Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 34 i Adventure Afrika

As dawn breaks over the African savannah, there’s a sense of anticipation in the air. The engine roars to life, and my V6 Colt 4x4 bakkie lurches forward, carrying us deeper into the heart of one of nature’s masterpieces – the Kruger National Park. This vast wilderness in South Africa is a sanctuary for untamed life, and my self-drive safari promises not just adventure, but a profound connection with nature. In today’s fast-paced world – where screens, schedules and stress dominate our lives – it is easy to forget the wonders that nature offers. The undoubted jewel in our tourism crown, the Kruger is a place where time slows down… a place where the cacophony of modern life fades away and where you can truly appreciate the majesty of the…

In an inspiring display of environmental stewardship and community engagement, Toyota, in collaboration with a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) Clean Surf, recently spearheaded a massive beach clean-up operation at the river mouth of the Umbogintwini River in Isipingo. A group of dedicated volunteers, comprising of 150 Toyota staff members and contractors, descended upon a local beach to make a substantial impact on the environment and mark the beginning of spring. They worked tirelessly to rid the beach of unsightly and harmful litter and their collective efforts resulted in the removal of a staggering 183 bags of trash, weighing over 1 200kg. Among the items retrieved from the shoreline were plastic waste, polystyrene, discarded clothing, shoes, and various bottles. The success of this beach clean-up illustrates the positive change that can…

For any family with more than two kids it is always a struggle to find a vehicle that has enough space, but at a reasonable price. The Suzuki XL6 ticks all the right boxes and then some. It offers good fuel economy, reliability and a handful of creature comforts that are normally only available in vehicles in higher price brackets. When practicality is the main selling point of a vehicle, styling often takes a back seat. That is definitely not the case with the XL6. It’s quite a looker! Key exterior features include LED headlights, daytime running lights and fog lamps, while a black tailgate element enhances the modern yet practical design. Powertrain The XL6 is equipped with the K15B 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine, which has become a ubiquitous motor in…

I am not the biggest fan of towing huge caravans through the bush as the extra weight and length tend to make getting around slightly tricky at times. However, when BunduTec asked whether we wanted to take the BunduTrail on our Botswana adventure, we jumped at the opportunity. We have previously tested the BunduTop and BunduAwn and I was most impressed by the convenience both products offered. The push-button operation of the BunduTop is really convenient and within a minute you are either ready to go to bed or get in the vehicle and get going. As an added bonus, you can sit and enjoy your G&T while your fellow campers are still struggling to set up their gear! The BunduTrail offers that convenience and so much more! With a…

There is a rather corny Afrikaans joke that goes: “Gym jy? Nee, ek Jimny!”. While it gets slightly lost in translation, it underlines the obsessive adoration Suzuki Jimny owners have for their little pocket-sized 4x4’s. To continue with the gym analogy, everyone we met during the 2023 Jimny Gathering agreed that even without the ‘muscle’ power, this little tyke is ready to take on even the hardebaarde when it comes to 4x4 adventures. But why do these ‘featherweight’ 4x4’s – weighing in at nimble 1 200kg – garner so much respect and love from their owners? “Why not?” counters Diaan Pieterse, a Capetonian who travelled over 1 200km over two days to join the inaugural Jimny Gathering. “There is nothing that our Jimny can’t do! And, to top it off,…

There’s no denying that the Kia Sonet is one of South Africa’s most popular compact crossovers and after spending some time behind the wheel, we understand why. The LX might be the entry-level and more budget-oriented model in the range, but it’s no less impressive than the rest of the derivatives in the line-up. It features the same punchy and frugal 1.5 MPI naturally aspirated petrol engine delivering 85kW at 6 300rpm and 144Nm of peak torque at 4 500rpm and is also available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It is also bursting at the seams with standard features. These include an 8-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, six speakers, a rearview camera, remote central…

The pearl of Africa. Travellers in Uganda are reminded of this on every t-shirt, coaster and Grey Crowned Crane fridge magnet in curio shops. Winston Churchill most likely did not realise this would become the tourism industry’s choice slogan when he penned it in his My African Journey. It is equally possible that neither locals nor visitors know exactly why the great British Bulldog likened this country to a natural gemstone. We spent a month overlanding through Uganda to discover more about this so-called pearl. We entered the country via Mutukula, a busy border post not often used by tourists but very well frequented by rather persistent money changers. The meaning of Karen Blixen’s age-old observation becomes clear at African border posts: “It helps to be willing to waste more…

Birds have long fascinated people for different and varied reasons. Some birds are exquisitely beautiful, while others are extremely rare, some are iconic, and others have intriguing and unique habits. These connections that people make with birds are very personal as they are driven by individual interests and experiences. With the advent of modern travel and improved access to information, birders now have the ability to broaden their search for birds. A select few dedicate their lives to finding as many birds as possible. While not quite as obsessive, others will plan their travels around seeking out specific bird species that they have always wanted to see. Birders typically keep a so-called life list of the birds they have encountered, but there is another list that excites birders (and most…

In this issue, we travel from Matatiele in the Eastern Cape to Butha Buthe in Lesotho. Thinking about it now, it probably was too much driving for one day and after several things setting us back at the start, we were under pressure to reach our overnight destination before dark. With a big day ahead, we had the guests up early and ready to roll by 08:00. The one thing we have learned on our tours is that it is often challenging (sometimes even impossible) to make up time if delays occur… but we have also learned that we can be pretty resilient when we need to be! As always, we started the day with a radio check to ensure that we maintain effective communications. We had two vehicles with…

For months we looked forward to the Botswana expedition with Adventure Afrika. The ‘group tour’ thing isn’t really something we generally do… but for some reason, the ad for this adventure kept popping up on my Facebook feed and – as I believe that all things happen for a reason – I bit the bullet and sent a query about the itinerary to publisher, Anton Willemse. After he assured me that it would be a very relaxed affair and that we would travel all the way to the pans – through the Tuli Block, Hunters Road and one of our old favourites, Elephant Sands – I secured our booking there and then. On the day of departure – a week before the music festival, which took place over the Women’s…

After our stop at Trou Au Natron (Natron Hole) where we marveled at this massive caldera (a volcanic crater created by violent eruptions), we continued to inch our way along the rocky piste across lava plains at a snail’s pace. At one point, our trusty guide, Pierot, pointed out the furrow-like features on the smooth rock surface which had been produced by the movement of thousands of camels as they followed one of the trans-Sahara caravan routes from Libya. I couldn’t help but wonder why a camel train would cross the inhospitable Tibesti where we had not seen any surface water. But the key to survival here was, and still is, to dig holes in the many riverbeds where water occurs at a shallow depth. An isolated outpost After some…

Borders: • South Africans need a visa for Uganda. You can apply online before arriving and it takes two days to process: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/  • Consider getting the East African Tourist Visa if you plan on visiting Rwanda or Kenya before or after Uganda. • A temporary import permit for your vehicle can be obtained at the border (a CDP is not required). National Parks • A daily permit for you and your vehicle lasts 24 hours from the time you enter, so plan your visit accordingly. • Uganda’s park fees are not cheap, so budget well in advance. For the latest information, check out https://ugandawildlife.org.• Most national parks have wild unfenced camp sites that can be booked at the gate. Recommended campsites: • Masaka: Villa Katwe • Near…

As my grandmother used to say: “Take potatoes out of life and what’s left?” She had a point because in our house potatoes are a staple food. No matter whether it’s a yummy potato salad at a braai, baked potatoes with Sunday lunch or just a jacket potato as a quick side dish for dinner, this ‘starchy goodness’ is a regular feature on the Reiners menu. However, I have noticed that I tend to fall back on my plain old recipes and ways of preparation. There are only a few ways to make potatoes, right? Wrong! There are loads of lip-smackingly delicious potato recipes with which you can impress your family and guests. Bacon and potato pot Ingredients 1kg medium-sized potatoes 2 white onions 500g butter 1 packet white onion…

Send yours to us on: info@4x4afrika.com (Subject: My Ride & I) WINNER Ashley Botes 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser 79 V6 “My 2022 Land Cruiser 79, called Frikadl, is more than just a vehicle to me. I know many people say this, but for me it has been an adventure partner, a friend and a safe space during some hard times. It represents everything I love – adventure, family time, relaxation, and so much more! I have always loved Toyotas and replaced our first ‘Frikadl’, my previous 2009 Hilux, when it reached 310 000 adventurous kilometres. Since then, we have made some amazing memories with the Cruiser, and the vehicle continues to impress me! We travel whenever time permits and plan to thoroughly explore this beautiful continent in the next few…

VEHICLE: 2020 Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GLX AT OWNERS: Nathi & Noli Pholoba We have always loved taking road trips and exploring the gems South Africa has to offer. However, with our ordinary day-to-day car, we found that we were limited in the choice of adventures we could embark on due to accessibility and road conditions. We grew increasingly tired of having to stick to tarred roads and constantly having to research the road conditions to ensure they would be suitable for a normal sedan. That’s when we decided to bite the bullet and buy a Suzuki Jimny. We had our hearts set on a Chiffon Ivory Metallic or Jungle Green Jimny, but back then getting on the list for the next shipment of Jimnys was the priority. When we finally…

Bigger, bolder, smoother ARB’s Old Man Emu brand, known globally as a leader in off-road suspension systems, has released a new shock absorber specifically designed for the rigours of overland travel. Since overlanding often means long distances and heavier loads, Old Man Emu took features from 45 years of Nitrocharger production and 10 years of ultra-high performance BP-51 manufacturing and combined them into the MT64. The Nitrocharger is the brand’s reliable ‘set-and-forget’ upgrade for OE shocks, while the BP-51 offers adjustability with remote reservoirs and the ability to run all day in the desert. The MT64 now takes attributes from both and combines them in one monotube shock. The configurable MT64 dampers are engineered to handle heavy loads, long distances, rough roads, and heat – making them the ultimate all-round…

The Jeep brand recently celebrated the sale of the five millionth Wrangler, which was bought by a customer in Camden, New Jersey. The Wrangler is the natural heir of the legendary Willys, the vehicle that has inspired the spirit and soul of the brand. The first Wrangler, with the model code YJ, entered into production 37 years ago at the American Motors Corporation factory. The YJ went on to sell 630 000 units between 1987 and 1995. It was followed by the TJ in 1996, the JK in 2006 and the JL in 2017.…

How cool is this? It’s Citroën’s Type Holidays van, a concept that combines the iconic Citroën Type H with the more modern SpaceTourer. The Type Holidays offers all the advantages of the Citroën SpaceTourer, namely spaciousness, comfort, quiet operation, two sliding side doors for easy access and ventilation, an independently opening tailgate window, and more. Everything that up to four people might need to get away from it all. It also boasts all the equipment needed for an ideal travel experience. A pop-up roof allows you to stand upright in the living space, which houses a large bed to accomodate two people in night mode. In addition, a two-row bench seat – which is completely removable to free up storage space – opens up to form a comfortable two-person bed.…

For a long time, I have thought that my next bakkie would be the Toyota Hilux Legend 2.8 GD-6. I used to own a Hilux Legend 45, powered by a 3.0 D-4D engine which only pushed out 120kW compared to the 150kW-plus of the 2.8 GD-6. That extra power would have come in very handy when towing the heavy overlanding camper trailers and caravans we tested from time to time. However, after spending 10 days and over 3 500km behind the wheel of the new limited edition Hilux Raider X, I have to admit that I have changed my mind. But first, let me tell you about my Legend 45, nicknamed the Red Devil – it was my pride and joy. Sure, it only delivered 120kW and 380Nm of peak…

The Invader Quattro is a big and spacious camper trailer, with space for four people to sleep comfortably. With a GVM of 1 500kg it’s certainly not light, but it doesn’t feel heavy behind your vehicle. The wheels are situated to the rear, making it very stable and easy to manoeuvre through the bush. Setting up camp took us about 10 minutes in the beginning but after about three setups we managed to get it down to less than five minutes. The inside is spacious and there are ample storage cupboards for clothes and groceries. There is also a basin and a porta-potty installed, which comes in very handy at night when the wildlife might be a bit too close to wander outside. Bedding is located in the split lid…

Dullstroom (Mpumalanga) With its scenic hikes, horse riding trails and picnic spots beside breathtaking waterfalls, not to mention a bunch of interesting shops and great places to dine, Dullstroom is a daytrippers’ dream. Situated at 2 100m above sea level (one of the highest town in the country), it is South Africa’s premier trout-fishing destination and the town dates back to the early 1880's. *For more information: www.dullstroom.info Kaapschehoop (Mpumalanga) With its misty mountains and high rainfall, the charming little town has a cozy ambience and is the nature lover's dream destination. It is probably best known for its wild, free-roaming horses, but it is also rich in history and local art. Various leisure activities are offered and there are numerous local restaurants and quaint shops to explore. *For more…

A while ago we approached well-known motoring journalist, Ferdi de Vos, to help us put together an all-terrain tyre test since the last one was done back in 2017 and tyres have actually came a long way since then. It took a few months to get all our ducks in a row as we wanted to ensure a fair competition and as such, include most of the relevant players in the industry. The 2023 All-Terrain Tyre Test, sponsored by Tiger Wheel & Tyre, took place at Klipbokkop, just outside Worcester in the Western Cape during September. All tyre manufacturers were invited to participate and attend the three days of testing. Apart from one brand not being able to obtain stock in time and another pulling out during the testing phase,…

Nobody wants to be caught in a situation where they excitedly arrive at their camping destination only to realise their tent has been damaged. If your tent can’t give you the necessary protection and shelter you need, you may have to cancel your trip and head back home, or spend a fortune on alternative accommodation or a new tent you didn’t budget for. Do your homework After purchasing the tent that suits both your needs and budget, you should take it for a ‘test drive’ before heading out on your first adventure. Regardless of the type of tent you settled on – a lighter, more compact nylon tent or a more sturdy canvas dome tent – most of the same rules apply. You should fully pitch your tent at home…

Is there anything to be said when it comes to sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) that hasn’t already been repeated ad nauseum? Sure, this market segment is the best thing since vanilla ice cream and continues to outsell traditional family sedans at a breakneck pace, but it’s all just rinse and repeat at this point. There is hardly ever a month going by that a new SUV model, slated as the next big thing, is not launched. So, what makes the Alfa Romeo Stelvio stand out from the crowd? Its makers say that it offers perfect weight balance, first-class driving dynamics, best-in-segment technological and engineering solutions, as well as timeless beauty. Is this really the case, though? I took it on a road trip to Dullstroom to find out. First impressions count…