Table of contents for May 2019 in SA4x4

The adventurers who tell their stories in the pages of this magazine have done extraordinary things. To skip the humdrum routine of ordinary life and pursue a vision takes both courage and planning. It’s true that 4x4 feats might not match the achievements of such local heroes as Chris Bertish, who supped across the Atlantic, Riaan Manser, who has kayaked and cycled all around this continent, or Peter van Kets, who keeps racking up human-powered endurance milestones in exotic places. Wheeled pursuits give you a little more time to contemplate; and you don’t have to be a super-fit athlete to get your fill of adventure. You also don’t need to have a fat wallet or masses of gear, which is precisely what makes Johan Louw’s story so inspiring. His wanderlust…

With its coarse dark fur, and long ‘hangdog’ face the Chacma Baboon (Papio ursinus) is an easily recognisable bushveld inhabitant. Less well known is the origin of its name. The word “chacma” is derived from the Khoikhoi name for baboon, choa kamma, possibly onomatopoeic for their barking call; whilst the word baboon is derived from the French babouin, a name given to them by French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (Whew! No wonder he is referred to only as Buffon in most literature!). Modern baboons evolved as a distinct lineage prior to 2.5 mya. However, only with the advent of mitochondrial DNA testing was it revealed that approximately 1.5 mya a deep split arose in the Chacma lineages; resulting in the northern (Chacma ursinus griseipes) and the southern (Chacma…

BRIGHT IDEA Keep your overland rig well-lit with a couple of these 12-28V powered, 40 degree LED lights from Lumeno LED. You can have them in pure white or dual white and amber, and to ensure they survive any expedition, they’re IP67 certified. Naturally, they’re extremely bright as well, blasting out 1450 lumens per unit. From R490 011 452 2855 / 011 452 5380 orders@lumenoled.co.za www.lumenoled.co.za PRESSURE WASHER There’s nothing quite like a hot shower after a hard day of overlanding, and everyone knows that water pressure is the key to a good rinse. Ironman 4x4’s Eco-Pressure Shower is operated with a simple foot pump linked to a 12L bladder. The trigger-operated head blasts on command, and the unit can handle temperatures up to 50 degrees Celcius. R1050 011 634…

Ten years after its original release in 2009, the popular Duster has sold over a million units and gets its first major refresh since its introduction. The new looks were revealed in October last year, and now Renault has unveiled its flagship new (and only) 4WD version, the 1.5dCi Dynamique. In line with the updates, both the interior and exterior have been updated substantially, while the 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine from the Nissan stable remains. Featuring the same compact dimensions as before, the Duster features a more muscular appearance with the front fascia appearing wider thanks to horizontal lines across the grille and lights. Prominent front and rear skid plates show off the Duster’s off-road credentials while the fresh new 17-inch wheels follow trends in the industry toward sensible lower-profile…

Many people believe that sleeping in a tent on the ground is more dangerous than sleeping in a rooftop tent. That, I think, is a bit of a misconception. Whether venturing into the bush in a 4x4 or on my motorbike, I always either ground-camp, or simply sleep beneath a tarp. Apart from being bothered by the odd bug or two, and mosquitoes, I never really feel vulnerable. But, if you do, here are my top tips for ground camping. Location Select a site away from animal activity. If there are footprints, droppings, recently flattened grass, or trees with huge great gouge marks running down the trunk where an animal has tried sharpening its claws, I’d be inclined to look elsewhere. Water holes, game trails, or trees with any kind…

Do you have a magic shot in your photo collection that captures the essence of overland travel? SA4x4 is keen to promote adventure travel the world over, and to share those amazing memories with all our readers. Trawl your image banks and share those moments in time on Instagram, along with your name and a short description of what you are seeing and where. Action, wildlife, landscapes – we want to see it all. Just make sure to tag us! Remember, this is last chance to enter! Take a look at some of this month’s best entries: Congratulations to our eleventh and penultimate #SA4x4OverlandImages Instagram competition winner, Dimitri Fogg! He’s been submitting images of his new Suzuki Jimny for a few months now, and he’s finally cracked it. Well done,…

Who could say no to an invitation from Isuzu to come and drive their newly-launched mu-X SUV in Mozambique? I certainly couldn’t! After a short redeye flight from Cape Town to King Shaka airport in Durban, we were met by the Isuzu team of Gishma, Ami and Azima, and by Grant, Chris, and “Boats” from Driving Dynamics, who would be our hosts and chaperones for the Isuzu mu-X Mozambique Adventure. Holding up the rear was Fanie, the paramedic, who somehow managed to forget his ambulance in Kosi Bay on the way home. Luckily, this was the only emergency of the entire trip, apart from the headaches of those who partook of one-too-many beverages. Kosie Bay & beyond After a quick briefing from the Driving-Dynamics team at King Shaka Airport, we…

BASICS Date: 7-10 August 2019 Cost: R7 900 per person sharing Includes: Lodge Accommodation, Breakfast & Dinner Excludes: Fuel, Border Costs, Drinks DETAILS Sani Pass is located in the western end of the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, on the road between Underberg and Mokhotlong, Lesotho. It is a route that connects Kwazulu-Natal and Lesotho, and a notoriously dangerous road, which requires the use of a 4x4 vehicle. This pass lies between the border controls of both countries and is approximately 9km in length and requires experienced driving skills. It has occasional remains of vehicles that did not succeed in navigating its steep gradients and poor traction surfaces, and has a catalogue of frightening stories of failed attempts at ascending the path over the Northern Lesotho Mountains. Our journey begins…

When I was a child, my absolute favourite car was Petter Solberg’s blue and gold Subaru Impreza that narrowly snatched the WRC away from Sébastien Loeb in the early 2000s. I had a remote-controlled replica that had all the decals and all the details. I was in love with a supreme piece of engineering, although I didn’t know it at the time. Fast-forward to 2019, and the Subaru AWD legacy lives on in the Forester, the compact SUV that looks more like a station wagon than anything else. These cars are best known for their reliability and longevity: Foresters often remain with families for decades. Still, it’s always nice to own a new model with all the modern bells and whistles, so let’s talk about the latest incarnation. Styling Objectively,…

FROM OOSTERBEEK TO THE KALAHARI The first time that I came to Africa from the Netherlands was in 1985. I immediately fell in love with what I call the “Chaos of Africa”. This is a continent where you can solve almost any problem with a big smile. At the end of last year, during the European winter, I spent a lovely three months travelling on my own from South Africa via Botswana and through Namibia back to Cape Town, during which I visited the most fantastic places and met awesome people. Just before I flew back in March, a friend invited me to join him on a 10-day 4x4 trip to the Kalahari. He didn’t need to twist my arm… It took me half a day to make up my…

Recovery tracks work on the same principle – no matter whether they are the steel or aluminium ‘sand ladders’ that overlanders have been using since WW2, modern composite versions, or a host of other fold-up or roll-up contraptions. Quite simply, when you are on a soft or slippery surface, these all spread the load under your wheels to provide a grippy platform that helps you to get going again. At SA4x4, lightweight plastic recovery tracks are our first go-to recovery aid, and we never leave on a four-wheeling trip without them. The Australian company, Maxtrax, was one of the first to perfect a composite version which is semi-flexible, tough and effective. That was back in 2005; and since then, dozens of clone products have arrived on the market with similar…

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Many of you are wondering why SA4x4 Magazine, known for its rad rigs and epic expeditions, would even give a van the time of day. Well, lest we forget, the core of what we love is adventure - and whatever we may use to get there. In fact, the lead feature in this magazine features a kitted Sprinter, which proved a solid overland home during a six-month photographic safari through some of South America’s toughest regions. Mercedes-Benz’ iconic Sprinter van has been an institution in the commercial-vehicle and transport industries for decades, and the latest iteration is a marvel to behold. Not only does it benefit from some sleek new styling, but it has completely redefined our idea of what a van is…

MAHINDRA THAR ADVENTURE SERIES Genuinely rugged Based on the long-gone Jeep CJ-5’s underpinnings, the Thar has proved itself at 4x4 competitions around the country, with the owners approving of its back-to-basics approach. The Adventure Series version adds more off-road kit - including a Bundu Gear front bumper (which lifts the approach angle to 44 degrees), as well as brightly-coloured recovery points. The bumper sports built-in LED lights, as well as mounting points for a winch or front tow-bar. Optional rock sliders, as well as the rear bumper with recovery points and integrated tow bar, have been supplied by the same company. A steel canopy from Getec is standard equipment and can be removed, as can the roof section above the front seats, for an open-air experience. The standard canvas rear…

In 2015, Jacques Nortier and I traversed Namibia on motorcycles - from the Orange River in the south, to the Kunene River in the north. When going through Damaraland, I felt as if something was grabbing at me and telling me to slow down. Because time was limited, I vowed to come back someday, and experience the place at a more leisurely pace. Four years later, in January 2019, Ben van der Merwe and I towed my 1954 Land Rover Series 1 short-wheelbase from Pretoria to Windhoek. We wanted to explore Damaraland, and the plan was based on the “keep it simple, stupid” principle. Basically, we would unhook the Landy in Windhoek, and travel north to Damaraland. The planned route was equally simple: we’d go north to Etosha, west to…

We recently paid a visit to the custom off-road fabricator and outfitter, ONCA Off-Road, at their headquarters in and got down to the nitty-gritty of how the company had started and where it would be heading in the near future. We chatted to Lee Nel, one half of the team of brothers who lead the way at this powerhouse of local research and development. Where it all started Lee says that he, his brother Len and their parents created ONCA Off-Road 16 years ago, drawing on the experience they’d gained from the family’s steel fabrication company. The two brothers had been involved in 4x4 challenges and events from an early age, and, as time went on, they used their acquired technical know-how to start building their own 4x4 accessories. “As…

This month, we talk about charging our batteries while we are driving, and how Victron Energy products can be used to achieve an optimal charging solution. There are many different vehicle setups – some 4x4s have canopies, which contain their dual-battery systems, and some tow 4x4 trailers or caravans. Usually, the towing vehicle’s alternator must provide all the charging current while on the move. We find that vehicle owners are increasingly being geared up to move further away from camp sites, where their systems are working off-grid and have no access to 220 Volt charging. Under these circumstances, the charging system must be reliable and sized correctly. The biggest threat to batteries lies in the parasitic loads that are unknowingly left on. These can discharge your battery surprisingly quickly, and…

We have listed some of the more common uses for composite recovery tracks below, although they can, of course, be used in almost any off-road situation. 1. Sand or mud recovery Recovery tracks work the same way in either sand or mud. If you get bogged in deep sand or mud, it’s vital that you first dig away the piles accumulated ahead of both front and back wheels, in the proposed direction of travel. Obviously, this reduces resistance: that’s what the spade section of the composite tracks is made for. However, having a good pointed shovel on hand will make this part of the task easier. Next, position your recovery tracks ahead of the wheels that are most bogged down, by pushing them by hand as far under the wheel…

Even before actually assessing the car, it’s fair to say that the immense hype around the all-new Toyota RAV4 isn’t unwarranted. For more than two decades, the RAV4 has defined a segment that it kick-started, and five generations later, it’s still easy to see why. Initially envisioned as the ‘Recreational Activity Vehicle 4WD’, it has evolved into something a little more sophisticated as time has passed, and the new range has levelled-up with new engines, premium interiors, improved safety features, and an upgraded AWD system. In line with international standards, diesel engines have been dropped in favour of new 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol units, which produce 127kW and 152kW respectively. That’s a significant improvement on the previous petrol engine... and despite that, consumption has been reduced to combined averages of…

It always happens at the most awkward moment – when the sun is setting on a bad road in the middle of nowhere. We had driven our Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 from Arica, a coastal town in the north of Chile, towards the border of Bolivia. It takes only a few hours for the road to climb from sea level up to 4850m above that in the Andean mountains. It was already late afternoon, but we wanted to use the best light to take pictures of Lake Chigará with the snow-covered Nevado Sajama (at 6542m, one of the highest volcanoes in the world, and the highest mountain in Bolivia) in the background. The air was very thin, and we had not yet acclimatised to it. On the way back from the…

Join SA4x4 and Simon Steadman of Ultimate Adventures for a fully-catered training weekend that combines Level 1 accredited training, a night’s camping and a day’s 4x4 outride. Whether you want to get the basics just right or brush up on your skills, this is the right place to ask the questions and get the right answers. 4x4 driving and recovery skills will be covered, and you get the chance to put your new skills to the test in a safe, guided environment before you venture out into the bush on your own. Four training sessions have been scheduled throughout the year, at different venues in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, so no need to travel too far. Book soon, as numbers are limited to ensure the training is as…

4X4 KUNGWINI ACADEMY TRACKS AND TRAILS GP • GRADE 1-4 • SELF • GUIDE • Bronkhorstspruit, 12 km • GPS: S 25°51.972’ E 28°42.033’ 40 km from Pta, Jhb Eastern tip of Magalies berg. Basic academy instructed obstacles. Excellent for training. More than 30 4WD obstacles. 21 km scenic eco & birding trails. Various shaded Picnic spots. Lapa & Boma for training & social. Camping in shaded area. Neat ablutions. Total Distance: 1,4 - 21km Best Time: All year Min Vehicles: 1 Max Vehicles: 40 Low-Rangw: Yes Ground Clearence: Yes info@4x4kungwini.co.za • Hugo: 082 494 0950 • Johan (4x4 Instrukteur): 083 277 4648 www.4x4kungwini.co.za • f: 4x4kungwini RUST DE WINTER 4X4 BUNDU TRAIL MP • GRADE 3-5 • GUIDE • Pretoria, 100km A tough two-day 4x4 guided trail…

Age: 31 Occupation: Entrepreneur Modifications: OME Suspension, Additional 100-litre fuel tank, Front Runner roof rack, Hannibal Safari rooftop tent, built-in ARB air compressor, National Luna dual-battery system with National Luna dual fridge/freezer, lockable drawer system, Front Runner Easy-Out awning. Future modifications: Rock sliders, bull bar and winch, spotlights, water system. Dream vehicle: Toyota Land Cruiser V8 Troopy Most memorable trips: Did a trip to northern Namibia in 2011 when the Etosha Pans where flooded for only the second or third time in the last 100 years. Planned trips: Sani Pass and Botswana I never leave home without: My fiance (we do all our touring together), camera equipment, GPS and my Leatherman.…

There’s no point in driving around with your roofrack/ rooftop tent if you’re not on holiday. Save fuel (and wear & tear) by installing a Fredlin hoist. This proudly South African product solves the problem of where to store your roofrack/ rooftop tent, canopy, or even a sports car hardtop: up and out of the way! The Fredlin hoist fastens securely to your garage roof or carport, is easily installed and can be operated by one person. TO ENTER One Fredlin hoist will be given away every month to the lucky reader featured in Me & My 4x4. Simply send a photograph – 1MB or larger – and the answers to the categories shown above, to editor@sa4x4.co.za. Vehicle and driver must be featured together in an off-road setting. (No driveway…