Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2018 i Go! Drive & Camp

“A few vehicles try to take on Yster, with Thys behind the wheel, but that’s like expecting Faf de Klerk to arm wrestle Eben Etzebeth.” Here we are in the last quarter of the year, and I’m sure you’ve already made your plans for the December holiday. Of course, there are still quite a few things that need to happen before you can pack the car, hitch your wagon and hit the road. But it’s so close you can almost taste it… Here at go! Drive & Camp , though, things are anything but chilled. Without applying for the job, Kyle was appointed our unofficial Middle Eastern correspondent – he had to travel to Jordan this month where he was one of the first to get behind…

“There are at least three very good reasons why vehicle manufacturers collaborate on vehicle development.” I recently had the opportunity to take some time out and meet an old acquaintance that I had not seen in far too long. We met at one of those Irish pubs for a late lunch, which would inevitably lead to late afternoon. It was great catching up with my mate and we covered many topics during the course of the afternoon. At some stage the conversation turned to the new Mercedes Benz X-Class pickup. My mate was adamant that the German manufacturer had made a grave mistake to essentially re-badge a Nissan Navara as a Merc. He seemed quite upset by the fact that Mercedes had the audacity to believe that people would accept…

Campsite 25 stands on grass that range from extra-spacious to small. Most have power sockets (5 without), water and a braai without a grid. Ablution facilities 3 buildings, with the closest stand 30 m away. Price Depending on the season and stand it’s R300 per stand for 2 people and up to R480 for 4 people. Arrival and departure times 2 pm and 10 am Contact 027 482 2508 or 072 895 1993 lebanon@hantam.co.za lebanon.co.za How far from Clanwilliam? 16 km (dirt road). Road condition The last 13,8 km after turning off the N7 is dirt road that ranges from rocky with corrugated areas to a decent dirt road. At 30 km/h your ordinary caravan will stay in one piece. GPS S32.267344 E18.930442 go! Drive & Camp says…

Campsite Stands with a thick carpet of grass on level ground. Ablution facilities Neat, clean and nicely distributed throughout the campsite. Price From R440–R630 p.n for 4 people per stand depending on the season. There’s an administration fee of R50. Contact the resort for winter specials. Contact 072 215 2114 bosveldoasebrits.co.za info@bosveldoasebrits.co.za Arrival and departure times 8 am and 4 pm, but 1 pm and 10 am during school holidays. Road condition The last 2,5 km is dirt road with corrugation in places. GPS Gate S25.530793 E27.827206 Reception office S25.527500 E27.827349 go! Drive & Camp says If someone in your party requires the wheelchair-friendly facilities, ask to camp close to one of these blocks. The site plan doesn’t indicate the numbers.…

“After previously spending a month in Mozambique, my wife Rosalia and I knew we had to return because our neighbour to the north holds such promise of great adventure, hidden gems with surreal scenery, and interesting cuisine. So we packed up our Ford Ranger Wildtrak, towing a Mobilodge caravan, and headed straight for the Kosi Bay border post after leaving our Klerksdorp home earlier this year. While our excitement levels were understandably high, our navigation wasn’t quite where it should have been and just after passing into Mozambique we realised we had already taken the wrong sand track. It sounds like you had a tough time getting there. We tried using GPS, but the signal was too weak to offer proper guidance. There are also virtually no signposts or boards…

“The Peri Peri’s appearance is mostly inconspicuous, until you notice the decals and windows on the sides.” Ask anyone under 35 years old if they have an EB licence and the answer is likely to be a resounding “no”. Or that they’re not sure. And if they don’t have one it means they’re not allowed to tow a large caravan or trailer. Allan Keyzer and his son Matthew of Aloe Caravans in Boksburg have been contemplating this predicament for some time now. While they’ve mainly been in the business of custom-building caravans and a few campers for clientele who value a more personal touch to their recreational vehicles, they’re now aiming squarely at the B-licence segment with the Peri Peri, the first of their new range of standard caravans. Simply…

Here’s a breakdown of what go! Drive & Camp spent on our education: Learner’s licence appointment R68 Learner’s issue R33 Four ID photos R60 K53 app (for the kind of question-and-answer sheets) – R30 Driver test appointment R135 8 lessons @ R240 per lesson 1 car and trailer hire (comes with at least 1 hour lesson before test) @ R900 failed Driver test appointment R135 1 car and trailer hire (comes with at least 1 hour lesson before test) @ R900 passed Card issue fee R140 Total* R4 288 • It’s important to note that the costs for my assignment did not include the amount of money for fuel required to get to the lessons. Most driving schools will pick you up at work or home, but…

Stuck on you We decided to visit Botswana and Namibia in June with my brother Frans du Preez and his wife Ansie, and my son and daughter-in-law Francois and Nicolene de Klerk. The Puros campsite close to the Skeleton Coast was one of the places on our itinerary. The last 80 km is a 4x4 trail that runs up and next to the Hoarusib riverbed. At the start of the riverbed we see it’s not completely dry and in places the water has welled up. After the first 10 km we pitch camp for the night. As we progressed we noticed the edges of the bed had a wetness and in some areas there was so much water that there were turtles swimming around. The next morning we leave early…

“The issues at the Jurgens factory can cripple our industry, and it’s evidence that the South African camping industry could benefit from a representative body.” The camping industry in Australia is worth an estimated AUS$19 (approximately R190 billion), with Chinese tourists contributing about 10% to this amount. It comes as no surprise that visitors from this country are regarded by the Aussies as one of the market segments with the best growth potential. Recent research shows that almost 3 500 companies in Australia offer camping-related products directly to consumers. That includes manufacturers, importers, retailers, workshops and campsites. An estimated 53 000 people earn their bread and butter in the Australian camping industry. About 23 000 caravans and motorhomes were manufactured in 2015 alone. Compared to South Africa’s approximate 110 000…

The Bulshoek and Clanwilliam dams have more than one thing in common: Firstly, the busy N7 runs past both, and secondly, the Olifants River flows through them to where it eventually ends on the West Coast. But what really gets us excited are the lovely places where you can pitch camp on the shores of both dams. And each have their own vibe. At the Rondeberg Holiday Resort next to the smaller Bulshoek Dam you’ll find a whole lot of luxuries, whereas you can really kick back and relax on the shores of the Clanwilliam Dam between the orange groves and the water on the opposite side. RONDEBERG HOLIDAY RESORT Peaceful sleep The Rondeberg Holiday Resort is next to the N7 and you’d be excused for thinking that this busy…

It’s early morning in the Kalahari and a blood-red crescent sun rears its head over Goera Pan’s flat horizon. There’s a slight chill in the air, but it’s definitely not cold enough for tough guys to put on long pants. All along the one side of the pan you see Nissan Patrols parked next to tents, off-road caravans and trailers. Here and there is one with an open bonnet, almost like it’s woken up with a big yawn, with the engine purring in the morning sun like a contented cat. Slowly but surely people start crawling out of their tents, and the smell of coffee and bacon permeates the air. Between the sounds of sizzling bacon you can hear tyres deflating – a sure sign that today there will be…

If you’re ever in the vicinity of Barberton, put aside a day for one of the most enchanting trails in South Africa. From this town (named after one Graham Barber and not a type of fish in the Vaal Dam) you drive east on the R40 tar road, also known as the geotrail, in the direction of the Josefsdal-Bulembu border post to Swaziland. About 2 km before the border post is a half-hidden turn-off and a sign that reads “Oshoek and Badplaas”. Long way down Turn right at the sign and follow a downhill dirt road to the base of a narrow valley. The road drops 800 m over the next 14 km, which places it amongst the top 3% of South Africa’s steepest passes. The road surface is usually…

FISHING RESORT RAASWATER RIVER LODGE Quiet time The Vaal River is known for its fishing resorts. From about 30 km south of Potchefstroom the river takes a southwesterly turn and connects with the Orange River 400 km on. And this is where Raaswater lies on the North West side of the river. Raaswater’s fishing shore is a kilometre long, and the campsite, which also borders on the shore, is far right as you drive through the gate. You can pitch camp right next to the water, but because of the 100-year flood line, the nearest power socket is 50 m away. The stands are not demarcated and you can choose your own spot. There’s space for about 10 caravans next to the water, with more stands away from the river.…

“The Arteon is so pretty it draws attention everywhere you go. Personally, I prefer sportier vehicles, but I also like sitting high, and with the seat at its highest setting my head touches the roof. Its shape reminds me of a coupé, but it has four doors. I must admit, for this type of vehicle it has a surprisingly big boot. The dashboard looks very similar to that of the Tiguan that we tested two months ago. There are various drive modes, where the engine is sluggish in the Comfort mode and wide awake in Sport. When you put your foot down in Sport, the transmission and engine react immediately and the needle in that kilowatt metre in the centre console hits 130 kW as the engine pushes out maximum…

Cast-iron can last you a lifetime if you take care of it properly. The good news is that most of this kind of cookware already comes cured or seasoned from the store. This means that it’s specially coated in oil to prevent rust while it’s standing on a shelf waiting for you to buy it. Still, it doesn’t hurt to give your pot or pan a once-over for extra peace of mind. Here’s how to do it properly: Wash the product with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Before you dry, preheat your oven or stovetop to around 180 °C. You then need to make absolutely sure that you dry the pot and lid properly. When the pot and lid are dry, use kitchen towel or a clean cloth to…

How do you feel about assigning stands beforehand? Do you prefer choosing your own when you get the campsite? George Jacobsz I prefer choosing my own. I’ve had some not-so-good experiences after I was forced to take a specific stand. Johan Munnik I choose my own stand. Jan van Rooyen I like it when you’re given a stand beforehand. Then I don’t have to rush to get there to get a decent spot. I prefer leaving later – and then I know what I’m going to get. Hennie Lacock If you know what the campsite looks like it’s nice to be allocated a stand. But in general I prefer choosing my own spot. Marco Pretorius I definitely prefer allocated stands. JOIN OUR CHAT ON THE WEB Check out our website…

Campsite 29 stands that range from open stands on grass to accommodation units next to your stand with your own bathroom. Ablution facilities It couldn’t be neater. Ten of the stands each have their own bathroom. Price R129–R900 per stand depending on the season and the stand. (Maximum 6 people per stand.) Arrival and departure times 2 pm to 8 pm, and 11 am Contact 021 100 3689 or 079 760 0247 info@rondebergresort.co.za rondeberg.com How far from Clanwilliam? 24 km Road condition The last 400 m is a very decent dirt road. GPS S32.001688 E18.772504 go! Drive & Camp says You can bring your dogs if you arrange ahead of time, but no more than two pets per stand are allowed.…

Ask any camper in the north of our country where their favourite weekend breakaway spot is and chances are good they’ll mention one of the resorts in or around Brits. This area is a stone’s throw from Gauteng and is known for its excellent campsites that cater to almost everyone – from the peace and quiet of a game farm to the jolly vibe at a family resort. Bosveld Oase is one of those resorts where you can check in early on a Friday. If your kids aren’t in school yet you can drive through the gates at 8 am. And even if you have to wait for the school bell to ring before you can hit the road, you can still pitch your tent here before sundown. This is…

Maximum number of vehicles allowed Unlimited. Do I get a map? No. Will I scratch my vehicle? No. Should I take a compressor? No. Can we braai next to the road? Rather braai at Msauli Village. Can I turn around halfway? Yes. Is there cellphone reception? A weak signal. THE TRAIL  Best time to go? Year-round. Can I take my family? Yes, definitely. For the day or for the weekend? Weekend. Are there ablution facilities? In Msauli Village, yes. Directions From Barberton it’s about 35 km south over Saddleback Pass to the Oshoek-Badplaas road sign. If you’re driving from the south with the N17, you have to turn off at the Ekulindeni road sign, about 17 km after Lochiel. GPS S25.94348 E31.10560 (north) S26.18171 E30.93896 (south) Price Free Cotact Songimvelo…

Fish Carp, yellowfish, mudfish, catfish. Campsite An open camp area that stretches to the river. The stands are not demarcated and there’s space for about 30 caravans. Ablution facilities 1 building for campers next to the campsite that’s cleaned three times a day: 9 am, 2 pm and 4 pm. Price R250 p.n. per stand plus R55 p.p.p.n. (R35 for kids under 12, free for under 5s). Maximum 6 people per stand. Arrival and departure times There are no fixed times, but it must be during office hours. Contact 072 185 5674 raaswater@vodamail.co.za raaswaterriverlodge.com Road condition The last 3,8 km is a decent dirt road. GPS S26.931267 E27.018817 go! Drive & Camp says The biggest carp caught here recently tipped the scales at 9,8 kg.…

BROWN RICE SALAD WITH GRILLED PEPPERS Rice to the occasion This brown rice salad is easy to make in a campsite. Any remaining salad can be used to fill halved gem squash – simply put them in foil parcels and cook over the coals. Ingredients (serves 6) 1 cup brown and wild rice 2 red or yellow peppers 1 can (400 g) chickpeas, rinsed 1 small red onion, cut into thin rings FOR THE SALAD DRESSING 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 100 ml olive oil 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar salt and black pepper, to taste Here’s how 1 Cook the rice according to the instructions on the packet. Drain and put to the side. 2 Cut the peppers in half and grill over the coals until the skins have blackened.…

Where does the word “gasoline” come from? In 1862, a resourceful Brit called John Cassell peddled his patented petroleum product called Cazeline Oil. By the way, the word “petroleum” is Latin and means mineral oil. Cassell’s Cazeline was used in lamps and lanterns and it was popular because it produced an unusually bright flame. An Irishman by the name of Samuel Boyd sold an imitation of Cassell’s oil, and to sidestep the patent law, he marketed his product as Gazelene. Boyd’s Gazelene was later used in American spark-ignition engines and the name eventually morphed into “gasoline”. The British colonies stuck with the scientific name “petroleum”, shortened to “petrol”. Most nations in the world, however, use the word “benzine” (not to be confused with “benzene”), while Spain and Portugal also refer…