Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2018 i Go! Drive & Camp

When I was at school, we had to sit patiently through the annual prize-giving, listening to the headmaster's yearly report before all the academic and sports trophies – and the all-important certificates for attendance – were handed out, and the following year’s prefects were announced. (By the way, was I the only one who thought that Victor and Victrix Ludorum were a brother and sister who broke some or other impressive sports record back in the 60’s?) In his annual report, the headmaster would give a blow-by-blow account of everything that had happened at school during the year. Not a single event – no matter how seemingly insignificant – was excluded from this. “Early in June the urinals in the boys' bathroom on the first floor were upgraded, thanks to…

If you haven’t heard of Stealth Caravans yet, it’s probably because they’re brand new. We asked you to share your thoughts on their first prototype, the Evolution XR6. Benita Trytsman Is there a fridge inside? The outside is really great, while the inside is not what we’re used to; but things change, and can’t always stay the  same. Izak Holtzhausen It’s really pretty… the cabin works for me! Follow @wegrysleep on Instagram and mark your photos with #wegrysleep, and we might repost them on our stream or feature them here. Gerhard Besselsen I don’t like the little pop-up roof. Pieter Le Maitré Are they going to build a caravan as large as the Penta, Classique and Palma? Marliese Olivier The outside is very attractive, but those cupboards inside aren’t exactly…

Conqueror is going to add four more bush caravan models to its existing range. According to Philip de Vries, managing director, these new caravans will be super-luxurious; but he didn’t want to give too much away about the materials that they will be using. He did reveal that for these caravans Conqueror will be moving away from the traditional steel and aluminium hull, and have imported a non-metal material that is light, yet surprisingly strong. Because the material is naturally white in colour, the caravans will be left unpainted. Best of all is that, thanks to this material, Conqueror is considering providing a lifetime warranty. Three of the four models in the new range are aimed at families of four, with the smallest one designed for just two people. The…

Campsite More than 80 paved campsites with power and a braai. Remember your grid. Shade is sparse. Ablutions 5 ablution blocks that vary in size. Mostly neat and tidy. Price R323-R485 per campsite for 2 people. After that it’s an extra R89 p.p. (R45 for children). You also pay a daily conservation fee of R55 (R28 for children). Contact 012 428 9111 (central bookings) reservations@sanparks.org sanparks.org Nearest town Storms River 16 km. Road conditions Tar road until you reach your campsite. GPS S34.022394 E23.896270 go! Drive & Camp says If you’re keen for adventure, you can book a kayaking experience on the river mouth. It costs R600 p.p.…

Campsite You have a choice between the bush camp with private ablutions, and the river campsites where you need to be completely self-sufficient. Ablution facilities Private, with hot water, shower and toilets. Or bring your own shower, if you’re pitching at the river camp. Price Bush camp R120-R200 p.p.p.n. depending on the season; river camp R110 p.p.p.n. (R100 for pensioners, but only during the week and off-season). The conservation fee for Dinokeng is R40 p.p.p.d. (R25 for children). Arrival and departure times During season 2pm and 12pm; out of season 2 pm and 2 pm. You can organise to leave later, as long as no one has booked the site after you. Road condition Highway until the Hammanskraal turn-off; after that it’s a good tar road into the reserve, and…

4x4, low-range or diff lock? You’ll definitely need 4x4 and some of the obstacles also require low-range, but you should be okay without a diff-lock. Maximum number of vehicles allowed? Unlimited. Do I get a map? Yes. Will I scratch my vehicle? Unlikely. Should I take a compressor? Not necessary. Can we braai next to the road? No, only at the picnic sites or in the camps. Can I turn around halfway? Yes. Is there cellphone reception? A weak signal THE TRAIL  Best time to go? October to March, when the veld is at its most beautiful and the dam is full from the summer rain. Can I take my family? Absolutely! For the day or the weekend? Definitely a weekend. Are there ablution facilities? Yes, at the campsites Directions…

SKURWEKOP CAMPSITE Even flow at Skurwekop This place is next to the Breede River, at the foot of a high mountain peak. The campsite gets its name from this summit, because from a distance it appears as if there are round marbles in wave patterns etched into the side. When you check in at reception, you get your ablution block key, a sticker with your campsite number which you need to apply to your rear window, and a roll of toilet paper. Make sure your cellphone is always charged, otherwise you won’t be able to get in or out of the gate. You dial the number on the sign at the entrance to get in, and if the office computer recognises your number, it opens the gate automatically. Impressive. Order,…

Quantum Leisure has gained ground in the local market; and after being open for business for little more than a year, this manufacturer has to scramble to keep up with demand. When you take a good look at Quantum’s caravans, it’s easy to see why they’re so popular: the workmanship is of outstanding quality. The trademark feature of Quantum’s products is the finishing on the hull’s outer layer. Instead of using go-to aluminium, Jurie Pienaar – the man behind the winning formula – uses fibreglass, a material that’s also popular in the European market. The side panels, front and rear, and the roof are all manufactured from a single sheet of fibreglass. Jurie does use aluminium and solid, waterproof, high-density wood where the roof and walls meet. The outside kitchen…

GINGER GAMMON Ham it up This ginger gammon can be made at home and frozen; then all you need to do is heat it up over the coals on Christmas Day. Ingredients (serves 6) 1,5 kg ham, deboned (gammon) 3 carrots, roughly chopped 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped 2 onions, peeled & halved 4 cups ginger beer 2 cups water or stock (use chicken or vegetable stock) 5 black peppercorns Here’s how 1 Place the gammon in a large pot with the carrots, celery and onions. Add the ginger beer. Then add the water or stock until the gammon is entirely covered. Add pepper to taste. 2 Bring the pot to the boil and cover with a tight-fitting lid before reducing the heat so that the pot can simmer slowly…

DATES 25 February to 2 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 guesthouses 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 Bhejane on 044 535 9033 or e-mail bookings@bhejane.com . Find out more at www.bhejane.com…

No fear of a flat tyre A girl’s got to be tough out here in the Kalahari, whether you’re dressed for a party or not. We farm 80 km outside of Askham, and those who are familiar with this part of the world will know that no place is “just around the corner”. My three-year-old daughter Elmé and I recently visited my friend Petra Knoetze’s. Petra and her husband live about 70 km on the opposite side of Askham, which means that it’s roughly 150 km from our place to hers. We are used to these distances, but on the way back, near the Grootaar Pan, I could feel the bakkie shuddering, so I stopped. The right rear tyre was flat, but of course there’s nothing unusual about that around…

The past two weeks in the life of yours truly have been fantastic. The first week was spent crossing the Makgadigadi pans in Botswana. I did this trip in my fully-equipped Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4x4. It’s a proper overlanding bush truck. The following week I jetted off to Melbourne, Australia for our annual Ironman 4x4 Board meeting; and as luck would have it, I got the opportunity to briefly drive the new Ranger Raptor. Both were wonderful experiences, and sitting behind the wheels of these two vehicles in such quick succession was a great opportunity for me to draw some comparisons. “Sitting behind the wheels of these two vehicles in such quick succession was a great opportunity for me to draw some comparisons.” Both of these trucks are obviously Ford…

Sand, rock, gravel, grass and mud are just a few examples of how varied off-road terrain can be – not to mention that many of these surfaces vary in depth and consistency. Given this nearly infinite range of terrain possibilities, it’s no wonder that tyre manufacturers don’t quote off-road traction figures. In fact, the only recognised tyre-traction test is one that’s conducted on asphalt (tar); and even then, the asphalt has to comply with a globally recognised (industry) standard. Considering the above, the subject of traction is the most controversial of all tyre-design topics – particularily off-road, where many terrain types are loose in terms of traction, as opposed to firm, like asphalt. Because of this, off-road tyres need to possess design features that address the added problem of loose,…

Campsite 116 campsites of which 33 are situated next to the river. All campsites have power and aren’t far from a tap, but not all of them have shade. Ablutions: 3 neat and modern ablution blocks. Price R101-R172 p.p.p.n. depending on when you’re camping. In peak season you’ll pay between R908-R1 170 for the first 4 people, and R146 p.p. after that. Contact 044 535 2034 of 012 423 5600 (central bookings) plett@foreversa.co.za foreverplettenberg.co.za Nearest town Plettenberg Bay, 8 km. Road condition Tar road all the way. GPS S34.000260 E23.398871 go! Drive & Camp says There’s a special long-term price for pensioners, but it’s not valid during peak season.…

Campsites 85 stands; those along the sea have a concrete slab surrounded by grass, and the ones in the middle are on grass. There’s no shade here. Ablutions 2 clean and neat ablution blocks. Only one of these is open outside of season. Price R300-R750 per stand for 2 people, depending on when you’re there. After that it’s R50-100 p.p.p.n. (free for children under 4). Maximum 6 people per stand. Arrival and departure time 2 pm and 10 am. Contact 044 383 0035 buffalobay.co.za Nearest town The caravan park is in Buffelsbaai. Road conditions Tar until you reach the gate. GPS S34.08908 E22.97613 go! Drive & Camp says Bring enough cash with you to cover your campsite fees, because this caravan park doesn’t have card facilities.…

Fish Among others, carp, black bass, eel and barbel Campsite 62 campsites on grass with an additional space for a group of 10 caravans Ablution facilities Clean and spacious ablution block, and toilet stalls on the outskirts of the campsite Price R265-R530 per site per night, depending on number of people, with a maximum of 4, R130 extra per person over 12, and R69 under 12. Arrival and departure times 12 pm and 11 am. (and up to 5 pm on weekends). Contact 023 626 5588; info@skurwekop.co.za skurwekop.co.za Nearest town Robertson, 8 km Road conditions Tar road all the way. GPS S33.824761 E19.809356 go! Drive & Camp says The perfect place to teach your kids to fish.…

“Anyone will easily find their place and pace in the new Touareg, if you look at the number of settings available on the driver’s side. Once you’ve made yourself comfortable, you soon realise that this engine doesn’t have a lazy bolt in its body: It can tow until the cows come home. But we all know that a large engine with this sort of power means only one thing, and that’s a heavy bill at the fuel station. The power has to come from somewhere… (Judging by the computer’s “1000 km” remaining in the tank, it must have a very large fuel tank). We chose to tackle the Franschhoek Pass to see how it fared towing on the steep inclines. Even if you’re flying with the caravan in tow, you’re…

Length 6,55 m Width 2,4 m Height 2,55 m Ceiling height inside 1,9 m Tare weight 1 360 kg Payload 300 kg GVM 1 660 kg Price R349 500 Plus The bunk bed is practical and saves space. The external storage unit is big enough for bulky camping stuff. It has both internal and external kitchens. A big plus is the many power points in the caravan. The lighting is excellent, from the reading lights to the room lights. Minus The bathroom is small, and doesn’t have a shower. The bunkbed doesn’t have a ladder. Venetian blinds would perhaps be a better option than traditional curtains. go! Drive & Camp says You can also fit a two-bike bicycle rack on the Comfort, for an extra R2 250. go!…

Pincushion of light With just one photo, Renette Botha from Pretoria managed to capture all the beauty of the Magoebaskloof forests. “For my birthday, my husband Jacques spoilt me, and we spent the long weekend in the area around Magoebaskloof and Haenertsburg. We went driving through the forests, among other things, to see the variety of flora. At one place I noticed how the rays of sun broke through the trees…and this was the moment that I grabbed my cellphone to snap this shot. The lines, colours and sunshine work together perfectly in this image. You realise just how magnificent nature is when you look back at photos like these.” As a rule, a photo should have a focal point, as this is what first draws your eye. Renette’s photo…

A friendly woman at reception pushes my proof of payment across the counter towards me, along with a photocopied map of the grounds. “You’re here,” she says, indicating “here” with an orange highlighter. “Drive through the gate and follow the road to the swimming pools,” she explains, dragging the broad orange line up and along the road on the map. “Here you’ll turn left, and drive over the little bridge and past the putt-putt course and kiosk until you get to the campsite. Because it’s so quiet at the moment, only the top bathrooms are open.” “Which stand are we on?” I ask, as my misgivings grow. But I already know what her answer will be. “Sir, you’re welcome to choose any spot,” she says – and my stomach turns,…

Liz-Mari wins a Booxe Original Boot Box, valued at R1 695. This handy storage chest fits in the boot well of a Toyota Fortuner, and sits level with the floor when the lid is closed. It’s just the job for storing your recovery equipment and emergency kit. Made of durable ABS plastic with aluminium hinges, it’s more than just storage – there’s space for the kids’ sports kit, your spare gym clothes, or those valuables you’d prefer to be kept out of sight. The Booxe Ultimate Boot Box fits other vehicle makes. Visit booxe.co.za…

The recent turmoil at the Jurgens Ci factory in Ga-Rankuwa threatens to throw the legacy of Geert, Dirk and Rieks Jurgens under the bus. The Jurgenses built their first caravan – which was drawn by two horses – in the Netherlands in 1938, and immigrated to South Africa in 1950. Their original local offerings were bread delivery wagons and mobile libraries, but in 1952 their first caravan, the Bokkie, rolled out of their Germiston factory. “The Jurgenses built their first caravan – which was drawn by two horses – in the Netherlands in 1938, and immigrated to South Africa in 1950.” Their caravans, and the wheels of time, rolled on; and Jurgens, or Jurgens Ci as the company later became known, came to establish itself as the foremost manufacturer in…

Custom Canopies has created a luxury version of the Lion’s Den De-lux bush trailer. According to Jan Venter, owner of Custom Canopies, this model will be known as the Lion’s Den Supreme, and boasts five new features that the De-lux model doesn’t have – including, among other things, a gas braai that slides straight out of the hull. As with the other models, the outer kitchen is in the tail, where a door lifts upwards to form a roof over the kitchen. Two spare wheels are mounted on this door (the De-lux’s spare wheel is on the A-frame). Gas struts help support the door, and you don’t have to be the size of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson to lift it. The Supreme has space for an 82 ℓ fridge/freezer, compared…

A new edition of South Africa’s favourite van, the Volkswagen Caravelle, was released recently. The PanAmericana combines the comfort of the Caravelle with Volkswagen’s tried-and-tested 4Motion all-wheel drive – almost like the old Syncro. This edition boasts underbody protection, stone-guard plastic film along the lower sides of the bodywork, and 17” Devonport alloy wheel rims. Besides these practical additions there are also cosmetic differences, such as tinted windows and brake lights, a chrome grille, and  PanAmericana decals. The vehicle is specifically designed for gravel roads – just don’t go too crazy, because the ground clearance is basically unchanged. Stainless steel floor panels don’t just give it a butch appearance; they also resist mud-smeared hiking boots and dirty mountain bikes. The Caravelle PanAmericana is powered by Volkswagen’s 2.0 BiTDI-4Motion engine (132…

“It’s our first time her e, and we had a great camping experience. There’s enough to keep the kids busy for hours, and the men caugh t some good grunters for the braai. The facilities are clean and neat, and we felt safe. That peace of mind is impor tant to us. We do have to mention that the wind caught us off guard sometimes.”…

Over the past few years, the Dinokeng Game Reserve has become a popular weekend and holiday destination – for two primary reasons: firstly, you’ll spot the Big 5 here; and secondly, Gautengers can reach it in under two hours. It’s the only Big 5 reserve in the country that’s within a developed metropolitan area, and since it opened in 2001 there’s been an ever-increasing number of both tourists and animals around here. You start spotting game as soon as you’re through the gate, on the side of the tar road. So keep your binoculars and camera ready, because you never know what might cross your path – literally. It’s in this region that Devon and Sherri Symons built the Kyleu Bush Camp, and it’s one of just a handful of…

“The beautiful mountains around the Little Karoo town of Montagu are the stuff of legend, rejuvenating some and giving others the inspiration to write poems. And after hearing about Montague Guano Caves via word of mouth, we (three couples and five children) set out from Cape Town in the direction of Worcester along the N1, passing through Robertson and Ashton on the R62, en route to Montagu. The turn-off to Guano Caves is about 8 km after you pass through Montagu itself on the R62. The road is tarred all the way, and the gravel road from the gate to the campsite was no effort for our Toyota Hilux and Venter trailer. What’s it like? The campsite is at the foot of the Guano Caves Mountain with lots of trees…

Try this flavoursome and easy prawn-on-a-stick as a starter and enjoy with a glass of white wine. You’ll never want to open a packet of chips again. Ingredients 1 box of prawns, with heads and tails, but insides removed The juice and zest of two lemons 1 cup of cream 1 cup of butter Here’s how 1 Start by putting the prawn tail on a bamboo kebab stick so that they’re stretched out along the length of the stick. 2 Put the lemon juice and zest in a pot, and cook until about half the liquid has reduced. Add the cream and reduce it by half again. Remove the mixture from the heat and whisk the butter in incrementally until it forms a sauce. 3 Braai the prawns over relatively…

What does the book say? Fuel Diesel Engine 2,967 ℓ Cylinders V6 Power 190 kW @ 3 250-4 250 rpm Torque 600 Nm @ 2 550-3 250 rpm Transmission 8-speed automatic (DSG, Tiptronic) Drive Train All-wheel Tare 1 930 kg GVM 2 810 kg GCM 6 310 kg Wading depth 570 mm (air suspension). Towing ability for trailer with overrun brakes Up to 3 500 kg Dimensions 4 878 mm (l), 5 008 mm with the tow bar; 1 984 mm (b); 1 702 mm (h) Axle distance 2 894 mm Track width 1 669-1 653 mm (front); 1 658-1 669 mm (rear) Ground clearance Not available Fuel tank 90 ℓ Standard price (new) From R1 142 200 Price (second hand) On Autotrader, we found a 2018 model with just…

“I’ve been a teacher, tour guide, guesthouse manager, salesman, restaurant owner twice, coffee-shop owner twice, and even developed a children’s nature awareness programme. Needless to say, I love reinventing myself, and have been fortunate enough to be fairly successful in some ventures and excellent in others. I loved the restaurant and coffee-shop businesses, but the hours and rentals are tiresome and prohibitive; so when I started ZA Café Mobile, I was looking for fun and an adventure that could generate the lifestyle I wanted. It would be a mobile eatery and coffee stop that could also double as a travelling marketing vehicle. This means I can stop outside a barber or design emporium or small material shop, and in exchange for electricity and water, I can help promote the business…