Innehållsförteckning för Jun/Jul 2022 från Go! Drive & Camp

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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