Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2018 i Go! Drive & Camp

It’s September – and if my memory of primary school geography isn’t letting me down, that’s officially the beginning of spring. Which means the winter is over. Which also means you can start paying some serious attention to your travel and camping plans. I’ve been busy planning my family holidays for the foreseeable future, and I’m inclined to go north: to Namibia and/or Botswana. After reading Evan’s tale on p. 50, I have to say I was convinced we should follow his route and visit Oranjemund for the first time, and explore the world around the Sperrgebiet. But then Mike and Lettie Henery’s story of their trip to the Guma Lagoon in northern Botswana (p. 74) landed on my desk. I’ve never been there, but it’s undoubtedly a must-visit destination…

Hein Hanekom It would be suitable for a civil servant’s salary. Hannes Crouse The only time this car would use 4x4 is to get over speed bumps. Francois Fouche No… it takes the essence of what makes a Lambo away. Brendan Labuschagne If you want to tow your caravan at 300 km/h, then it’s the car for you. KC Gericke It’s a cry for help… I’d rather buy a Range Rover. Andre van Greunen I reckon this car is only for the politicians. Follow @wegrysleep on Instagram and mark your photos with #wegrysleep, and we might repost them on our stream or feature them here. HOW DO YOU CAMP? JOIN OUR CHAT ON THE WEB Check out our website weg.co.za  On Facebook facebook.com/go Drive & Camp Subscribe at mysubs.co.za/godriveandcamp…

A camping holiday at the sea is about much more than beaches with umbrellas, volleyball, and ice creams gritty with sand. If you get the time and place right, you can camp in peace and enjoy everything the South Coast has to offer, without having to fight for a spot to unfurl your beach towel and unpack your picnic basket. PARADISE CARAVAN PARK The promised land If you’re looking for a beach holiday on the South Coast, close to all the famous tourist spots but secluded enough so you aren’t trampled by the masses, Paradise is the place for you. A narrow, one-way road winds up a steep hill from the busy R61, in between indigenous trees and the odd banana tree, until eventually you see the park’s entrance in…

Campsite 41 stands on grass, all with power sockets, garbage cans and taps that are shared. Not all stands have the same amount of shade. Ablution facilities 4 neat, newish ablution blocks of varying sizes. Price Between R400 and R660 per stand per night, depending on the season. (Maximum 7 people) Arrival and departure times 2 pm and 10 am Contact 039 311 2211, 083 609 3429 oldpont.co.za thepont@mgmholdings.co.za Nearest beach Dassiestrand, 7 km Road condition Tar all the way GPS S31.065861 E30.180569 go! Drive & Camp says During the day, when people are romping around on the water, it’s a busy place; but at night you can enjoy the tranquillity of the river flowing past in front of you.…

Best time: In the winter months the weather is much milder than the scorching summer heat, but if you want to avoid holiday traffic it’s best not to travel in June and July. Your vehicle: you don’t need a full-on 4x4 to tackle the dirt roads, but you will definitely need low range in the dunes outside Oranjemund. You can hitch your caravan or off-road trailer without worry, because this route is ideal for towing. On the border: bring your passport (valid for at least six months), an unabridged birth certificate for minors travelling with you, and your vehicle documentation. At the border you’ll pay a road-use tariff of R295 per vehicle and R188 per caravan. Fuel and provisions: There is no shortage of filling stations: Springbok, Port Nolloth, Alexander…

Agritourism may be a new trend, but a long time has passed since former farmers Tot and Isabel Fourie decided to focus their attention on tourism rather than farming with cattle and flowers on their patch of land on the Whale Trail. At Strandskloof Park’s main gate and reception, you’re warmly welcomed by Anjé Badenhorst. She hands you a map of the resort indicating your stand. You also receive an electronic tag that allows you to open the main gate at any time should you want to leave or enter the resort. If this is your first visit, Anjé will show you where the swimming pools, ablution facilities and kiddies’ playground are. You can also rent a blue caravan-type electrical adapter from her. This is what camping is all about…

Campsite 69 stands, different sizes, and all on grass. Ablution facilities Two clean blocks and toilets at the kiosk and function venue. Price Out of season R300 p.n. per stand (4 people and 1 vehicle) and then R40 p.p. (maximum 6 per stand). On long weekends and holidays, it’s R450 per stand. An extra vehicle is R20 (maximum 2 per stand). Pensioners pay R2 000 a month. Arrival and departure times 1 pm and 11 am. Contact 082 721 4381 info@strandskloofpark.co.za strandskloofpark.co.za Road condition The shortest route from Cape Town is to Bot River via the N2. Then head south on the R43 through Hermanus and Stanford. It’s tar road all the way, but if you don’t mind some gravel road, take a shortcut through the beautiful Grootbos Nature Reserve…

“We left home in May with our 2015 Iveco Daily Campervan, and visited quite a few different lodges and campsites before crossing into Botswana, Zambia and then into Malawi. After also stopping off in Mozambique, we arrived back home early in July. Where did you end up? We stayed at Chembe Eagle’s Nest at Cape Maclear in Lake Malawi National Park, for five nights. Where did you hear about this place? We researched it on the internet, and also came across it on other travellers’ blogs that we read. What does it look like there? Idyllic. There is a lovely stretch of private beachfront leading down into the lake. The lake temperature varies between 24 °C and 26 °C throughout the year. What do the stands look like? There are…

Fish Black bass, carp, catfish Campsite 80 stands, about 50 of them on the shore. Ablution facilities 13 bathrooms spread out in the resort, so one’s always close. Price R280 per stand per night with electricity (maximum 8 people) Arrival and departure times 7 am and 6 pm Contact 013 282 7816 or 082 563 5631 admin2@pienaardamresort.co.za pienaardam.co.za Road condition Tar all the way to the resort. GPS S25.835712 E29.483410 go! Drive & Camp says Come and enjoy the Sunday afternoon buffet from 12 pm at only R95 per head.…

Length 4,855 m Width 2,045 m Height 2,25 m Apex inside 2,23 m Tare weight 1 380 kg Payload 420 kg GVM 1 800 kg Price From R306 092 Plus The corner steadies work without a crank handle. There’s a practical fold-out step that should come standard in all caravans. The same goes for the zip-up mesh doors. The cupboards are large. The kitchen layout is spacious, with clever storage space for the fold-up table. Minus Before opening the fold-out bed you first have to unzip the flysheet bag, or you won’t be able to reach it later. The fold-out bed doesn’t have a light or shelves. go! Drive & Camp says Even though the Commander’s gross vehicle mass is on the high side (1 800 kg), you can tow…

DAY 1 Our adventure starts in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands town of Himeville, where we meet at the Stone House Café. For the rest of the day we do the awe-inspiring drive up Sani Pass. After clearing customs on the South African side, we have a picnic lunch and then make our way up the pass, with more than enough time to enjoy the scenery and take pictures. Our accommodation for the night is the cosy Sani Mountain Lodge. It feels like you’re literally on top of the world at this lodge, which is built on the edge of the Drakensberg and affords breathtaking views into KwaZulu-Natal. DAY 2 Our route to Katse Dam takes us along the highest roads in Southern Africa. We cross the Senqu River, which becomes the…

The extra mile in the Kgalagadi Recently, we had the privilege of visiting the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park for 15 wonderful days. But trouble met us, and we’d like to express our sincere thanks to Nossob’s camp manager, Jaco Filander, and staff members Lesley and Stevan Strauss, Jackie Titus and Evan Bok, plus the other people whose names we don’t know. Our car’s starter motor gave up the ghost at Cubitje Quap waterhole, far from everything. We replaced it barely two years ago and we were very surprised that it was a problem again. With the help of our sons at home, we found a new starter motor in Upington. We then asked Jaco whether he knew of someone who was on the way back from Upington perhaps. Some members of…

I can well imagine that somewhere in the world, there is currently a shortage of eggs; and they are all to be found against the walls at Toyota. Such is this manufacturer’s reputation for reliability that when something does go wrong, just about every Toyota detractor and his dog will climb on the “Bash Toyota” bandwagon. Those of you who read my pieces in this publication may know my feelings towards Toyota vehicles. I wouldn’t easily buy another brand with my own money. I love the Hilux – the looks, the engine and gearbox, the unquestioned reliability and superior resale value. However, I dislike the ride and the low level of luxuries available, and so I drive a Ford Ranger Wildtrak instead. It’s a great truck, full of luxuries, with…

Campsite 40 stands with lawn and shade. Each stand has a power socket and a brick braai. Ablution facilities The ablution facilities are neat and the staff check in often to keep them clean. Price R250–R840 per stand per night, depending on the season and the number of people. Arrival and departure times 2 pm and 10 am Contact 039 313 0655 paradise@megadial.com paradiseholidayresort.co.za Nearest beach Marina Beach 2,5 km Road condition Tar all the way. GPS S30.921171 E30.295222 go! Drive & Camp says Dogs are not allowed during high season, but if you organise with management ahead of time you can bring Rover or Spot at other times of the year.…

The traditional route into the south of Namibia from the Cape is via the N7 and Springbok in the Northern Cape, straight through to the Vioolsdrif border post. On the other side of the border the B1 is the fastest way to Keetmanshoop, Mariental and Windhoek. You’re also able reach popular destinations such as Ai-Ais and the Fish River Canyon in a jiffy, thanks to roads running off the highway. But what about the area west of the C13 road, on the other side of the Fish River? Is there anything to see there? If you want to visit this area it will cost you driving time, and you’ll have to overnight somewhere. For the average traveller on holiday it used to be a headache, because your choices were either…

Ai-Ais Camp on the banks of the Fish River, with braais, ablution facilities, power sockets and the use of facilities such as the hot springs and restaurant. Costs R210 p.p.p.n. GPS S27.922619, E17.489023 Contact 013 751 2220, nwr@nwrnamibia.com Canyon Roadhouse Behind the famous Canyon Roadhouse there are 10 stands (each for up to 10 people) on the banks of the dry riverbed. There are power sockets, ablution facilities, a pool, and a restaurant and bar. Price R195 p.p.p.n. GPS S27.523679, E17.814848 Contact +264 63 683 111, res6@gondwana-collection.com McDougalls Bay Caravan Park The stands here are laid out in a strip right above the beach, and there are few shade trees in the camp. There are power sockets, braais and ablution facilities. Price From R170 p.p.p.n. GPS S29.282587 E16.879876 Contact 027…

Platbos indigenous forest Platbos has been described as a “forest jewel” by botanist Prof Eugene Moll. The forest lies at the foot of the Baviaanspoort hills, about 5 km north of Strandskloof Park. The world around here is known for its fynbos and canola fields, so this natural forest is therefore an unexpected anomaly. Leave your car in the parking lot (S33.63861 E19.19646) and a donation at the visitor’s hut, pick up a route map, and go for it. There is a network of hiking trails in the forest, and if you have the time, you can spend hours in the shade of ancient white milkwood, wild peach and stinkwood trees. Meet a shark Kleinbaai, 12 km south of Strandskloof Park, is home to dozens of great white shark tour…

“Your tyres should have no problem gripping the granite, but do switch to low range and first gear, as you don’t want to rely on your brakes alone” Nelspruit is a popular retreat for holidaymakers travelling from Gauteng to the Kruger National Park. Also, travellers from Mozambique come to Nelspruit via the Maputo Corridor to do their monthly shopping. A mere 10 minutes outside the city you’ll encounter the Schagen Valley. This valley shares its name with a region in the north of the Netherlands (not known for its mountains and valleys); and in the valley you’ll find the hamlet Alkmaar (also a Dutch name). And this is where, on a citrus and macadamia farm with the same name, you’ll find the Alkmaar 4x4 trail. Keep your eyes peeled for…

FISHING RESORT PIENAARDAM LEISURE RESORT Take your pick The Pienaardam Leisure resort is 10 km outside Middelburg, next to the N4 as it stretches from Pretoria to the Lowveld. The resort covers 300 ha and Pienaardam is right in front of you as you enter the resort. The reception office is to the right and the stands begin here, anticlockwise against the shore to the opposite side. Your chances of bagging a stand on the shore are good because 55 of the 80 stands are next to the water. The 17 stands on the opposite side don’t have power sockets. But each of these stands, like all the others, has its own tap as well as a brick braai (with a grid). The stands are mostly on grass, and depending…

“You have to hand it to Volkswagen: Their vehicles really are sophisticated. It’s like instead of a new car I have to learn how to work a computer, because almost everything is electronic. The electronic navigation screen in the centre console is extra-large, and you don’t even have to touch the screen to change settings. You can hover your hand above it and it will detect the movement. An icon in the dashboard turns on when you use the indicators, to show that the caravan’s lights are working. You can move the steering wheel towards you or away. And while you might think that would be done electrically, you’d be wrong: you have to do it by hand. The seat is quite firm where I prefer softer, but it’s not…

WHEN 5–10 November 2018 COST R8 ,125 (excluding VAT) per person and half price for children under 10. THE PRICE INCLUDES Specialist Guide and Bhejane Crew Tented accommodation for six nights All camping and entrance fees All advertised activities Three meals per day and coffee or tea all day in the campsites WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING A 4x4 with good ground clearance and a low-range gearbox Camping chairs Drinks and snacks Yes, I want to go! To book, call 044 535 9033 or e-mail bookings@bhejane.com  Find out more at bhejane.com…

DATES 11-16 March 2019 TOUR PRICE R 8,950 per person (children under 10 @ 50%) THE TOUR PRICE INCLUDES Lodge and guesthouse accommodation for five nights. Breakfast and supper at the guest-houses every day, and during the daily excursions the Bhejane guide and his assistant will be preparing picnic lunches for you. WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING Valid passports and documentation required at the border post, and any cross-border charges. Your own 4x4 vehicle and fuel. Yes, I want to go! To book, call 044 535 9033 or e-mail bookings@bhejane.com  Find out more at bhejane.com…

A look from inside The photography bug has bitten Desiré Smith of Krugersdorp. After initially using her husband André’s camera, she soon bought her own. “I took this picture in Heidelberg while on honeymoon. The window with the mirror and the sink drew my attention, and I wanted to capture it. For exposure, I played around with the camera’s settings because I really only knew how to use the camera on my phone then. “The picture turned out so lovely, and I’m quite sentimental about it –firstly because it was one of my first ones with this kind of camera, and secondly because of where I took it. My mother, Sarie Horn, saw the picture and painted the scene for our first joint Christmas gift.” At first glance, Desiré’s photo…

Next to, rather than in between Following Mic’s column “Tow ball weights and your suspension” in the May issue, I’d like to share my thoughts. My brother fitted extra air bladders to his Land Cruiser 200, and they appear to work well. I decided to fit them to my Hilux D-4D double cab too. They sit on the rear axle by the leaf springs, but they were a disappointment. The air bladders were fitted between the leaf spring and the chassis, and reduced the suspension’s travel by 6 cm. I think in this way it reduces the burden on the leaf springs instead of supporting them. So when the springs are fully compressed, they impact with the air bladder as opposed to the chassis. I decided to remove the bladders…

Every year, in America, more than 60 million tourists visit places such as stud farms and wine estates. It is estimated that such destinations earn billions of dollars from agritourism. In some countries, including Britain and Italy, many farmers make more profit from agritourism than from their traditional farming activities. In South Africa, we don’t have authoritative figures on the size of the local agritourism industry. Farmstay ( farmstay.co.za) has been around more than a decade, but it’s not well-known in the camping community. Farmstay has just over 280 farms listed across all nine provinces. In all of Gauteng there are a mere 22 options available. “In some countries, including Britain and Italy, many farmers make more profit from agritourism than from their traditional farming activities.” However, there is a…

Campsite 87 stands on lawn, with electricity and shade but no braai. Ablution facilities Three dated ablution blocks, but very clean and tidy. Price Between R150 and R300 p.p.p.n. depending on the season. During the December holiday there’s a minimum price of R900 per stand per night, and also a minimum of 15 nights. Arrival and departure times 10 am and 10 am Contact 039 313 0511, portocall.co.za portocall@telkomsa.net Nearest beach Trafalgar, 100 m Road condition Tar to the turn-off. GPS S30.954195 E30.300211 go! Drive & Camp says If you visit out of season chances are good that you’ll be the only person here, and then you have the campsite all to yourself.…

The Oranjemund Off Road Club has a rally every six weeks, in which members drive in the dunes. If you’re in the area on one of these dates, you’re welcome to join; it’s R100 per vehicle. You can get hold of Dewald van Jaarsveld at infotech@iway.na for the calendar. If the dates don’t work for you, or if you want to arrange a solo trip, you must organise with Dewald at least two weeks in advance. Fanie Smit of Op My Stoep Lodge also offers half-day guided 4x4 trips in the dunes at R250 p.p. (minimum of 4), and includes snacks and cooldrinks. You can also overnight in the dunes, and Fanie will braai for you and make a champagne breakfast the following morning. Costs are R980 p.p. +264 6323…

Maximum number of vehicles Unlimited. Do I get a map? Yes. Will my vehicle get scratched? Unlikely. Do I need a compressor? Not necessary. Can we braai on the trail? Yes, but only with gas. Can I turn around halfway? Yes. Cellphone reception? Yes. AROUND THE ROUTE Best time to go? January to April. Take my family? Yes, definitely. Just for a day or make a weekend of it? Day visitors are welcome, but a weekend is recommended Ablution facilities? Yes. Directions From Johannesburg take the N12 in the direction of Witbank, then the N4 east, towards Nelspruit. Alkmaar lies about 16 km before Nelspruit on the N4. Look out for the Alkmaar Kwanyoni Lodge sign post. GPS S25.45007 E30.82536 Cost? R250 per vehicle (free for guests). Contact 083 305…

Options galore Fishing is good fun, but it does have one drawback: A fishing rod is long, and makes packing a caravan difficult. While it doesn’t take up much space, it is fragile – especially the tip – and it’s easily damaged. Ironman 4x4 has just the answer, with their Travel Master Multi-Rod set. This set comes in its own case and folds up so small, you can carry it with you anywhere you go. The multi-rod is made out of solid carbon fibre and consists of various pieces that fit into each other. You can make no fewer than 36 different combinations with all the pieces. The set has six loose pieces to make rods of different lengths and three tips with differing flexibility, as well as two types…

When they visited Botswana for the first time in 2010, the Guma Lagoon was high on the Henerys’ campsite list. They never made it, though – because their son, Wayne, contracted malaria in the Tsodilo Hills and was taken to the Delta hospital in Maun for treatment. So the Henerys had to cancel their booking at Guma. However, when they decided to head to Namibia and Botswana with their friends Hannes and Mary-Ann van den Berg from Carltonville last December, the Guma Lagoon made the list again. And this time, they wouldn’t let anything get in their way. Lettie explains… And so we sat... “We turn off at Etsha 13 from the A35, and follow the dirt road to the village. There are no clear directions to Guma, and Mike…

We’ve come a long way since the basic scissor and bottle jacks commonly found in many vehicles of yesteryear. Trolley jacks are the next best thing if you have a regular sedan, but those require a near-perfect surface to work on, and are limited in terms of lifting height. What if you have a 4x4 with raised suspension, and are fond of heading out into the wild? You’re going to need something with a little more substance, so we’ve picked out a few of the farm jacks and air jacks available on our market to suit your taste and budget. OLD-SCHOOL COOL T-Max 60-inch farm jack If you’re the type who likes to head for the rocky mountains and aren’t a soft-surface fan, then the T-Max 60-incher could be your…