Innehållsförteckning för June -July 2021 från Go! Drive & Camp

“An article I particularly enjoyed in this issue is our reader’s story where Terrence and Debbie Cook of Amanzimtoti tell us about their epic journey through South Africa to the south of Namibia and back” The last two or three days just before we send the magazine to print, is always exciting. Sure, there’s a mountain of work every time it seems there are too few hours in the day, but this is when I start seeing exactly how the words and photos team up to tell you more about all the interesting places our readers and staff have visited. This month is no exception. I always leave this letter to do right at the end – my team simply roll their collective eyes – but when I finally get…

I refer to an article by Neels van Heerden in the November 2019 issue called “Don’t mess about with electricity”, and again would like to emphasise safety of electricity in the campsite. I’ve been an electrician for 40 years, and as Neels points out, you can buy a cheap device with which you can test the power point in the campsite. There are different brands available, but it won’t cost you much more than R450. This tester has three lights, and all three needs to light up when you plug it into your stand’s power point. When you arrive at the campsite, immediately test the power point before you plug in your extension cord. If two or less lights up, there’s something wrong. Notify the resort management immediately. The tester…

Matroosberg has just built its first pool… and it’s an indoor heated one! The swimming pool has been built in the reception hall and visitors to the reserve may use it, whether they’re day visitors or overnight guests. The pool is 1,4 m deep and 10 x 4 m in size. There’s also a small restaurant and bar. Matroosberg is a popular destination, especially in winter after it has snowed. Contact 023 312 2282 info@matroosberg.com matroosberg.com…

Mahai Camp Choose from 44 sites on grass and under shade trees along the Mahai River with an unbeatable view of the Drakensberg. Price R150-R450 pppn in the peak season for a minimum of 3 people. Contact 033 845 100 kznwildlife.com The Beehive Caravan Park During our visit, the new owners were setting up luxury tents and making other changes. There are unmarked stands for hundreds of tents, as well as a pool. Price From R100 pppn. Contact 081 858 6724 (Zeenath) zeesuperbody@gmail.com thebeehive.co.za Tugelamond Resort There are 39 stands, each with power, a tap, braai and trees. They’ve also got a shop, and you have access to the beach. Enquire about special rates for Swallows. Price R230 pppn. Contact 082 803 6339 (Tessa) info@tugelamouth.co.za tugelamouth.co.za…

Campsite 121 stands ranging from demarcated to open. Most of them have grass and shade trees. Ablution facilities A few bathroom buildings scattered throughout the resort, plus a group of pitches with their own facilities. Price For the regular stands, it costs R200-R450 pppn (children R100-R225), depending on the season, plus R85-R230 pn for the private ones. If you bring your dog, it’s R35 pn but they’re only allowed when it’s quiet. Arrival and departure 14:00 and 10:30. Contact 039 977 8863 or 073 153 0818 macnicol@scottburgh.co.za macnicol.co.za Nearest town Scottburgh, 27 km. Road condition Tar up to the resort. GPS S30.451379 E30.654005 Drive & Camp says There’s free Wi-Fi available in the section right in front of the shop.…

Campsite The stands are informal and you camp wherever you want. There are braai drums and taps, but no electricity. Ablution facilities Separate facilities for men and women, each with three showers and three toilets, as well as two basins with mirrors. Price R100 pppn. Contact 023 317 0668 diemond@breede.net Die Mond on Facebook. Nearest town Ceres, 160 km (dirt road). Road condition The R355 is mostly a good dirt road, but here and there are pieces of corrugation. Your off-road caravan won’t complain, but a road caravan will struggle a little. GPS S32.543559 E19.542576 Drive & Camp says This is honestly one of the coolest place in the Tankwa!…

Model tested .................................................................Thunder 2.0 BiT 4x4 Engine ....................................... 1 996 cc, four-cylinder twin turbodiesel Power ............................................................................... 157 kW @ 3 750 rpm Torque ............................................................................ 500 Nm @ 1 500 rpm Gearbox ........................................................................... 10-speed automatic Fuel consumption ................................................ 7,8 ℓ/100 km (claimed) Tank ....................................................................................................................80 ℓ Load weight ............................................................................................. 860 kg Maximum towing weight ..............................................................3 500 kg Wheel size ....................................................................................... 265/60/R18 Ground clearance ............................................................................... 237 mm Wading depth ...................................................................................... 800 mm Safety rating ............................................... (EuroNCAP, 2012) Service plan .......................................................................6 years/90 000 km Warranty .......................................................................... 4 years/120 000 km Price ....................................................................................................... R830 900…

Model .......................................................................................................GLX 5 MT Engine .......................................................................................4-cylinder petrol Power ....................................................................................75 kW @ 6 000 rpm Torque .............................................................................. 130 Nm @ 4 000 rpm Transmission ...........................................................................5-speed manual Propulsion ..................... Part-time 4x4 with transmission transfer box. Tank ..................................................................................................................... 40 ℓ Fuel consumption with caravan ................. 9,3 ℓ/100 km (10,7 km/ℓ) Reach with caravan ...............................................................................428 km Tare weight...............................................................................................1 095 kg Weight during test (caravan’s nose weight included)............1 280 kg GVM .............................................................................................................1 435 kg GCM .............................................................................................................2 735 kg Combination mass during test ......................................................1 920 kg Towing capacity ..........................1 300 kg (braked); 350 kg (unbraked) Towbar maximum weight ................................................................1 300 kg Towbar maximum vertical weight.....................................................75 kg Is the towbar removable?.......................................Yes, the arm and ball. Is there room for a drop plate?.....Yes, but not a certified Bosal one. PRICE ...................................................................................................... R344 900…

R212 750 Infanta Ingane GVM 1 600 kg “Drive & Camp says A rooftop tent is not standard, you can decide which manufacturer you prefer for yours.” R195 500 Bush Nest Witkruisarend GVM 2 000 kg Intended for heavier towing vehicles due to its GVM, but you can load more than 1,5 t into it. R190 457 Conqueror Compact  Platinum GVM 1 500 kg Conqueror’s cheapest option. Its GVM is 100 kg lower and the trailer is 9 cm narrower. R229 000 Summit Everest GVM 1 800 kg The chassis is made of stainless steel and a fridge/freezer is included.…

CHILLI CON CARNE Fast for a Friday night This dish is ready within 20 minutes of the coals being ready – and the perfect choice for the night you arrive at the campsite. Ingredients (serves 4, with leftovers) 2 tablespoons oil 500 g mince meat 1 onion, finely chopped 1 packet (50 g) chilli con carne spices (we used one from Woolworths) 500 g tomato passata 2 cans (400 g each) red kidney beans, drained 250 g nachos or tortilla corn chips 1 cup grated cheese 2 ripe avocados, diced 1 cucumber, diced sour cream or Greek yoghurt Here’s how 1 Heat the oil in a small potjie and fry the mince meat until nicely browned – keep breaking it up with a spatula. Add the onion and spices to…

We love hearing what’s on your mind! Write to us at drivecamp@gomag.co.za and please remember to give your full address and contact details. Drive & Camp reserves the right to edit and shorten letters – and publish them in the magazine, on the website and elsewhere. We were taking our newly acquired caravan on its second, and our first solo, journey to see the falls at Augrabies. We decided to spend a night at the Witsand Nature Reserve and consulted Google maps for possible routes there from Postmasburg. We could choose between two dirt roads, so naturally chose the one shorter by 45 km, thinking it would save us half an hour. And so we set off with our Volkswagen Amarok V6 towing the caravan. In the first hour and…

Roratau is part of the Leeuwgedacht Conservancy and shares a 6 km border with the southern part of Dinokeng. The campsite belongs to Rob and Elsie du Preez – the conservancy is divided into blocks of 21,5 ha. Leeuwgedacht covers more than 1 000 ha, and about 650 ha of that is unfenced. This means that animals such as hartebeest, blue wildebeest, blesbok, zebra and giraffes roam freely. Roratau is also unfenced and antelope often graze in the campsite. There are five stands set in the bush, and there’s plenty of shade. The stands are also quite private and you camp on a spot that’s been cleared. Each has a power point (ordinary household socket), a tap and a built-in braai area. The pool and bathrooms are next to the…

Model .................................................................. Northstar 600ATV Sleeps ................................................................................................ 2-3 Length .............................................................................................. 4 m Width .......................................................................................... 1,98 m Inside height ........................................................................... 1,95 m Wet weight ............................................................................... 753 kg Standard price ..................................................................R539 000 Contact .................................................................... 072 227 9752 northstarsa.co.za info@northstarsa.co.za…

Model .............................................................. Subaru Outback 2.5i-Field ES Engine .....................................................2 498 cc flat “boxer” four-cylinder Power .................................................................................138 kW @ 5 800 rpm Torque ..............................................................................245 Nm @ 3 400 rpm Transmission ......................Continuously variable transmission (CVT) Fuel consumption ..................................................7,3 ℓ/100 km (claimed) Tyre size ............................................................................................... 225/60R18 Maximum towing weight ..............................................1 500 kg (braked) Ground clearance ................................................................................ 213 mm Approach and departure angles ..................................19,7 ° and 22,6 ° Luggage space .........................522 ℓ (1 267 ℓ with seats folded down) Safety rating .................................................................................... Good (IIHS) Warranty ........................................................................... 5 years/150 000 km Service plan ........................................................................ 3 years/75 000 km Price ........................................................................................................ R699 000…

Can I drive it on my own? Yes, and we suspect it’s safer here along the Tugela River than in most cities. And the people are definitely friendlier. How long is it? The route is 522 km long and lasts two days. What should I drive? A soft-roader will do, but the roads are corrugated and washed away in places, making you wish you’ve come in a Land Rover instead. How much fuel do I need? You need a range of 180 km. Jerry cans are therefore not required. What emergency equipment should I pack? Feel free to bring a tyre repair kit, but you will drive so slowly that you probably won’t use it. Can I tow? Sure. Some bends along the route are tricky, though, and a long…

Campsite 242 stands with varying degrees of shade. Ablution facilities Several bathroom buildings through the resort with some large sculleries. There is a flushing area for cassette toilets. Price R230-R1 535 pn per stand, depending on the number of people and what time of year. Dogs (out of season) cost R30 pn. Arrival and departure 12:00 and 10:00. Contact 039 976 0291 or 079 612 5769 caravanpark@scottburgh.co.za scottburghcaravanpark.co.za Nearest town In Scottburgh. Road conditions Tar to the resort. GPS S30.283132 E30.759464 Drive & Camp says Keep your eye on the wind. At the beach you’ll feel it, but the stands closer to the railway line are more sheltered.…

My wife Glenda and I are new campers and have in the past done more of the budget-type getaways on people’s farms in chalets and the like. Our issue with any new accommodation is that the first night is often uncomfortable because the surroundings are unfamiliar to us. Towards the end of 2019, a friend of ours was gracious enough to loan me his Hyundai camper so we could experience a weekend away at Goudini Spa. We immediately took to the lifestyle, but then had to find our own vehicle for the right price. It took about a year to track one down that was reasonably priced just in case we didn’t like it, so that we could sell and get our money back. We considered my buddy’s Hyundai, but…

SNOEK WITH GARLIC BUTTER AND TOMATO-AND-PEPPER JAM Tangy Snoek This sweet butter sauce is a variation on the classic apricot jam winner. Ingredients (serves 4) ½ cup garlic butter, melted 2 tablespoons tomato-and-chilli jam 1 lemon 1 fresh snoek of at least 1,7 kg, butterflied some cooking oil to baste the grid Here’s how 1 Mix together the butter and jam. Taste and season with the lemon juice and grated lemon zest. 2 Baste the inside of the grid with oil so the snoek doesn’t get stuck. Place the fish skin side down on the grid and baste it generously with the sweet butter sauce. 3 Braai the fish over medium coals until it starts to cook – the meat will turn white in places. This takes around 7-10 minutes,…

Model ......................................................................Nissan Patrol 5.6 V8 LE Engine .............................................................. 5 552 cc 8-cylinder petrol Power.......................................................................... 298 kW @ 5 800 rpm Torque ....................................................................... 560 Nm @ 4 000 rpm Transmission ..............................................................7-speed automatic Ground clearance.......................................................................... 272 mm Approach and departure angles .......................................34° en 26° Standard tyres ........................................................................... 265/70R18 Tare weight.......................................................................................2 746 kg Load weight .........................................................................................754 kg Safety rating .................................................................................Unknown Warranty ..................................................................... 6 years/150 000 km Service plan..................................................................3 years/90 000 km PRICE.............................................................................................R1 571 700…

“This ensures better ground clearance at the coupler for when you have to go over a tall dune” The Western Cape manufacturer Infanta 4x4 entered the market 20 years ago with an off-road trailer, but today it focuses mainly on its two large off-road caravans. But with last year’s Covid-19 lockdown, owner Jurie Swart decided to breathe new life into that original trailer again. One of the big problems with off-road trailers is that there is seldom enough open space where you can store your stuff. There may be drawers and cupboards everywhere, but that’s usually at the expense of storage space for larger items. You won’t find room to complain about this when it comes to the Ingane. Settling in When you’re towing it, especially off-road, remove the heavy-duty…

Covid-19 ruined many of our travel plans, but thankfully Namibia is open and accessible – and it’s green after good rains! There are fewer tour buses and the roads are in a good condition. This is the best time to plan a trip to the land of unparalleled views and endless space. And our brand-new 2021 go! Namibia guide is here to help you do it. We drive through Damaraland, talk about stars in the Khomas Hochland, climb Brandberg and show off some of our readers’ best rain photos. Photojournalist Willem van der Berg writes about his very first holiday in Namibia and hiking guide Grant Christie tackles the Fish River Canyon. The guide also includes great maps and road trip plans, and we give you all the info about…

A customer recently visited our store to have a bull bar fitted. He had been in a collision with an animal which damaged his existing bull bar to such an extent that it needed replacing. The donkey lost the battle, unfortunately. The bull bar that was fitted to the front of that vehicle prevented two important, potentially life-threatening issues. Firstly, the vehicle did not suffer mechanical damage that would have otherwise rendered the occupants stranded in the middle of the night in a deeply rural area. In many countries this may not be such an issue, but here in South Africa, our crime statistics tend to indicate otherwise. They were able to proceed to the nearest town for assistance. Secondly, the animal was stopped from penetrating the passenger compartment of…

Linda 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. winkel.weg.co.za…

Huawei P10 Drinks of the gods If you look closely, you’ll see the world teeming with small bugs, says Louise Henderson of Kempton Park. “We have a lavender bush in our garden that attracts a lot of insects. It’s really obvious when you look closely. This butterfly sat there quietly and I could get my phone very close to take the picture. I used pic-editing software on my phone to darken the edges slightly.” At first glance, this looks as though it was shot in a studio. The lighting is excellent – you could easily think Louise used a professional camera. The lens is focused on the butterfly, and thanks to the shallow depth of field, the background is out of focus, giving the photo a three-dimensional feel. Even the…

Volvo is drawing a line in the sand on the internal combustion engine – it plans to be a fully electric car company by 2030. Even more impressive is that by 2025, the company is aiming for 50 % of its sales to be that of electric vehicles, while the other half will be hybrid models. This is part of the brand’s climate plan, in which the goal is to reduce the carbon footprint per vehicle. Volvo’s CEO Håkan Samuelsson says this is a necessary step as to remain successful, they need profitable growth. “We are fully focused on becoming a leader in the fast-growing premium electric segment,” he says. After the release of the XC40 Recharge last year, Volvo also unveiled its latest hybrid, the C40. Designed to be…

Model .......................................................................................................... Edgeout Sleeps ..................................................................................................................... 2-4 Length.............................................................................................................4,33 m Width ...............................................................................................................2,15 m Height..............................................................................................................1,98 m Wheels ................................................................................................................... 15” Tare weight...................................................................................................700 kg Load capacity ..............................................................................................500 kg GVM.............................................................................................................. 1 300 kg Standard price .......................................................................................R229 000 Contact ...... 082 372 8800 edgeout.co.za sales@edgeout.co.za…

Standard prices, but none of them have a built-in shower cubicle and flushing cassette toilet. R545 000 NORTHSTAR 600ATV Sleeps 2-3 R322 000 Bush Lapa Slip-on Bosluis 2 Sleeps 2 Dry weight is 651 kg, it’s 23 cm narrower (175 cm) and it’s made of stainless steel and aluminium. R189 700 Stealth Bakkie Mate Sleeps 2-3 Dry weight is 480 kg, it’s 4 cm wider (202 cm) and made of fibreglass. Obiqua Slide On/Off Dry weight is 230 kg, it’s 18 cm narrower (180 cm) and also made of fibreglass.…

Maximum number of vehicles? Between 30 and 40 on the Action Trail. Do I get a map? No, but you can look up the obstacle guidelines online. And the trails are marked out at reception. They’re also easy to follow. Will I scratch my vehicle? It’s very likely. Do I need to take a compressor? Yes. Can I braai along the route? No, but there are demarcated braai spots near reception. Can I turn around halfway? Yes. Is there cellphone signal? Yes. Best time to go? Year-round, but it will be more fun after recent rain. Can I take my family along? Bring them along for a braai, pack in the kid’s bicycle and your paintball marker. Just for the day or the weekend? Day visits only. How long does…

“As you pull away and with every gear shift, the gearbox feels ‘mechanical’. You also don’t struggle getting to 100 km/h. Then you’re in fourth gear, but if you shift to fifth while on a slight uphill, you’ll have to downshift to fourth again to keep your momentum. It’s fast enough that you don’t hold up the road users behind you. But, should you end up behind a truck, you’ll have to be patient, because you don’t have the speed or the power to overtake at 100 km/h while towing something. By the way, Suzuki is modest when it comes to maximum towing speed: 80 km/h. For our test, the Jimny happily did 100 km/h, and faster is obviously not necessary. Actually, I was quite impressed, because we drove at…

Manufacturer .................................................................................Infanta 4x4 Model ......................................................................................................... Ingane Sleep space..................................................Rooftop tent – buyer’s choice Size ........................................................................................ 4,6 x 1,83 x 2,04 m Wheels ............................................................................................................... 16” Axle ....................................................................................................................2,5 t Tare weight ...............................................................................................600 kg Carrying capacity .............................................................................. 1 000 kg GVM .......................................................................................................... 1 600 kg Chassis ...............................................................................................Galvanised Hull........................................................................................................Aluminium Price .............................................................................................From R212 750 Dealer network .......................... Factory and office in Buffeljagsrivier .............. 028 512 3663 infanta4x4.co.za info@infanta4X4.co.za Branches ... Garden Route Camping and Caravans 044 695 2602 ....................................................East Rand Caravan World 011 025 7639 ..................................... Carnival Camping and Caravans 010 005 0499…

I would think that all students of tourism would be exposed to a concept called market segmentation, where a specific market – including the camping one – is divided into groups or segments. Each segment consists of large numbers of consumers who are likely to respond in a similar way to marketing strategies of campsites or caravan manufacturers, for example. Most consumers in such a segment have the same interests and needs when it comes to holidays, weekend getaways and buying camping equipment. Of course, every person’s tastes, habits and preferences differ. That’s why one person would rather not be near a TV when camping, while others would never leave home without one. SEGMENTATION BY YEAR OF BIRTH is a process that is gaining worldwide acceptance. An American foundation doing…