Tabla de contenidos para Issue 15 (Jan 2022) en Adventure Afrika

Sweet dreams When you are pressed for space yet insist on comfort when camping, a clever solution for a good night’s rest is the Bestway Premium Airbed. This queen-sized airbed packs up small and flat, but inflates to 46cm of off-the-ground comfort, with a surface area of 203cm x 152cm. It has a durable flocked sleeping surface, a built-in pillow and a carrying capacity of 300kg. Using the included pump, it can be inflated in 250 seconds, and rapidly deflated using the screw valve. The kit includes a travel bag and heavy-duty repair patch. *Available from Camp & Climb for R1 294: www.campandclimb.co.za Protected in style The BZT Armour rear bumpers from Summit 4x4 Accessories are expertly contoured to give a rugged aesthetic to most of the top-selling 4x4s available…

Tigers are one of the most ferocious freshwater hunters in Africa. Their scientific name is Hydrocynus, which means waterdogs, or river dogs as many people call them. With their distinctive stripes and orange fins these predators pack a punch way above their weight, and to catch one you need proper equipment. We approached the guys from Iron River and had a chat with Dexter, the brand manager for Penn in South Africa, who suggested some nice gear and tackle for us. Since you need a decent rod that can handle the hit when a tiger takes your lure, we decided on the Penn Regiment II 7’0” MH rod. Ideal for tiger fishing, this rod has a soft construction, meaning that it starts bending from just above the grip. This gives…

I felt I had drawn the short straw after opting for a gravel road trip to Dullstroom in Suzuki’s Vitara Brezza, when the boys in the family were going to be taking an adventurous route to Mozambique with a whole lot of fishing on the agenda. First off, the car. It’s a compact crossover. I am not a small girl and have never been able to pack light (especially not when visiting a place notorious for four seasons in one day). So the “compact” part worried me, especially considering the fact that I was taking my daughter and a friend along. I had serious doubts about whether we would be able to fit everything into this little Suzuki. And when the weather forecast indicated it would be raining for a…

Zimbabwe, a landlocked county that borders South Africa, is rich in resources and spectacular landscapes, and it has magnificent wildlife parks, game management areas and plenty of hidden gems waiting to be found and explored. Despite political turmoil and more than enough negative propaganda, it remains a very rewarding travel destination. Our journey starts at Pafuri Rivercamp, a rustic secluded bush camp along the banks of the Mutale River, a tributary of the Limpopo River. This camp borders both the Kruger National Park’s Pafuri Gate and the Makuya Nature Reserve, so it’s the ideal starting point if you aim to reach Gonarezhou via Mozambique, after going through the Pafuri border post. The alternative route is via Beitbridge border post, which is always far busier, so for us that is only…

Long before our planned Karoo breakaway, we started plotting and planning our route on ’Google Maps’. After an early start from Strand, we would stop for coffee and home-baked chicken pies at Ou Meul Bakery in Riviersonderend, before pushing on to the Karoo National Park. After a few days’ stay we’d head to a remote Karoo farm in a conservation area, then take the gravel roads to Nieu-Bethesda. There, we’d spend a few days visiting a friend, exploring fossils and resting our souls in Helen Martins’ Owl House. More gravel roads would take us to an agave tasting near Graaff-Reinet, and we’d stay there a while before – heads cleared and many Karoo chops later – heading coastwards to the Addo Elephant National Park. After enjoying its serene beauty for…

Drop for drop, the boomslang (Dispholidus typus) has the most potent venom of any African snake. The amount required to kill a human is so small that one could barely see it with the naked eye. Luckily, they are very shy snakes and avoid humans, which makes bites very rare. The boomslang is largely a bushveld and savanna species that occurs in a widespread habitat from the South Coast and into the fynbos of the Western Cape. Boomslang are long, thin snakes that average 1.5m in length, though may exceed 2m. Males are usually bright green, sometimes with black between the scales, but in the Cape province they are black above with green or yellow sides. Females are olive-brown to grey. Hatchlings and juveniles are grey with brown mottling and…

The best 12V compressor fridges on the market are excellent at retaining cold because they have good components, efficient design and thicker insulation. The less often the compressor and fans have to run to maintain a set temperature, the lower the power draw from the battery. A lesson learned is to invest in a quality fridge that is made using the best materials, has a warranty, and that has a proven record for going the distance. Out in the bush, you don’t want to discover the circuit board is faulty, or the compressor can’t handle the shakes. A fridge can run from a 12V outlet drawing on the cranking battery, but the vehicle will shut off the fridge draw as soon as the battery voltage drops below a safe voltage…

The Koleos didn’t have a great start in life. Back in 2006 it first landed like an ugly duckling in a brand-new pond where fellow medium crossover SUVs were making a big flap in the popular imagination. Somehow the Renault seemed awkwardly styled inside and out, and even a little effeminate. The unfortunate pointy nose meant it had a decent approach angle, and its Nissan-derived part-time all-wheel-drive system gave it credible performance off-road. But it looked beaky, and the sales volumes went to the X-Trail and Qashqai which also shared its Renault-Nissan C Platform. The facelifts in 2011 and 2013 didn’t help much, and nor did the local marketing association with South Africa’s braai masters, so the second generation which arrived in 2016 needed to be a game-changer. And it…

A couple of months back, while dining on crayfish brought back from Moz by some of our friends, we got the idea to do a bush to beach fishing trip. Not one to leave things at the idea phase, we started planning. After making a couple of calls, we got hold of a Toyota Hilux Legend RS and a Fortuner 4x4 VX from Toyota South Africa for the trip. We aimed to do some tiger fishing at Massingir Dam and then head to the beach for some surf fishing. We were also keen to experience deep-sea fishing in Xai-Xai. So, we dug out the trusty map book and started piecing together the best route. We soon ran into our first obstacle: the Giriyondo border post was still closed due to…

As an owner/operator tour and safari company striving to give guests great value for money, George and Marlene van Deventer from Trans Africa Self Drive Adventures and Tours have learnt through extensive personal experience about the pitfalls and surprises a trip through Africa can bring. With their careful research and planning, they can turn your dream adventure into a trip itinerary that will turn you into a story teller of note. They go beyond the normal tourist itineraries, taking adventurers to hardly-seen sights and off-the-beaten-track destinations. Apart from guided self-drive tours and custom adventure itineraries, Trans Africa is also able to organise camping equipment and 4×4 vehicle rentals. Highlights on the 2022 calendar: GONAREZHOU, GREAT RUINS & BVUMBA MOUNTAINS: 27 January – 3 February R9 850 per person sharing |…

1. Berg en Bos Break away to Berg en Bos, an easy 90-minute drive from Jozi for a relaxing time surrounded by natural scenery, where you can hear the rush of a nearby river and the call of the fish eagle. The campsite offers five stands, two of them together under a shade net with a private ablution block, making it ideal for a group who want to camp together. The other three sites are surrounded by shady trees with power, water and modern ablution facilities. Anglers can try their luck on the 700m stretch of river, while bird watchers are sure to tick off some great sightings. The 25m long sparkling two-lane swimming pool, smaller splash pool and communal boma/braai area are sure to provide hours of relaxation and…

Africa is known for its brutal heat and finding shade when camping in places like the Karoo and the Kalahari can be a challenge. As such, a good awning should be high on your shopping list. Tentco – who are known for their reliable, affordable, and high-quality products – offers quite a few awning options to suit any camper’s needs. Bundu Canopy Tentco has multiple bolt-on awning options, with their most affordable being the Bundu Canopy. While technically not an awning, it serves the same function with slightly less practicality and ease of use. It bolts to and hangs from the side of your roof rack and provides a shade area of 2.5m x 3.0m. Instead of using the conventional swing-out method, the Bundu Canopy is more like a tent…

Engel fridges – distributed locally by 4x4 Mega World – has exclusive use of the unique Sawafuji Swing Motor, elevating it to a league of its own. Japanese technology at its best, the Sawafuji Swing Motor has only one moving part. Unlike many rotary type compressors, the motor does not need to perform a full stroke on start up which means that it does not have a high start-up current draw. It operates at 30-degree angles and on rough corrugated tracks without any loss of efficiency, making it the most effective choice of motor for Engel fridges. The piston is connected to an electro-dynamic device which is powered using magnetic fields. With this technology there is no need for bearings, cranks or con-rods, and less moving parts means less chance…

Send yours to us on: info@4x4afrika.com (Subject: My Ride & I) Raymond Smit 2019 Ford Raptor 2.0 bi-turbo “This bakkie is comfortable for daily use as it is quiet on the road and handles well. However, I love exploring and taking on tough terrain at every chance I get. This Raptor never backs away from any challenge you throw at it. Besides its off-road capability, it is super good looking, and the interior is extremely comfortable and spacious.” *Follow Raymond’s adventures on YouTube and TikTok: @Raymond Raptor Henk Bogaards 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4x4 MT “I don’t have a nickname for my vehicle; I simply call it Fortuner as it personifies the legendary capability and reliability the brand is known for. I love my ride as it has taken…

How to enter? Simply send an image – minimum 1MB in size – of you and your vehicle, out and about on an adventure to info@4x4afrika.com (subject: Four-Wheel Partner). Include the following: Driver details Year model and derivative of the vehicle Any modifications made (and which has been the most useful) Vehicle’s nickname (if relevant) Favourite memory/trip with your vehicle Your bucket-list trip Top expedition/adventure tip Why you love your ride T&C’s: The decision regarding featured entries rests solely with the Adventure Afrika team, and no correspondence will be entered into. | Should the promoter (Tentco) withdraw the prize sponsorship, Adventure Afrika reserves the right to publish any entries without awarding any prize. | Adventure Afrika and Tentco retain the right to use any image submitted in promotional or marketing…

Ford As reported last month, Ford’s big news is the introduction of the next-generation Ranger, to be built locally at Silverton. The drivetrain options and exact launch timing are still to be confirmed. Coupled with the bakkie launch, one expects its SUV cousin to undergo some changes too – and we can expect a global reveal of the all-new Everest during the 2022 first quarter. This solid all-rounder is currently undergoing final testing in various international markets. GWM/HAVAL Looking at the influential Chinese automotive brand’s Tank 300 (developed by one of its sub-brands, Wey), it is clear they are targeting the adventure vehicle customer. With a local launch date rumoured for the end of the year, the Tank 300 features a very boxy design with a flat grille, angular bonnet…

The Toyota Hilux is, simply put, a superb vehicle. It is exactly what you need from an overlander. I doubt anyone will ever say it is the fastest, strongest or perhaps even the most comfortable, but I have to say it is probably the best all-rounder currently on the market. Since introducing the upgraded 2.8 GDS engine with its 150kW and 500Nm, I have gained even more respect for this multi-talented vehicle. Its ability on and off the road is impressive, and the RS spec comes with the welcome addition of an electric roller shutter that is perfectly sealed when closed and keeps dust out of the load bin. The driver support systems give peace of mind when concentration lapses. The cruise control now also kicks in at just 30km/h,…

Key specs: Engine: 1.5-litre Transmission: 5-speed MT/4-speed AT Power: 77kW at 6 000rpm Torque: 138Nm at 4 400rpm Fuel index: 6.2 litres/100km* Wheels: 215/60 R16 alloy *We averaged a very close 6.6 litres/100km in our 1.5 GLX MT test vehicle. Driver aids: 7-INCH TOUCHSCREEN SMARTPLAY STUDIO SYSTEM: This smart system enables intuitive operation of multimedia features including audio, hands-free phone, reverse camera and smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. REVERSE PARKING CAMERA: The ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper detect obstacles while you park, with an audible warning if you get too close. ABS WITH BA & EBD: When driving on slippery surfaces or in the event of an emergency, the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) keeps tyres from locking and enhances the driver’s ability to steer around obstacles. Electronic…

Overlanding is getting ever more popular by the day, in large part influenced by technology and some innovative gear that now makes it more accessible for everyone. It is now quite common for groups of friends to organise overlanding trips themselves or to join a professional tour operator on an epic adventure into remote areas. Driving for days There is a misconception that a lot of overlanding is spent driving, driving, and driving some more! I personally think that if this is your idea of overlanding you are missing the point. It’s never about the kilometres, and far more about what happens between point A and B. In Africa, kilometres count for nothing because 40km on a map can sometimes take you two days to drive. Let’s take the Kazungula…

Also known as ‘Breedt’s Nek’, this gravel pass can be found just off the R763, near the Magaliesberg Nature Reserve. It provides a link across the Magaliesberg from the settlement of Maanhaarrand to Buffelspoort and the town of Mooinooi to the north-east. The road bears an official number (D568), and the condition ranges from poor to terrible. Expect gradients of 1:10 and deeply rutted and rocky sections. However, providing you are in a 4x4 vehicle or a commercial vehicle with good ground clearance, it is most certainly doable, but it is a long, slow drive. Don’t attempt this road if you’re in a hurry. From the town of Magaliesburg, head north-west out of town on the tarred R24, commonly known as the Rustenburg Road. Remain on this road for 16km…

Bacon & egg spaghetti (Enough for 6 people) Ingredients: 200g spaghetti4 large eggsSalt and black pepper to taste250g bacon75g grated cheddar cheeseParsley for garnishing Method: Cook the spaghetti until soft and rinse under running cold water. Dice the bacon and fry until cooked. Add the spaghetti and heat slowly. Beat the eggs and add cheese. Then mix in the spaghetti. Heat slowly until the eggs are creamy and the cheese has melted. Season to taste, garnish and serve Sunrise Surprise (One portion) Ingredients: 1 egg1 slice of bread1 slice of cheese1 slice of ham or cooked strips of bacon (canned ham can also be used)2 slices of tomato or cherry tomatoes (optional) Method: Press a hole/cavity into the slice of bread with an inverted cup or glass. Break the egg…

I grew up in a house obsessed with motorsport and rally racing in particular. Like most boys who grew up in the early 2000s, there was one car that captured my heart and imagination: the Subaru Impreza in the yellow and blue decals piloted by the greatest speed demon of the sport, Colin McRae. Now I know the Impreza isn’t the Outback, but remember that Colin briefly raced a Legacy before moving over to the famous Impreza. This, of course, was the car that became the base for arguably the first-ever crossover, the Subaru Outback. To my mind, this gives the Subaru Outback some form as a rally car cred – okay, that might be a bit of a stretch, but the heritage is relevant here. The Outback has never…

A drienne Short was recently part of a humanitarian outreach project in Zimbabwe where eye care was provided to rural school children. Getting to some of the locations was a challenge as the roads in some areas were non-existent, but the Patrol was more than ready to conqueror every single obstacle. “In the five years with the Patrol as my trusty adventure partner, I have travelled in all sorts of terrain. I am talking river crossings, thick mud, Grade 5 mountain trails in Lesotho at night, and everything from snow- and sleet-covered mountains to the deep soft sand and the dunes of Namibia. You name it, my Patrol has been through it,” she says. The robust nature of the vehicle was further emphasised when Adrienne’s husband completed a trip through…