Innehållsförteckning för Aug/Sep 2023 från Go! Drive & Camp

It never ceases to amaze me how rapidly technology is advancing these days. Sure, it's not a recent phenomenon and it has been happening for a while now. But it all feels so much more relentless and farreaching than before. I'm trying hard not to be one of those backin-my-day people, but the other day I caught myself explaining to my child how we used to fix an unravelled cassette tape with a pencil. I wanted to elaborate on how you had to stick a piece of tape over the block at the top if you wanted to copy your buddy's tape on a radio with a tape-to-tape deck, but she interrupted me to ask what a cassette tape was. The teenager simply couldn't comprehend that we didn't have every…

I recently purchased a copy of Routes that Rock 2023 from Checkers. While waiting in the queue, I commenced reading this magazine, starting with a simple but well written editor's letter. I extend my sincere congratulations to the team for a well-researched magazine. The design, layout, factual stories, coupled with ample relevant photographs, plus handy tips, advice, do's and dont's, as well as GPS co-ordinates, reveal much thought and planning. No doubt borne out of years in journalism as well as the experienced team members, conducting reconnaisance missions on those routes under review, thus conveying first-hand information to readers. Being a lover of road travel, I must confess, whilst reading every article, it seemed as if I was on those journeys. Unfortunately, I do not own a 4×4 off-roader, thus…

Follow @wegrysleep on Instagram and tag your photos with #wegrysleep, and we might repost them on our stream or feature them here. “I know a thing or two about keeping my rig running. It's 26 years old and I've had it for 18 years. Yes, it's reasonably reliable and yes, I drive with spare parts and tools. This (pictured) was last year during Easter weekend in the mountains of Lesotho. My advice: even if you don't know how to fix your 4×4 yourself, keep the basic parts and tools on hand. Who knows, a Landie might just pass by to help!”…

The Australian website Compare The Market recently reported that South Africans are the most dangerous drivers on the road. While the article doesn't explicitly state we are the worst drivers in the world, the chart displayed below certainly suggests it. The purpose of the article was actually to investigate which gender is safest behind the wheel, and the website cites the World Bank as the source of their data. The World Bank does have a list of fatal accidents per 100 000 people, and on that list, South Africa ranks 129th out of 217 countries and territories (both recognised and unrecognised by the UN). The World Bank also distinguishes between men and women, and it appears that, on average, women are safer drivers than men. For obscure reasons, Compare The…

We reported on the Subaru Outback back in 2021, but at the time there were only two models to choose from: the Field and the slightly more expensive Touring. The latest addition is the 2.4T XT, the flagship model with a turbocharged engine delivering an additional 45 kW (183 kW compared to 138 kW) and an impressive 350 Nm of torque compared to the 2.5 engine's 245 Nm. There are more differences besides the new engine. What do we have here? The Outback is an essential model in Subaru's fleet, and the XT nomenclature is equally significant. Nteo Nkoli, marketing manager at Subaru SA, says:“Our customers know how capable the Outback is and what‘XT'stands for, and this vehicle is a true embodiment thereof – Subaru's most advanced engineering and technology…

Fish Black bass Campsite An open lawn next to a dam with space for up to 25 people. Ablution facilitiesTwo private bathrooms for everyone's use, plus a kitchen and indoor braai. Price Depending on the day of the week and season, R1 500 per night for up to 6 people or R2 500 per night for up to 10 people; thereafter R120 pppn and R20 per pet per night. Arrival and departure 14:00-19:00 and 10:00 (17:00 on Sundays). Contact 063 739 9296 (WhatsApp) info@kraalskloof.co.za kraalskloof.co.za Nearest town Rawsonville, 20 km; Wolseley, 21 km. Road condition For the last kilometre of dirt road, you need a vehicle with good ground clearance, but a 4×4 vehicle isn't necessary. It'snot suitable for road caravans. GPS S33.577858 E19.192080 Drive&Campsays KraalskloofTwo is the newest of…

Louise Henderson from Kempton Park has won a cooler bag worth R220 for her correct entry in our April-May 2023 issue.You can win too. Complete this crossword puzzle and e-mail a picture to drivecamp@gomag.co.za with your contact details.The last issue's solution is on p 104. Win 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 a lunch box and a 1,5 ℓ cooldrink 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…

It's astounding how many nature and wildlife reserves, managed by provincial governments, essentially exist only on paper. According to research by the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), poor management is the primary reason for their decline, leaving virtually nothing of these reserves. Poor fence maintenance, for instance, has given poachers almost free reign, while cattle and goats are able to graze ever deeper into the reserves. This takes a significant toll on precious habitats, some of which are even being destroyed. Naturally, this spills over into matters such as endangered plants, trees, and various insect and bird species, whose survival seems increasingly unlikely. It will take years and years for these ecosystems to recover. In 2020, the entire management of the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife conservation agency was suspended following the appointment…

INBOX We recently camped in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park at Twee Rivieren, Nossob, and Mata Mata. Here we were privileged to meet two special people and learn more about SANPark's honorary rangers. Danie and Humilta Koch are from Langebaan and their hearts belong to the Kgalagadi: “The red sand has my heart,” says Danie. Some of what the Koch's helped with are a blocked toilet at a picnic spot and a motorist who had battery problems. They also provided some excitement by catching a Cape cobra in the Nossob campsite where they camped near us. Honorary rangers are nature lovers who are trained for fundraising, information sessions, provision of resources, and service delivery to preserve the natural heritage of our national parks for future generations. The helicopters that restrict poaching,…

Allow me to tell you about an interesting event. We're camping at an advanced age and decided on a month-long booking to join the camping fun we always see on social media. This campsite had about 40 caravans there for the month – some for up to three months. For three consecutive days, a lady would come and join us. She chatted to my husband, Tinus, as if I wasn't there, and even put her hand on his leg. She got a bit of a shock on day three when I asked her why she didn't talk to me and touch my leg. On your way to the bathroom, everyone would strike up conversations. It felt like it took an hour to walk there and back (just 30 steps) –…

NEWS Michael Barwise, owner of Pretoria Caravans & Outdoor, one of the most well-known and largest caravan dealerships in the Jacaranda City, passed away on 27 June 2023. In 2018, Michael's own business, Caravan Fitment Centre, took over the workshop operations. In 2021, he became a partner in Pretoria Caravans and took the reins in April this year. Michael's wife, Sukie, and the couple's eldest son, Michael-John, are also employed at Pretoria Caravans. Sukie says Michael strived to become the biggest dealer in the country – and it's a vision they will continue to build upon. “Michael left behind a very strong and knowledgeable team for the road ahead,” she says. The dealership was established in 1968 as Caravan Mecca & Outdoor Living and underwent a name change to Pretoria…

Nyani Lodge has been doing business just outside the Dinokeng Big Five Game Reserve for several years, and they recently added a new campsite to their offering. Six luxury campsites have been set up, each with its own private bathroom. Next to the bathroom is your own covered area with a built-in braai and washing-up facilities. Your campsite's power point is also located here. The campsite is situated in a corner of Nyani's 43 ha property, and there are several antelope species that share nature with you – from blue wildebeest and zebras to blesbok, springbok, and nyala. Campers are welcome to use the facilities of the lodge itself – it's about half a kilometre away as the crow flies. This includes everything from the swimming pool to the restaurant.…

FISH SOUP Keep your head! This soup is brimming with surprising flavours that you get from using fish heads to make a broth. Leave the soup in the fridge overnight, the flavours get even better. Ingredients (serves 6) • 2 large fish heads with a bit of meat – you can also add an extra piece of fish or a backbone or two • 1 onion, peeled and cut into wedges • 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 2 cm pieces • 1 stalk celery, cut into 2 cm pieces • 2 bay leaves FOR THE SOUP • A dash of olive oil • 1 onion, chopped • 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped • 2 cloves garlic, chopped • 4 potatoes, peeled and…

10 SOUTH AFRICAN TOWNS Butterworth Caledon Bisho Upington Vryburg Odendaalsrus Cradock Carletonville Mmabatho Hermanus Kimberley Leeu-Gamka Nelspruit Ermelo Mahikeng Klerksdorp Mthatha Vereeniging Maze Spot the differences Animal facts • Barracudas are ambush predators with a torpedolike body shape built for short bursts of speed. • They can accelerate from a standstill to their top speed of 58 km/h in a blink of an eye. • The largest barracuda caught was over 1.8 metres in length. • Barracudas have great eyesight, and are drawn to the silvery flashes and sudden movements. • They have darker colours on the top half of their bodies and lighter shades on their bellies, camouflaging them from below and above. • Their bodies collect toxins from their prey in a process called bioaccumulation and, in large…

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 a lunch box and a 1,5 ℓ cooldrink bottle. The lid also has space for a coffee flask. The interior is lined with PVC, which makes it easy to keep the bag clean and hygienic. The bag has a short strap that reaches over the top and attaches with a Velcro strip, as well as 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…

The Breede River Valley has no shortage of campsites, but a new one is always welcome: Fonteintjiesberg, located on Eendracht, a working farm whose owners, Anita and Marius de Wet, tend to their vineyards and orchards. The campsite is situated at the foot of the mountain, beyond the vineyards, with a view overlooking the farm and the Breede River Valley. It is a level piece of ground measuring 1 200 m2 with a lovely lawn. You can choose your own spot as there are no demarcated stands. There is room for 12-15 caravans, and the site is also suitable for regular road caravans. The last 1,8 km is a gravel road, but if you have a proper towing vehicle, the 200 m incline before the campsite is your only obstacle.…

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio was recently named the most desirable luxury vehicle in the world in a survey by American analytics company JD Power. This is no doubt great news for the Italian manufactuere that's been somewhat struggling for the past few decades. Things started going wrong for Alfa in the seventies – some say with the launch of the Alfasud. Alfa's reputation improved with the well-liked Alfa Romeo 156 at the turn of the century, but it wasn't until 2016 with the arrival of the Tonale and the Stelvio in 2017 that the company's tribulations appeared to be over. The latest Stelvio isn't brand new but rather an update of the 2017 model that helped to save Alfa's bacon. Let's take a look at what's changed. What do we…

Max number of vehicles? There's no official limit, but park management may close the gates if they feel there are too many people in the park. Do I get a map? Yes. Will my vehicle get scratched? No. Should I bring a compressor? No. Can I braai halfway? Yes, at Jack's. Can I turn around halfway? Yes. Is there cellphone signal? Yes. Throughout the park. Best time to go? All year round. Can I bring my family? Yes, absolutely. A daytrip or the whole weekend? You can see Addo's main camping area in one day, but you're going to need a few days to visit all eight sections. How long does it take? You should set aside at least five hours to fully explore this section. Are there ablution facilities?…

FISHING RESORT KRAALSKLOOF BRING A CROWD Kraalskloof is a unique camping spot just outside Worcester. Situated among vineyards, it is geared towards groups of friends who love camping together. Campers can choose between two sites: Kraalskloof One or Two. There are several irrigation dams on the farm and the two group campsites are separately set up next to the two uppermost dams. If fishing is on the agenda, set up camp at the lower one: Kraalskloof Two. The dam has black bass and, as long as you release them, you're welcome to see if you can hook one. There's also a canoe and life jackets available for guests to use. The dam next to Kraalskloof Two is shaped like a bean, roughly 180 m long and 55 m wide. The…

CAMP FOOD BRAAI PIE WITH BOEREWORS AND BEANS A cheese pleaser This‘pie'is basically just a whopping quesadilla. It's fun to assemble, easy to braai… and delicious to devour! Ingredients (serves4,or6smallerportions) • 500 g boerewors, casing removed • 1 cup chakalaka (homemade or from a tin) • 1 tin (400 g) red kidney beans, drained • 6 medium-sized tortillas • 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream • 2 cups grated cheddar • 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional) Here'show 1 Braai the boerewors in a pan – continually breaking the meat with a spatula so it doesn't clump. Stir in the chakalaka and beans with the sausage meat, heat until thoroughly warmed and slightly reduced, then remove from heat. 2 Arrange the first four tortillas in the corners of a small fold-up…

I write this column sitting in the untamed wilderness of the northwest of Namibia – somewhere close to the Purros Himba settlement. It is the middle of winter in the southern hemisphere, but not here with the midday temperature around 38 °C and nights too warm for thick bedding. I am touring the area with my family and some friends. We're travelling in two vehicles with rooftop tents and all the essentials on board. As with any good overlanding trip, we are learning new things about ourselves, each other, our abilities and, of course, our vehicles. I have always maintained that a good overlanding vehicle often tends to be a work in progress with tweaks and adjustments after every trip and it is interesting for me to see other people's…