it should fall somewhere between the Ignis and the Vitara.…

AluBox specialises in custom-made aluminium crates and has now designed a “kitchen crate”. It’s as big as a standard 80 ℓ plastic container and is 55 cm long and 38 cm wide and high. It’s so sturdy that you can put it on the back of your bakkie or in the boot of your car. Paul Lydes-Uings heads up AluBox and says the crate is so strong you can also use it as a step. It comes fully equipped with cutlery and crockery for four, which includes knives, forks, spoons, cups and plates right through to a cutting board, frying pan and egg lifter. The crate’s lid opens up to the top but then the front section folds flat towards you. It’s similar to how caravan builders built their outside…

Model 2.8 GD-6 4x4 Dakar MT Engine 2 755 cc, four-cylinder turbodiesel Power 130 kW @ 3 400 rpm Torque 420 Nm @ 1 400 rpm Transmission 6-speed manual Warranty 3 years/100 000 km Service plan 5 years/90 000 km Prices XC 2.8GD6 Dakar MT R 470 300 XC 2.8GD6 Dakar AT R 488 300 XC 2.8GD6 4x4 Dakar MT R 535 600 XC 2.8GD6 4x4 Dakar AT R 553 800 DC 2.8GD6 Dakar MT R 535 000 DC 2.8GD6 Dakar AT R 553 400 DC 2.8GD6 4x4 Dakar MT R 601 100 DC 2.8GD6 4x4 Dakar AT R 621 000 DC 4.0 V6 4x4 Dakar AT R 662 700…

We’re all grateful for infrastructure and well-built roads. Most of us are quick to complain about potholes, even when sitting behind the wheel of an off-roader. But if you see the rock-strewn passes that a group of 4x4 enthusiasts from the Western Cape tackle, you’d be excused for thinking they’ve lost their minds. “Two diff locks – one in front and one at the back – and a winch are the minimum requirements for this adventure,” explains Louis Smit, team leader of the group who will be tackling these gruelling trails during the course of the next week. You might think Louis is referring to specially modified pipe cars or Monster Truck-type monstrosities, but that’s not the case at all. Except for bigger tyres, the drivers, together with their co-pilots,…

Campsite 10 stands demarcated loosely by concrete slabs dispersed at irregular intervals. Ample grass and shade trees. You have to share taps and electricity points with neighbours, but there’s plenty. Ablution facilities Not new but smart, with electric geysers. Price R250 per stand (up to 4 people) regardless of when you go. Arrival and departure times 2 pm and 10 am Contact 087 808 5422 083 417 0436 nylstroomlodge.co.za Nearest town Modimolle, 25 km Road condition After turning off the R33 from Modimolle, the last 1,3 km is corrugated gravel. GPS S24.542841 E28.330914 go! Drive & Camp says A real family-friendly spot. Pack your 10 m extension cord, bring your own small braai (in case those supplied have been snatched up), and paintball markers.…

Campsite 5 large stands separated from each other by trees at the Molope Camp. No electricity. Ablution facilities Very rustic. The lights are solar-powered. Price R230 per stand per night for the first two guests. Additional adults R80 (up to 6 per campsite). Children R40. There’s an additional entrance fee of R25 per person and R30 per vehicle. Arrival and departure times 2 pm and 10 am Contact 078 869 5240 bloubergreserve.co.za info@kunemoya.co.za Nearest town Vivo, 18 km Road conditions Tar all the way to the main entrance. The 1,3 km from the gate to the office is fairly smooth dirt. GPS S22.977141 E29.15085 go! Drive & Camp says Bring a long lens for your camera and pack in some recovery gear because the sand is soft in…

“The brook that flows through Ribbokkloof is used as an obstacle course that tests off-road vehicle’s climbing abilities.” The Ribbokkloof Lodge is on the farm Uitkyk, a member of the Gelykwater Bonsmara Cattle Farms. So you can expect mooing golden-brown cows munching grass early in the morning while playful calves jump around them. Here you can hike, mountain bike, fish, swim, do some bird-watching or play around in your off-roader on the rocky ridge above the valley. It’s a popular destination for 4x4 clubs who gather over weekends. The brook that flows through Ribbokkloof is used as an obstacle course that tests off-road vehicles’ climbing abilities. If you’re in search of something a bit tamer though, there’s a mountain track that meanders over the ridge. Time to drive The first…

DATES 1 to 12 November 2018 COST R16 645 per person, excluding VAT (half price for children under 10) BHEJANE SUPPLIES/PROVIDES All camp fees All park entrance fees All advertised activities All tents, cutlery and crockery Coffee and tea all day every day while in camp WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING/PROVIDE Vehicle and fuel Mattresses and/or stretcher and sleeping bags and pillows Fold-up chairs Drinks and in-between snacks Out-of-country/medical emergency and evacuation insurance cover Border crossing fees and road taxes Yes, I want to go! To book, call 044 535 9033 or e-mail bookings@bhejane.com  Find out more at bhejane.com…

Fish Rainbow and brown trout Campsite 4 stands next to a trout dam with its own paving. Ablution facilities Your own bathroom with shower, toilet, basin and washing-up area. A boiler provides hot water. Price On request. Arrival and departure times 2 pm and 10 am Contact 083 255 7817 or 072 698 7813 pirie@mweb.co.za mountainflyfishing.co.za Road condition The last 8 km is dirt road and not ideal for ordinary caravans. GPS S23.873676 E29.907161 go! Drive & Camp says David will give you a lesson or two if your fly-fishing skills are a bit rusty. Just arrange ahead of time.…

There was only one way best friends David Griesel and Frans Grotepass wanted to celebrate their graduation from the universities of Cape Town and Stellenbosch – they wanted to explore Southern Africa an epic 14 000 km trip, lasting six weeks. A day after the respective ceremonies, they hit the road north in David’s old Land Rover 300 Tdi (with more than 460 000 km on the clock), with a quick stop to see Kimberley’s Big Hole and visit Orania. They spent the night at David’s parents in Tzaneen and the next day set off for the Kruger National Park, where they slept over before crossing the border Gonarezhou, Zimbabwe “It was both David and my first visit to Zimbabwe and needless to say we were extremely excited about the…

“If you want to buy a proper 4x4, look no further because the Patrol is it. That said, I’m not crazy about how it looks on the outside, but inside is another story. I prefer a big vehicle and you’re spoilt with all the space inside. You can hear the V8’s drone in the background, but it’s such a pleasant sound that I leave the radio off so I can rather listen to the engine. The automatic transmission is smooth even though the body is heavy. But even with its huge body, the Patrol is effortless to drive. I would have preferred paddle shifters, which is something the Patrol doesn’t have. You can choose your own gears though, but there is no Sport function. But it’s not necessary because the…

Length 5,33 m Width 1,855 m Height 1,835 m* Height inside 2,2 m Weight 560 kg Fuel tank 80 ℓ Price R234 000 *Depending on vehicle model and tyres Plus Clever and practical design. There’s more than enough packing space. High enough to stand upright inside. The hinges and welding are of excellent quality. Everything unfolds quickly. Minus You easily step on the rubber seal in the doorway. The kitchen light shines directly into your eyes, not on the work surface. The entrance door doesn’t have a clip to keep it open. The plastic step is too fragile for heavyset people. You can’t reach the fridge from the inside. go! Drive & Camp says The Bosluis 2 is fantastic for epic expeditions, but it’s not ideal for a…

The word “snorkel” comes from the Germanic schorchel , which is slang for nose or snout. The first reference to a snorkel is in Aristotle’s book Parts of Animals (350 BC) in which he writes about certain animals – one of them the elephant – that can breathe underwater by keeping it’s “snout” above the water. Archaeological excavations in Crete, Greece, prove snorkels were used as far back as 5 000 years ago by aquaculturalists. It’s not known which vehicle was the first to be equipped with a snorkel, but it was probably a military landing craft that had to drive out of the hull of a ship, “swim” to shore, and then bravely crawl over an enemy beach while being shot at.…

Pave the way In between farming, Tom Kotzé from Schweizer-Reneke travels all over our continent. And he always has his camera ready. “It took more than 300 photos to get one I was satisfied with. We camped at Kubu Island in Botswana, where we sacrificed quite a few late nights and early mornings to try and take pictures of the Milky Way. A friend of mine, Kobus Kriek – who, by the way, was the person who inspired me to start taking photos – was with me and helped with the lighting. We pulled a yellow shirt over a torch that we used to illuminate the trunk of the baobab. Meanwhile, the camera was on a tripod and the shutter was open for almost half a minute.” When photography was…

Christo Thomson Forget about an EB driver’s licence. It’s hopelessly complicated and twisted. Go for an EC1 from the start. It’s much easier. I let my son do it. Fortunately, he could already reverse a trailer at primary school. Nicholas Taylor Please can this topic get more attention? Very few driving centres cater for doing EB and my generation probably won’t get EB licences. Also, the red tape associated with obtaining an EB just makes it not worth it. That doesn’t bode well for caravan and trailer businesses going forward. Hubert Gainsford EB first! Why waste time first time round? Jeanne Wilters EB immediately and then let them increasingly help with towing responsibilities. Des White It’s really crazy that driving schools offer only B instruction. People then think they can…

A few months after the owners of Okto Caravans announced they were building their first road caravan, the new model, Villa, is on the showroom floor. The finished product is the handiwork of Ingo Ferreira, who had to incorporate a long list of requirements into the design. One of the most important aspects was that the Villa had to be able to fit into a standard-sized garage, so it couldn’t be higher than 2,13 m, and at 2,05 m it fits perfectly. The pop-up roof lifts 60 cm to create a floor-to-roof height of 2 m inside. The middle of the roof is 25 mm higher than the edges, so rain water can run down the sides. The caravan also doesn’t have any joins, which means no more leaks. Ingo…

The Elands River Lodge is a game farm 21 km outside Marble Hall, and their new campsite, Vaderland Wilge, is finally open after a year of hard work. Vaderland Wilge is a 3 ha fenced-off area on the bigger 400 ha farm where you’ll find various types of game: from blesbok to blue wildebeest, grey rhebok and eland to giraffes, sable and buffalo. The stands are between the trees on a green lawn with power sockets and taps nearby. There’s enough space for anything from a two-man tent right through to a larger caravan. The Elands River flows on the one side, which is also where you camp. Visitors are advised not to swim in the river unless they want an encounter with a crocodile. Rather take a dip in…

Model X 350 d 4MATIC Engine 2 987 cc, V6 turbodiesel Power 190 kW @ 3 400 rpm Torque 550 Nm @ 1 400 rpm Transmission 7-speed automatic Ground clearance 222 mm Approach/departure angle 30° and 25° Breakover/tilt angle 22° and 49° Fording depth 600 mm Tank 73 ℓ Fuel consumption 9 ℓ/100 km Weight 2 285 kg Payload 965 kg Acceleration (0–100km/h) 7.5s Top speed 205 km/h Service plan and warranty 6 years/100 000 km Prices At the time of going to print prices for the V6 were not available, but we reckon it will be about R100 000 more than its closest competitor, the VW Amarok V6 (R791 000). To make this bitter pill easier to swallow, Mercedes will hopefully add some extras which would otherwise have been…

Tierkloof has cordoned-off campsites underneath large eucalyptus trees and includes facilities like electricity and cellphone reception. 082 578 1853 or 076 782 3481 wilmar@tierkloof4x4.co.za tierkloof4x4.com Cederberg Oasis offers a choice of accommodation options, from rooms to permanent tents to a spot where you can pitch your own. There is no cellphone reception, but it’s definitely the greenest spot in the Cederberg. 027 482 2819 or 087 550 1360 cederberg@telkomsa.net cederbergoasis.co.za Mertenhof Guesthouse is hidden away outside of Wupperthal and there are self-catering cottages as well as grass with trees where you can pitch a tent. 027 482 2845 Leeuwenboschfontein has proper stands with very good facilities – and even new self-catering units for those who don’t camp. There is no cellphone reception but they sell data so you can use…

Campsite 22 stands spread across the estate. It’s not all level and a large enough patch of grass to pitch your tent is rare. No electricity. Ablution facilities Separate open-air toilet and shower facilities. You can request when you want staff to light a fire under the donkey. Price R155 p.p.p.n. Children (4–12) R80, children under 4 and dogs are free. Arrival and departure times 10 am and 2 pm Contact 015 491 4882 082 389 6631 thabaphaswa.co.za Nearest town Mokopane, 16 km Road condition It’s 7 km of dirt road to Thabaphaswa with humps in sections. Be careful if you’re towing a larger road caravan. GPS S24.058473 E29.043822 (reception) go! Drive & Camp says You’re welcome to bring your dog. And pack your bicycle, climbing equipment and…

The enchanting Bushveld begins in the area surrounding Brits in the North West, less than two hours’ drive from Gauteng. This town is known as the breadbasket of Gauteng and here you’ll find yourself in the middle of a legion of citrus orchards and corn and vegetable plantations. It’s between the tomato and lettuce crops that you’ll find this great camping spot. Klein Paradys Caravan Park, a popular weekend and holiday destination, is north of Brits on the D1195 and you have to book well in advance if you want to come camp here. As soon as you drive in you can see why the resort markets itself as a paradise. The site is tree-rich and has well-cared-for lawns. The three dams that split the resort lengthwise add to the…

Maximum amount of vehicles allowed Unlimited. Do I get a map? Yes. Will I scratch my vehicle? It’s unlikely. Should I bring a compressor? No. Can I braai next to the road? Yes, but get permission first. Can I turn around halfway? Yes. Is there cellphone reception? Yes, there’s a signal on the ridges. THE TRAIL  Best time to go? January to April. Can I take my family? Yes, definitely. For the day or for the weekend? Day visitors are welcome, but rather stay for the weekend. Are there ablution facilities? Yes. Directions Take the R555 east from Middelburg in the direction of Stoffberg. About 40 km outside of Middelburg you’ll see a sign that directs you to Wapadskloof and Ribbokkloof on the right. Follow the Wapadskloof dirt road for…

“We’ve been caravanning since 1975 and my wife and I enjoy this lifestyle immensely. Before celebrating our 51st wedding anniversary, we decided we wanted to try a caravan park we’d never been to before. This was quite a big ask considering that the two of us had already visited 98 different caravan parks. Just outside Moloto, on the road to Rust de Winter, we found a gem of a resort in the WagonDrift Lodge. After all these years, we can finally say that we now know what to look for in a caravan park. What does the caravan park look like? There are two campsites, aptly named Porcupine and Warthog, and each has its own ablution block with a shower, scullery and separate toilet. These facilities are tiled and very…

Plastic woes Plastic is part of our daily lives and has been with us for over a century. Items like balloons and old fishing gear – such as fishing nets – are causing big headaches and unfortunately sea creatures are bearing the brunt of the problem. It’s estimated that two thirds of all fish have consumed plastic. It’s not news that oceans are heavily affected by plastic pollution, but you’d expect South Africans to be more aware of this because almost half of our country is bordered by the coast. South Africa is apparently one of the top 20 sinners in terms of plastic pollution, with China being the biggest culprit. The figures are staggering and it’s difficult to fully grasp the extent of it. There’s an estimated 5,25 billion…

“We are a local group of Jimny enthusiasts who regularly tackle 4x4 trails in our area. We enjoy camping together and when we do, it’s interesting to see what modifications were done to which Jimny to suit the different owners’ needs. With the Baviaans right on our doorstep, we decided to go camping at Kudu Kaya. Seven of us went with our Jimnys and everyone has a different way of doing things and have their own unique way of fitting everything into the small packing space. The tents ranged from small instant tents to large Oztent RV4s (that you fix to a roof rack) to dome tents, gazebos and a Front Runner rooftop tent. Some of the Jimnys were as standard as they come, but some owners removed the back…

BARLEY RISOTTO WITH LAMB A cheat’s guide Barley makes a delicious nutty risotto without the effort. A filling and tasty camping dish. Ingredients (enough for 4) 4–6 leg chops 2 cups vegetable stock 1 cup dry white wine 2 tablespoons butter 1 onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 cups barley 4 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme Here’s how 1 Brown the chops in a pot. Add half of the stock and wine and simmer slowly for about 1½ hours until the meat is soft. Remove from the heat and flake the meat with two forks. 2 Melt the butter in a second pot and sauté the onion until soft. Add the garlic, barley and thyme. 3 Add the remaining stock and wine and simmer with the…