Innehållsförteckning för October 2019 från Go! Drive & Camp

“You should never pass up on a chance to get out there and experience something wonderful” Anita Botes from Witbank said something this month in the My spot article (page 62) that stuck with me. Together with her partner Johan, Anita says she goes away at least twice a month and prefers visiting destinations close by – within a radius of 200 km. She also asks why you would want to sleep at home when you can enjoy nature, sunsets and the outdoors? She hits the nail on the head, of course, and it’s particularly true during this time of year. Why would you stay home when, no matter where you live, there’s somewhere within a two-hour drive where you haven’t been yet? You already have all the outdoor gear…

Mathys Johannes Mathey Everyone always has something to say about Land Rovers leaking oil. My reply would be that a Landy is  merely marking its territory. I had a Discovery that never leaked any oil though. Henri Henri Conradie When Land Rover owners braai, the topic is usually about hunting, camping and fishing. When Toyota owners braai, they talk about Land Rovers. Andre Ros If a Toyota was only half as good as all the Land Rover jokes, I would buy a Toyota. Llandy Bardner Have any of you heard all the crazy jokes about Ford? The Land Rover guys don’t have to feel bad. Klasie Itireleng Olivier Someone who speaks negatively about a Landy usually owns a company car. Gerhard Human I love Landys myself, but do you know…

Tentco has now expanded its carrying bag range with the imported Topwolf New York range. As you would expect from such a durable brand, the bags are made of sturdy 450 g canvas, and you can choose between five types: from a shoulder bag in which you can fit a water bottle or two with some snacks to a large duffle bag that is 65 cm long and 33 cm and 25 cm wide and high. There is also a backpack in the range. The price ranges from R350 to R550. Contact 011 397 6451/2 tentco.co.za info@tentco.co.za…

The coastal area north of Koekenaap and south of the Groen River belongs partly to farmers and the local municipality. You can pitch your tent almost anywhere on the coast unless it is fenced – like the diamond concessions. No bookings are taken and it is free to camp, but the landowners ask that you leave no litter, don’t destroy their fields or scare the sheep. Within the Namaqua National Park north of the Groenrivier Lighthouse, you have to pay to camp. There are eight campsites along the sea, each with between two and 12 stands. There are also two tented camps: the miner’s camp by the sea and the luxurious Skilpad camp in the Skilpad reserve. Price R150 pn per site (maximum 6 people per site). Contact 012 428…

Utshwayelo is the northernmost campsite in KwaZulu-Natal – the turn-off to get here is 13 km after Manguzi and barely 1 km before the Mozambican border. The broad, corrugated gravel road is rocky at times, but any city sedan should be able to cope with it, even if you’re towing a caravan. Utshwayelo is 4,5 km farther on the right-hand side of the road. In front of you is the entrance gate to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, with a sign that shows only 4x4s may enter here. To the left is a stall where you can purchase bright fabric and African jewellery, and a bundle of wood for R20. Utshwayelo is across the road where a waving national flag welcomes you. The road from here is sandy, but it is…

Campsite 15 stands ranging from set apart and in the bush to more in the open. Stands 1-3 near the lake are first class. Ablution facilities The 2 bathroom buildings are basic and clean but need some attention. Price Depending on the season, R560 or R660 per site at the water for up to 4 people, plus R140 or R165 pp. For the sites away from the water, it costs R460 or R560 (and R115 or R140 pp extra). From November, a base rate of R280 or R230 applies for 2 people, depending on where you camp. Arrival and departure times 14:00 and 10:00. Contact 033 845 1000 isimangaliso.com/accommodators/kosi-bay-campsite/ bookings@kznwildlife.com Nearest town? Manguzi, 12 km. What does the road look like? The last 6 km is a dirt road that…

Campsite A campsite with 42 stands, three of which have their own ablution facilities. Ablution facilities The regular stands share two ablution blocks. Price off season: R400 (regular stands) and R450 (private stands) per stand for 4 people. In season and long weekends: R500 (regular stands) and R560 (private stands) per stand for 4 people. Contact 082 899 1900 onverwags.co.za onverwags@xpressgt.co.za Arrival and departure times 13:00 and from 11:00. What does the road look like? Tar road with 5 km of corrugated gravel road and a good dirt track the last kilometre from the gate to the reception. GPS S25.458906 E27.786079 go! Drive & Camp says Bring swimwear, bikes, running shoes, bird books and don’t forget your binoculars.…

“Johan and I are always searching on various camping forums and in magazines for new places to visit. We camp no less than twice a month and usually within a 200 km radius of where we stay. Why should we sleep at home if we can enjoy the beautiful nature, sunsets, bonfires and our well-equipped caravan? We read about Almega Caravan Park on Facebook and it looked like the perfect spot to charge our batteries. We loaded and hitched our 2007 Jurgens Xplorer to our 2014 Isuzu KB 3,0 DTEQ and hit the road. It took us about one hour and 41 minutes on tar, with the last bit a mere 200 metres of gravel road that’s quite well maintained. DID THE CAMPSITE MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS? On arrival a friendly…

The Namib is the world’s oldest desert and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience this unique landscape for yourself on one of two 4x4 tours. The Namib is an everchanging dune landscape – unspoilt, vast and mesmerizing. It might seem like an inhospitable place, but look carefully you’ll find animals and plants completely adapted to the environment. You’ll also discover remnants of the desert’s rich diamond mining history, as well as haunting shipwrecks. Out there, it’s you and your 4x4 surrounded by a sea of sand. It’s easy to imagine you’re the only person on this planet. Since this is a concession area only a limited number of tours are offered every year. Make sure you are one of the fortunate few who get to experience this ultimate journey. Faces…

Fish for the gourmand Serve this excellent trout with freshly baked bread from the campfire. Ingredients (enough for 4) 125 g butter, melted grated zest of 1 lemon 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon fennel seed, lightly toasted and crushed 2 cloves garlic, finely crushed 1 whole fennel bulb, thinly sliced, with the leaves finely chopped 1,5 kg trout (1 large fish or 4 small ones) 2 oranges, peeled and thinly sliced salt and black pepper Here’s how 1 Mix together the butter, lemon zest and juice, fennel seeds, garlic and chopped fennel leaves. 2 Use a sharp knife and make shallow cuts in the fish into which you squeeze the fennel and orange slices. Season the fish to taste with salt and black pepper. 3 Place the fish inside…

Length 5,14 m Width 2,05 m Inside height 2,25 m Height (when closed) 2,25 m Tare weight 1 380 kg Loading capacity 620 kg GVM 2 000 kg Wheel size 285/75/R16 Suspension Independent, air Price From R505 293 Plus The air suspension works a treat! Your tow vehicle may bounce around, but the Recce floats behind you. It’s clearly built to last. The kitchen area is well thought out. Minus Think carefully where you’ll be towing a Recce as it’s fairly big and heavy. The TV is a luxury best left at home, unless you want to watch live sports. go! Drive & Camp loaned this off-road caravan from the manufacturer. go! Drive & Camp says The Recce is certainly tough and appropriate for transcontinental trips, but you need a…

Nobody is going to break out the fine china on a camping trip, and paper plates are not exactly to everyone’s taste. We test neat solutions for your mealtimes when you’re out in the wild. WOTALOTIGOT GSI Outdoors Cascadian 4-person set All the eating utensils for a family of four pack up nicely in a box that folds up like a piece of origami. Each person gets a colour-coded plate, bowl and 354 ml mug. Price R525 from Ram Mountaineering Gear. go! Drive & Camp says The cups have indentations on the inside so you can measure exactly up to 1 ½ cup (375 ml) of beverage. LOCKED AND LOADED Tentco Ammo box dinner set If you don’t want to shop around for the individual items, you could consider this…

The biggest rugby event next to the World Cup is the British and Irish Lions’ tour of the southern hemisphere every four years. The Lions will return to South Africa next year and up to 50 000 of their supporters are expected to tour with them. Because the Cape Town, Ellis Park and FNB stadiums appear to be the frontrunners for hosting the three tests against the Springboks, there will be an increase in rugby enthusiasts streaming to Cape Town and Gauteng. There’ll be huge logistical demands, of course, but think about the opportunities it will create to showcase the local tourism market. Entrepreneurs worth their salt will be looking forward to the Lions’ visit with good reason, but I believe there are two aspects that need to be addressed…

“Concept cars are usually the domain of mainstream vehicle manufacturers, where the concept offers the automotive world a preview of what an upcoming model will look like in a few years’ time. German caravan and motorhome manufacturer Hymer flipped the script at the Caravan Salon trade show 2019, held in Dusseldorf, where it rolled out the VisionVenture, a futuristic look at the adventure motorhomes of tomorrow. What makes this vehicle extra special is that Hymer teamed up with compatriot company and chemicals giant BASF and together they built the VisionVenture using 20 innovative materials. Based on a 2019 Mercedes-Sprinter van, the VisionVenture’s origins are unmistakable from the nose, though Hymer has reworked the A-pillars, windshield and bonnet slightly to create a sleeker appearance. But that’s where the similarity ends because…

Upon reflection Madelein Marais lives in George and when the opportunity for a beautiful photo presents itself, she waits for just the right moment before pressing the button. “I took this photo at the George Dam. My husband, Willem, and I were walking along the dam that day when I saw people rowing on the water. I realised it would make a great photo and stood behind a tree branch. As they passed, I took the photo.” In the photo, Madelein – probably unwittingly – breaks some rules of photography. But she does it in such a way that she turns it all into a solid and good overall composition. Having the focal point right in the middle of the photo is usually not the best idea, let alone the…

You will soon be able to see straight through your caravan as you reverse it into a tight campsite. No, it’s not magic, but rather a clever combination of hardware and software. American carmaker GMC uses a 15-camera network that allows more than a 360 degree view. The technology is currently only available in the GMC Sierra (not the most attractive bakkie in the world) and the Yanks seem satisfied with the system so far. Here’s how it works: when you engage reverse gear, you turn on two cameras: one on the back of the bakkie and a second camera on the back of your caravan. The scene that the camera on the back of your vehicle sees is displayed on the touch screen inside the cabin, but the scene…

Length of the route 235 km. Number of gates you open and close 11. Starting point Koekenaap. End point Hondeklip Bay. Lighthouses Groenrivier (D5720) and Hondeklip Bay (D5704). Cellphone signal Weak. Sometimes a WhatsApp message will unexpectedly come through, but before you can answer it, the signal is gone again. Fuel There are no gas stations along the route. The last one before you start the trail is at Lutzville, and your next opportunity to fill up is at Koiingnaas, 265 km from Lutzville and 22 km past Hondeklip Bay. May I drive on the beach? The coastal area between the low and the high tide mark on all South African beaches is state-owned and you are not allowed to drive here without a permit. According to Article 28 of…

Campsite 14 stands, most of which have a reed fence. There is plenty of shade, but not all stands are level. Ablution facilities Earthy, tidy and the open-air showers are great. Price R220 pppn (half price for kids 6-12). Arrival and departure times No scheduled times. Contact 082 909 3113 kosibay.info info@kosimouth.co.za Nearest town? Manguzi, 21 km. What does the road look like? The last 4,5 km is a corrugated road with sandy trails in the resort itself. It’s compacted and you can drive a regular sedan without getting stuck. GPS S26.892218 E32.858621 go! Drive & Camp says Pets are welcome provided it is out of season, but you still need to notify the resort. Remember, pets are not allowed in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.…

“Your fellow campers are not shy to come say hello and soon you meet everyone around you and start chatting” Few people may be able to point out the D1121 gravel road north of Brits on a map, but name some of the resorts lined up like sardines along this road and any camper worth his salt will know exactly which road you’re talking about. Onverwags Caravan Park is one of these resorts. Upon arrival you call Miemie Botha, who is at the helm of Onverwags with her husband, Frik, to obtain the gate code. At another gate a kilometre farther on, Frik awaits to take you to your stand. You realise early on that Onverwags’s campsite is a social kind of place. Your fellow campers are not shy to…

Audi’s Q8 is the latest addition to the manufacturer’s sport utility range. As expected, this is a luxurious SUV, but Audi has also equipped the Q8 with a tow bar. Furthermore, Audi also makes the choice between the Q8 models easy, as there’s only one petrol and one diesel model. Both have oodles of power (500 Nm for the petrol; 600 Nm for the diesel) and come with Audi’s famous quattro all-wheel drive. The petrol model’s top speed is 30 km/h faster (250 km/h) than that of its diesel brother and is also R51 000 cheaper at R1 388 000. We got into the petrol model, hitched a Gypsey Regal and went for a lovely drive over a Cape mountain pass. Looking good! The large 22” alloys look like they…

CURRIED PORK MEDALLIONS Reward yourself A curried kebab over the coals remains a delight. Prepare these impressive pork medallions for a festive occasion. Ingredients (enough for 4 as main course) 1 small white onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely crushed 2 tablespoons mild curry powder 1 teaspoon turmeric salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 dried bay leaves, crushed ¼ cup brown vinegar 4 skinned pork belly strips, 2 cm thick 1 heaped tablespoon apricot jam Here’s how 1 Mix together the onion, garlic, spices and herbs and vinegar with an equal amount of water. Pour over the meat and make sure it is well covered. Leave to marinade for about 1 hour to develop the flavour. 2 Remove the meat from the marinade (keep it for later), pat…

Smittie 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 luch box and a 1,5 ℓ cool drink bottle. The lid also has space for a coffee flask. The interior is lined with PVC, which makes it easy to keep this bag clean and hygenic. The bag has a short strap that reaches over the top and attaches with a Velcro strip, and also 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.…

to us and we might publish them here. We’re not looking for traditional “prize winners”, just regular pics that you love. Think of the type of pic you’d use as your Facebook cover photo; or something charming, such as kids warming their hands over a campfire. Whether the pic was taken with an expensive DSLR camera or a run-of-the-mill cellphone, if it’s good enough for your family photo album it’s good enough for us. Madelein Marais wins a go! Drive & Camp camera bag worth R520 with her photo – congratulations, Madelein! Send your photos and contact details to leon.botha@media24.com…

Kosi Bay evokes images of sand and 4x4 action for most people. Still, it’s not as secluded as it sounds – you can even get there with an SUV and road caravan. Here in the far north of KwaZulu-Natal, the Mozambican border lies just a few kilometres farther, and the tar road that leads to it skirts Kosi Bay. It is therefore tar all the way until you turn off, and then the road varies depending on the campsite you’re heading to: from a normal dirt road to a sandy trail. We stopped off at Utshwayelo near the lake’s mouth of Kosi Bay and at the Kosi Bay Resort by the lake. The two campsites are 8 km apart as the crow flies, with Utshwayelo closest to the sea (3,4…

Magdell, Jakob and Ariana (7) Iten are from Sasolburg and camp with their 2019 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 and 2011 Jurgens CampLite. “We usually go to the Kruger National Park in the winter but decided on Utshwayelo after seeing it online. This is our first time here and we have been pleasantly surprised. We all enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. I am a cave diver and love diving. We also often camp at Sodwana Bay not far away with our diving club. Here at the Kosi estuary I have already seen a large variety of fish barely 1,5 m below the water – and that includes stonefish. Among the others are a devil firefish, a moray and a surgeonfish. We’re sad to be packing up, but we will definitely be back.”…

Tokkie and Ben Grunwald are from Rustenburg and camp with an Isuzu 4x4 motorhome. “Like many campers, we first started camping with a tent and then a caravan. We then decided on something else and that is when the idea of a motorhome was born. There is room for six people, so our family can camp with us. We especially like to go camping in the bush, where there is nothing and no one else. Because we are fully self-sufficient, we can wildcamp. But we also camp regularly at places that have all the facilities for formal camping. We decided to camp at Onverwags after hearing their ad on the radio. We like the dam – it adds to that farm feel. There is also a good balance between a…

Maximum number of vehicles This is a public road. Do I get a map? No. Will I scratch my vehicle? No. Do I need to take a compressor? No, unless you repair a tyre. Can we braai along the way? No. Can I turn around halfway? Yes. Is there cellphone reception? Yes. THE ROUTE Best time to go? All year round. Can I take my family? Yes, certainly. How long does it take? Four hours. Are there ablution facilities? No. Directions Drive 18 km east on the R525 regional road and turn left at the Schuitdrift road sign. A bad dirt road takes you to where the nameless mountain pass begins.…

The Mobi Lodge brothers, Leon and Marius Ras, their families and some of their friends recently toured Botswana for two weeks. It was a time for socialising, beautiful photos and adventure. Marius, Leon and their wives, Lorinda and Anchell, tackled this exciting trip with friends Monique and Marnus, At and Riana, Christo and Nandi, Pieter and Christa, and Leon’s daughter, Rochelle, with her husband Christo. And in between they also held bush indabas and made big plans for the future. Leon tells us more... “Our group camped the first evening in the beautiful gardens at Big Fig Inn near the border and then the six Mobi Lodge caravans went through the Martin’s Drift border post, past Palapye and Serowe, as we made our way to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. That…

Fish Carp and black bass Campsite 50 stands against a hill, most of which has grass and some shade. Everyone has a power point. Ablution facilities 3 separate bathroom buildings, clean and tidy throughout. Price R130 pppn (R70 for children 2-12 years; free for under 2s); credit cards accepted. Arrival and departure times No scheduled times, but make arrangements if you wish to check in after 19:00. Contact 021 100 3758 koningskop.com info@koningskop.co.za Nearest town Citrusdal, 25 km. What does the road look like? Tar road. GPS S32.498437 E18.848489 go! Drive & Camp says Give the fish a second life by releasing them.…

“The cabin is probably one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, but unfortunately all the finger marks on the computer screens bother me. Of course, this is because you control everything on them, from the air-con to the radio. When you want to make an adjustment, you also need to first look at the screen to see where your finger should be. Some cars have a knob between the seats that you can rotate to make choices on the screen, and I prefer that. It’s as you pull away that you realise power is a big asset to the Q8. In fact, the Q8 is so comfortable it’s only when you look in the rearview mirror that you remember you’re towing a caravan. At 120 km/h, the car tows…

Last month’s article touched briefly on vehicle emissions – a murky subject at the best of times but one that I, for the moment, find morbidly interesting. According to Daniel Sperling and Deborah Gordon, two-vehicle population researchers in the USA, the global vehicle population should reach two billion by 2020, with passenger vehicles accounting for around 73% of that number. That is a serious amount of pollution. No matter how concerned we think we may be, even staunch environmentalists would have to agree that the world would be a very different place had it not been for the invention of the automobile. It is hard to imagine our world with all that we take for granted without the convenience of automotive transport. Environmental protection agencies and governments all around the…

DATES 8-12 May 2020 COST: R 8 450 per person (half price for children under 10) THE ADVENTURE For 300 years the Xhosa have been the custodians of this gem in our country. The area is still very rural, traditional, with a very basic road network. It is on these roads that we will explore the rugged coastline, shipwrecks, pristine estuaries and crystal waterfalls. The whole area lends itself to safe walking, mountain biking and wonderful fishing, so bring your toys along as there is time during the tour for these environmentally friendly and fun activities. We will stay at Mbotyi River Lodge and the Ocean View Hotel while on our adventure. THE TEAM Your tour leader is an experienced nature conservationist and adventure guide. He will be in radio…