Innehållsförteckning för December - January 2021 från Go! Drive & Camp

Patrol owners will be gathering at the Goera Pan in the Northern Cape in September 2021 to celebrate the Nissan Patrol’s 70th anniversary. The event will run from 24 to 27 September. Various activities are planned, including drag races, oval track races, dune drives and a family-friendly gymkhana. Accommodation at Goera Pan is limited and you need to book right now if you want to stay near the festival grounds. The nearest towns are Askham and Upington, 80 km and 100 km from Goera Pan. Book your chalet directly through Kalahari Goerapan by sending an email to info@kalaharigoerapan.co.za. Or visit patrol4x4.co.za forum if you want to first chat with the Patrol community. The first Nissan Patrol, the 4W60 that launched in September 1951, was manufactured in Hiratsuka, Japan. The latest…

Last year, Kenny and his wife, Elaine, decided to visit the Cape earlier this year to visit their friends Magda and Lionel Robinson. Lionel had suffered a stroke and wasn’t doing too well. So, on 20 February, Kenny and Elaine headed off at the crack of dawn. Their camping trailer, aVenter with a rooftop tent, went along. They had a number of goals for their trip down to the Cape: seeing the Robinsons and some other old friends; Sutherland was on the list; and perhaps they would make a turn at the Richtersveld. They packed their passports, because you just never know... and made no bookings. They were therefore not bound to any place at any time. Kenny tells us more... “Our first stop came after 360 km, in Winburg…

My wife, Shirley, and I started looking for a vehicle in 2012 to take on dirt roads – coincidentally the year my Subaru Outback was first registered. I mostly ride motorcycles, and thus Shirley would use the car more than I would. Because she’s quite short of stature, we never really considered a second hand Prado, Fortuner or double cab. At that point, I even considered a Renault Duster, but I also heard good things about Subaru. My friends suggested, however, that I choose the Outback over the Forester. My mechanic specifically recommended the Outback 3.0 because that model’s H6 engine is considered to be the most reliable of all Subaru’s engines, plus it has a timing chain rather than a belt that wears out faster. It took several years…

Like the rest of the Ranger’s 2 ℓ models (also the 3,2 ℓ versions) the towbar and trailer sway control come standard. In fact, only the very basic 2,2 ℓ model, the 2.2 TDCi 4x2 Base Hi-Rider, comes without it. Towing therefore forms an integral part of the Ranger, whether it is used as a family bakkie or a cargo bakkie. How does it tow? In addition to the towbar and sway control, there are other towing gadgets. The rearview camera screen has index lines (with a dotted line in the middle) that move with the steering wheel as you reverse – so you can see where you’re heading. This means that if you aim the dotted line on the caravan’s coupler, you only need to reverse once. When you’re…

Not everyone has a map book in their vehicle these days, because GPS devices have gained much popularity over the last 20 years or so. These can either be the removable units that mount on your windscreen or dashboard, or already built into the infotainment systems of more expensive cars. That being said, it’s not as though you can mount your iPad to the windscreen or dashboard and watch highlights of the game while driving and then pretend you’re using the screen as a navigational tool should you get pulled over. And a good road map is still ahandy backup. A brief history Maps have been around since the ancient world, and have served its purpose not only for military conquests, but also to satisfy the human thirst for adventure…

PACK LIGHT LeisureQuip beach tote cooler You don’t really want to carry all sorts of backpacks and plastic bags onto the beach when you’re going for a swim. Minimise your baggage with this smart tote, which has a semi-quilted and mesh section on top that holds your sandals, electronic devices, sunblock and other seaside essentials. Besides this funky green, it’s also available in orange and blue. The lower section opens with a zipper and is lined by afood-grade aluminium foil lining. It all folds down to something a little longer than a loaf of bread. Price R200 from Makro. Drive & Camp says You can keep eight cans cold for acouple of hours or so, with space for a few of LeisureQuip’s ice bricks in between. CAPTAIN CRUNCH Lume auto…

What could be lovelier than to drive for kilometres on end along the beach next to the waves and breathe in the fresh sea air – then braai next to the ocean far from everyone else? You’re not allowed to do that anymore. This practice was stopped shortly after the turn of the century in an attempt to protect the dunes and wildlife. These days you need a permit to drive on the sand, and even then you’re not allowed to drive very far. There was a time, however, when beach driving was a perfectly normal outdoor activity. Come weekend and you’d see people fishing all along the beach in places you couldn’t reach with afamily sedan. And so you had to have the right vehicle, and in the early…

Off-road enthusiasts who have previously visited the Bela-Bela area, now have a new destination. Lekwena Ranch lies 27 km outside the town, on the Alma Road, and they’ve just set up a new campsite. Sections of the dirt road to Lekwena aren’t suitable for road caravans, but it shouldn’t be a problem with a bush trailer. The reception is about 1,5 km from the gate and also serves as a spot where you can relax and buy cool drinks, sweets, ice cream, wood and charcoal. Next to it is a pool and the bathrooms. There are no power points at the stands, but should you want to charge a phone or something else, you can do so at the bathrooms or reception area. (Cellphone signal isn’t fantastic, but there is…

The Sprite caravan series in South Africa has just celebrated its sixtieth birthday. That’s why Jurgens Campworld, who manufactures Sprite, has introduced a fourth model: The Sprite Swing LX (60 in Roman numerals). The newcomer’s biggest difference is the washroom, which is similar to that of the Sprite Tourer SP. The dinette had to be sacrificed for this. The washroom has a cassette toilet and hand basin, and a shower outside. The kitchen and island bed remain unchanged. The LX costs R292 727 compared to the R275 425 of the standard Swing. Back in the day, Sprite was imported to the then Rhodesia by one John Moody. These caravans were taken apart and then rebuilt locally. John moved his plant to Pinetown in KwaZulu-Natal in 1960 – the Sprite Alpine…

If you’re on Facebook, you may have noticed the recent upswelling of Mahindra ads, especially offers on the Thar. The reason is that Mahindra South Africa urgently wants to get rid of its stock before the launch of this SUV’s replacement. The second generation Thar is brand new and powered by Mahindra’s own 2 ℓ mStallion TGDi petrol engine and 2.2 ℓ mHawk CRDe diesel engine. You will be able to choose between a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic gearbox, and all models have four-wheel drive with low-range gears and diff locks. Technologically speaking, the new Thar is light years ahead of its predecessor with anti-lock brakes, brake force distribution, stability control, traction and downhill control. Inside, there are touchscreens, USB ports, cruise control and satellite navigation. If you yearn…

The Dinokeng Reserve needs no introduction. The Big 5 hangs out there, you can go on a self-drive game drive, and there’s a variety of campsites to choose from. If you live in Pretoria, it almost takes you longer to set up camp than it took you to drive there. The COVID-19 lockdown period actually benefited the reserve. People were craving a break, and the moment travel within the borders of your own province was allowed, visitors flocked to Dinokeng. The first weekend after the opening, all the accommodation in the reserve was booked out, while campsites for the December holidays were quickly snapped up. UITVLUGT RESORT Brand sparkling new The area’s newest campsite, Uitvlugt, is located just outside the reserve on the banks of the Elands River, about 19…

This almost 2 000 km route winds through four of Namibia’s 14 official districts. Your journey begins at the Nakob border post, 130 km west of Upington. Follow the B3 main route to Karasburg – here’s where you can buy supplies before leaving the tar road shortly afterward. A dirt road starts at Grünau, a tiny settlement in the Karas district with only ahandful of houses, a petrol station and a hotel with a swimming pool and four camping spots. Continue west out of Grünau and follow the C12 dirt road for 36 km to Klein-Karas –a hamlet that is even smaller than Grünau. The residents of Klein-Karas rely on goat farming. They’ve recently gained international renown for their Kangal and Anatolian shepherd dogs that defend the community’s goats against…

“Once you’ve unpacked at this picturesque campsite along the banks of the Gamtoos River, you will want to remain” Sometimes you come across a campsite that completely messes up your travel plans. The Geelkrans campsite is one such place. Once you’ve unpacked at this picturesque campsite along the banks of the Gamtoos River, you will want to remain put for a number of days to recharge your batteries in peace and quiet and the beauty of nature – even if your original plan was to overnight just a day or two. We had, in fact, planned to visit a number of campsites in the Baviaanskloof with a group of friends from Gauteng, but when we arrived at Geelkrans we quickly decided that the other destinations would have to wait. We…

“My husband, Russouw, and I often camp at Woodbourne Resort, just 5 km outside Knysna. No, not often. We camp here constantly. Russouw’s been camping here since childhood and I think the fact that we keep returning shows how wonderful it is. It also helps, of course, that it’s only two hours from home. DESCRIBE THE CAMPSITE FOR US? You feel quite spoilt when you are here, whether you’re a nature lover or a parent or grandparent who needs to keep the kids busy. You’ve got sea and bush, you sit in your camping chair and relax in the shade of dense milkwood trees, and it’s a paradise for bird watchers – especially those who have not yet been able to tick the Knysna loerie in their Roberts guide. The…

FISHING RESORT KLIPSPRUIT RIVER RESORT BREATHER ON THE BANKS The Vaal River is like a lifeline for Gauteng and forms the border between this province and the Free State. And farther downstream, the mighty Vaal also forms the border between the North West and the Free State. It is here, about halfway between Bothaville in the Free State and Leeudoringstad in the North West, where you’ll find the Klipspruit River Resort on its banks. A good 700 m of the 45 ha farm borders the river. The resort was set up five years ago, explains owner Estelle Debbes. What is now the resort was once an uncultivated piece of land, and they established the first campsite. Today they have two campsites: the Fisherman’s Paradise with 45 stands, and the bush…

Yes, but remember that Subaru does not stock all parts. Some dealers, like mine, give poor after sales service, but Imust mention that not all Subaru dealers are as bad. Be prepared to support an independent Subaru mechanic, though. Fortunately, there are Subaru internet forums that will recommend a good mechanic near you. But otherwise I am very happy with my Outback and I would recommend anyone to buy one second hand. Their resale value is quite poor and you can get a lot of car for relatively little money. I was able to drive down the price of my 2012 model to R173 000. I believe brand new ones cost almost half a million rand just eight years ago. I have such confidence in my Outback after the few…

One of the strongest advocates for increased training and awareness for motorists regarding best practices is the Road Safety Foundation, of which Dr Philip Hull has been at the forefront since its inception. He’s been a first responder on many an accident scene and uses a GPS device mounted to his screen. “I’m not a fan of the supplied built-in navigation systems, as they tend take your eyes off the road. “In my opinion, the best place to mount your GPS system is low down on the screen in front of you or slightly off to the left of your forward vision, which is through the centre of the windscreen generally, because you can glance down at it but still have good peripheral vision and it won’t block your view…

Production of the civilian Hummer was discontinued back in 2010, but General Motors has just announced that it will revive the brand – this time as a fully electric vehicle. The GMC Hummer H1 Electric, as it’s officially known, will be powered by three electric motors that together generate 746 kW of power and a staggering 15 592 Nm of torque. Its competitors, the Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T and Bollinger B1, are all in the home stretch too, but Rivian and Bollinger don’t have the budget of a vehicle giant like General Motors at their disposal. The Hummer Electric will be launched in America at the end of 2021, and unless General Motors decides to return to South Africa, you won’t be able to purchase one of these locally.…

The Nissan Magnite is a crossover launched in India in October 2020. The Magnite will be built in India and exported to the rest of the world, including South Africa. The Magnite was originally meant to be a Datsun, but according to the news agency Reuters, Nissan is considering terminating the brand, which was ressurected in 2013 after a long absence. It seems the banner change from Datsun to Nissan Magnite is the first nail in Datsun’s coffin. The Datsun Go and Go+ will continue to be sold as Datsuns in South Africa, until the French-Japanese alliance consisting of Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi decides what to do with Datsun. The Magnite has a 1 ℓ three-cylinder petrol engine with turbocharging and a manual gearbox. There are also electronic gadgets including…

2014 Volkswagen Kombi 2.0 TDI 74 kW SWB “I used to drive and tow with a Toyota Fortuner 3.0 D-4D, which was actually a brilliant towing vehicle, but then I came up with the idea that downsizing slightly to a Kia Sportage would be more economically feasible. Essentially it was, and everything else about the Sportage was quite good Unfortunately, the Kia just couldn’t hold its own as a towing vehicle, and in 2017 my wife Zelda and I were invited to explore the Kruger National Park with a friend’s brand-new T6 Volkswagen Kombi. I remember thinking that it was the ideal vehicle in which to tour with friends and family, and still lug along everyone’s extras. So, in 2018 we picked up a 2014 Kombi T5, which is the…

The previous generation Defender has a reputation for unreliability. Whether this claim is true or not is open to dispute, but we think it’s unmerited. One of our editorial team members drives an old Defender and he always arrives on time for work and there’s never a trace of oil or grease under his fingernails. It’s far too soon for the new Defender to have gained a reputation, but typically the first batch of a new vehicle has a few niggles – this applies to all brands. The old Landie certainly wasn’t posh. It resembled an agricultural implement more than a luxury vehicle – and that was perfectly fine, because that’s what Defender owners wanted. The new Defender, by stark contrast, is lavishly styled as attested to by nods of…

People’s tastes differ when it comes to their favourite terrain. Some yearn for the green forests of the Garden Route, while others prefer red Kalahari sand. We checked with our Facebook friends about the five kinds of 4x4 trails they like the most. “Back roads, mountain passes, narrow forest trails and any sandy road that stirs my soul and sets it free!” – WesMon Gerber 1 Open plains The wide plains of the Great Karoo have a special charm for those who grew up there. Many others don’t appreciate feeling so insignificant in the vastness. Plains go hand in hand with speed so you can get the long distances out of the way – and this is why you have to watch out for punctures. “I vote for expansive landscapes.”…

Despite the versatility of this multi-purpose piece of recovery equipment, a high-lift jack isn’t used as often as you would think. In fact it’s more often ornamental rather than a practical tool. That is until the day the owner needs it and then discovers the handle is stuck or the climbing pins won’t climb in and out of the holes in the standard bar. Here’s how to service your high-lift jack to keep it safe and reliable: • Wash it with clean water (no soap) after each trip where it was exposed to excessive dust or mud. • Spray a light lubricant such as Q20 or WD-40 on the narrow edges of the standard bar, the small runner and the pitman pin. (Lubricate the areas marked in red in the…

COOL CUBES Snowva ultimate ice tray No, this isn’t a 2ℓ tub of your favourite Italian Gelato, but what you do get inside this blue boy is a food grade silicone tray so that you can make up to 80 ice cubes. Made sure the spikier edges of the tray are lying against the bottom of the tub and add water up to the indicated line. After a few hours, depending on how strong your freezer is, pull the tub out and let it defrost for 5 minutes. Lay it on the lid and twist the tub slightly, so the silicone tray slides out. Twist and let the large cubes (they’re 35 mm long and 25 mm wide) chill your midday drink. Price R250 from Makro. Drive & Camp says…

Sutherland is famous not just for the four telescopes in the arsenal of the South African Astronomical Observatory, but also for being one of the coldest places in the country. The latter is exactly why Martin Briggs headed there in August. Apart from a chance to frolic in the snow, there was an ulterior motive for Martin’s journey “We knew that somewhere in Sutherland there was a spot where there were supposedly lots of old cars standing, sort of a graveyard. And because the town is quite small, and there’s not much else to do in Sutherland, it didn’t take us long to find this place. “When I was a boy, there were plenty of American rear-wheel drive pickups not just in the urban areas of South Africa but on…