Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 10 (Aug 2021) i Adventure Afrika

After the first teaser in June, South Africa now has official pricing and specs for the all-new Mazda BT-50, which is a full import from Thailand, based in large part on the forthcoming next-gen Isuzu D-Max. The model line-up has been aligned with Mazda's passenger car range and consists of Active, Dynamic and Individual derivatives. The Active model features a new 1.9-litre diesel engine (110 kW/350Nm) with either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, whereas it is auto only for the Dynamic and Individual models which feature the new 3.0-litre turbodiesel (140 kW/450 Nm). Interestingly, only the top-end Individual derivative is available in a 4x4 drivetrain – all other models are available in rear-drive only, though a locking rear differential is standard across the range. Braked towing mass on the…

Soon after its 2019 introduction, Mitsubishi has released the second generation of its front-drive compact SUV contender, the Eclipse Cross, with a raft of improvements to styling, safety, technology and performance. The exterior design makeover adds an athletic aspect to the familiar wedge shape. The sharp shoulder lines and new twin oval LED headlamps with daytime running lights are now complemented by 3-D tail lamps with a new Y-shaped design. A new hexagonal rear window replaces the previous split glass, and the rear sheet metal has been given a more sporty tuck. Adding 140mm to the car’s overall length has enhanced bootspace, which is now a generous 437 litres, expanding to 1 047 litres with the rear seats folded flat. Apart from obvious new features such as 18-inch wheels and…

Our trip through Botswana took us to remote locations with limited cell phone coverage. From previous experience, we knew that BeMobile (the local network) provided the best reception in the Delta, and this would be sporadic at best. Being in contact with loved ones and ensuring we could get hold of someone in an emergency was crucial for us, so before the trip we contacted Sat4Rent and they were happy to provide us with some satellite phones for our trip. They provided us with two devices: an IsatPhone Pro, loaded with Tracks4Africa to provide an accurate GPS location, and a small Spot X for messaging. We tested the IsatPhone Pro right in the middle of the Khwai area. All it took was to switch on the phone, wait for about…

Wedged between the big-ticket attractions of Chobe National Park to the east and Moremi Game Reserve to the south, Khwai lies on the eastern fringes of the Okavango Delta. With no borders drawn around it on the map, Khwai is often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, though in the winter months it can hold its own for the quality of big game viewing. During your time here, you’ll spend most days exploring the narrow Khwai River, which forms the natural boundary to the Moremi Game Reserve on the south. This river is a drawcard for a wide range of wildlife, from herds of impala and lechwe to their predators – including many species from leopards to prides of lion and packs of wild dog. A lot of…

Kubu Island is located en route to four major parks and game reserves in Botswana and is the only place in Botswana that has prominent rocky features with views over the Makgadikgai salt pans. Apart from its unique aesthetic beauty, Kubu Island also boasts a rich archaeological and cultural heritage. It is a Botswana National Monument under the management of the Gaing O Community Trust. Camping rates 2021: SADAC residents: BWP 100 PPN, plus government levy & VAT International visitors: BWP 150 PPN, plus government levy & VAT. Children under 14 are 50% of these rates, and under 9 years are free (Government levy is BWP 10 PPN, VAT is 14%) CONTACT: (+267) 75494669 | kubu.island@btcmail.co.bw | www.kubuisland.com…

Sleeping under the stars on a stretcher out in the open is something that myself and Des try to do as often as we can. It’s difficult on most of our tours as we are normally in wildlife areas with lions, leopards and sneaky hyenas creeping around the campsites at night. This tour of Kaokoland in northern Namibia offered a great opportunity to sleep out under the blanket of stars, pondering the answers to what is really up there and just how insignificant we really are… Of course, we also pondered our group’s ability to successfully traverse the notorious Van Zyl’s Pass that was our group’s challenge the next day. On VZ-day everyone seemed to be awake and pottering around a bit earlier than usual, in high spirits as the…

If a visit to the Kruger National Park is not on your bucket list, you should update your list. It is important to remember, though, that it's about more than just the Big Five and those picture-perfect sightings in the Kruger. Most visitors drive through the park with the visitors' map book at hand, on their way to all the Big Five hotspots, utterly unaware of the subtle changes in the park's ecosystems as you move from rest camp to rest camp. And it is precisely here, in the seemingly invisible, where the true charm of the Kruger lies. In 1970 a massive research study was commissioned, focusing on studying the park's varying fauna and flora. This study, which took place over several years with the botany section led by…

1. Tava Lingwe Game Lodge Wonderfully removed from the city noise, Tava Lingwe Game Lodge truly offers visitors rest for the soul. Each of the 80 sites has its own powerpoint, and the communal ablution facilities are neatly maintained (there are also two family bathrooms). The youngsters are kept busy with a large swimming pool, play area, table tennis, putt-putt, pool tables, outdoor chess and a volleyball court. Active visitors can enjoy one of the many hiking trails or go on a game drive. NEAREST TOWN: Vredefort / Viljoenskroon (25 km) SHOP: Yes PET-FRIENDLY: No FISHING: No CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Limited ACCESSIBILITY: Tar road RATES: R400 per night, per campsite for one vehicle and four people. Up to six people can be accommodated per stand – additional costs to be…

While a camping trip requires some preparation and the right basic gear, it doesn’t need to be expensive or too complex. With a few simple items and some know-how, you can make great memories for years to come. It is an ongoing process, and campers tend to expand and change their gear selection with the experience gathered from each trip. So, what is the essential gear? A place to call home A tent is the single most important thing you need. It is your home away from home and the only thing protecting you from the elements, so don’t try to save money here. Tents come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, with varying degrees of weather protection and insulation, as seen in the array of canvas and nylon tents…

Known on social media as @tracksntravel, Coenraad, Anaschka and Ru-Wayne Oberholster are the proud owners of a 2003 Land Rover Defender 110 TD5 called Mufasa. They have modified the Landy to fit their needs which have changed and evolved as son Ru-Wayne (now 7 years old) grew up. "He basically grew up in Mufasa's back seat, and as a result is quite a passionate overlander who loves nature and photography," says Anaschka. Coenraad says their Defender is all about adventure, and modifying the vehicle has become a favourite pastime. "It's a bit like a Meccano set. You customise it, put a lot of yourself into it, you give it a soul – truly making it our Mufasa!" “Not one Defender is the same and this community is something else. Wherever…

Corolla enthusiasts will, for the first time, now have a compact SUV boasting the famous nameplate, and it’s been a long time coming. Meet the Corolla Cross, a modern take on the SUV concept that will slot in above the CH-R and below the RAV4 in terms of size and powertrain options. First launched in 1966, the Corolla has sold over 50 million units worldwide and evolved through 12 generations to become the world’s best-selling passenger car. But it’s only been seen as a sedan, hatch or station wagon. So the Cross is big news. Slated for launch locally early in November, it will be based on Toyota’s new TNGA platform (the GA-C in this case), promising the earth in terms of interior space, great refinement, low noise levels, comfort,…

The Sherp UTV is a strange little all-roader with giant pneumatic wheels made in the Ukraine since 2015, and sold mostly to mining companies and NGOs in North America that need to deliver goods and people to impossible places. The little beastie can go almost anywhere, and some versions are amphibious, with the Pro version able to carry six people at 40 km/h on land and 6 km/h on water. It’s a mixmatch of parts: Swedish steel for the body and suspension, a small-capacity diesel engine (Doosan from Korea or Kubota from Japan), and a Renault gearbox. It can be turned into a medical rescue van, firefighting tender, and there’s even a 6x6 trailer. And now you can buy one locally, through FST South Africa, the agent for southern Africa…

Even though I was raised in a household with no interest in any form of camping or outdoor adventure lifestyle, there was always something about travelling through the continent of Africa that intrigued me. As a teenager, I loved researching interesting places that I had seen on television and in magazines. It made me realise just how much the world, and especially Africa, has to offer. Africa is special in that it is home to vast deserts, tropical rainforests, rugged mountains, and fertile grasslands, while also having the most varied wildlife. It is also rich in cultural heritage and diversity and offers many breathtaking attractions. Three countries always stood out for me that I wanted to visit, namely Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Dream to reality On a cold morning in…

Nxai Pan forms the northernmost boundary of the Makgadikgadi Pans system and lies northwest of Ntwetwe. Nxai Pan National Park was declared just 50 years ago to protect the unusual ecosystem and was extended in 1992 to include Baines Baobabs. Animal activity in this section of Nxai Pan National Park is limited, though you might spot a lonely elephant or oryx in the distance. This is part of the area’s appeal; there’s nothing to do but admire the stark majesty and appreciate the magnitude of the pans stretching into the distance, just as travellers have done for centuries. Baines Baobabs This island covered in ancient trees was named after the famous painter and explorer Thomas Baines who visited and painted the site in 1862. This group of Baobabs are known…

We hit the road from Strand, raring to go, and exchange our car in Brackenfell for the Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GLX. The brand new little beast is dark grey and looks ready to tackle anything we can throw at it. We pack our frozen meat, wors, butter and cheese in the large fridge that charges while you drive and stack dry ingredients and canned food in one of the neat black crates. We set off, ready to become adventurers for a week or so! We head out on the R27, and our first stop is House of Blakes, which forms part of the Blake’s family wine farm, on the Yzerfontein road. The great thing about Blakes, which opened its own tasting room in November last year, is that the small…

PRESTIGE TOURS: Iceland Arctic Trucks Experience: 5 - 12 March 2022 Ultimate Kgalagadi Experience: 24 April - 5 May 2022 ADVENTURE TOURS: Ultimate Botswana Adventure: 10 - 19 February 2022 Ultimate Kalahari Adventure: 20 March - 1 April 2022 Ultimate Tanzania Expedition: 15 May - 16 June 2022 Okavango Delta Adventure: 21 August - 1 September 2022 Mana Pools & Lake Kariba Adventure: 18 - 30 September 2022 Ultimate Chobe Adventure: 9 - 21 October 2022 Zambia Migrations Expedition: 6 - 19 November 2022 Ultimate Botswana Adventure: 28 December 2022 - 6 January 2022 CONTACT: +27 84 447 4666 simon@ultimateadventures.tv www.ultimateadventures.tv @UltimateAdventures…

The Elands Pass is the final descent into the long, low altitude valley called Gamkaskloof, more commonly known as "Die Hel". This pass descends 477 m over a distance of 4.7 km, producing a very stiff average gradient of just under 1:10. This pass, although relatively short, ranks up there with the biggest and best passes in South Africa. It is without a doubt a bucket list pass that every adventurous traveller should do. You will have to deal with five very tight hairpin bends and 49 other bends, corners and curves of varying degrees, but it is the very steep, unguarded drop-offs that tend to be unnerving for many drivers and passengers. The design of the pass is actually outstanding, because at no point does the gradient exceed 1:7.…

Important things campers should consider when choosing a destination: Is there electricity and warm water at the campsite? Is there enough sunshine on the camping stands during winter, and enough shade in summer? Is the campsite pet-friendly – it is nice to take your furry friends camping from time to time. What is the condition of the gravel road en route to the campsite? Would I need a higher ground clearance vehicle or even a 4x4? What activities are there to entertain the children? Is there a shop to find all the things you have inevitably forgotten at home? Can I gather wood from the area or buy it from the campsite? * Prices and facilities highlighted in this article are subject to change without notice.…

Full Auto Mode (A) This mode is nothing more than point and shoot and hope for the best. The camera calculates everything needed to take a photograph. It sets the shutter speed, aperture (depth of field), ISO (light sensitivity), white balance, metering and picture style. If it thinks you need more light, the camera will fire the flash automatically. You don’t have control over your focus points either, which makes this mode quite limited. The only reason to switch to Full Auto Mode is when handing the camera to a nonphotographer to take a picture. Programme Mode / Programmed Auto (P) This mode offers a bit of the best of both worlds and is a good place for beginners who wish to get off Full Auto Mode to start. Here…

During the 1980s, larger families in South Africa did not have many choices when it came to leisure vehicles. You could buy a Hi-Ace, or more likely, a VW Kombi. The sliding door, many rows of seats and vast available space made it a great option for holiday adventures. There were also many Kombi engine conversions and camper conversions, plus the Synchro option driving all four wheels. It may have been an icon, but it was never the toughest vehicle out there. South Africans were looking for a bigger family vehicle than the normal sedan or station wagon, but did not want to pay the price of a full-size 4x4 like the Land Cruisers and Nissan Patrols of the time. In the early nineties a small Durban company, Sani Industries,…

From this month, a few proud owners will be able park a new Land Cruiser 300 in their driveway. Yes, it’s a pricey beast (starting from over R1.2-mill), but it is also a lot of car. After months of speculation, we now know a little more about the range, the looks, the tech, and the engines. On the outside is the big signature grille, rectangular headlamps and that bold channel down the middle of the bonnet. Out back you’ll find a huge verticalopening tailgate and trapezoidal taillamps. The platform is the first ladder-frame adaptation of the Toyota New Global Architecture, called TNGA-F. Two V6 engine variants are on offer, both matched to a new 10-speed automatic gearbox and both rated for a top speed of 210 km/h. The petrol is…

Considering the success of the Ford Ranger Thunder introduced in August 2020, it comes as no surprise that the blue oval has produced another weather-themed special edition called the Stormtrak. Building on the Wildtrak’s specs and looks, the Stormtrak gains a striking black mesh grille with red inserts, a black insert in the lower section of the front bumper, black decals for the bonnet and doors, black roof rails and 18-inch gloss black alloys. Then there are three-dimensional Stormtrak logos on the lower sections of the front doors, as well as on the rear tailgate. Four colours are up for grabs, from the all-new Lucid Red to Sea Grey, Frozen White and Blue Lightning Like the Thunder, the Stormtrak gets Ford’s power roller shutter for the loadbin, complemented by a…

Audi, in conjunction with Q Motorsport, is poised to compete in the 2022 Dakar with its full-electric Audi RS Q e-tron, against the full field of conventionally-powered racers. The e-tron uses an electric drivetrain with a motor-generator unit MGU) on the front and rear axles, based on units from the F07 Formula E car. A third MGU converts brake energy and transfers to the 50 kWh battery, which weighs around 370 kg. The combustion element of the set-up, needed to keep the battery charged on those 800 km stages, is a TFSI engine sourced from the DTM racers, which will run at 4000 to 6 000 rpm. Total system power is estimated at 500 kW, and there is only one forward gear. The drive to the electric motors is a…

Nissan bakkies have been on the local market for many years, and have their share of loyal fans. However, my exposure to date has only been to the NP300 workhorse, which was essentially unchanged from its introduction in the 1990s, and the more recent Nissan Navara, which was always more of a leisure option. Then came the update to that model, back in 2017, a full import with a 2.3-litre twin-turbodiesel engine. Sadly that one never took off here. And now we have the update of that model, which will be built locally after a multi-billion-rand investment by Nissan in their Rosslyn plant. Our 4x4 LE double cab auto test unit made an instant impression when it arrived. Just look at the styling – it truly looks fantastic. The so-called…

After more than three decades of experience in the tourism industry, nature-loving South African couple Louis and Laetitia Milne have opened their third business in Botswana, Captivating Destination. We asked them how it all started. Through Captivating Destination, the Milnes have created a one-stop shop for all your travel needs. You can book just about any destination your heart desires, from wild camping to luxurious stays in lodges and hotels. In addition to organising all the necessary travel permits, the company can arrange airport pick-ups and also takes care of all food and beverage requirements. Being area specialists, they can also make bookings for a full spectrum of activities during your travels, from adrenaline-fuelled helicopter flips and bungee jumping, to scenic flights, boat trips and relaxing game drives. It all…

Tread Lite 4x4 The company was started in 2018 with a small fleet of 1.3-litre third-generation Jimnys. The newer fourthgeneration Jimny was added towards the end of 2020 and is very popular among both national and international tourists. Both vehicles are excellent overlanding options. In terms of camping gear and equipment, there are several options. We wanted to try out the camping lifestyle, and the Jimny was equipped with everything we needed, from dishwashing soap to a tea towel. If you’re camping in winter, I would recommend taking an extra blanket or duvet. If you are staying in a guest house or self-catering unit, they will pack the vehicle accordingly. They call it “Packed-For-You” and make the equipment list available beforehand in order for you to select what you want…

The wild camping movement has it right. You do want to be out in the sticks, enjoying the scenery all to yourself. Thing is, you will also have to be fully off the grid, with no Eskom to keep the fridge running and the kettle on the boil. In any event, remote travel in Africa almost guarantees that you cannot count on 220V power wherever you stop. So, when it comes to self-contained vehicle travel, it’s best to be able to tap into what Africa offers in great quantities: power from the sun. What you need is a bank of solar panels, and a couple of other items to keep the fridge compressor running, your LED lights bright, and things like your laptop, camera batteries and mobile phone charged. A…

The world’s longest snake is the Reticulated Python of Asia that may in unusual cases reach 7.5 m in length, while the Green Anaconda from South America reaches 6.55 m but is far bulkier. The Southern African Python, Python (previously known as the Rock Python while it was still a subspecies of the East African Rock Python) reaches close on 6 m in length but rarely exceeds 5.5 m. This is by far our longest and bulkiest snake, that occurs from the Eastern Cape through KwaZulu-Natal to Mozambique, Swaziland, Gauteng, Limpopo, the North West and elsewhere further north where it is found in bushveld areas. An excellent swimmer, it favours water but often seek shelter in Aardvark holes. The Southern African Python is active mostly at night, when it ambushes…

Send yours to us on: info@4x4afrika.com (Subject: My Ride & I) WINNER Christopher Cartwright 1999 Land Rover Defender TD5 “I love my Maddi as she has taken me places no other vehicle could have, always putting a smile on my face while doing it! She might not be the fastest or have all the fancy amenities of newer cars, but she’s got character. Land Rovers run in my family’s blood, and I’ve wanted one for as long as I can remember. I’m someone who uses the capabilities of my vehicle and pushes it to the max, finding myself in all sorts of tricky situations at times. But we always make it out and keep pushing. Maddie never flinches and simply gets on with it! She now has over 400 000…