Go! Drive & Camp Feb/Mar 2025

The Afrikaans cookbook Woonwaen kampvuurreseppe by Joey Mostert has been sitting on my shelf since I took over as editor. It's something of a hand-me-down, left by each predecessor for the next occupant of the chair. Published in 1975, Joey dedicated it to the South African Caravan Association who commissioned her to compile it. First, let me confess: I haven't tried a single one of the “recipes”. Perhaps I'm too cautious or not adventurous enough to attempt dishes like “chicken and garlic polony” or “meat-and-lentil loaf” (which is served cold!). Yet, I find myself picking up the book now and then to reread the first chapter, “Planning and tips for a caravan holiday.” It's so entertaining because Joey's advice takes on an almost preachy tone as she explains how to…

This campsite, about 3 km outside Nieuwoudtville near the Oorlogskloof Reserve, was born during the COVID-19 pandemic. Owners Johan and Antionette Spangenberg welcomed their first campers in 2021. The name, of course, nods to the famous film series but also refers to the stars and the delicious farm-made sausage you can enjoy here. The campsite is set on a unique piece of land on the 900-hectare Buffelsvley farm – in this open space, you're far removed from city lights and noise. It's just you and nature. Starwors offers three luxury campsites, each with its own private bathroom built into a small stone outcrop. The campsites are named after characters from the films: Darth Vader, Yoda and Jar Jar Binks. The communal toilets are aptly named Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia.…

Bergkoninkryk, outside Modimolle, now has a campsite. New owners Joop and Sulita de Kock bought the farm in early 2023 and opened the campsite in October 2024. Joop and Sulita are experienced campers, and their dream of owning a campsite has finally become a reality. Bergkoninkryk is part of the farm Kloof en Dal. Sulita says guests started enquiring early on about alternative accommodation, such as camping. Today, there are four private campsites: Vaalboom, Sekelbos, Wildesering and Raasblaar. The campsites are grouped close together, and depending on where you set up, you'll camp on grass with varying amounts of shade. You can move your stainless-steel braai (with a grid) to wherever you like. Your power outlet is a blue caravan plug, and your bathroom has a shower, a hand basin…

The owner of Lethabo Lodge, 10 km outside Modimolle, has expanded his offerings for campers from one to two camping areas. According to owner Conrad Meyer, the bush camp with its five campsites and communal ablution facilities was established in 2023. Each site has a paved platform with a roofed section. Now, a second campsite has been added, called Waterhole. It features seven sites, each named after an antelope: Impala, Kudu, Nyala, Wildebeest, Bushbuck, Reedbuck and Tsessebe. Thanks to the trees in the new camp, there's no need for a roof over your campsite. Each site has a 6 × 9 m paved platform, one side of which is enclosed next to a fire pit. Facilities include a tap at your stand, a braai area and a power outlet. Lethabo…

The Western Cape branch of Conqueror was recently named the favourite business in Die Burger's readers' choice awards in the camping and/or trailers category. Jòvan Pienaar, owner and CEO of Conqueror Western Cape, bought the business in 2023. He describes himself as an entrepreneur with a master's degree in law and interests in various enterprises. For now, he has stepped away from the corporate legal world to pursue his passion. Previously, Jòvan restored Conqueror trailers as a hobby, but the bug bit, leading to this full-time career change. He says that where there were once five or six trailers on display, there are now 35–40, of which 40% are new models. Contact 082 470 6699 info@conquerorwc.co.za conquerorwc.co.za…

People aged 25-39 are involved in 41% of all fatal accidents, and according to statistics, this is the age group with the most deaths on our public roads. A survey of local motorists conducted by Volvo South Africa revealed that drivers aged 18-24 have the most confidence in their abilities behind the wheel, yet 52% of them either do not wear seatbelts or only occasionally do. As for the 25-39 age group, 75% buckle up on long trips, but 29% unfasten their seatbelts when close to home. Worryingly, 40% of this age group admit to wearing seatbelts solely because the law requires it. Peer pressure appears to contribute to this issue. A total of 14% of South Africans – mostly in the above age groups – believe it's “cool” to…