9 770379 463010 1 0 0 6 1 R30 | OUTSIDE SA R26.30 RESORT REVIEW Groenriviersmond, N.Cape PLUS New Gear, Readers’ classifieds, Caravan Clinic, Kids’ corner, Puzzle pages, Dealers’ deals, Industry News, Caravan Data and more... Brits is brilliant! R P C I 5 Great Parks NEW MODELS Ford Ranger Mercedes-Benz Vito They turned their caravan into a motorhome TOW TEST Mazda BT-50 3.2 SLE Drifter READER DIY JANUARY 2016 JANUARY 20 16 16 ISSUE 646 READER MODS Upgrading an Xcape Installing more food prep area &
Transcript
9 770379 463010 10061
R30 | OUTSIDE SA R26.30RESORT REVIEW Groenriviersmond, N.Cape PLUS New Gear, Readers’ classifieds, Caravan Clinic, Kids’ corner, Puzzle pages, Dealers’ deals, Industry News, Caravan Data and more...
DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS Digital: R149 for 12 issues | www.zinio.com/caravansa
CAPE TOWN HEAD OFFICE 021 702 4200 | Fax 021 702 4209
PO Box 31062, Tokai 7966 47 Bell Crescent, Westlake Business Park, Westlake, 7945
www.caravansa.co.za
B-BBEE RECOGNITION LEVEL 6
Circulation: Guaranteed and verified by the Audit Bureau of Circulation. Distribution: National distribution through RNA for sale at CNA, airports, cafés and supermarkets. Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Permission to re-publish any article or part thereof, or reproduce any illustration must be obtained in writing from the publisher. While precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of the information printed in this
magazine, the publisher, editor, staff and contributors cannot be held liable or accept responsibility for any damages or inconvenience that
may arise from incorrect information.
January is an interesting time of year. It’s when the memory of the old year grumbles stiff-legged around the lounge mopping up what’s left of the Christmas snacks while the new year perches on the end of the sofa, not saying a lot, but clearly bursting with much to say. It’s a time when we
try not to think about the things we got so terribly wrong; it’s a time when we concentrate on the things we hope to do terribly well.
Which means that this period is typically characterised by a veritable autobahn of good intentions. I’m going to exercise more. Eat less. Spend more time with the family. Drink less. Make my own biltong. Listen more. Offer advice less. Join the neighbourhood watch. And dress more age-appropriately.
So, it’s no surprise that January often turns out to be a very tough time of year for all − what with everyone exercising for the first time in months, not drinking, and trying not to pick fights with their family members. (The last two form a combination almost impossible to achieve, in my experience.) By the end of the second week this self-imposed saintliness has resulted in more strained muscles, fragile relationships and general ill humour than a month’s worth of folk-dancing lessons.
This invariably leads to the quiet realisation that if being a better person is such bloody hard work, one is probably better off embracing one’s inner self, flawed as it might be. Indeed, there might well be some Zen wisdom in accepting yourself for who you are. However, the self-help gurus argue that forming a new habit takes a lengthy 66 days – a time period very much at odds with what Hollywood and reality TV shows would have us believe. Perseverance, realistic goals and a steady pace would seem to be prerequisites for any personal makeover.
This reinventing of self isn’t restricted to flesh and blood entities; we must also revaluate our businesses regularly if we’re to grow and prosper. It’s no secret that 2015 has been a tough year commercially for many of us, and that the next few years don’t show any real promise of respite. So what do we do? Well, what we do well, we try to do better. And what we do poorly, we must strive to improve. It also makes sense to reassess one’s direction every once in a while.
What do we plan to do here at Caravan & Outdoor Life magazine? Well, we’ve resolved to start jogging, make our own biltong and drink a little less. Just kidding… although not about the biltong… No, really, in the next few months we’ll be running a reader survey in which we ask you what you’d like to read more about, and what you’d like to read less about. And we’ll also ask you for some personal details (not to be shared with anyone else) so that we can get a better idea of who you are. (We think we have a pretty good idea right now, but it’s worth making sure that we’re talking to the people we think we’re talking to.)
If you have made resolutions this January, we wish you well with them. May the good ones stick and the unhelpful ones fade away. To you and yours, here’s to a better you in 2016.
12 Spoilt for choiceOur man in the field, Richard vanRyneveld, explores Brits and surrounding areas in a Nissan X-Trail whilst towing a Gecko caravan. Richard recounts his adventure paying special attention to the resorts and caravan parks in the area.
28 A really Exclusive motorhomeIt’s not the first time we have seen a conversion of this nature, but the Smits have come up with one that looks particularly tidy. Reader Wesley Smit details his conversion of a caravan and Mercedes Sprinter.
30 Better than everCharl van der Westhuizen explains his modifications to his Jurgens Safari Xcape, to make his caravan more user friendly, and organised for ease on the road.
32 Counter OfferSometimes there just isn’t enough space in your caravan to prepare food for the whole family. Reader Jay Dowdle takes us step-by-step through his DIY additional food-prep-station installation.
40 Whatever floats your boatOur group publisher, Godfrey Castle, tests the new Mazda BT-50 3.2 SLE Double Cab Drifter and its towing abilities, proving that this vehicle is more than just a bakkie, it’s a beast.
RESORTS REVIEWED24 Groenriviersmond, Namaqua National Park, Northern Cape
NEW MODELS
OUR NEW MOTORHOME36 The Meiring family and their WJ Pacer
RESORT LISTINGS
REGULARS
12
4 Campfire10 Camping must-haves46 Blast from the past50 Readers’ classifieds54 Caravan Clinic52 Kids’ corner56 Puzzle pages74 Dealers
79 Dealers’ deals81 Gear & services87 Back issue89 Subscribe to the magazine90 Industry News92 Tow test guide94 Data
58 KwaZulu-Natal63 Western Cape65 Eastern Cape
67 Limpopo, Northern Cape, North-West & Free State
tion and 12 v battery systemAlso included in package deal
SOUTH AFRICA’S TOP SELLER OF:1. NEW JURGENS & SPRITE CARAVANS2. NEW JURGENS XT OFF-ROAD TRAILERS3. HOWLING MOON PRODUCTS
FINANCE AVAILABE ON PREMISES
Pre-Owned Vans
CAMPFIREAROUND THE
4
TRYING THE ROUGH STUFFWhen I retired after 38 years of teaching, my wife Brenda and I decided it would be a great time to see Namibia − something we'd always wanted to do. I didn't want to tow my newly-acquired Jurgens Classique on the gravel roads we planned to take in Namibia. Our route was Randburg, Kuruman, Upington, Augrabies Falls, Pofadder, Onseepkans (border crossing), Karasburg, Hobas, Aus, Luderitz, Helmeringhausen, Sesriem, Solitaire, Swakopmund, Windhoek and back home, about half of which were gravel roads.
Fitting a carrier on top of our SWB Pajero created too many problems, so we decided to modify both the Pajero and our Venter Super 6 Trailer. As I’d been a technical teacher, I had most of the skill required to do the job.
The Venter came first. We started by upgrading the springs with an extra blade; then a platform to take the tent was created, designed to allow the trailer lid to be opened with the tent in place. Four brackets were made to follow the shape of the sides of the Venter, and were then bolted on, using large thick washers on the inside.
50 x 50 mm x 2 mm walled square tubing was then welded to these brackets, after I’d first made sure that the trailer was level and the poles were perpendicular. Each upright had a nut welded to it over a hole for a bolt to be inserted, which would tighten onto the 45 mm diameter tube inserted in the upright, to act as a steady on the trailer.
On the top of the uprights, a ladder frame was constructed using 50 x 25 mm rectangular tubing. The whole structure was then painted white to match the trailer, and the second-hand rooftop tent was fitted. This was also modified; the 2 mm aluminium plate floor transferred the cold into the tent, so 25 mm polystyrene was fitted into the gaps and a sheet of Masonite riveted to the tent base, making a much warmer platform.
The Pajero had the back seats removed to leave a longer open space. Into this, I fitted a wooden structure which housed the second battery (to power the fridge and lights), a section into which clothes and bedding could be kept, and a space for the fridge. On the right-hand side (the hinge side of the back door) a fitted cabinet on a one-metre extension slide was installed. This cabinet contained the following: a 2-burner gas stove; a gas bottle to power the stove, connected via a regulator, and a drawer above the stove that contained cutlery and any other small utensils; the pots and pans, fitted on top of the stove; and crockery. And, to the right of the gas bottle, there were shelves for about two weeks’ worth of groceries.
The whole system, together with a gazebo with sides, worked very well, as the trailer could be left set up, and we could go sightseeing. But, on our return to Randburg, the trailer and the cupboard in the Pajero were sold. Brenda and I decided that camping in any shape or form was not for us. We are caravanners!
Tom de Bruyn
5
WRITE TO US Share your views by emailing us ([email protected]), faxing us (021 702 4209) or writing us a good, old-fashioned letter (Caravan Campfire, PO Box 31062, Tokai, 7966). Please don’t send us letters already sent to other magazines, newspapers or websites. We reserve the right to edit or shorten letters. The views expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.
PLUG HOGOn a recent trip to Kruger, we stayed at Shingwedzi, one of our favourite camps. We always camp on the fence line, where the passing parade of game can be real treat. Our normal method of selecting a campsite is to park somewhere out the way and then to walk around and select a site. Once we've found something suitable, my wife will 'reserve' it while I collect the caravan.
On this latest trip, we found two desirable sites right away; but, as the camp was very full, I wondered why these two sites were empty. A closer look revealed that three of the four available power points were being used by one enormous 4-wheeled caravan whose owner looked like a nasty piece of work!
The fourth plug was being used by a camper much further down the fence, so (in effect) he had taken up two campsites. What to do? My first instinct was to unplug two plugs at random and have a face-off with the perpetrator of the problem, but this would have been bad for my blood pressure. Camping is meant to be fun and a relaxing experience, so having a row with the person camping next door wasn't likely to provide this. I wondered if I should report him to camp management, but it would have been obvious that the complaint had come from me.
It is safe to assume that he was not paying for three campsites; in effect, he was stealing from SANParks. To keep
the peace (and my cool) we camped elsewhere and had a good time − Shingwedzi is one of the best-managed camps in Kruger. But I have not forgotten this; and while campers are by-and-large a friendly bunch, every barrel will have a few rotten apples.
I would like to put this out there for comment and opinion. All of us have seen a single camper occupying two campsites in a crowded camp, but The Plug Hog is a new one to me. How would your average decent camper handle this type of problem?
Robin Joffe
Ed: I used to be friends with a very large individual. With his tattoos and beard, he was the type of guy you'd cross the road to avoid. But, if you ended up talking to him, you’d have discovered a gentle soul, full of wit and wisdom. My feeling is that you might have walked over, stuck out your hand and introduced yourself in a friendly fashion, and asked the gentleman whether the adjacent stands were occupied. If he’d replied in the negative, you could have enquired if you might move in next to him and use one of the plug points. And if, at this point, he'd actually turned out to be a nasty piece of work... well then, you’d find yourself another, more friendly, place to camp. Of course, if push comes to shove, you are fully entitled to use the plug points provided, and management should enforce such at your request. Any readers want to weigh in on this one?
CARAVAN SITES VS. TENT/TRAILER SITESI've read ads for caravan parks in this magazine in which they state that they have a number of caravan sites and a number of campsites with and without electricity. I would like to know where, then, the trailer/tent combination fits in on these various site combinations − as sometimes price plays a role.
Tony Burgess
Ed: I would think that different resorts are likely to have different policies on this issue, or simply different rates, for that matter. Also, many resorts only offer ‘caravan sites’. But I would guess that the moment you start using services like electricity, you’re more likely to be viewed as a caravanner than a camper, and would have to pay the appropriate rate. Which seems fair? Any resort owners want to add their thoughts here?
CARAVAN PRICESI am responding to Charlie Keefer’s letter in which he said that vans maintain their value after a year or so. I beg to differ, as I had the experience of selling a caravan, six months after purchasing it, to the same dealer − and I was offered about 20% less than I’d paid for it. Maybe we should wake up from our dream world in which a caravan does not lose value. Sure, it does not lose value for the dealer; but for the seller, there is no such thing as maintaining value. Dealers, please do not advertise the nonsense that caravans or trailers don't lose value; they do, just like everything else. (Maybe this differs from dealer to dealer, but I doubt it).
Thinus Kotze
Ed: The devil's in the details, they say. As you point out, one such detail is the difference between trade-in and retail values. That said, there are few 'vehicles' which escape the depreciation curve in their first year. But it has been our experience that vans that are a few years old or more often sell for their purchase price or higher. Of course, if you factor inflation into your sums, you're certainly not getting your money back, but you might well be doing better than you would with many motor-vehicle brands.
6
A HAPPY REMINDER I so enjoyed reading the article Flowers in the Sand in the November 2015 issue. We toured this region in 1997. I have attached a few photographs. We slept in tents and were also blessed with good spring flowers since we travelled there quite late in the year – during the September school holidays.
Martin Briggs
DUD CARAVAN PARKSWe have noticed that there are several caravan parks listed in your magazine which are either not operational, or in such a state of deterioration that one cannot even consider camping at these parks. This last weekend we drove in to the Big Hole Caravan Park in Kimberley and we were quite shocked, to say the least, at the neglect. For starters, there is no gated entrance check-point. The terrain is a parking facility for whoever requires parking. And the ablutions are about as good as you'd expect, given that there's no access control.
May I suggest that the list of Caravan Parks you publish be revised, and that only those which comply with certain standards be published?
NJ Theunissen
Ed: We can safely say that the parks that advertise in this magazine are worth visiting. As a service to our readers, we also list all the caravan parks that we know of. We have contacted each of these parks to confirm that they're still in business, but we have no way of knowing whether they're worth a visit or not − the onus rests with you to do your research before making bookings and paying deposits - we simply don't have the capacity to monitor 800+ caravan parks. If you do discover parks listed that are no longer operational, please let us know and we'll amend our listings accordingly.
DIE WET OOR GEWIGEk het in die Desember uitgawe die artikel van Eric Dias gelees. Soos ek dit verstaan, sê die wet dat die maksimum gewig van die sleepwa nie die minimum gewig van die sleepvoertuig mag oorskry nie.
Die voertuigvervaardigers dui 'n groter sleepvermoë aan omdat die wet ook voorsiening maak vir swaarder sleepwaens met hulle eie onafhanklike remme. Daardie maksimum mag nie die gewig oorskry vir waarborg doeleindes nie. Ek sal graag u kommentaar wil hoor.
Piet van Wyk
Ed: You are quite correct: you can tow up to the manufacturer's maximum (provided it's not more than 3 500 kg) if your caravan or trailer has an auxiliary braking system. We're inclined to think that the manufacturers are often a little disingenuous when they proudly advertise this maximum because they never state that it's subject to the addition of an auxiliary braking system.
WHAT A PEACH! What an absolute gem we found on our visit to the northern areas of KwaZulu-Natal in March last year - Ilala Palm Park near Mbazwana. We were looking for a base from which we could visit Mkuze and Ndumo Game Reserves, and this was absolutely perfect in so many more ways than one.
The resort contains six private campsites each surrounded by indigenous trees, and with interleading pathways between each secluded campsite. Being enveloped in sand forest, it's a birders' delight and the varied birdsong early in the morning provides a wonderful start to one’s day. Ilala Palm is peaceful, and conducive to relaxing in the warm sun, to reading, to walking and to taking a dip in the camp pool.
Each campsite boasts its own ablution which is extremely well designed and spotless. The scullery attached to the ablution is stocked with everything one can think of, including
a static rainbow duster which we found very useful when removing the dust from the car’s dashboard after our visits to the game reserves. We have been caravanning and camping for 30 years, and in all that time have never come across such a well-stocked scullery!! Of course, there's also electricity, and a braai and tap conveniently placed on each site.
We found Ilala Palm ideally situated for a visit to Sodwana (18 km) for the fishermen, or for those wanting to spend a day at the beach. We also enjoyed daily visits to Mkuze and Ndumo Game Reserves.
The owners of this Park, Jorrie and Adri, are extremely hospitable and couldn’t have done more to make our stay comfortable. We also appreciated the raffia-bound roll of pamphlets and information − about the area, the campsite and the activities in and around Ilala Palm − brought to our caravan by Jorrie himself, with the young bushbuck, Bambi, hot on his heels! Bambi was often seen wandering around the campsites.
This is not a resort providing daily activities and entertainment for the whole family, but a magical retreat in the wilderness for those who want to enjoy a few days away in the natural surrounds of the forest.
Malcolm and Joan Smith
Jorrie and Adri
8
CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION WANTEDWe're planning a caravan trip early in March next year, travelling from Joburg to Cape Town. Can anyone recommend a quiet, clean campsite somewhere between Vosburg (R384) and Calvinia? We'd like to stay for two nights. We’ll need this rest stop because we’ll be towing our Tiny from Makala (near Kimberley) to Lamberts Bay (West Coast), which is too far for us Golden Oldies to travel in a single day.
TOWING WEIGHTS & WATER FALLSWe experienced something similar to what Erik Dias states in his letter Towing Weights And Limits, although he does not seem really to have a problem. Apparently the Penta has a GVM of 1 400 kg and the Toyota's tare is 1 880 kg, which is more than enough leeway.
We own an older model Fortuner with a dealer-fitted towbar which limits towing to 1 500 kg. As we wanted to purchase a Conqueror Companion with a GVM of 1 525 kg, I took the matter up with Toyota, who informed me that the limits are not determined by them.
We now own an Xcape which falls within the limits. On this subject, has anyone modified the awning-cum-tent to allow rain to drain off? The roof is flat, so it collects dams of water; during rainy weather, we lower the front poles to the point that one cannot stand underneath, but the awning still collects water. Other flat-roofed awnings have an insert in the middle where the awning is attached to the van. Would this work for the Xcape? Ron Rau
BUILD US A CHEAPIEI agree with Charl van der Merwe’s letter in your November 2015 issue titled Van Prices. I believe there's a market for a 2-berth van, but not for R204 000! That is a sizeable chunk of change for most people, and even more so for a pensioner who just wants to see a bit of the country. I travel/camp using a Tentco tent packed into a Venter trailer which I tow behind a Nissan NP200.
I'm very happy with this set-up; however, there have been occasions when (after a long day) I have arrived at my destination just before dark or in adverse weather conditions, when setting up camp can be problematic. A nice small van with a ready-made bed would be ideal! I have looked at the Teardrops and Sherpas, but again feel, with respect to the manufacturers of these vans, that the price is way over the top for what they are.
While I agree that there are overheads and profit considerations, it is my view that far too many costly and unnecessary ‘extras’ are built into these vans. While they may be ‘nice to haves’ for some people I, for one, don't need downlights, deep cycle batteries, solar panels, etc. when I camp.
It has been proved by contributors to your magazine that it is possible to build a simple van for around R30 000 - 40 000. When one of these is built on a production line, even with overhead expenses and profit in mind, I am sure that costs can be kept very low and that it can be viable. The more fancy lights, etc., could be sold as extras.
Perhaps the caravan manufacturers are not attracted to the lower turnover per sale, or maybe they need to do some market research? In my travels, I have met many caravanning couples and loners who, on seeing me set up camp, say they should have left the van behind and packed the tent!
Albert Firmani
KERSFEES KOMMERMet die naderende kersseisoen, kan ek nie help om so bietjie angstig te raak nie. Ons wil hierdie jaar sommer uit die gewone tradisie beweeg en eerder vir die eerste keer kersete vervang met braai. Die ‘trifle’ is vir seker nog op die spyskaart.
Wat my angstig maak is die dierbare kamp opslaan. Ek weet uit ondervinding dit gaan weer lekkkkker gesellig wees. Ons raak mos ouer en ‘wyser’ , of so sou mens dink. Wat ons vergeet, is om te onthou.
Wanneer die tent deurgetrek moet word is ‘n storie op sy eie. Lengte ontbreek, dus is die leertjie nooit naby genoeg nie. Wanneer al die pale uitgepak is, lyk almal dieselfde. Watter een kom waar, nou weer? Bewaar jou siel om die vraag hardop te vra! Nou is 'silence is golden' jou enigste opsie.
Een van ons weet waar alles moet kom, en dit is nie ek nie. Die opdragte word menige keer nie uitgespreek nie, net gedink. Ek, moet 'mind reading' doen. Dus, wat ek doen, en wat die aanvanklike instruksies
sou wees, is totaal anders. Wanneer ek moet vashou, laat ek los, en wanneer ek moet optel, gooi ek neer.
Moet nie eens probeer om van die penne in te slaan nie; hulle is nooit op die regte gaatjies nie. Ongelukkig is hierdie ‘auntie’ nie 'superwoman' nie. Sy instruksie is, ‘Kom hou hierdie paal;’ dan, ‘Nee!’ sê hy, ‘Kom hou die middelste enetjie vas.’ Teen daardie tyd kan ek inskryf vir die Olimpiese spele, want ek doen die splits en agteroor flipvlap. My kinnebak knyp een van die flappe vas.
Om kalmte te probeer handhaaf, bring ek so ‘n lekseltjie water nader; dit is ook nie nou die regte ding nie. Miskien moes ek matiesous gebring het.
Wanneer die laaste ou seiltjie plek op die tent gekry het, staan ons so terug om die skepping te aanskou. Dan kom die tevrede gevoel – ons het oorleef. Kom laat ons kamp, en 'let bygones be bygones' tot volgende keer.
Louwtjie Beck
MUST-HAVESCAMPING
WAKEY-WAKEYIf you're a coffee-loving camper, you'll wonder how you ever coped without the new AeroPress coffee maker. This light and compact device works like a syringe, using pressure, to make your favourite brew. It accommodates any size of grind and comes with a micro-fibre filter which removes all sediment. Easy to clean, and made from BPA-free food-safe plastic, this coffee maker is the perfect camping companion. R565Available at www moreflavour co za
POCKET POWERA flat battery can derail your holiday plans faster than you can say, 'Oh, fudge'.
Here's an amazing solution − the Antigravity XP-10 Micro-Start, a battery so light small that it fits into your pocket! This little wonder is rated to start all vehicles, even long as they run off 12 V electrical systems. What's more, you can also use it to
g and other electronic devices.
www.powerdistributors.co.za. For more information, c Distributors on 021 531 2648.
YOUNG EXPLORERSAs much as you want your kids to learn and become self-sufficient, you also want to keep them safe. The new Leatherman Leap is the first multi-tool created for youngsters aged 9 and up, so safety is the number one priority. The Leap comes with three safety features; the first is a safety lock to keep your children’s fingers away from the path of the tools. Secondly, the opening knife blade requires two hands for safer deployment. And, lastly, there's a secure grip designed to train youngsters to operate the tools correctly and safely. R954Available at all leading outdoor stores. For more information, contact Awesome Tools on 021 981 6672.
ORGANISE WITH EASEThe Gear Tie Clippable Twist Tie 24”from Nite Ize is the tool you never knew you needed! With a sturdy plastic S-Biner on one end and a tough, flexible 24” Gear Tie on the other, this clippable twist tie allows you to pack and organise those weirdly-shaped camping must-haves. Use the Twist Tie to pack stuff together and the S-Biner to keep the stuff in one place. R120Available at all leading outdoor stores. For more information, contact Awesome Tools on 021 981 6672.
Available at www.moreflavour.co.za
Hand s
diesels, as charge laptops aR3 465Available from wcontact Power D
11
GOT GEAR? Got some cool new gear you think should be featured here? Send details to [email protected].
The pricing and product information shown here is supplied by the companies associated with these products. Caravan & Outdoor Life can accept no responsibility for changes in pricing, specification or availability.
COOL IT DOWNThe Mobicool W35 AC/DC fridge, with both a cooling and heating function, is the perfect camping companion. Using 12 V power, this 35-litre thermoelectric 12 V cooler can be used both indoors and on the road. Its high-quality foam insulation makes sure that everything stays at your desired temperature. The Mobicool W35 can accommodate 2-litre bottles standing up; and a removable divider grid, easy-to-fold handles and two sturdy wheels complete the feature list.R1 999Available from Cape Union Mart stores. For more information, contact them on 086 0333 329, or visit www.capeunionmart.co.za.
CHILLING IN THE SUNChill by the dam or river with some cold ones close at hand on this new director chair from OZtrail. The frame is made from sturdy 30 mm aluminium, and a padded double-layer polyester fabric is used for both the seat and the armrests. Attached is a handy-sized Eva cooler to keep your drinks cold in the hot sun. R999.95Available from www.seagullindustries.co.za. For more information, contact them on 021 577 1401.
HOOK IT UPDon’t let your trailer or caravan run away from you this holiday − get the new Trailer Cuff. This unique security device ensures safer towing and stowing. The Trailer Cuff not only prevents your trailer from becoming unhooked while you tow, but also prevents your trailer from being stolen while it is attached to your tow vehicle or while it is parked on its own. Trailer Cuff R678.30Trailer Cuff ball R165.307 mm Carabiner R44.4645 mm Excell Master Lock Padlock R342Available from www.trailercuff.com. For more information, contact them on 082 531 3531 or [email protected].
TOOL WATCHThe new Leatherman Tread sees you carrying your tools on your wrist! This multi-tool includes everything from a cutting hook, hex drives, screwdrivers and box wrenches to a carbide glass breaker. The bracelet was crafted to be fully customisable with slotted fasteners, so that you can rearrange links, or add new ones. Even the clasp is functional, sporting a bottle opener. It's crafted from high strength, corrosion-resistant, stainless-steel links and comes with an optional timepiece. Stainless-steel Leatherman Tread R2 700DLC (Diamond-Like Coating) black finish Leatherman Tread R3 600For more information, contact Awesome Tools Distributors on 021 981 6672.
Bosveld Oase is a new resort and caravan park in the Brits area. Owners Eugene and Elna Muller have developed and designed such a beautiful resort that it's been a success from day one. The facilities are truly first class.
Spoilt for choice
Exploring Brits and surrounds
Story and photos by Richard van Ryneveld
13
14
My mom always used to say, ‘Don’t make assumptions.’ Every now and again I forget, but you can always
rely on life to come and give you a good kick in the backside to remind you of this old adage. Take my recent trip to the Brits area, for instance − my tussle with assumptions began even before I’d collected the Gecko off-road caravan and Nissan X-Trail.
I had two spare days up in Gauteng before the two vehicles would be available, so I’d arranged to review a Sensation caravan. Riaan Heldinger, the designer and builder, had set up one of his vans at the Klipdraai Caravan Park
near his factory in Meyerton. Typical of us citizens from the
southernmost tip of Africa, I didn’t think the venue would be that wonderful. I mean, Meyerton...? Well, wrong assumption number one! The Klipdraai Caravan Park was superb. Buck of all description grazed on my front lawn, and the willow-fringed Klip River was literally on my doorstep. This was the start of my trip to real caravan country: in this neck of the woods, the caravanning fraternity camp in style! And there’s a caravan park to suit all tastes. But I’m getting ahead of myself, so let’s get back to my trip.
Nissan delivered the X-Trail to a site at Klipdraai, so I set off from there to
Cullinan (just north of Pretoria) to pick up the Gecko at Toni de Lange’s place. (She’s our advertising-sales person up north.) The Gecko is manufactured by Keith & Alison Teubes in the small town of Haenertsburg, in Limpopo province.
The first thing I learnt about the Gecko is that if you want to open anything on this caravan, just remember ‘righty-tighty, lefty-loosie’! Everything on this little van opens with a train conductor’s key. (Remember the train conductors on trains with sleeper carriages? He had a way of clickety-clacking his big silver T-shaped key before opening your compartment door.) ‘Righty-tighty, lefty-loosie’ became my mantra for this trip. My beloved reckons
Top left The Sinkdak Padstal is well worth a visit. This little padstal with its neighbouring vegetable farm stall is on your left as you leave the town of Brits on your way to Thabazimbi. Top right Jackie van der Walt at her farmstall. I left here loaded up with enough freshly-picked vegetables to open up my own farmstall! Middle right I loved the peace and quiet at Arendsnes out on the Thabazimbi road. It was hot on my arrival so my first stop was a dip in their large swimming pool. Above left Storm, the son of my next door neighbours, André and Natalie Viljoen, whips up some grub for the fishing and cycling day ahead. Above right I really enjoyed the Gecko's simplicity and comfort during this trip.
15
that I have a mild case of Tourette’s. When I get something into my kop, I tend to repeat it ad nauseam... but I was on my own on this trip, so had only myself to irritate. One tends to happily ignore one’s own imperfections!
I noticed that the good people from Gecko had left subtle reminders of their presence in my new home. The first evidence of this was a plastic-laminated map lying on the dinette seat − it depicted a map of southern Africa with numerous tiny red blocks dotted the length and breadth of it.
It turned out that the Gecko had been launched in this very magazine in 2013, and I was travelling with the first Gecko ever built. And all the little red squares on the map were places this Gecko had camped during journeys totalling 21 000 kilometres, criss-crossing Africa. And I’d thought I was sitting in a brand new unit straight out of the factory!
There’s always a slight feeling of anxiety when you set off on a journey with a new rig, but I had miles of highway to slowly trundle down to get used to my new companions − we were making our way to Arendsnes Caravan Park, near Brits. Many thanks to Brian Jeffries for this recommendation; he’s another of our ad-sales people. A keen caravanner based in Durban, he’s been intimately involved in the caravan manufacturing industry for many decades and knows many caravan parks first-hand; in fact, I doubt that there’s a single established caravan park in this country which hasn’t seen the tyre tracks of his and Merle’s beloved Wilk Ruby.
While en route to Arendsnes, I had spoken to Normie Eckard on the phone to ask for directions. (He’s the co-owner of the park, with his parents.) ‘Head through Brits and out on the Thabazimbi road, then cross a railway line, and you’ll
Top left I met quite a few of the good folk from the West Rand chapter of the Caravan Club of South Africa during my stay at Bosveld Oase. This bunch really are experienced campers: they have the neatest row of caravans I've seen in a long time. Top right Part of the club. From left to right, young Wikus Marais sitting on his mom Zelda Marais's lap, Mignon Boshoff, Anzel Marais, Yvonne van der Walt with Janake Marais sitting on her lap. Above A few of the club's veterans. From left to right: Piet and Linda Smith who have a Gypsy Romany, and Chris and Corrie Ayres who roll with a Jurgens Exclusive. Right A youngster fishes for carp and barbel in the small dam at Bosveld Oase.
see our sign on the left,’ he’d said.I’m a committed carnivore, and I had
been told about the juicy biltong, steaks and wors to be had at Deon’s butchery in the main road. ‘Don’t get the wors on the shelf… ask for the dik ene in the fridge.’ If a mall-trawl is more your thing, Brits has a large one containing all the usual suspects − like Pick ’n Pay, Shoprite, Woolworths, Trappers Trading, Cape Union Mart, and more. It’s well within reach of all the caravan parks I visited for this article.
I managed to get a pair of size 13 Croc sandals from a very helpful Trappers Trading. I’d only brought hiking boots, and it gets quite warm in this part of the world. I also bought a couple of R39 pillows from Pep Stores; given the number of these I’ve purchased while working for this magazine, I should consider buying shares in this company! These pillows are a giant leap forward from my old move of using my underpants wrapped up in a hiking jacket as a pillow.
I stopped just out of town for coffee and a home-baked pie at Beatrix
16
Pretorius’s Sinkdak Padstal. Across the road was Jackie van der Walt’s busy farm stall. Several women were offloading a lorry, each carrying huge bunches of beetroot and spinach. I asked the cheerful Jackie if the beetroot was sweet. ‘Is hulle soet? Moet wees, hulle is dan stil. ’ (‘Of course they’re sweet/ well-behaved – they’re quiet, aren’t they?’) I don’t know if that makes sense in English, but it had me roaring with laughter.
The area surrounding Brits is a patchwork of fertile green fields, filled mainly with all sorts of vegetables. But I also spotted acre upon acre of grapes growing under white shade netting. Much of the area here is fed by the Roodekoppies irrigation scheme. Soon, the X-Trail was packed with cabbage, potatoes, onions, spinach and the quiet beetroot, most of it a gift from the
beaming Jackie, who informed me that she’d never eaten a vegetable in her life.
‘Do you survive on rys, vleis en aartappels?’ I asked.
‘Yes; but don’t forget the most important one of all… pap, good old pap!’ she said.
With the aircon set to freezer mode, I headed to Thabazimbi on the R511 road, and on to Arendsnes. The bushveld feel of my destination was enhanced by two zebra standing sentinel at the gate, followed by a small herd of impala and some skittish blouwildebeest. After passing a large dam on my left, I drove into an immaculately-grassed caravan park that offered tons of shade from the summer heat.
I headed for the pool before setting up the Gecko. With the exception of a Jurgens Exclusive with a large extended side tent, I appeared to be the only
other camper at Arendsnes. No worries here about the sight of my spreading waistline as I eased myself into the welcoming water. I later discovered that every caravan park I visited had a decent swimming pool. Some of the bigger parks had two or three. In fact, quite a few even had heated indoor pools!
Refreshed, I headed back to my new home, the Gecko. There is something about this little home... I fell in love with it from the start. That was when it took me about 15 minutes to set up for the first time; I was alone, so I didn’t put up the awning. At my second campsite it took me probably 5 to 6 minutes from the time I’d started unhitching from the X-Trail, to when I sat down in my camp chair with a cup of tea!
It was a case of lefty-loosie, then open the front door, whip loose the four black-plastic retaining knobs securing
Left From left to right, sitting in the shade are Jeanette van Wyk, Jenny Hall, Linda Smith, Corrie Ayres, Miemie Calitz, Zelda Marais and Yvonne van der Walt, all from the West Rand chapter of the Caravan Club. Bottom left I met Japie and Jeanette Pelser at Arendsnes, in their Jurgens Exclusive. They've been living the gypsy life for four years. I was enchanted by Jeanette's neat and colourful kitchen area. Bottom right All the caravan parks in the Brits area are ideal places for the whole family to enjoy a break from city life.
17
GECKO OFFROAD CCI test many off-road trailers and caravans, but the Gecko really crept into my heart. It truly is a ‘little’ home that you can live in. It was only after reading that my particular unit had done some 120 000 kilometres on some of the roughest roads in Africa that I truly fell in love.
After spending some ten days in the Gecko, I came to appreciate what Keith & Alison Teubes had designed after 30 years of camping experience in Africa. The Gecko is extremely comfortable and ruggedly built; and I realised after a few days that the designers and builders of this off-road caravan had spent time a lot of time camping in units, hence the ease of set-up, the comfort, and all components perfectly placed. I highly recommend this off-road caravan. I think it’s extremely well-built; and comfortable, to boot.
The owners may be contacted for more information by writing to them at PO Box 45, Haenertsburg, 0730; or at 015 276 5059, 015 276 5075 (fax), 082 662 6394 (Keith), 082 532 5290 (Alison), [email protected]; or visit their website (www.gecko-offroad.co.za).
the pop-up roof and pop it up. Voilà, my luxury home was ready for its éminence grise. I'm not known for being in touch with my feminine side, but I liked the gentleness and warm, inviting feeling of the Gecko. I didn’t have the feeling that I was back in an armour-plated Ratel troop carrier back on the border.
This is a great off-road caravan for two. Open the front door, and on your right there’s a small privacy wall, behind which is your loo. Straight ahead is your shower with a fabric curtain − and it works beautifully; Ask me, I’m quite a large-sized lump. On your right (as you look to the rear) is a small, yet perfect, dinette for two. Opposite the dinette is plenty of cupboard space. The very comfortable and permanent queen-sized bed takes up the whole of the front of the Gecko. No need to fold away bits and pieces in
order to make a bed as it's permanently in place and offers plenty of headroom.
I found some other clever touches in the Gecko. Firstly, a small nifty pink plug. What a boon to travellers. There were actually four sink plugs fitting inside each other. I also found a green zippered canvas bag containing an ingenious roll-up hose. This came in handy when I filled the caravan’s two 70-litre water tanks, and gave the X-Trail a wash for its photo shoot. It was hard to believe that this beautifully-maintained Gecko had done so much mileage in its short life. I was idly dreaming of buying one of my own, when I heard a vehicle approaching.
It was in that lovely bushveld light that you get just after sunset, that an Amarok TDi with a Jurgens Xplorer rumbled up. In the Amarok were André and Natalie Viljoen and their son, Storm, from
Pretoria. After I’d set up camp, I’d realised that there was better shade at a nearby site, which I pointed out to the Viljoens; and this immediately broke the ice. I’m always amazed at how quickly you make friends in this camping and caravanning game. I soon learnt that André and Natalie used to have a Gypsy 4, and had only had the Explorer for two weeks.
When camping, I am an early riser, but I found that the energetic 13-year-old Storm had beaten me to it the next morning. By the time I was up, he had already cycled all over the farm and scouted the nearby dam – he’s a mad-keen fisherman. So, while his folks enjoyed their early morning slumber, I was learning about Night Hawk reels, bombs, floaties and some of the craziest-looking goops and unctions these guys slap on their bait to catch
18
carp and barbel. The nearby Crocodile River is an
extremely popular fishing spot. Storm and his folks were off to try a spot of fishing on a section of the river belonging to Arendsnes. Storm said he would also like to visit a nearby crocodile farm, which apparently had a small reptile centre. I cried off on that; but I did meet Japie and Janette, the couple camping in the Exclusive, and discovered that they had already been at Arendsnes for a month.
They were from Vereeniging, but had already been on the road for four years after renting out their home. Later, I met friends of theirs, the Pelsers, at Drie Berge campsite. They are all part of a group that humorously call themselves the ‘Wyse Gryses.’ I thought I might give them my own translation of the name, and call them the Wise Old Indunas!
Apparently there’s a group of about 19 of these grey nomads who trek up to Richards Bay from June to August. I asked the Pelsers what they particularly loved about Arendsnes, and they agreed that it was ‘...firstly the clean, shady, well-grassed campsite… followed by the wildlife, the bush…’ And mostly it
NISSAN X-TRAILMany years ago I got to drive the first generation Nissan X-Trail; that square boxy shape became very popular and much-loved in our country. (Ed: For sure, no fewer than three of our staffers own this model!). But if you didn't see the X-Trail badge on the tailgate you'd be hard pressed to identify this new iteration, it's so different from the original.
Nevertheless, I really enjoyed the new Nissan as I towed the Gecko off-road trailer around the Brits area; I found the X-Trail big, roomy and comfortable. It was as easy a drive when towing the off-road caravan as it was ‘trailer-less’ and attracting admiring glances at the big shopping mall in Brits.
There are eight models in the range, with a choice of three engines. I had the 6-speed manual petrol variant. As I didn’t have very far to travel between campsites, I had tons of time to play with the hi-tech gizmos. I also learnt, from another camper in a new X-Trail at the Bosveld Oase campsite, that the car comes with a 6-year, 150 000 km warranty and a 5-year, 90 000 km service plan that will certainly attract cost-conscious potential buyers.
19
was the undisturbed peace and quiet they found at Arendsnes. They felt the same about Drie Berge, which they visit every year.
For good measure, they added, ‘And even though we feel we are completely away from big-city life, in less than half an hour we can get to the mall in Brits if we really need to.’ I was seeing more and more why this area is so popular with caravanners in Pretoria, Johannesburg and surrounds.
I stayed at four camps on this trip: Arendsnes, Bosveld Oase, Drie Berge and Dube Game Reserve. I also made an extensive exploratory recce of the very popular Klein Paradys Resort. All the campsites are in close proximity to each other, but at the same time very different in character. Interestingly, Bosveld Oase and Klein Paradys are open only on weekends but − trust me − they are extremely popular and fully booked. I found that fishing was a great attraction at all the camping sites with the exception of Dube Game Reserve.
At Dube one was able to walk, cycle or
drive over miles and miles of good bush gravel roads while admiring the plentiful game on the reserve. And Dube had a large, open swimming pool and a huge enclosed indoor heated pool as well.
Sitting here writing this story (at the Erindi Private Game Reserve in northern Namibia, and I’m actually writing it while sitting in the shower cubicle – the coolest place I can find), I have started to realise that each camp has its own character and attraction. So, I will try and give you a brief look into the various caravan parks and campsites I visited. The first type of caravan park will have the title of ‘resort’ or ‘oord’. They have swimming pools, water slides, putt-putt and (in the case of Klein Paradys) free use of the numerous canoes on the lake. The two parks that fall under that category are Bosveld Oase and the nearby Klein Paradys. (I stayed for two nights at Bosveld Oase, and enjoyed a thorough visit and look-around at Klein Paradys.) Both of these resorts are open only on weekends. At both these resorts, I met families with kids and people of
all ages and persuasions; both are great campsites for the whole family.
I had a great stay at Bosveld Oase, which has only recently been opened. It is the brainchild of Elna and Eugene Muller; Eugene once had a large transport business running trucks as far as Angola and Zambia. From the moment you drive up through the acacia thornveld with a couple of zebras checking you out, you realise that money hasn’t been spared when building this fine resort. A huge waterslide and a putt-putt course were in the final stages of completion when I arrived for the weekend. The immaculate green lawns that surround the whole resort remind you of a world-class golf course. It was the time of the semi-final of the World Cup, South Africa versus New Zealand, so the resort was chock-a-block; but that didn’t stop the Muller’s making me feel very welcome and at home.
Eugene runs a tight ship. No rowdy behaviour; and quiet time starts at 22h00 sharp. I got talking to Lesley and Ian MacIntyre who belong to a chapter of the
Above The Drie Berge Caravan Park must be one of the most peaceful and beautiful in the Brits area. Hannes Botho from Kempton Park is busy fishing on the Crocodile River which meanders past the camp, whilst his wife Shirley gets ready to snap the action. Top right A highlight of a visit to Dube is sitting in the lapa in the mornings and the evenings, and watching the zebra, waterbuck and eland coming down to feed.Bottom right Camping at Drie Berge I met Hannes and Shirley Botha from Kempton Park, camping in a tidy Jurgens Slipstream caravan.
20
Right Klein Paradys is fully booked every weekend and it's not difficult to see why. Gareth Schöltz checks his rods whilst wife Bianca and their son Dillin paddle on one of the many canoes provided for visitors to this park. Below Karien and Stephan with their son Henroe were camping at Dube Game Reserve in their new Conqueror Supra II. Bottom left At Klein Paradys I met Theunis and Linda Louw from Roodepoort, camping in an immaculate Wilk Emerald. Bottom right All the activities at Klein Paradys - like boats, supertubes, putt-putt and tennis - are included in the accommodation fee, great value for families with kids.
Caravan Club of South Africa. Ian said of Bosveld Oase, ‘It’ s a really neat, well-run caravan park. It’ s only open on weekends so it gets quite full, but it remains really quiet and peaceful. Lesley and I really enjoy that.’
At the top of the line I met Herman and Drika Engelbrecht. They were having breakfast, and I was invited to join them in a plate of pap and kaaings. (Tim Noakes would have heartily approved of the crispy crunchy pork fat, but the carbo-rich pap would have been a Banting no-no.) I met the Ayres, Chris and Corrie, as well as Piet and Linda Smith, and Jeanette Grace, the Club Treasurer. I also learnt about the collection of little wooden spoons on the doors of many of the club members. These were awarded for ‘Stirring £@*’. And the biggest Stirrer of the weekend was given a wooden spoon, the size of an oar, that he or she had to carry chained to him, or her, for... I am not sure
how long. Knowing my own ‘stirring’ habits, I would probably have had the wooden spoon chained around my neck permanently.
Then the weekend was over; and I was looking forward to visiting Drie Berge and Dube Game Reserve.
The drive to Drie Berge, winding up through the green bushveld mountains, already had me singing. This is a splendid caravan park and one especially loved by the Wyse Gryses. The folks that have made the road their home, like swallows, migrate back to their shady camping with the gentle sound of the Crocodile River lulling them to sleep every night. As it was expressed by Corrie and Magda van Zyl, camping in their Super Sport, it’s about ‘...sit, kuier en slaap’. But, trust me: these Wyse Gryse don’t slaap nearly as much as you think. And their caravans usually have a large side tent, if not two, and are truly lekker homes. Take a look at the pictures
to get an idea. Another couple I met, Valerie and
Frikkie Gous, camp every year at Ballito, and the aforementioned Van Zyls migrate to Scottburgh every winter. While enjoying a stroll alongside the river, I met Flip and Jossie Wessels − who actually came from nearby Brits, but had rented out their house and were playing swallows in their neat Sprite Swing towed by a Hilux. Further along, I met madly keen fisherfolk, Hannes and Shirley Botha, from Kempton Park. They had a fold-up Jurgens Slipstream. I must say I was mightily impressed with the open and roomy design of this type of caravan.
My journey was coming to an end, and it seemed appropriate that it should end in true bushveld style in the Dube Private Game Reserve. After booking in at the large thatched open-air lapa that overlooks the dam, I headed down to the camp. The first thing I noticed was an
21
odd-looking camper on the back of a newish Japanese one-and-a-half tonner. It was my introduction to Peter and Joan Grossett.
I hope Peter doesn’t mind my mentioning his age − he is 84. The camper was home-built, and came off their old Toyota Land Cruiser. ‘It had only 3 gears…’ said Peter. The camper was testimony to an amazingly adventurous couple who have been in the film business all their lives. (In fact, they spent 11 years making wildlife documentaries with John Varty of Londolozi fame.) Peter had extended his old camper and fitted it onto the new vehicle, as the old Cruiser, without power steering, was getting a bit much. Peter had done all the extension work himself, I have to add.
Peter and Joan, who know the bush well and are extremely fit, love Dube because it is so close to their home in Muldersdrift. And the peace and quiet are very much part of the attraction of this bushveld caravan park.
My next door neighbours, Stephan and Karien Colyn, were a young couple from Pretoria, travelling with their son, Henroe, and camping in a big Conqueror Supra 11 off-road caravan. It was the second trip they had done with this rig. Karien was in a wheelchair after a fairly recent accident in Namibia, but what a feisty woman – I watched her playing swingball with Henroe, and just getting on with life. In fact, she was soon going to take part in the 94.7-kilometre cycle race, riding tandem with Stephan. In case
Top left I camped at Drie Berge with the sound of the Crocodile River burbling in the background. With my Gecko home, I could easily have joined the Wise Greyheads for a few months of peace and tranquillity! Top right The bushveld near Drie Berge is superb. Above left I never got to meet this couple at Drie Berge but noticed how it took them under an hour to get their whole camp set up and shipshape. Above right The ablution facilities at Bosveld Oases will keep everyone returning for more.
you are wondering, Karien does have some mobility in her legs. She very happily agreed to my phoning her to find out what it’s like camping when wheelchair-bound, so that I could write about it.
I also met Ron and Rita Williams, from Honeydew. They just loved Dube: ‘You are really in the bush here…but you can walk or drive wherever you like in the reserve.’ They also spoke about the reasonable cost of camping at Dube.
I finally had to bid farewell to the Brits area, as my next trip up to Namibia was beckoning. But it was a somewhat chastened Kaapie who headed south, back home − I had once again learnt not to make assumptions – not ever. The Brits area had reinforced the lesson.
22
Drie Berge Caravan ParkDrie Berge has 47 lovely, well-shaded sites, (some grassed) on the banks of the Crocodile River. The sites are all extremely large. There are two well-appointed ablution blocks, each with a family bathroom. There is a swimming pool that is always heated to around 25° C.
There’s a tennis court, a play area for kids and a small dam with a rentable canoe. There's also a walk alongside the river through magnificent indigenous forest. Something I particularly liked about Drie Berge is the fact that the caravan park is a distance away from the campsite. Peace and quiet are paramount. Owners Bessie and Michael run a small shop, stocking most of the necessities. Brits is a 15 minute drive away.
For more information, contact Bessie and Michael Rauser on 083 608 3409 (O/H), 086 654 1654 (fax).
Arendsnes Caravan ParkArendsnes is run by Normie Eckard, the third generation to live on this farm. The venue has 100 well-grassed campsites, mostly with good shade, and each has a portable braai and potable water. But you'd never think there were a hundred campsites - it feels as though you're in your own private part of the bushveld.
There’s wildlife aplenty, and you can take a walk (or cycle) amongst the zebra, waterbuck, impala, kudu, blou wildebeest, red hartebeest, blesbok and nyala. There is good fishing in the large dam just below campsite, and the farm has fishing available on the nearby Crocodile River. The Roodekopjes Dam, also close by, is also famous for its fishing.
For entertainment, there’s a putt-putt course, swimming pool with a kiddies pool, and a trampoline. In a large hall where weddings are often held, there is table-tennis, darts, and a pool table.
For more information, contact Normie Eckard on 012 277 1675, 072 149 1653 or visit their website (www.arendsnes1.co.za)
Bosveld OaseBosveld Oase is a brilliant caravan park, especially for families with kids. The 40-hectare farm also has five friendly game species. It's only open on weekends - departure time is 14h00 on Sunday. The venue boasts 51 immaculate, grassed stands, and another 60 will be completed by December.
Eugene and Elna Muller have spared nothing in making this a 5-star resort. Each stand has a braai and potable water; and there's a small shop with cooldrinks, ice creams and basic supplies. Opposite the small shop is the Bosveld Restaurant and Pub, which has a massive flat-screen TV.
The resort has probably the best water slide and putt-putt course in the country. There are two swimming pools; the large heated pool is under cover, and very popular. Between the entertainment area and the campsite is a small dam, stocked with fish. Eugene is going to stock it with large-mouth bass soon.
For more information, contact Eugene and Elna Muller on 072 215 2114, 086 653 6780 (fax) or visit their website (www.bosveldoasebrits.co.za).
ACCOMMODATION GUIDE
23
Dube Private Nature ReserveIts logo says ‘A place to rest and dream’, and it's true. I really loved this true bushveld caravan park from the outset. It's located just 45 minutes from Pretoria and 70 minutes from Joburg. There are 130 caravan stands, mainly shaded, with electricity; and 5-star ablutions. Plus, there are four exclusive stands, and each has a private bathroom with shower and bath, plus a kitchen. These paved stands also have overhead shade awning. And there are three private stands, which are paved with overhead shade, but have only a shower − no bath.
But it’s the feeling of owning one’s own private game park that would draw me back over and over again. There are zebra, impala, blue wildebeest, warthog, eland, kudu, red hartebeest, waterbuck, blesbuck, bushpig, duiker, jackal, steen buck, giraffe and more than 200 recorded species of birdlife. You can walk, cycle or drive a sedan car on the numerous roads criss-crossing the reserve. There's a large lapa overlooking a dam where they feed the animals both morning and night.
Oh, and don’t forget that (out of season) there is tea and masses of cake on a Wednesday morning at 10h00. Guess what time I left on the Wednesday?
For more information, contact them on 082 375 6179, 073 171 8331, 086 647 1514 (fax) or visit their website (www.dubegame.co.za).
Klein Paradys Caravan ParkIt’s not difficult to see why this resort is fully booked every weekend – it has lush green lawns, tons of shade and a large dam separating the 80 paved stands from 20 larger exclusive stands, each with its own ablution facilities. The venue is only open on weekends.
Every stand has a 15-amp power point, water tap and a portable braai. Klein Paradys is a great place for a family. The park offers excellent security, 5-star ablution facilities, and laundry facilities with washing machines and tumble-dryers. There's also good cell-phone reception. You'll enjoy a heated and a cold swimming pool, a shop, a large playground, putt-putt, a supertube, trampolines, and canoeing and fishing on the large dam. No pets are allowed. On the ablution front, you'll find 20 baths/showers and 22 toilets, all immaculately maintained.
For more information contact them on 012 252 1938, 012 252 4625, 086 530 0848 (fax) or visit their website (www.kleinparadys.com).
24
When I switched my cell-phone on at our provisioning stop in Springbok, I noticed
that I had three missed calls from the same number. I didn’t think much of it until the same number appeared on my phone’s screen half-an-hour later. It was the ranger from the Groenriviersmond office of the Namaqua National Park wanting to know when we’d be there to check-
in, or if we’d prefer to postpone the formalities until the morning.
This caring and non-officious attitude set the tone for a most relaxing and peaceful stay at this one-of-a-kind, sedan-car-accessible site on the pristine West Coast. True to form, our dawdling along the country dirt tracks in our vintage Landy Campervan made us arrive quite late and we were pleased not still to have to check-in.
The ranger had also told us there
were no other campers booked in over the two days we were to stay there, and we could choose any one of the 12 sites on offer. Not normally an easy task at night, but fortune was smiling on us — the full moon was out and we eventually chose one reasonably close to the lighthouse, with a wonderfully flat section in front of the stone-walled boma, and not far from the enviro toilet shared with the campsite next door.
On a previous trip on a motorbike
Words and photos by Nick Yell
RESORT REVIEW: Groenriviersmond, Namaqua National Park, Northern Cape
Sun, surf, sand and peace
FACILITIESTourism Info Braai FacilitiesNo ablution blocks Self-compositing, enviro toilets only Hard sand and crushed-seashell stands No Pets Basic first-aid at Groenriviersmond office (3 km) Top The campsites are close to the local lighthouse and its light casts an atmospheric and intermittent
luminescence over the area at night. Above The campsites at Groenriviersmond offer beautiful ocean views but have no ablution blocks, no water and only a shared enviro toilet — so you need to be self-sufficient.
25
here earlier in the year, I’d learned that not everyone was happy when the government had set about proclaiming this section of coastline as part of a national park. Local resident, Adriaan Nieuwoudt, told me how tracts of land around both the Groen and Olifants Rivers had been left unallocated by the early authorities to serve as public outspans. Apparently, early European farmers had used these areas for camping, as well as to pasture their animals and water them from wells in the Groen River when travelling to and from auctions in Cape Town. The outspans had also been used by the regional communities for recreational purposes, especially during December. In time, an informal settlement of small beach bungalows arose, but these were eventually removed after a High Court ruling in 2006. The land was officially incorporated into the Namaqua National Park in 2008.
Annette and I walked past the last remaining bungalow the next morning. On my previous visit, I’d been told that an elderly lady was allowed to stay on here because she had no means to go elsewhere and start again. Looking at the sweeping view over the old river mouth and beach that her small wooden structure commanded, we
ESSENTIAL INFONumber of stands: 12 — non-shadedElectrified stands: NoneTap at each stand: No – bring own waterNumber of baths/showers: NoneLaundry facilities: NonePets: not allowedGuests must be totally self-sufficientNormal tariffs: R118.17* per campsite per
night (6 people max)However, be sure to enquire about seasonal specials*Excludes conservation fee of R32 per person per dayAlternative accommodation nearby:Groenriviersmond Akkomodasie (5 km): 027 531 1012
Top right The low, packed-stone walls of the campsites’ private bomas offer surprisingly good wind protection. Above The enviro, self-compositing toilets at Groenriviersmond are all that’s available in terms of ablutions — for the rest, you need to be totally self-sufficient. Right A grey heron hunts for marine life in the many small rock pools at Groenriviersmond campsite.
26
ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA Bird-watching Hiking Mountain biking Fishing —standard permits requiredBeach and rock-pool swimmingFlower watching – in season (mid-August to mid-September)
CONTACT INFORMATION:Nearest town and hospital: Garies, 67 kmAccess via gravel: reasonable condition at time of writingNamaqua National Park027 672 1948 or 027 531 1015www.sanparks.org Directions: From Cape Town, take the N7 to Garies (+- 450 km) and then the gravel road (67 km) to Groenriviersmond. Travelling time: approximately 5 hours.
thought that she might possibly have cornered the most exclusive piece of seafront real-estate on the planet. But we wondered how she felt.
Although there are several hiking trails in the Namaqua National Park, we were content to wander along the sand track to the rock pools, and then onto the estuary, collecting a number of good bird sightings along the way. That afternoon, we read our books in the low-walled boma which gave surprisingly good shelter from the southerly breeze. But the snooze that I felt coming on unfortunately had to wait, as I still needed to set up the electric-shower apparatus we’d inherited from the campervan’s previous owner. This task was not made easier by my having left the shower enclosure’s frame at home — this meant I had to hammer some poles into the hard sand as supports for the plastic sheeting.
The warm, open-air shower we had as a result of this nap-robbing toil was well-worth the effort. The fact that I’d overheated the water on the gas burner, and nearly scalded my nether regions as a result, was forgotten as we toasted the
dipping sun later; both squeaky clean and togged up in our best threads to mark the auspicious occasion.
Sitting around the braai-fire, eating our hors d’oeuvres of smoked mussels on slivers of potbrood, we felt a certain kinship with the indigenous San who would’ve regularly dined out on fresh mussels and limpets on this coastline over many thousands of years. They would also have stalked game drinking from the nearby Groen River’s residual water holes − something we were reminded of as our own venison chops sizzled on the fire later.
Before bed, we took a walk along the sand track towards the lighthouse. The full moon’s reflection danced lightly upon the ocean and lit our way as we explored some of the other campsites for future reference. With a rocky ledge and tidal channel separating it from the other sites, we both voted campsite 12 as the one we’d stay at next time.
It was a wrench to leave our seaside plot the next morning. But our lungs were full of refreshing ozone, our minds packed with wild ocean tableau and our bodies fully rested — you can’t really ask for more.
A group of passing motorcyclists appreciates the coastal scenery from a campsite near the mouth of the Groen River.
28
Words and photos by Wesley Smit
READER DIY: Custom Motorhome
A really Exclusive motorhomeI
t began with careful and accurate measurements, and we also used special software to make sure that this conversion would turn out the
way we wanted it to. Finally, we added a healthy dose of common sense!
What we did first was determine the height and the distance from the front of the caravan to the wheels. The problem
here was to space the caravan’s wheel arch perfectly so that it would line up with the wheels of the Sprinter.
Only then could one determine at what height the caravan would settle. It was quite a mathematical exercise, because you need to think in three dimensions and keep in mind what the law does and doesn’t permit.
After about a week, when we were satisfied with all measurements and symmetrical line-ups, we started to take the caravan’s front panel apart.
With the front panel removed, we could make even more accurate calculations on where the van’s floor would meet up with the Sprinter’s floor. We placed a strong emphasis on
It’ s not the first time that we’ve seen a conversion of this nature, but the Smits have come up with one that looks particularly tidy! We asked them to detail the conversion process for us.
29
the drawbar, leaving only the bare shell of the caravan in the air.
With the sub frame manufactured and fitted, it was time to lower the caravan onto the Sprinter. But, first, we installed extra water tanks, a long-range diesel tank, gas-bottle holders and so on. Rerouting of standard piping and electrical conduits was also required.
Two weeks had passed since we took our first measurements. The caravan married very well to the Sprinter. All that remained was the finishing touches. We had to extend the sides of the caravan and re-manufacture the back to line up with the Sprinter; most of the work was needed to join the front of the caravan to the back of the Sprinter.
The suppliers of caravan materials were very helpful, supplying us with what we needed. All other work and parts was manufactured by us, on site. I think the effort was worth it!
the cosmetic fit and finish − to our thinking, this would determine our eventual success. If it didn’t look good, we’d have had to start again.
The key was to take things slowly, to learn and enjoy as we went along. With the van’s nose panel removed, it was time to remove the back of the Sprinter to allow for a walkthrough. I can tell you that drilling your Sprinter full of holes isn’t for the fainthearted, but we were confident of our measurements and planning!
After we’d removed the back panel of the Sprinter, the caravan was hoisted up so that we could fit the Sprinter under it to determine the measurement of the sub frame. This was a crucial part of the build, because the sub frame would not only connect the caravan to the chassis, but would also have to flex with the Sprinter in a way that wouldn’t cause the caravan to develop cracks! We removed the caravan’s chassis and
Top left A comfortable double bed positioned in such a way as to allow lots of moving around space. Bottom left The media centre includes both satellite navigation and a reverse proximity camera for easy manoeuvring. Bottom middle These custom-engineered access steps were designed for stability and optimum tread spacing. Right The spacious walkthrough cabin. Below Looking towards the rear of the caravan, um, motorhome.
30
In recent times, I’ve undertaken a few DIY projects on our 2010 Xcape. This van is sold with a nylon bag for the tent and awning poles, but there’s no provision inside or outside the van to store these while one is towing or parked. So, I had two bags made to the same design as the
bag in which the awning is stored. These two bags were made up for me by a local tent manufacturer, and measure 1 800 x 150 mm. I bought an aluminium extrusion at my local Campworld store and screwed this onto the side of the van, as you can see in the images. All the poles for the awning, the extra sides and the wind-shields are now neatly stored in these new containers. In the same images you can see the bicycle rack which I built, which fits onto the van’s nosecone.
Next, I tackled the standard cutlery-holders; these items are not very user-friendly. On my model, the holder took the form of moulded plastic, and the plates, etc., were held in with a rubber band. It had proved very difficult to remove or return the plates from their holders; but my holder sees the plates stored upright. The mug holders were cut out to accommodate the mug and part of the handle, to prevent their moving around or falling out while driving. The new rack is large enough to accommodate six dinner plates, six side plates, six breakfast bowls and six large mugs. What’s more, there’s also place for the salt and pepper pots.
Finally, my wife and I found that the standard kitchen layout (with its single basin and stove on the worktop) was a bit lacking. I did a couple of designs and the following changes were made. I removed the standard 2-plate gas stove, which allowed for an unobstructed work surface next to the basin. Then I built a modular frame out of standard 25 mm aluminium square tubing, using standard aluminium corner connecters available from Maizey.
The frame was made from two pieces which I connected via hinges, rendering the frame collapsible. I made three adjustable legs using the standard push-in plugs, the same as those used for tent poles on the sides of the caravan. The frame now accommodates two basins, a dryer rack, a soap dish and a 1-plate gas stove. It’s certainly cut down on trips to the washing areas. What’s more, all these new items in our new kitchen unit fit into the same cupboard where the cutlery is stored.
Better than ever
Words and pictures by Charl van der Westhuizen
READER DIY: Jurgens Safari Xcape modifications
31
Above left The two extra canvas bags slide neatly into aluminium extrusions. These bags accommodate all our poles, including those for the windshield and lapa. Above right The bicycle rack holds our bikes very snugly. Far left The new crockery shelf houses all plates, bowls etc. very securely, but still allows these items to be easily removed and returned. Left There's enough space here to accommodate the washing-up basins and the drying rack. Below The frame for the new kitchen folds up in order to save packing space. Bottom The new kitchen with everything in place - two washing-up basins, drying rack and a single-plate gas stove.
33
Using some small melamine off-cuts, I made four small blocks, each with a centre 51 mm hole, which were then screwed to the floor directly under the holes in the seat tops, ensuring that the table legs would be braced in a vertical position. I screwed four 10 mm pieces of hardboard under the table, also with 51 mm holes, so that they would hold the four table legs and support the table.
An important consideration in using melamine board is that the exposed chipboard sides must be well sealed and/or painted, to avoid any contact with moisture: melamine will swell and deform badly if it is allowed to get wet. In order to prevent this, I used a 16 mm ‘U’ section aluminium extrusion over the front edge and sides of the table, and sealed this properly with silicone sealant.
Around the back edge, I used half-round wood beading and paint. This also helped to prevent anything from sliding off the back edge of the table. (It’s important always to use suitable cutting/chopping boards on the table, as the plastic covering on the melamine will not survive a sharp knife; and one should use trivets for hot pots and plates for the same reason.)
The drain of the prep bowl is a suitable flexible pipe which is led down into an appropriate container under the table. The positioning of the prep bowl to one side of the table leaves a large area available for many other uses and chores – such as the ironing of clothes, etc.
Additional lateral support to the table top is not really necessary, but can be provided by bracing the table top against shelves and bulkheads and other parts of the caravan.
As with most things in life, there are always compromises involved – in this case, there is loss of access to the storage lockers under the two dinette seats
(while the table legs are installed), as well as the loss of the use of the dinette itself, and the bed for a third person. However, simply remove the table top and the four PVC poles and replace the seat cushions to hide the holes, and the caravan dinette (and third bed) will be restored to their former glory without any trace of the above table modifications.
The weight of the finished table was 14 kg. The ‘handyman’ time, including the sealing and painting, came to about 15 hours; and the cost of the material (including the prep bowl) was about R500.
Top left Holes cut for table legs. Top right Leg braces on the floor beneath for added rigidity. Below Left The PVC pipe legs in place. Below right The counter top with a hole cut for the prep bowl. Bottom Left The view underneath. Bottom right Prep bowl and water bottle in place.
34
NEW MODEL: Ford Ranger
A NEW CONTENDERF
or the longest time, the top selling car in South Africa wasn't a car. It was a bakkie. The Hilux. And then along came a Ford
Ranger, a bakkie so powerful, so big and so devastatingly handsome that it became the top-selling car in South Africa. Even though it wasn't a car.
But Hilux lovers will argue that this
is not a fair test of worth. You see, the current Hilux is some ten years old, and a model that's at the very end of its lifespan, whereas the Ranger is a mere four years out of the starting blocks. Wait till the all-new Hilux goes on sale early next year, say the Toyota fans; that's when you'll see which is really the best bakkie of them all.
The truth is that it actually doesn't matter which bakkie is better, because they're both better than bakkies have ever been. In our view, it was actually VW that changed the way that bakkies were designed. Like it or loathe it, the Amarok was the first bakkie to include all the safety systems that we take for granted in equivalently-priced cars − Wolfsburg asked the question of why people in bakkies are any less important than people in cars. (Sure, it turns out that they fudged their emissions figures − but who's perfect?)
So, this new Ranger isn't a whole new bakkie; it's a midlife nip and tuck.
But clearly Ford are hoping it's enough of a nip and tuck to present a challenge to the new Hilux. On the outside, you quickly spot a bolder bonnet and grille, the last-mentioned framing projector headlamps. It's a bold new face but one that's undoubtedly a Ford.
Inside, the bold theme continues with strong horizontal lines and oversized centre air vents. The switchgear has been trimmed down and there are seemingly fewer buttons and switches − this is not the bakkie that'll have you reaching for the owner's manual very often. A central 8" touchscreen on high-spec models provides 'drill-down' to additional functionality. A new dual-TFT instrument cluster allows you to set up the display with the information most pertinent to your usage − although the speedometer remains the focus point.
On top-level models like the XLT and Wildtrak, you will enjoy SYNC2, a voice-command-driven interface for controlling climate control,
35
has been reworked to offer 18 percent better fuel efficiency. Power and torque figures remain unchanged at a healthy 147 kW and 470 Nm respectively, and this motor offered in a 6-speed manual or auto guise. The ever-willing 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi 4-cylinder diesel sees gains in both power and torque, from 110 to 118 kW, and from 375 to 385 Nm. Offered in 6-speed manual only.
Is this all going to be enough to keep the Ranger its number one spot? By this time next year, the answer to that question should be plain to see.
(ESP) and ABS (this last mentioned is an option on the base model).
The ESP system integrates Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control, Adaptive Load Control and Trailer Sway Control to help you keep the shiny side up.
On the Wildtrak you'll find things like Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Driver Impairment Monitor, and Front and Rear Park Assist.
Under the hood, Ford’s 3.2-litre Duratorq TDCi 5-cylinder diesel engine
Warranty 4-year / 120 000 km Service plan 5-year / 100 000 km (excl. Base derivatives) Roadside assistance 3-year / unlimited Corrosion warranty 5-year / unlimitedService intervals 20 000 km
PRICING AND WARRANTIES - DOUBLE CABS
communications and entertainment functions. The new Ranger also features a 240 V power socket − you can take an inverter off your Christmas list.
On the road, Ford maintain that you'll enjoy better handling thanks to suspension tweaks, and more comfort thanks to the fitment of leading-edge sound-deadening materials and improved insulation. They say this bakkie is one of the quietest you'll ever drive!
On the safety front, there's an impressive list of standard fitment gear; items like Electronic Stability Program
What made you choose this particular motorhome?We had done a lot of research to find a suitable motorhome, and even researched whether to get a caravan instead; but we came to the conclusion that a motorhome would best suit our lifestyle. We wanted, initially, to custom-build our motorhome, but struggled to get our hands on a Fiat Ducato chassis. The waiting lists were all so long, and the prices seemed to escalate monthly. After regrouping, we decided that the WJ Pacer was the one for us, since it had been recommended to us by several motorhome clubs. So, when Tracy (from Tygerberg Caravans & Campworld) gave us a call to let us know that they had one available, we were over the moon.
Have you owned a motorhome or caravan before?No, this is our very first motorhome. In the past, we used our 2008 Volkswagen Transporter double cab as a custom camper when visiting the KKNK in Oudtshoorn, and on short trips to the coast and around the countryside. We also own an old Jurgens Magnifique caravan, parked at Tshipise, which we use as a spare room for our visitors.
Have you customised your motorhome at all, to make it right for you? If so, what have you done?Apart from an extra tap in the bathroom, an extra exterior light on the right-hand-side, a security handle at the door and a camera which gives you a full view behind while you are
driving, we have kept our WJ Pacer exactly how it came – and we couldn’t be happier.
What are your must-have items when on a motorhome holiday?Comfortable camping chairs and an outside table are always important, as well as binoculars, and a camera to capture all those holiday moments. And, of course, a rugby ball or two can provide some great outdoor fun.
What luxury item can’t you do without in your motorhome?If we had to pick one essential luxury item, it would have to be our 140-litre fridge/freezer.
Have you travelled anywhere in your new motorhome yet? And, if so, where have you been?After receiving our WJ Pacer, we drove back all the way to Tshipise via Port Elizabeth. At the end of a 3-month stay at Tshipise, we left for Port Elizabeth via Gariep Dam. We booked in at the Willows, which turned out to be one of the neatest caravan parks we have ever seen. After an extended period at the Willows, we departed on a 40-day tour down the East Coast... eventually making our way to Cape Town.
We visited just about every coastal town along the way. Next, we took on the West Coast and travelled as far as Lamberts Bay, revisiting some of our favourite spots along the way − Paternoster, Yzerfontein and Leentjiesklip Caravan Park
OUR NEW MOTORHOME
Our Pacer parked at Keurbooms beach.
37
in Langebaan, for example. On our way back to Cape Town, we made sure we ventured into the winelands to sample a few fruits of the harvest, before heading back down the East Coast.
Some of the most memorable stops along the way include Kleinmond, Jongensfontein, Gouritsriviermond, Mossel Bay and Hartenbos. After more than 5 000 km of travelling, 21 nights in caravan parks, 18 nights in the ‘great outdoors’ and the trip of a lifetime, we arrived back in Port Elizabeth, happier than ever that we’d decided on the WJ Pacer.
How have the features of your new motorhome benefited you while travelling?The height of the motorhome enables one to see far and wide, which is definitely a big advantage when touring. In spite of the height and size of the Pacer, the handling (even on passes), is superb. It’s easy to drive, no matter whether we’re on the highway or navigating through smaller parking areas.
What is your motorhoming background?Although this is our first real motorhome, we’ve used our ‘08 VW Transporter as a camper in the past. We’ve kitted out the camper with a double bed, hanging space for clothes, a fridge/freezer, a TV and solar lights. Unlike the Pacer, the VW doesn’t have an onboard bathroom, so that we were always reliant on the ablution blocks in caravan parks in the past.
What has been your most memorable motorhoming experience?There have been so many memorable experiences that it’s hard to pinpoint just one. They range from the beautiful sunsets in Langebaan, to the magnificent sunrises in Jeffreys Bay. But, most of all, it would have to be the experience of the camaraderie of the motorhome lifestyle, and the friends you meet along the way. Many a time we have pulled off the road because we've seen the familiar faces of people we’ve met at caravan parks in the past.
Left A colourful padstal with pumpkins galore, between Robertson and Worcester. Below leftVisiting the most southerly point of Africa, Cape Agulhas.Below right Our Pacer being washed at Tygerberg Caravans prior to its delivery.
38
What are your favourite caravan parks and destinations to visit?Tshipise Forever Resorts, close to the Zimbabwean border, is very special to us. Not only does one get to marvel at the beauty of the bushveld and listen to the sounds of nature, but it’s the people who camp there year after year that really bring it to life. It is the only place in South Africa (at least, that we’ve stumbled upon) that you can swim at 22h00 in mid-winter in water heated by the natural hot springs. Other parks that stand out are Point Caravan Park in Mossel Bay, Buffalo Bay Caravan Park, Oliviersrust at De Rust, Leentjiesklip Caravan Park and Montagu Caravan Park.
What other destinations do you have in mind for your motorhome?We would love to tour the rest of South Africa, and also venture into Namibia at some stage, too.
What advice would you give first-time motorhome buyers?Do your homework. Talk to at least three manufacturers, read as much as you can, and listen to the veterans. It’s a good idea to approach a few motorhome-club members to ask their opinion, too − they’ve usually had quite a few years' experience. After-sales maintenance and regular services for your motorhome are also important. Luckily, we haven’t had any problems with our Pacer, but we’ve heard quite a few horror stories from other people. Lastly, when getting quotations for buying a new motorhome, make sure that you know exactly what is included in the package, and what isn’t. You might be happy with the price the first time you see it, but after adding up the cost of all the extras, you could change your mind very quickly!
Above Room with a view - our Pacer parked at the sea's edge in Jongensfontein. Right Our mobile office in action. Below Visiting the Garden Route Motorhome club at Dibiki near Hartenbos.
39
he Vito van from Mercedes-Benz has just raised its game as an all-round transporter by offering a choice of front-
or rear-wheel drive, two diesel-engine options, and creative interior seating configurations. It’s also been given a stylish front-end facelift which is more in keeping with Mercedes-Benz’s new sporty image.
There are a few models to choose from: a down-to-earth commercial vehicle, a half-workhorse/half-weekend vehicle, or a full family recreational vehicle.
What’s really different from previous models is the fact that the Vito is now available in a choice of drive trains. You can opt for a transverse-mounted FWD system, which Mercedes Benz claim is
better for both loading purposes and for towing; or for the conventional in-line engine and RWD system.
Vito represents the commercial brand from Mercedes-Benz, in which the entry level is the 2-seater CDI Vito Panel Van available in 111-, 114- and 116- CDI engine capacities, and priced from R372 780. The 111 and 116 CDI Mixto models offer two rows of seats; this allows the rear of the vehicle to form a load bay, with optional glass side-windows at the rear.
For the bigger families − or mom’s taxi − there’s the 111, 114 and 116 CDI Tourer PRO, which have three rows of seats (two removable), windows all round, and some extra trim which makes this model less obviously commercial in origin.
TVITO FOR VITALITY!
NEW MODEL: Mercedes-Benz VitoWords by Godfrey Castle
The fourth choice is the 116 and 119 CDI Tourer Select. The 116 is R103 740 more expensive than the PRO version, so expect the Tourer Select to be the top of the range. The 119 CDI Tourer Select has a 7-speed auto transmission and comes in at R744 386.
Engines range from the 111 4-cylinder diesel producing 84 kW, to a 2.2-litre diesel engine offering three engine outputs – the 114 produces 100 kW, the 116 does 120 kW and the top of the range 119 Bluetec produces 140 kW. What is really interesting is the service plan of these vehicles. This has been increased from 90 000 km to 120 000 km and five years; and servicing is every 40 000 km or two years!
FLOATS YOUR BOATWHATEVER
Words by Godfrey Castle. Photos by Andre Diener and Godfrey Castle.
When bakkies were first introduced to SA, they often looked like derivatives of popular small cars which had been modified by
someone with an angle grinder. ‘Just cut off the bodywork behind the driver’s seat and fit a load bay and a tailgate,’ might have been the instruction from the marketing departments.
Since it was a relatively small vehicle, the phrase ‘light delivery vehicle’ was an appropriate choice; and so, too, was our word: ‘bakkie’. But, time has moved on; and, with the evolution of the ‘bakkie’ came the introduction of the ‘Double Cab,’ and more, with some manufacturers offering options such as two or three different door configurations − including a ‘suicide door’ arrangement!
Today’s light delivery vehicle is a far cry from those early saloon-car derivatives. Contemporary designers think big; and the Mazda BT-50 is (in my opinion) no longer a bakkie; it’s a truck. Not a lorry... but a truck; and there’s a difference – trucks are cool!
The BT-50 feels so big you could probably land a surveillance drone on the load bay deck – no matter what the wind direction! In fact, the load bay on the BT-50 double cab measures 1 549 x 1 560 mm.
With an overall vehicle length of 5 365 mm and a width of 1 850 mm, our test vehicle quickly earned the nickname, ‘The Nimitz’. If you are going to tow anything – and you will want to – you will appreciate that Mazda have given it towing capacities of up to 1 800 kg on the manual-gearbox models and a whopping 3 350 kg on those derivatives with automatic transmissions. (Why the difference? This appears to be classified info.) But, bear in mind SA legalities – you may not exceed the 5 950 kg GCM (gross combined mass), which depends again on the model you choose.
42
NEEDS A LOADThe greater the load transported in or on this vehicle, the more pleasurable the ride will be. They don’t call those rear leaf springs and solid diff housing a ‘rigid axle’ for nothing – it’s a truck, and rides like a truck. So much so, that mom might want to be careful about exactly when she pours the coffee out of the flask.
The model we tested was the Drifter, which means that it comes with extra kit: black alloy wheel rims and tyres that protrude slightly from the body, black side steps, black nudge bar, black styling bar; load bin mat, tonneau cover, spare-wheel lock, Drifter car mats, tailgate shock and the Drifter decals. The interior sports attractive black leather. This model also has parking sensors in the rear bumper to assist with docking – a very useful item when reversing.
TEST RUNWe hitched up our Tourer SP and headed up the West Coast in search of one of Mother Nature’s antidotes to our crazy,
high-speed life – her greatest flowering gift to mankind, Namaqualand in bloom. And we didn’t have to go too far. As soon as we reached the Cape’s Melkbostrand turn-off on the N7, the spring daisies on the pavements began to give way to vibrant fields of flowers, which (in turn) began to merge in colours that were dazzling beyond man’s ability to recreate.
While we were enjoying the view, we noted that the Mazda felt powerful enough to be able to tow a big tandem-axle Sensation from Twin Boats, if need be. This model is powered by a 5-cylinder, 3.2-litre inter-cooled turbo-diesel with a 15.5:1 compression ratio; it’s good for 147 kW @ 3 000 r/min and 470 Nm from 1 750 to 2 500 rpm.
This low-down scrumming torque means that you can accelerate through the gears without ever exceeding 2 000 rpm − while towing, if you want to. As we know, high revs translate into greater fuel consumption; this engine has loads of low-down grunt.
MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITYBut, here’s a strange thing. Mazda give the manual and automatic models vastly differing maximum towing capacities. The manual version has the much lower factory recommendation of 1 800 kg, while the automatic has a massive 3 350 kg!
This difference must surely lie in the strength of the transmission. Since I found the 6-speed manual on this test car to be notchy at times in the traffic, I decided that, if I had to choose between the two gearboxes, I’d definitely opt for the automatic derivative.
As our test vehicle was a manual, we were restricted by Mazda’s maximum of 1 800 kg. Ordinarily, we’d be able to tow up to its tare weight of 2 088 kg, or the GCM of 5 950 kg if the trailer had only normal, over-run brakes, but this was one of those rare occasions on which we had to abide by the manufacturer’s maximums. Happily, our test van fell well within the weight category.
If you want to go places off the well-beaten track, this type of vehicle makes sense as a towing vehicle. It has better ground clearance than a car, and then there's towing power, packing space, good visibility, comfort, and big side mirrors. Fit a designer canopy over the load bay, and you'll have a wonderful tow vehicle.
43
Some of the standard features found on this model include running boards - handy for accessing roof racks or getting into the cab; matt black mag wheels – they don't show brake-pad dust like silver painted or white wheels do; and a front bumper nudge bar for parking. The tow bracket is substantial: it comes with U-bolts for attaching towropes; but the best part is the mounting of the socket for the trailer electrics – it's easy to access without having to get on your hands and knees.
As far as the actual towing experience goes, I could change into fourth gear at 40 km/h and accelerate away, towing the 1 450 kg Tourer SP without much fuss – there’s just that much torque and gearing.
NOTHING BEATS...One thing that struck home about this vehicle and the caravan weight, was the ease of the tow. Sure, small modern engines develop loads of power, but some have to be wound up like a tight spring to produce good towing capacity. The one thing that felt so good with this test combination was the fact that you didn’t have to drive it hard to produce power.
Instead, you had the comfort of being able to relax behind the steering wheel, with one foot ever-so-lightly pressing on the accelerator, rather than having to contemplate the frequent changing of gears. The adage ‘there’s no replacement for displacement’ still applies here; and, the BT-50, pulling the 1 450 kg Tourer SP, was an easy tow.
Just select sixth gear, keep your foot light on the accelerator, and you’re cruising comfortably at 100 – 120 km/h. I liked the steering, I liked this combination’s behaviour on the open road and I liked the seating position; and, as we have said before, the Tourer SP is a great towing caravan.
STANDARD FEATURESIn addition to the standard features mentioned earlier, you’ll find items such as Electronic Stability Program/Dynamic Stability control, power windows, blue tooth, cruise control, hill-launch assist, towbar, and leather seats; and the configuration of four doors makes the Mazda BT-50 a perfect fit for any outdoorsy family. It’s a workhorse for business, it’s a workhorse for weekend camping and towing, and it’s a workhorse for doing anything that requires transportation. Okay... it does feel like a bit of battleship when you are fitting it into tight supermarket car parks.
The BT-50 comes with a 4 year / 120 000 km warranty plan, a 5 year / 90 000 km service plan and a 3 year roadside-assist plan.
PracticalityInterior space 3/5Seat comfort 4/5Trailer stability programme yesAccessibility to the van’s electric socket 5/5Side mirrors 4/5
Vehicle towing specsTare (kg) 2 088GCM (kg) 5 950Max. towing mass unbraked (kg) 750Max. towing mass braked (kg) 2 088Manufacturer’s max. towing mass (kg) 1 800
Fuel consumption & rangeConsumption when towing (l / 100 km) 13Probable range (km) 600 kmTank size (litres) 80
Towing acceleration & performance0 to 60 km/h (sec) 6.710 to 80 km/h (sec) 11.580 to 100 km/h (sec) 18.63Overtaking 80 – 100 km/h (sec) 7.46 in 5th gearOvertaking 80 – 100 km/h (sec) 8.33 in 6th gearHill climb (2 km climb) 1 minute 31 secondsSpeed at max. torque 4th gear (km/h) 455th gear (km/h) 806th gear (km/h) 104Most comfortable gear @ 100 km/h 5thMost comfortable gear @ 120 km/h 5th & 6th
Tyre pressures for towingFront (kPa) 2.2Rear (kPa) 2.4
Towing characteristicsStraight line towing Excellent. The combination
feels solid, and not easily pushed around.Steering Light but positiveFeedback from caravan An excellent towing caravanDoes car feel in control of the caravan? Yes; this is an ideal
combination for short and long trips.Does the caravan pitch onto the rear of the car? No, the BT-50’s suspension is hard.Brakes – will it stop in time? Yes, without a delayed response.Hard stop from 100 km/h (secs) 3.09 seconds in a straight line.
SPRITE TOURER SWPrice R229 400 (as tested)Berth 4 Tare (kg) 1 138GVM (kg) 1 450Minimum tow vehicle (kg) Must have Tare > 1 450 Length (mm) 5 787Width (mm) 2 185Height (mm) 2 350 (roof closed)Tyre size 245/75/15Nose weight (kg) +/- 100 kgTyre pressure (kPa) 240Stability (recovering from induced sway) 4/5Stability (recovering from side winds) 4/5Pitching 4/5Overall towing characteristic 4/5
* Above results unique to towing vehicle and how you pack the caravan.
(Our test caravan was a used model kindly loaned to us by Campworld. Prices will vary around the country.)
45
BLAST PASTFROM THE
Compiled by Lara Meter
46
BACK ISSUE: JULY 1963BACK ISSUE: JULY 1963
A caravanner’s paradise! Sounds delightful, doesn’t it? In this month’s back issue from the July 1963 issue of Caravan and Outdoor Life, we look at the area which was called a
caravaner’s paradise, which is clearly not a misnomer for the area from George through to Plettenberg Bay, now known as the Garden Route.
The article 'These Parks are Parks' talks about the exquisite scenery and the well-maintained holiday resorts in the Garden Route. The parks were described as modern for their time with clean ablution blocks, and most were grassed for a lovely, lazy and luxurious holiday rest. It is understandable why this area became known as a fantastic holiday destination; and one will still find 'the finest holiday of all, along the Garden Route'.
Caravans were fast becoming commonplace in the 60s, with everything you'd need for your holiday on the road; a bed, mini-kitchen/dining area, bathroom and extra packing space for your outdoor set up. Although they were fully equipped, they were still fairly basic; well, basic compared to modern caravans. So, what was the real difference? In one word, wallpaper. When one thinks of the sixties one imagines floral wallpapers and colourful kitchen accessories, and this would certainly have been extended to caravans and motorhomes. Wallpaper is believed to have been used first in the form of tapestries during the Shakespearian era. It is still used today to decorate homes across the world.
47
'To smoke or not to smoke, that is the question'. In 1963, the health statistics regarding the smoking of cigarettes were still up for debate. In an article from this back issue, it is said that smoking kept you from becoming overweight and this lowered risks of heart disease, although there was evidence to suggest that smoking caused all kinds of diseases, from cancer to TB. So that is the question: to smoke and avoid heart disease associated with obesity and risk cancer, or not? Funny now, as smoking has now been linked to heart disease.
8
The advertisement featured in this month’s issue is for the Zeyphr 4 caravan. The picture is striking, and although it is in black and white, you can see dust trailing behind the caravan as it speeds along the gravel road. A sight all caravanners are used to, and miss when they are not on the road.
48
The Great Outdoors Guide, SA’s best-selling caravanning, camping and resort destination magazine is now on sale. It features over 1 400 resorts, spread throughout SA and its six neighbouring countries - Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Lesotho. 104 premier resorts are listed with maps, GPS points, contact numbers and website details – these listings detail nearby attractions, and all the facilities and activities on offer. Also included in the Great Outdoors Guide is a catalogue of must-have camping gear, and a selection of top camping recipes guaranteed to tantalise the tastebuds. The introduction offers general advice on the essentials of camping, caravanning and 4x4ing through our beautiful continent, outlining what you need to know before you tow, or which off-road track to follow. Plus,
Available at selected participating stores below for only R50
GREAT GREATTAT OUTDOORSOUTDOOROORSSGUIDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDEGUIDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDUIDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE 22222222222222220162222222222222222222222222222222016016
Explore theWaterberg
Overland Adventure
recipesREADERS’ FAVOURITE
GREAT Gear
RESORT
YearOF THE
READERS’
camping MUST-HAVES
top 10NAMIBIA’S
ATTRACTIONS
PLUSMAPS
GPS POINTSSTAR RATINGS
WEBSITES
R50
BushCampingIVORY ROUTE
LIMPOPO
SA’S TOP-SELLING CARAVAN PARK & CAMPING RESORT DESTINATION GUIDE
Or simply call or email us directly, and we will have one delivered to you at exactly the same cost (R50). Linda Rose 021 702 4200, [email protected].
Don’t miss out on SA’s best-selling caravan resort & camping guide!
we include a handful of great travel stories sourced from SA’s most popular travel magazines, SA4x4 and Caravan & Outdoor Life. Plan your holiday with us.
50
Besides the description of the item you want to sell, your email must contain your name, contact number and the province in which you reside. Then, simply email all this information to [email protected]. If you wish to display an image with your ad, your text is limited to 40 words, and such an ad will cost you R456 − email the address above for more details on how to goabout placing such an ad. We reserve the right to withhold any ad, or to edit the text supplied to fit the space available. Free text ads are published on a first-come-first-served basis, and must be resubmitted every month that your item remains unsold.
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR FREE TEXT AD
CLASSIFIEDSREADERS'
MOTORHOMES
1996 Explorer Cub on Toyota Stallion 1 800. Excellent condition. Petrol engine. 72 079 km. Includes beds for four people, gas stove, fridge, microwave and awning. R110 000. Contact Vicki 072 347 1928 (Warner Beach, KZN)
CARAVANS & TRAILERS
1988 Jurgens Expo. In excellent condition, stored under cover. Includes full tent, Rally with sides and front, microwave, porta-potti, new tyres, spare wheel and other extras. R65 000. Contact Len 082 810 4116 (Port Elizabeth)
2012 Jurgens Exclusive. Excellent condition, only used twice. Includes caravan mover, modular tent, silver-sail, cargo net, straightliner stabiliser, two ground sheets, rear view camera, LCD display for the vehicle and a new fridge. R255 000. Contact Vaughan 072 595 8886 (George)
2013 Jurgens XT 140 off-road trailer. Excellent condition. Includes Howling Moon XP trailer tent with full tailgate awning, wall set, double tailgate slide, 35 W solar panel and regulator. R75 000 negotiable. Contact Fred 082 493 2998 (Hermanus)
2007 Sprite Splash. Good condition. Includes full tent, Rally tent, add-a-room, DStv dish and stand, microwave, outside kitchen with double gas stove, stabiliser and exterior plug points. R120 000. Contact Seth 082 760 2396 (Gauteng)
2006 Gypsy Rascal. In excellent condition, parked in a garage under a full cover. Still on original tyres, about 80% tread. Includes all tents, fabric specs and spare wheel. R85 000. Pieter 082 560 3235 (Mosselbay)
2012 Sprite Tourer SP Deluxe model. Newly renovated. Includes 80-litre Snowmaster fridge, scullery, tent side walls, microwave, double bed mattress, groundsheet, travel blanket, caravan cover and more. R165 000. Contact Thomas 076 720 5038 (Pretoria)
2013 Jurgens Explorer. Excellent condition, stored inside a garage. Includes full wall set, add-a-room and aircon. R235 000. Contact Martin 082 553 1184 (Pretoria)
2011 Dethleffs 420. Good condition. Includes full caravan, aircon, flat screen tv, dish, spare wheel, full tent and canopy with
PRIVATE PLEASE!
A FREE SERVICE
FOR YOU!
sides and front walls, bathroom with toilet and warm water. R230 000. Contact C Burger 082 851 8971 (Gordons Bay)
2006 Gypsey Rascal. Excellent condition, stored under cover. Includes rally tent with complete wall set, two groundsheets, Bauer fridge/freezer, spare wheel, stabiliser, nose blanket and crockery for four people. R92 000. Contact Ken 082 234 7517 (Knysna)
2004 Jurgens Fleetline. Very good condition, stored under cover. Includes full modular tent, two extra walls, Rally awning, microwave, Defy fridge, travel blanket and full storage cover. R120 000. Contact Andy 082 602 0698 (Hillcrest)
1996 Gypsey Caravette 5. Includes two double beds, hammock, gas hob and sink, bar fridge, crockery for six, full side tent, Rally tent, spare wheel and ground sheet. R35 000. Contact Coen 082 731 3424 (Tzaneen)
1998 Gypsey Raven D. Excellent condition. Includes full tent, Rally awning and sides, caravan cover, full fridge, two new tyres and rims and two spare wheels. R65 000. Contact Colin 076 814 4030 (Pietermaritzburg)
2006 Sprite Swing. In good condition, kept under cover. Includes full tent, Rally awning and all accessories. R88 000. Contact Denise 082 373 6502 (Randburg)
Free text ads, and paid-for picture ads in this section, are reserved for private persons selling caravans, motorhomes, trailers, vehicles, camping equipment or any other related items. Advertisements from small businesses or dealers are not permitted.
51
If you’re submitting a free ad, don’t forget to
give a price for the items you wish to sell. Research
shows that ads with prices get more response
than those without.
NAME YOUR PRICE!
The vast majority of readers using this free service report success in selling/buying items, but occasionally, scams or attempted scams do arise. As there is no way for us to verify each and every advertisement placed here, the responsibility rests with you to be vigilant. Please let us know if you see something suspicious. The best way to avoid such problems is to see the items and make/receive payment, face-to-face with the buyer/seller. Be wary of sending your items before receiving the
money, and conversely, be careful of making payment before seeing/acquiring the items. And, bear in mind that payment services like Money Gram, Bidpay and Western Union have been favoured by fraudsters in the past. Above all, use your
common sense; if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Caravan Publications, its staff, and its agents cannot be held liable nor accept responsibility for any loss, damage or inconvenience that may arise as a result of using this service.
STAY SAFE
Dirt-road camping trailer with Howling Moon rooftop tent. Includes Alu Awn awning and other camping equipment. R16 000. Contact Jim 082 615 9424 (KZN)
1996 Sprite Swift. In very good condition. Includes Rally sides for add-a-room, fridge and other extras. R36 000. Contact Allan 083 641 0283 (Benoni)
2014 Afrispoor Buffel 4x4 Caravan. Only months old and used once. R200 000. Contact Chris 082 574 6778 (Ballito)
2012 Jurgens Classique. Mint condition, stored under waterproof cover. Including lots of accessories and extras. R220 000. Contact Alexander 082 483 7120 (Gauteng)
Venter Bush Baby off-road camping trailer. Includes top tent and additional howling Moon tent with side walls. R48 000. Contact Ron 082 457 1880 (Eastern Cape)
Resort manager position. I'm an experienced caravanner and want to run a resort, preferably in KZN - or any location other than the West Coast. Contact Derick Van Rensburg 071 266 4716
TOWING VEHICLES
2004 Honda CRV auto. Good condition. 175 000 km. R95 000. Contact Rudi 082 950 5535 (Sandton)
MISCELLANEOUS
Zambezi Senior tent with flysheet. Military grade 440 g ripstop canvas, made by Tent-Tech in Mooi River. Includes 1.6 m veranda with removable insect screen walls, steel poles, two OZtrail stretchers and folding cupboard. R5 000. Contact Don 082 977 7562 (Pietermaritzburg)
Rally awning for an Escape 2, R800. Two side walls for Rally canopy, R800. Contact Robert 083 454 3357 (Roodepoort)
Domestic glass top cooker. For 2010 Jurgens Fleetline. Never used. R2 000. Contact Mike 082 557 0272 (Pietermaritzburg)
High density foam mattress for Jurgens Penta. 150 cm Thick, newly covered. R1 400. Contact A Rogers 081 747 7423 (Cape Town)
3-way fridge/freezer from 1980 Jurgens. 70 x 55 x 60 cm. R1 600. Contact Peter 083 427 7546 (Ekurhuleni)
Rally tent with sides and poles from old Sprite Sprint. Free to a good home. Contact Patricia 083 297 1750 (Johannesburg)
Nissan X-Trail push bar. Bolts directly to existing threaded inserts in front of chassis. Powder coated. Makes manoeuvring your caravan so much easier. R1 500. Contact Gordon 082 420 5588 (Blaauwberg, Western Cape)
KIDS’ CORNER
52
ANSWERS: You’ll find the answers to these questions on page 66.
Compiled by Lara Meter
PENGUINS
Penguins are a group of flightless birds living almost exclusively in the southern hemisphere, especially Antarctica. They are highly adapted for life in the water, and are extremely agile as they swim like bullets. Their wings have evolved into flippers. Most penguins feed on krill, fish, squid and other forms of sea life. They spend half their time on land and half their time in the ocean. Which is the tallest of all penguin species?
MOTHER NATURE’S FACT FILE - ANIMALS OF ANTARCTICA
ALBATROSSAn Albatross is a large seabird.
These birds are native to the
Southern Ocean and the North
Pacific Ocean. Albatrosses are one
of the largest flying birds with a
wing span of up to 3.7 metres. The
body of the albatross is covered
with white, black, brown, red or
yellow feathers. They have large
heads, with a strong hooked beak.
How do albatrosses find prey in the dark?
WEDDELL SEALSThe real name for a seal is a Pinniped. They are water mammals that spend some time on the shore. They are carnivorous, eating other sea-life. There are 33 different species of seals. Weddell Seals live further south than any other mammals in the world. Seals live mainly in the water. However, they come to land to give birth or to escape from predators such as orca whales and sharks.How long do seals live?
53
To put yourself in line to win this, or another prize, get your mom or dad to email a photo of you on your latest camping, caravanning or motorhome holiday to [email protected], and tell us a little something about where you were and what you did. Include your name, your g d your mom or dad’s contact details, in l d email address. Caravan & Outdoor Life’s Junior Caravanners’ Club is open to boys and girls 13 years old or younger.
MILLIO1N
JUNIOR CARAVANNERS' CLUB
Welcome to the Junior Caravanners’ Club, Connor Jansen van Vuuren; we’re glad to have you on board! Connor is seen here helping his oupa with the braai at Willows, Port Elizabeth. Connor wins a Bestway Hydro Force Inflatable Raft from Seagull Industries.
r age and your momncluding an n
A-MAZE-INGCan you find your way out of the woods? Help out your fellow campers by leading them to safety. Remember, once you enter the maze, there’s only one way out!
ANSWERS: You’ll find the answers to this maze on page 66.
COLOUR MY CAMPSITECalling all artists! We all know that camping is never dull or black and white. Bring this campsite to life by adding some colour… and your artistic touch! (Maybe ask your mom or dad to Photostat this image so that you can colour it in more easily).
This prize is proudly sponsored by Seagull Industries. For more information on a wide range of camping gear, contact them on 021 577 1401, or at [email protected]
REBUS PUZZLESA rebus is picture representation of a name,work, or phrase. Each rebus puzzle boxportrays a common word or phrase. Can youguess what these two are?
GIVEGETGET
GETGIVEGIVE
GIVE GET
CARAVAN CLINIC
54
VAN IS A THUMPER
We noticed that, when braking, the caravan has started to ‘thump’ on the rear of the car. The harder you brake, the worse the kick. I checked the tow bracket and all is tightly bolted. We had the caravan serviced recently, so the brakes work. What can it be?
Johnny Hewlet
Godfrey Castle: I suspect the shock absorber in the tow coupling has seen better days − this would be the first thing I would look at. It's a common fault and I'm surprised that a proper solution has never been found to overcome this.
Because of the arrangement of the valves and oil inside the shock absorber, it isn't designed to work on a horizontal plane: the closer to vertical, the better. In the tow coupling, the shock absorber lies on its side, in the horizontal plane.
The overrun system – the shaft which runs through the coupling housing and to which the tow coupling is attached − is an integral part of the caravan's braking system.
Irrespective of the maintenance intervals, AL-KO recommends that the braking system must be inspected and maintained by an
authorised caravan/trailer dealer only. If jerky shaft movement or braking is noticed during driving, the shock absorber on the overrun coupler might have been overstressed, perhaps because of the brakes settling in on a new caravan or trailer, or through incorrect brake settings or loading.
You can check the shock absorber for visible leakage; unhitch the trailer or caravan then pull up the handbrake fully so that the overrun lever is far away from the shaft end, then pull out the shaft fully towards the towing direction and try to push the shaft back in by hand. If it is very easy to push in, this might indicate that the shock absorber needs to be replaced.
If you need to push with a lot of force, the shaft only moves in slowly, and you see the shock absorber moving in, then everything is probably in order. (One of the standard shocks AL-KO is using has a damping force of 2 850 Nm in new condition).
The first recommended service interval for an overrun braking system is 1 500 km or six months, after which it’s every 12 months. Any other chassis or body part could also cause a thump as described in the letter, so we would like to recommend having this checked by an authorised caravan/trailer dealer, or visiting the new AL-KO factory outlet in Vereeniging.
WIN WITH CARAVAN CLINIC!Congratulations to Johnny Hewlet, whose winning letter
wins him a pair of Fiamma Wheel Savers. These devices are designed to prevent the deformation of caravan tyres during long periods of storage.
The Wheel Savers should be used only on uniform, reinforced and level surfaces.
55
CHAIR ISSUES
It seems every Tom, Dick and Harry sells camping chairs in summer, but I've yet to find a chair that lasts. The plastic feet seem incapable of supporting my weight. (82 kg). So, what do I do? Throw a perfectly good chair away just because the plastic foot has collapsed? Perhaps someone has a better plan or solution?
Danny du Toit
Godfrey Castle: Yes, I have two of those chairs in my garage – don’t know why I didn’t think of this before, but maybe those corner feet are interchangeable and I can get one good chair out of the two broken ones. Proof yet again that one should not just throw things away! Also, perhaps think about changing the style of chair you buy – why not try a folding chair with aluminium legs?
TAKING CHARGE OF THE CHARGEMASTERIn your December issue, in this section, one of your sub-scribers wrote in about the problem he was having with the Chargemaster in his caravan. I bid him welcome to the club!
A Chargemaster basically has two sides, one for 220 volt and one for 12 volt. There's a connection from the 220 side to the 12 volt side, which can be called the step-down trans-former side.
Here's what I did. I first bought a good-quality battery charger. Then, on the Chargemaster, I traced where the live and neutral went from the 220 volt side of the Chargemaster to the step-down transformer (the 12 volt) side, cut the wires before they went into the step-down transformer, and con-nected them to the incoming side (220 volt) of the battery charger. Then I found out where the wires come out of the step-down transformer, and which then go to the battery to charge it.
I then cut these two wires off, and connected the wires from the lights’ side to those that go to the battery on to the output wires of the battery charger. All you have done is to bypass the step down transformer of the Chargemaster by replacing it with a battery charger.
The Chargemaster has its own switch to switch the 12-volt current on and off as required. You would also have needed to shorten the outgoing leads from the battery charger to the 12 volt lights lead. Bingo. It works.
John Foreman
Godfrey Castle: I'm often told that to work on 220 V components one needs a Wireman’s ticket, so don’t try this at home unless you're suitably qualified. Rather pass on this idea to an electrician!
We have a caravan, but for long trips prefer using our rooftop tent. Trouble was… space in the car. You see, our bedding (including big, comfortable pillows) seemed to take up most of the usable packing space in the boot and cabin.
The solution was so simple – dump the foam mattress in the rooftop tent, which is as uncomfortable as hell
anyway and uses up valuable space, and replace it with an inflatable mattress!
We found that we can deflate the mattress and leave our already made-up bed and pillow in the folded up roof-top tent, thus saving much space in the car and boot.
When you unfold the tent, you flip one side of the inflatable mattress over to make the bed, plug an air pump into the cigarette lighter to inflate the mattress...
and it’s like sleeping on a cloud! The view out of the rooftop tent is the best!
Ben Stevens
Godfrey Castle: Great idea, especially that compressor! Why is it that blowing up an air mattress makes you so dizzy that you want to pass out? You might want to make sure you pack a vinyl repair kit; if your inflatable mattress springs a leak, you're going to have a very uncomfortable holiday…
ROOF TENT SPACE SAVER
56
PUZZLES Brain-teaser fun to help pass the time on the road, or to enjoy while relaxing at your campsite.
ACROSS
2. Famous classical composer8. Existing, happening or operating in the air9. a device that generates an intense beam of coherent light11. Bring back to life13. Used to carry petrol15. Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain16. An official document you do not have permission to see18. The first letter of the Greek alphabet19. Save (someone) from a dangerous or difficult situation20. A utensil used for writing or drawing21. A tool used to chop wood
DOWN
1. Vehicle that drives on water3. Load again4. American word for a braai5. To do the right thing is to be ...6. Eleventh month of the year7. A secret word that must be used to gain admission10. A quantity of precious metals, gems, or other valuable objects12. Express the sense of (words or text) in another language14. A big South African national park16. A place where kings and queens live17. Excessive use of ______.
Fill in the numbers so that every row, column and diagonal add up correctly!
Experience a Drakensberg atmosphere within the heart of Durban, just 15km from the city
centre. Close to Gateway and Pavilion shopping malls, Ushaka Marine, beaches and the valley of a thousand Hills. We offer chalets, caravan and tent sites with electricity, clean ablutions, swimmng pool, laundry facilities, playground
and 24-hour security.
QUEENSBURGH CARAVAN RESORTDURBAN
The resort that has it allwww.umtentweni.co.za
Your friendly host
Tobie Mayer
PO Box 44, Sea Park, 4241Tel/Fax Port Shepstone (039) 695 0531
Set in a pristine dune forest, boasting giant trees and ample shade, this resort is a real treasure. 24-Hour security ensures
peace of mind. There is plenty to see and do nearby, including big five game
viewing and you can enjoy the freedom of a swim on the protected beach.
ACTIVITIESJukskei, Paintball, Trampolines, Volleyball, Swimming pool and Kiddies pool, Play-ground, Outdoor chess, Pool tables, Bird
watching, Fishing and Beaches.
FACILITIESCredit card facilities, Swimming Pool,
Games room, Playground, Braai facilities, Charcoal and fire wood for sale, Caravan/camping stands, Family ablution, Grassed stands, Shaded stands, Electricity on each stand, Water taps close to stands, Washing
lines, Washing machines, Tumble driers, Resort security, Pets allowed with prior approval, Tuck shop, Private access to
the beach.
YOUR PLACE IN NATURE
Self-catering chalets.Grassed sites with 15 amp electricity.
Bar, shop, games room, pool.Winter pensioners specials, wedding/
Party Venue
Southern DrakensbergCARAVAN PARK
Gooderson Drakensberg GardensGolf & Spa Resort
61
KWAZULU-NATAL RESORTS
EAGLE VIEW CARAVAN PARK HarburgSituated on edge of Valley of a 1000 Hills near Harburg on the R614, with spectacular views into the valley with 3 falls cascading into indigenous forest. Enjoy some peace in natural surroundings. Hiking, cycling, fishing, bird watching, swimming in dam. Contact Ron [C] 082 579 3893 or Anka [C] 082 806 6997 [E] [email protected] [W] www.theamble.com
GLENSHEILING CARAVAN PARK MidlandsNestled in the beauty of the Midlands lies a picturesque caravan park and camping site with caravans to let. Glensheiling is situated a mere 3 km from Nottingham Road, and offers trout fishing, wonderful bird life and beautiful bush walks. Kids will love the dam and the unique jungle gym. Amazing discounts for pensioners, group bookings and monthly stays. [T] 033 266 6214 [C] 082 374 1270 [E] [email protected] [GPS] S29 22.218 E30 01.38
KWA-RIE CARAVAN PARK DundeeThe Kwa-Rie Caravan Park is situated in the middle of Dundee (Battlefield Route) on a 14 ha plot next to the golf course and restaurant. We have 6 chalets and 27 caravan/tent stands all with electricity and clean ablution blocks. Things to do: Fishing, canoeing, table tennis, pool, swimming and some game viewing. Contact Antoinette [T] 034 212 2333 [C] 082 490 2231
LALANATHI CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK AnerleySwim, fish, sunbathe or just relax surrounded by magnificent scenery in a secure area. 42 Electrified grassy & shaded sites, clean ablution and dishwashing facilities. Communal braai, lapa with large screen DSTV, childrens play area. Pet friendly, pensioner specials. Contact Charlotte [T] 039 684 5372 [E] [email protected] [GPS] S30 39 09.7 E30 31 18.1
MARLON HOLIDAY RESORT Sunwich PortOnly 700 meters from the beach. We have large level, grassed and shady sites with electricity. Modern clean ablutions, laundry and wash up areas. Communal lapa/braai area. Large swimming and paddling pools, playground, trampoline and a games room with large screen T.V. Self-catering units accommodates 2-8 people. Pensioner rate available. [T] 039 681 3596 [C] 082 406 8630 [E] [email protected] [W] www.marlon.co.za [GPS] S 30 40.089’ E 30 30.492’
THE BEEHIVE FUNCTIONS VENUE & CARAVAN PARK GreytownNeed a relaxing weekend away? The Beehive Functions Venue and Caravan Park,2km from Greytown on Mooi River road (R622) offers country camping with elec. points, playground, swimming pool and Jukskei pitch. Cycles welcome. Tennis courts, golf course, bowling club, supermarkets, etc. nearby. [E] [email protected] [C] 072 369 6930 [W] www.thebeehive.co.za
WAVECREST AmanzimtotiAt Wavecrest you will find, Excellent security, First class facilities, No overcrowding, Park-like seclusion, Wonderful bird life, Direct access to shark net and lifeguard protected beach, Great fishing with two nearby river mouths, Wheelchair friendly, Small dogs out of season, Excellent overall value for money. [C] 082 568 5976 [W] www.wavecrest.caravanparks.co.za
WHITE MOUNTAIN LODGE EstcourtComfortable self-catering chalets with meal options. Electrified caravan sites. Bass fishing, hiking, swimming pool, games room, restaurant, satellite TV in ladies bar. Abseiling, foefie-slide, conferences and adventure courses. Contact Richard and Jenny Osborne. [T] 036 353 3437 [F] 036 353 3644 [W] [email protected]
ELEPHANT COAST
BUSHBABY LODGE & CAMPING HluhluweLocated near Hluhluwe, 5km from the N2, 20 min from the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi game reserve. Campsites with electrical points, grass and shady trees. Swimming pool and bar with DSTV. Discount on campsites for pensioners. Also fully / self catering wooden cabins available. Pim [C] 076 953 7063 Thandie [C] 079 475 6446
ILALA PALM PARK MbazwanaPrivate campsites near Mbazwana, 18 km from Sodwana Bay. In delightful sand forest with abundant birdlife, eg. African broadbill, Eastern Nicator, Black cuckoo, etc. Mkhuze, Thembe, Ndumo, Kosi Bay one hour away. Each site with own ablution, hot water, 220 volt electricity, braai and swimming pool. Contact Adri [C] 082 855 5643 or Jorrie [C] 083 960 1192 [F] 035 571 7125 [W] www.ilalapalmcaravanpark.co.za [E] [email protected]
XAXAZA CARAVAN PARK MtunziniWe have shady sites 13 with private bathroom/kitchenette, swimming pool, childrens play area, laundry, games room, TV lounge, mini golf, trampolines, library and spotless ablutions. Chalets and cabin vans for hire. Contact Noel or Merle [T] 035 340 1843 / 2496 [E] [email protected] [W] www.caravanparks.com/xaxazaBanana Cabanas and Caravan Park Anerley 039 681 2200Prairie Park Caravan Resort Anerley 039 681 2013
Voetplaat Park Anerley 039 681 3325Lucky Linton Caravan Park Ballito 083 287 8383Ilanga Caravan Park Banana Beach 039 681 3280Amphitheatre Backpackers Bergville 082 855 9767ATKV DrakensvilleHoliday Resort Bergville 036 438 6287Bergville Caravan Park Bergville 03644 81273Hlalanathi Berg Resort Bergville 036 438 6308Mountain Shadows Holiday Farm Bergville 071 602 0228Royal Natal National Park, Mahai W Bergville 033 845 1000Royal Natal National Park, Rugged Glen W Bergville 033 845 1000Bluff Eco Park Bluff 031 467 8865Mountain Caravan Park Bulwer 039 832 0026Wild Sky Lodge Bulwer 039 832 0224Msinsi Reserve – Albert Falls Cramond 033 569 1203Mount Park Guest Farm Dargle 033 234 4601Battlefields Caravan Park Dundee 034 632 1723Chelmsford Nature Reserve Leokop W Dundee 033 845 1000Chelmsford Nature Reserve Sandford W Dundee 033 845 1000Kwa Rie Resort and Caravan Park Dundee 034 212 2333The Blue Pig Farm Lodge Dundee 076 176 0802Msinsi Reserve – Inanda Durban 031 766 9946Wagendrift Nature Reserve W Estcourt 033 845 1000Fanies Island Resort W Fanies Island 033 845 1000Amatigulu Nature Reserve W Gingindlovu 033 845 1000Ivala Guest Lodge Greytown 083 775 2466Lake Merthley Caravan Park Greytown 033 413 9100Torwoodlea Lodge Greytown 033 940 0124Carousel Holiday Resort Hibberdene 039 699 2406Hibberdene Caravan Park Hibberdene 039 699 2308Cobham Nature Reserve W Himeville 033 845 1000Cobham Nature Reserve Vergelegen W Himeville 033 845 1000Himeville Nature Reserve W Himeville 033 845 1000Lotheni Nature Reserve W Himeville 833 845 1000Midmar Dam Nature Reserve DukuDuku W Howick 033 845 1000Midmar Dam Nature Reserve Morgenzon W Howick 033 845 1000Midmar Dam Nature Reserve Munro Bay W Howick 033 845 1000Ifafa Beach Holiday Resort Ifafa Beach 039 977 8615ATKV Natalia Beach Resort Illovo Beach 031 916 4545Protea Hotel Karridene Beach Illovo Beach 031 916 7228Glengarry Park Kamberg 033 267 7225Mount Currie Nature Reserve W Kokstad 033 845 1000Bhanga Nek Camp Kosi Bay 082 857 3363Kosi Bay Cabins Kosi Bay 079 801 9191Kosi Bay Nature Reserve W Kosi Bay 033 845 1000Lala-Lapa Caravan Park Kosi Bay 035 592 8015Palm Tree Lodge Kosi Bay 083 632 7593Thembe Eco Lodge Kosi Bay 083 607 0785Spioenkop Game Reserve W Ladysmith 033 845 1000Margate Caravan Park Margate 039 312 0852Paradise Holiday Resort Margate 039 313 0655Pumlani Caravan Park Margate 039 312 0482Mabibi Campsite W Mbaswana 033 845 1000Imfulazane Caravan Park Melmoth 035 450 3078Mkhuze Game Reserve W Mkhuze 033 845 1000Highmoor Nature Reserve W Mooi River 033 845 1000
Umlalazi Nature Reserve, Indaba W Mtunzini 033 845 1000Umlalazi Nature Reserve, Inkwazi W Mtunzini 033 845 1000Castaways Holiday Resort Munster 039 319 2574Mittenwald Caravan Park Munster 039 319 1180Ndumo Game Reserve W Ndumo 033 845 1000Amcor Dam Caravan Park Newcastle 084 526 1961River Valley Resort Pennington 039 975 1805Ovaflow Resort Pietermaritzberg 083 495 9248Phongola Nature Reserve W Pongola 033 845 1000Pongola Caravan Park and Chalets Pongola 034 413 1789Leisure View Holiday Resort Port Edward 039 319 2367Old Pont Holiday Resort Port Edward 039 311 2211Port Edward Holiday Resort Port Edward 039 311 2333TO Strand Holiday Resort Port Edward 039 319 2729Lake Eland Game Reserve Port Shepstone 039 687 0395Oribi Gorge Campsite W Port Shepstone 086 157 8437Charles Hoffe Park Scottburgh 039 976 0651River Valley Resort Scottburgh 039 975 1805Riverbend Chalets & Campsite Umtentweni 039 695 1065Kingfisher Caravan Park Shelly Beach 039 315 6334Shelly Caravan Park Shelly Beach 039 685 0764Msinsi Reserve – Shongweni Shongweni 031 769 1283Sodwana Angling Club Sodwana Bay 034 413 2256Sodwana Bay National Park W Sodwana Bay 033 845 1000Sunlithills Chalets Southport 083 726 7972Cape Vidal Nature Reserve W St Lucia Estuary 033 845 1000Cape Vidal Nature Reserve, Mbabala W St Lucia Estuary 033 845 1000False Bay, Dugandlovu W St Lucia Estuary 033 845 1000Futulu Park St Lucia Estuary 035 550 4431Mamphelana Campsite W St Lucia Estuary 033 845 1000St Lucia Estuary, Eden Park W St Lucia Estuary 033 845 1000St Lucia Estuary, Sugarloaf W St Lucia Estuary 033 845 1000Harold Johnson Nature Reserve W Stanger 033 845 1000Lobotes Caravan Park Tugela 032 458 4259Tugela Mouth Resort Tugela 032 458 4241Greenpoint Lodge – Clansthal Umkomaas 039 973 0211Riverbend Chalets (Self Catering) Umtentwini 039 695 1065Dragons Rest Caravan Park Underberg 072 149 8665Garden Castle Nature Reserve W Underberg 033 845 1000Silverstreams Caravan Park Underberg 033 701 1249Oasis Caravan Park Uvongo 039 315 0778Msinsi Reserve – Hazelmere Verulam 032 533 2315Ithala Game Reserve, Doornkraal W Vryheid 033 845 1000Neels Lodge Vryheid 083 946 0290Thangami Safari Spa Vryheid 083 256 6036Ubuntu Lodge and Caravan Park Vryheid 082 701 0674Vryheid Caravan Park Vryheid 033 845 10003D Mashona Weenen 083 650 1231Weenen Game Reserve W Weenen 033 845 1000Ocean Call Caravan Park Winkelspruit 031 916 2644ATKV Natalia Winterton 031 916 2212Cathedral Peak, Didima W Winterton 033 845 1000Injisuthi Campsite W Winterton 033 845 1000Monks Cowl Resort W Winterton 033 845 1000Mountain Splendour Caravan Park Winterton 036 468 1172
KWAZULU-NATAL RESORTS W KZN WILDLIFE
Resort / Campsite Nearest Town Telephone Resort / Campsite Nearest Town Telephone
TO ADVERTISE Please contact your area specialist, Brian Jefferies, on [T] 031 266 2550 [C] 082 772 5555 [E] [email protected]
63
WESTERN CAPE RESORTS
CANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT Oudtshoorn3-Star caravan park, 21 chalets, shady trees and braai areas.Swimming pools, mini golf, playparks. Hall. Close to Cango Caves, Waterfall and Ostrich Farm, etc. [T] 044 272 4506 [F] 086 690 4367 [W] www.cangomountain.caravanparks.co.za
FYNBOS GUEST FARM Tulbagh / WolseleyOff the R46 Ceres to Tulbagh and 2km from Wolseley. Relax and enjoy a little slice of our 'paradise' on a working farm just 75 min from Cape Town. Peace and tranquility with panoramic mountain and valley views along with star-filled night skies. Close to golf course, bowls, olive farms and wine estates, historic Tulbagh, restaurants and cherry picking. Small pets by arrangement, children welcome! Lovely farm walks. Caravan / camping sites: 9 sites, very private from one another with shade, electrical points and a lovely braai area. Communal lapa and two small splash pools. Very good ablution facilities. Water can be collected from nearby ablution block. Self-catering cottages: each of the three cottages has a lovely braai area and a fireplace for cold evenings. Well-equipped kitchen with all the necessary appliances. Bed linen, towels and a 'welcome pack' of tea, coffee and sugar supplied. The largest cottage sleeps four persons. We look forward to your visit! [C] 072 223 4674 [F] 086 535 3812 [E] [email protected] [W] www.fynbosguestfarm.co.za.
GATSRIVIER GUEST FARM Ceres – KarooHere is a break-away opportunity where your only companions will be peace, tranquility, the breeze in the trees and the twitter of birds. Campsites, self-catering chalets, 4x4 routes, walking, cycling, bird watching, star gazing & rock climbing. [E] [email protected] [W] www.gatsrivier.co.za
KLEINPLAAS OudtshoornOn main road to Cango Caves. All chalets are fully-furnished and equipped, including colour TV and under-roof parking. Caravan park has well-shaded and lawned stands with power points. Swimming pool and laundromat. No pets allowed. PO Box 24, Oudtshoorn, 6620. [T] 044 272 5811 [F] 044 279 2019 [E] [email protected] [W] www.oudtshoorn.co.za/kleinplaas
MONTAGU CARAVAN PARK MontaguPrivately owned park. Grassed sites & power points. Pet-friendly (with prior arrangement). We offer a variety of self-catering accommodation – from wooden huts to chalets. Big dam for fishing, boating & bird watching. The Resort offers indoor heated pools and outdoor cold pools as well as a recreational area for kids. [T] 023 614 3034 [C] 082 920 7863 [W] www.montagucaravanpark.co.za [E] [email protected] [FB] Montaguresortcaravanpark
OU SKIP CARAVAN PARK AND CHALETS Melkbosstrand, Cape Town Only 26 km from Cape Town and within easy reach of the West Coast and wine routes. 206 sites all with electricity set in 20 hectares of parkland, right opposite the Atlantic Ocean. Five ablution blocks, laundries, shop in season and LP gas station. Super half-Olympic-sized pool plus kiddies pool and huge entertainment hall for dances and functions, conference centre. Close-of-season discount to club members. PO Box 13, Melkbosstrand 7437. [T] 021 553 2058 [F] 021 553 3611 [E] [email protected] [W] www.ouskip.co.za
PLETTENBERG, A FOREVER RESORT Plettenberg Bay Positioned next to a calm section of the Keurbooms River, Plettenberg, A Forever Resort is ideally situated for guests to enjoy boating, canoeing and fishing. Wonderful attractions on the stunning Garden Route are also on your doorstep, with destinations like Knysna, Tsitsikamma, golf courses and beautiful beaches just a short drive away. [T] 044 535 9309 [F] 044 535 9912 [E] [email protected] [W] www.foreversa.co.za
WOODBOURNE RESORT KnysnaSituated near the Knysna Heads, Woodbourne has 65 grassed and shady sites with electricity and immaculate ablutions. Swimming pool, playground and trampoline. Also offers 3-star self-catering chalets. Abundant birdlife in park. Reduced rates for pensioners out of season. [T] 044 384 0316 [C] 072 466 1459 [E] [email protected] [W] www.woodbourne.co.za
Resort / Campsite Nearest Town TelephoneAgulhas Caravan Park Agulhas 028 435 6015Klipbokkop Nature Reserve Barrydale 082 579 4515Warmwaterberg Spa Barrydale 028 572 1609Karoo National Park Beaufort West 023 415 2828Steenbokkie Private Nature Reserve Beaufort West 023 414 3572Teri-Moja Game Lodge Beaufort West 082 789 3040Wagon Wheel Country Lodge Beaufort West 023 414 2145Hardekraaltjie Caravan Park Bellville 021 946 2006Bonnievale River Lodge Bonnievale 083 655 1973Night Sky Caravan Park Bonnievale 023 616 2661Riverside Holiday Resort Bonnievale 082 759 5727Arniston Caravan Park Bredasdorp 028 445 9620De Hoop Nature Reserve Bredasdorp 0861 227 362 8873Die Dam Holiday Resort Bredasdorp 028 482 1710Calitzdorp Spa Calitzdorp 044 213 3371Calitzdorp Station Calitzdorp 044 213 3587Kruisrivier Guest Farm Calitzdorp 044 213 3788Matjies Vlei Calitzdorp 044 213 3756Tankwa-Karoo National Park Calvinia 027 341 1927Sandrif Holiday Resort Cederberg 027 482 2825Wolfkop Nature Reserve Cederberg 083 2605071Klondyke Cherry Farm Ceres 023 312 1521Matroosberg Reserve, Dennebos Camp Ceres 023 312 2282Pine Forest Holiday Resort Ceres 023 316 1882Sothemba Lodge Ceres 023 004 0050Cederberg Tourist Park Citrusdal 027 482 2807Citrus Creek Caravan Camp and Chalets Citrusdal 022 921 3145Die Vlei Camp Site Citrusdal 022 921 3952Koningskop Citrusdal 022 921 3198Natures View Citrusdal 082 773 8310The Baths Citrusdal 022 921 8026Bulshoekdam Leisure Resort Clanwilliam 027 482 2635Cederberg Nature Reserve Clanwilliam 021 483 0190Cederberg Wilderness Area Clanwilliam 0861 227 362 8873Clanwilliam Dam Resort Clanwilliam 027 482 8012De Pakhuys Campsite Clanwilliam 027 482 1879Driehoek Tourist Farm Clanwilliam 027 482 2828Jamaka Organic Farm Clanwilliam 027 482 2801Lebanon Citrus Holiday Resort Clanwilliam 027 482 2508Olivier’s Rust De Rust 044 241 2258Tonnelkop De Rust 044 241 2281Elands Bay Caravan Park Elands Bay 022 972 1736Vensterklip Elands Bay 022 972 1340Fish Hoek Beach Caravan Park Fish Hoek 021 782 5503De Hollandsche Molen Franschoek 021 867 0160Gansbaai Municipal Caravan Park Gansbaai 028 384 0872Uilenkraalsmond Resort Gansbaai 028 388 0200Vloedbos Vakansie Oord Gansbaai 083 359 1505George Caravan Park George 084 400 1000Glentana Caravan Park George 044 879 1536
Herolds Bay Municipal Caravan Park George 044 802 2900Mount View Resort and Lifestyle Village George 044 874 5205Rondekop Camp George 044 272 5114Sea Glimpse Holiday Resort George 044 889 0043Hendon Park Holiday Park Gordons Bay 021 856 9622Pine Creek Caravan Park Great Brak River 044 620 2434Silky Oaks Greyton 082 378 4777Bonniedale Holiday and Wildlife Farm Hartenbos 044 695 3175Dibiki Resort Hartenbos 044 695 1532Hartenbos River Resort Hartenbos 044 695 1520Kalahari Caravan Park Hartenbos 053 831 5126Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve Heidelberg 0861 227 362 8873Heidelberg Witsand Municipal Caravan Park Heidelberg 028 537 1627Nonarosa Bush Camp Heidelberg 082 907 2479Habonim Camp Site Hermanus 028 316 4758Paradise Park Caravan Park Hermanus 028 316 3402Jongensfontein Municipal Resort Jongensfontein 028 713 7850Ashanti Lodge Gardens Kaapstad 021 4238 721Arch Rock Chalets and Caravan Park Keurbooms River 044 535 9409El Yolo One Klaarstroom 021 939 7164Kleinmond Caravan Park Kleinmond 028 271 8458Palmiet Caravan Park Kleinmond 028 271 8458Buffalo Bay Caravan Park Knysna 044 383 0045Homtini Guest Farm Knysna 044 389 0029Monks Holiday Resort Knysna 044 382 2609Imhoff Caravan Park Kommetjie 021 783 1634Kuilsrivier Caravan Park Kuils River 021 900 1635Van Zyls Rus Kuils River 021 903 1991Springvale Cottage and Camping Ladismith 028 551 2014Anysberg Nature Reserve Laingsberg 0861 227 362 8873Lamberts Bay Municipal Caravan Park Lamberts Bay 027 432 2238Malkopbaai Caravan Park Lamberts Bay 083 370 0400Leentjiesklip Caravan Park Langebaan 022 772 2461Oostewal Holiday Resort Langebaan 022 772 2442Seebries Caravan Park Langebaan 022 772 2477WestCoast National Parks Langebaan 022 7722 144Windstone Backpackers and Camping Langebaan 022 766 1645Outeniqua Caravan Park Little Brak River 044 696 6580Riverside Holiday Resort Little Brak River 044 696 6061Matzikama Municipal Caravan Park Lutzville 027 201 3437Malmesbury Caravan Park Malmesbury 022 482 3266Uitvlugt Camping McGregor 023 625 1910Ganzekraal Caravan Park Melkbosstrand 022 492 2265Doringlaagte Monatgu 023 614 2034Baden Klub Montagu 023 614 2229Badensfontein Farm Montagu 079 989 7241De Bos Guesthouse Montagu 023 614 2532Langdam-in-Koo Montagu 082 610 2450Montagu Guano Caves Montagu 084 553 4187Simonskloof Mountain Retreat Montagu 023 614 1895De Drinken Guest Farm Moorreesburg 022 433 2597Moorreesburg Caravan Park Moorreesburg 022 433 1072Zonnekus Holiday Resort Morning Star 021 972 1833ATKV Hartenbos Mossel Bay 044 695 0770Cannon Valley Mossel Bay 082 493 9750De Bakke Resort Mossel Bay 044 691 2915Zandvlei Caravan Park Muizenberg 021 788 5215Chapmans Peak Caravan Farm Noordhoek 021 789 1225Onrus River Holiday Resort Onrus River 028 316 1704De Hoek Mountain Resort Oudshoorn 044 272 8214Gamkaberg Nature Reserve Oudshoorn 0861 227 362 8873Minwater Eco Adventure PNR Oudshoorn 044 279 1285
N.A. Smit Holiday Resort Oudshoorn 044 272 2313Stompdrift Dam Water Resort Oudshoorn 082 577 7877Berg River Resort Paarl 021 007 1852Limietberg Nature Reserve Paarl 0861 227 362 8873Orleans Caravan Park Paarl 021 862 3520The Beach Camp Paternoster 082 926 2267Tieties Bay Caravan Park Paternoster 022 752 2718Piketberg Caravan Park Piketberg 022 913 6000Harkerville Forest Lodge Plettenberg Bay 044 532 7777Keurbooms Lagoon Caravan Park Plettenberg Bay 044 533 2567Waterval Caravan Park Porterville 022 931 2339Die Watergat Campsite Rawsonville 082 570 8097Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway Rawsonville 023 349 1919Riverhouse chalets Rawsonville 072 436 9377Skilpadfontein Campsite Rawsonville 082 419 4991Slanghoek Mountain Resort Rawsonville 023 344 3138Takkieskloof Caravan Park Riversdale 028 713 7916Khomeesdrift Camping Site Riviersonderend 028 261 1995Rivierzicht Rivieroord Robertson 023 626 2013Silwerstrand Holiday Resort Robertson 023 626 3321Skurwekop Park Robertson 023 626 5588Laingville Holiday Resort Saldanha 022 736 1684Saldanha Holiday Resort Saldanha 022 714 2247Lake Pleasant Resort Sedgefield 044 343 1985Millers Point Municipal Resort Simons Town 021 782 5503Salmonsdam Nature Reserve Stanford 0861 227 362 8873Bergplaas Resort Stellenbosch 078 252 3511Mountain Breeze Caravan Park Stellenbosch 021 880 0200Ellensrust Municipal Caravan Park Still Bay 028 754 1034Preekstoel Municipal Camp Site Still Bay 028 713 7849Stilbaai Municipal Caravan Park Still Bay 028 754 1034Kays Caravan Park Strand 021 853 1129Kogel Bay Caravan Park Strand 021 856 9622Voortrekker Park Strand 021 850 4169Struisbaai Municipal Caravan Park Struisbaai 028 435 6820Bontebok National Park Swellendam 028 514 2735KamBati River Resort Swellendam 072 357 1131Swellendam Municipal Caravan Park Swellendam 028 514 8575Gatsrivier Holiday Farm Touws Rivier 023 231 0876Gecko Rock Touws River 023 358 9902Leeuwenboschfontein Touws River 023 358 1722Highlanders Camping Trawal 082 958 4184Eagle Falls Uniondale 044 745 1122Uniondale Caravan Park Uniondale 044 752 1266Van Rhynsdorp Caravan Park Van Rhynsdorp 027 219 1287Mavuradonha Camp Site Van Wyksdorp 028 551 2247Dwarskersbos Caravan Park Velddrif 022 784 0110Stywelyne Holiday Resort Velddrif 022 783 0408Swartvlei Caravan Park Victoria Bay 044 343 2286Theewater Sports Club & Caravan Park Villiersdorp 028 840 1334Tabakbaai Holiday Resort Vredenburg 022 714 2248Katryntjiesdrift Wellington 021 864 1050Carmel By The Sea Wilderness 044 889 0019Garden Route National Park Wilderness 044 877 1197George Country Resort Wilderness 044 889 0034Island Lake Holiday Resort Wilderness 044 877 1194Pirate Creek Holiday Resort Wilderness 044 877 1101ATKV Goudini Spa Worcester 023 349 8100Klipkrans Worcester 079 379 7501Nekkies Municipal Resort Worcester 023 343 2909Khwa Ttu Yzerfontein 022 492 2998Yzerfontein Caravan Park Yzerfontein 022 451 2211
WESTERN CAPE RESORTSResort / Campsite Nearest Town Telephone Resort / Campsite Nearest Town Telephone
TO ADVERTISE Please contact your area specialist, Denise Reid-Daly, on [T] 021 702 4200 [C] 076 301 9468 [E] [email protected]
65
EASTERN CAPE RESORTS
Self-Catering Camping Lodge Accommodation
Swimming Pool & Braai Area Kiddies Play Area & Game Drives
Fishing, Canoe Hire & Hiking
Kowie River – Port Alfred S33° 33 12 6 E026° 51 39 4
GAMTOOS FERRY CARAVAN PARK Gamtoos RiverSituated between Port Elizabeth & Jefferys Bay on the banks of the majestic Gamtoos River, just off the R102. Close to Baviaanskloof. Beautiful green lawns with electricity and purified water. Shop, Bottle Store, Bar & Restaurant on site. Slipway for boating and fishing available free for campers. Birdwatching is excellent. [T] 042 2870758 [F] 042 287 0639 [E] [email protected]
RENDEZVOUS CARAVAN PARK Cintsa40 km from East London. Large, grassed, shady sites with individual bathrooms. Swimming pool. Safe playground for children with trampoline, jungle gym and table tennis. Easy access to beautiful beaches. Renowned fishing grounds and amazing birdlife. Restaurant and shop within easy walking distance. Private Game Reserve a mere 5 km away. Reduced rates for pensioners out of season. [E] [email protected] [W] www.rendezvouscaravanpark.co.za [T] 043 734 3317 [F] 043 734 3317 [C] 073 144 3005
PINE LODGE RESORT - Port Elizabeth****4-star quality at 3 star prices! Nestled amongst the dunes of the Cape Recife Nature Reserve on Port Elizabeth's beachfront, metres from the ocean and minutes from thecity's many attractions, Pine Lodge has something for everyone! Well-grassed sites with electricity, games room, trampoline, well-kept ablutions, gym & on-site restaurant. Self-catering log cabins also available. [T] (041) 583 4004 [E] [email protected] - [W] www.pinelodge.co.za
Resort / Campsite Nearest Town TelephoneAberdeen Municipal Caravan Park Aberdeen 049 846 0014Takkieskloof Caravan Park Aberdeen 028 713 8016Addo Eleph ant NP, Darlington Dam Addo 041 583 2030Addo Elephant NP, Kabouga Rest Camp Addo 041 583 2030
Addo Elephant NP, Main Rest Camp Addo 041 583 2030Homestead Caravan Park and B&B Addo 042 233 0354Intaba Lodge Addo 045 931 1402Ocean View Campsite Alexandria 046 654 0003Barkly East Caravan Park Barkly East 045 971 0448Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve Baviaanskloof 043 705 4450Bavianskloof Uitspan Baviaanskloof 044 923 1511Bo-Kloof Baviaanskloof 044 923 2192Bruintjeskraal Campsite Baviaanskloof 084 515 0993Doringkloof Bush Camp Baviaanskloof 049 839 1160Duiwekloof Wilderness Camp Baviaanskloof 082 500 3286Kudu Kaya Baviaanskloof 073 862 1968Speekhout Camping Baviaanskloof 087 700 4494Vaalwater Bush Camp Baviaanskloof 044 923 1941Boesmans Caravan Park Boesmansriviermond 046 648 3584J.L. De Bruin Dam Resort Burgersdorp 051 653 0595Shorten Park Burgersdorp 051 653 1777Cannon Rocks Holiday Resort Cannon Rocks 046 654 0043Cape St Francis Resort Cape St Francis 042 298 0054Ferndale 4x4 Trails Cathcart 045 843 1741Buccaneers Backpackers Cintsa 043 734 3012Cintsa West Caravan Park Cintsa 043 734 3001Nenga River Lodge Coffee Bay 072 301 2113White Clay Campsite Coffee Bay 083 979 4499Commando Drift Nature Reserve Cradock 043 742 4450Cradock Spa Cradock 048 881 2709Mountain Zebra National Park Cradock 048 881 3434Arendnes Vakansie Oord East London 043 738 5064Cefani Mouth Holiday Resort East London 043 738 5027
Enjoy this scenic campsite on the edge of the Inchara lagoon with fantastic ocean and lagoon views. Walk along unspoilt beaches or enjoy the safe swimming lagoon.The perfect holiday destination!
TO ADVERTISE Please contact your area specialist, Denise Reid-Daly, on [T] 021 702 4200 [C] 076 301 9468 [E] [email protected]
66
Glen Muir Resort East London 043 734 3032Nahoon Municipal Caravan Park East London 043 705 9748Natures Rest East London 043 736 9753Niki-Nana East London 043 722 8509Old Thomas River Historical Village East London 045 843 1504Pine Creek Holiday Resort East London 044 620 2434PSA Holiday Resort East London 082 880 8949Rendezvous Caravan Park East London 043 734 3317Wattle Chop Accommodation East London 083 537 6568Forte Fordyce Fort Beaufort 071 609 1409Oviston Nature Reserve Gariep Dam 051 655 0000Gonubie Holiday Resort Gonubie 043 705 9748Camdeboo National Park Graaff-Reinet 042 233 8600Jesa Caravan Park Graaff-Reinet 049 893 0966Urquhart Municipal Caravan Park Graaff-Reinet 049 892 2136Brooklands Game Farm & Nature Reserve Grahamstown 046 622 5707Langholm Country Estate Grahamstown 083 528 1816Makana Resort Grahamstown 046 622 2159Thomas Baines Nature Reserve Grahamstown 043 705 4400Hamburg Caravan Park Hamburg 040 678 0042Swallowtail Country Estate Hogsback 045 962 1317Island Vibe Backpackers Jeffreys Bay 042 293 2923Jeffreys Bay Caravan Park Jeffreys Bay 042 200 2200Oyster Bay Resort Jeffreys Bay 072 419 6683Palm Springs Resort Kidds Beach 043 781 1901African Imprint Bush Camp Kirkwood 042 230 0489Sitrus Oewer River Camp Kirkwood 042 232 0503Ocean View Guest Farm Komga 043 831 2140Karnmelkspruit River Lodge Lady Grey 051 603 7036Lady Grey Caravan Park Lady Grey 082 495 6626Cedarberg Guest Farm Matatiele 083 262 5464Ongeluksnek Nature Reserve Matatiele 043 701 9600Mbotyi Camp Site Mbotyi 039 253 7201Carochalet Campsites and Chalets Middelburg 082 253 9911Middelburg Caravan Park Middelburg 013 243 5060Welvanpas Guest Farm Middelburg 082 348 9123Double Mouth Camp Site Morgans Bay 043 705 4400Yellowood Forest Campsite Morgans Bay 043 841 1598Doornberg Guest Farm Nieu-Bethesda 049 841 1401Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve Doodsklip Patensie 043 701 9600Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve Komdomo Patensie 043 701 9600
Gonjah Chalet Campsite and 4x4 route Patensie 042 283 0596Heroncliff Patensie 082 770 5914Bathurst Caravan Park Port Alfred 046 625 0897Green Fountain Caravan Park Port Alfred 046 624 2929Medolino Holiday Resort Port Alfred 046 624 1651Willows Caravan Park Port Alfred 086 117 7177Andrew Rabie Caravan Park Port Elizabeth 041 374 5604Highbrae Camp and Climb Port Elizabeth 041 956 0036Humepark Caravan Park Port Elizabeth 041 586 1518ManGolds Pool Caravan Park Port Elizabeth 041 366 2061Oceanview Holiday Resort Port Elizabeth 041 378 1729Pearson Park Resort Port Elizabeth 041 468 0040Seaview Game and Lion Park Port Elizabeth 041 378 1702The Willows Holiday Resort Port Elizabeth 041 396 2000Van Stadens Caravan Park Port Elizabeth 041 776 1059Bulolo Holiday Camp Port St Johns 047 564 1245Cremorne Estate Resort Port St Johns 047 564 1110The Pont Port St Johns 047 564 1324Trennerys Hotel and Camp Site Qolora Mond 047 498 0025Rhodes Campgrounds Rhodes 082 644 4018Bestershoek Caravan Park Somerset East 042 243 1333Valschfontein Caravan Park Sterkstroom 045 966 9157Redefin Caravan Park & Self Catering Steynsburg 048 884 0487Marlu Guest Farm and Camping Steytlerville 049 833 0026Noorspoort Guest Farm Steytlerville 049 835 0001Nature’s Valley Rest Camp Storms River 042 281 1607Storms River Mouth Rest Camp Storms River 042 281 1607The Shire Eco Lodge Stutterheim 043 683 2452Bloukrantz Caravan Park Tsitsikamma 042 281 1450Die Kraaltjie Caravan Park Tsitsikamma 082 498 1045Louterwater Estate Tsitsikamma 042 272 1724Groendal Nature Reserve Uitenhage 041 991 9912Kleinrivier Wilderness Uitenhage 083 991 7021Springs Resort Uitenhage 041 966 1161Anchorage Hotel and Caravan Park Umtata 047 575 9884Lake Gariep Resort Venterstad 051 655 0124Bhejane Game Reserve Willowmore 044 923 1816Finchley Farm Cottage and Camping Willowmore 044 923 1801Timbila Game Reserve Willowmore 083 289 6481Willowmore Caravan Park Willowmore 044 923 1116Dwesa Nature Reserve Willowvale 043 742 4450
EASTERN CAPE RESORTS
Resort / Campsite Nearest Town Telephone Resort / Campsite Nearest Town Telephone
ANSWERS TO KIDS’ CORNER QUESTIONS ON PAGE 52
A-maze-ing January answer
PENGUINThe tallest penguin species in the Emperor Penguin.
SEALSeals live up from 25 - 30 years.
ALBATROSSAlbatrosses have excellent eyesight and sense of smell, this helps them find prey in the dark.
67
LIMPOPO RESORTS
BOMA IN THE BUSH WOONWAPARK PolokwanePrivaat oornag akkommodasie asook woonwapark vir 20 woonwaens, waarvan 7 dubbel skadunet afdakke – 8 km vanaf Polokwane direk langs N1 noord (Louis Trichardt). Die park bied u water- en kragpunte, ablusieblok, afkoelswembad, Boma lapa onder maroelabome met braaigeriewe asook gasstoof met yskas en vrieskas geriewe. Restaurant ook beskikbaar vir bosveld etes. Kontak Abel of Elsa. [C] 082 808 6053 | 082 806 5939 [GPS] S23° 48’43.9 E29° 30'06.3
Resort / Campsite Nearest Town Telephone Abba Game Lodge Modimolle 087 820 5298Avuxeni Resort and Conference Centre Modimolle 014 717 4005Gooderson Sanrock Resort Modimolle 014 717 4005Kazi Mingi Bush Camp Modimolle 083 255 7590Klein Paradys Guest Farm Modimolle 014 717 4088Nylstroom Lodge Modimolle 087 808 5422Nylsvley Conservancy W Modimolle 015 293 3600Tempel Holiday Resort Modimolle 082 884 2590Weesgerus Holiday Resort Modimolle 014 7187 104Thabaphaswa Mountain Sanctuary Mokopane 015 491 4882Tibani Lodge Mokopane 015 491 5609Bunde Game Lodge Mookgopong 073 519 2660Constantia Mineralebron Mookgopong 014 743 0454Die Oog Holiday Resort Mookgopong 014 743 4600Eden Park Resort Mookgopong 087 820 7240Inyathi Game Lodge Mookgopong 013 735 5125Kammaland Holiday Resort Mookgopong 014 743 2021Lekkerbreek Vakansiewildplaas Mookgopong 084 741 8138Rhemardo Holiday Resort Mookgopong 014 743 0612Rondalia – Die OOG Hot Spring Resort Mookgopong 014 743 4600Serendipity Caravan Park Mookgopong 014 743 3540Koedoe Rest Camp Musina 071 926 4276Musina Nature Reserve W Musina 015 293 3600Musina Rest Camp Musina 015 293 3600Forever Resorts Phalaborwa Safari Park Phalaborwa 015 781 7500Gramadoela Resort Phalaborwa 083 456 1068Ingwe Park Phalaborwa 083 430 0906Lantana Lodge and Caravan Park Phalaborwa 015 781 5191Ngulube Game Lodge Phalaborwa 078 965 7645Shona-Langa Resort W Phalaborwa 015 293 3600Tsar Hotels Phalaborwa 015 781 5191Igloo Inn Polokwane 015 298 8445Limpopo Lodge Polokwane 071 230 7760Percy Fyfe Conservancy Polokwane 015 290 7300Marakele National Park, Bontle Campsite Thabazimbi 014 777 6929Waterberg Wildness Reserve Thabazimbi 083 7002821Acacia Park W Thohoyandou 015 293 3600Copacopa Lodge& Conference Centre Thohoyandou 015 978 2002Eclipse Safari Lodge W Thohoyandou 015 293 3600Nwanedi Wildlife Resort W Thohoyandou 015 293 3600Forever Resorts Tshipise Tshipise 015 539 0624Magoebaskloof Ruskamp – Mountain Lodge Tzaneen 015 305 7906Tzaneen Reserve W Tzaneen 015 293 3600Grootwater Camp Vaalwater 017 631 3542Matamba Bush Camp Vaalwater 081 021 2522Thakadu game Lodge Waterberg 082 486 8480
Resort / Campsite Nearest Town TelephoneATKV Klein Kariba Bela Bela 014 736 9800Bosfontein Caravan Park Bela Bela 083 741 9097Bushbaby Caravan Park Bela Bela 082 642 9283Chantys Holiday Resort Bela Bela 072 784 3443El Rancho Grande Holiday Resort Bela Bela 014 740 0133Forever Resorts Warmbaths Bela Bela 014 736 8500Koro-Koro Bush Camp Bela Bela 082 908 4448Leeupoort Holiday Village Bela Bela 014 735 0766Mabalingwe Resort & Nature Reserve Bela Bela 014 736 9050Marula Mountain Village Caravan Park Bela Bela 014 001 7014Mbizi Caravan Park Bela Bela 014 001 7007My Private Bushcamp Bela Bela 072 808 1496Ronwil Holiday Resort and Caravan Park Bela Bela 082 818 9596Rust De Winter Reserve W Bela Bela 015 293 3600Shangrila Inibos Camp Bela Bela 071 335 0362Sondela Caravan Park Bela Bela 014 736 8900Thaba Monate Bela Bela 014 736 2291Umoya Caravan Lodge Bela Bela 014 001 7008Riverside Lodge Groblersdal 013 262 4405Serengeti Caravan Park Groblersdal 013 261 8903Magoebaskloof Getaway Haenertsburg 083 449 7024Klaserie Caravan Park Hoedspruit 015 793 2833Manoutsa Caravan Park Hoedspruit 015 795 5125Swadini Forever Resort Hoedspruit 015 795 5141Mokolo Nature Reserve W Lephalale 015 293 3600Molalatau Holiday Resort Lephalale 014 763 3685ATKV Eiland Spa Resort Letsitele 015 386 8000Waterberg Resort Limpopo 087 802 8390Camp Africa Louis Trichardt 021 852 9900Zvakanaka Farm Louis Trichardt 084 400 4495Blouberg Nature Reserve W Makhado 015 293 3600Bona Mulilo Makhado 082 853 5160Medike Mountain Lodge Makhado 082 893 2958Mphephu Resort W Makhado 015 973 0282Matlala Aloe Park Marble Hall 082 463 3547Tambotie River Lodge W Marble Hall 015 293 3600
W LIMPOPO WILDLIFE
The all New Waterberg Caravan and Camping Resort Situated 10,3 km from Warmbaths (Bela-Bela), in a tranquil Bushveld setting, with abundance of trees and shade, nature and activities
Feel at home in the bush.· Tented camp & bathroom facilities
· Luxury Grassed Caravan Stands with private ablutions· Bushcamp Caravan Stands with trees providing ample shade.
GPS : S 24.84085° E028.36522°
Enjoy walking trails or a picnic by the dam
Positioned beside the Nyl River in the heart of a 530 ha game farm, campers can look forward to beautiful bushveld views, an abundance of bird and wildlife.The camp
TO ADVERTISE Please contact your area specialist, Brian Jefferies, on [T] 031 266 2550 [C] 082 772 5555 [E] [email protected]
68
KAMBRO AKKOMMODASIE EN PADSTAL Britstown Next to the N12, just 21 km north of Britstown. Six grassed caravan sites, private braais, power plugs, clean ablution facilities. Ideal stopover. Self-catering chalets with air-conditioning. Meals to order. Conference Facilities. Contact Gerhard or Wilma. [F] 086 614 5226 [C] 083 800 0014 (reservations) | 083 305 6668 [E] [email protected] [W] www.kambroaccom.co.za
ONZE RUST GUEST HOUSE & CARAVAN PARK ColesbergGeniet die rustigheid van ons nuut ontwikkelde karavaanpark in dorp, met ablusieblok, braaigeriewe, gras, bome, kiosk, kragpunte vir tent/karavaan, naby kafee en winkels asook nagwag op diens. Chalets + tent akkommodasie. Aangrensende van gastehuis met TV's, gelisenseerde kroeg, lapa, etes beskikbaar. 24 Uur op diens. Skakel Paul of Rina van Jaarsveld. [T] 051 753 0249 [C] 082 768 0616 [E] [email protected] [W] www.onzerustghandcaravanpark.co.za
RUS-I-BIETJIE RESORT PofadderSelf- catering, air-conditioned chalets with DSTV. Caravan Park and Camp with 100% electrified, tree shaded, gravel stands with braai facilities. Private ablutions, laundry service, caravan hire, café (firewood etc.), tourism info, WiFi. Hiking, fishing, birdwatching, 4x4ing, canoeing nearby. Gas refills within 5km. Police patrols. Pets by arrangement.[T] 083 617 5649 [C] 078 116 1659 | 078 761 5185 [E] james@[email protected] [GPS] S 29.1292° E 19.3948°
Resort / Campsite Nearest Town TelephoneAi-Ais/Richtersveld NP, De Hoop Alexander Bay 027 831 1506Ai-Ais/Richtersveld NP, Kokerboomkloof Alexander Bay 027 831 1506Ai-Ais/Richtersveld NP, Potjiespram Alexander Bay 027 831 1506Ai-Ais/Richtersveld NP, Richtersburg Alexander Bay 027 831 1506Ai-Ais/Richtersveld NP, Sedelingsdrift Alexander Bay 027 831 1506Kalahari Sands Guest House Askham 082 371 4549Molopo Kalahari Lodge Askham 054 511 0008Rea se Boskamp Askham 083 313 1044Loch Maree Game Farm Askram 082 351 1834Augrabies Falls Lodge and Camp Augrabies 054 451 7203Augrabies Falls National Park Augrabies 054 452 9200Barkly West Municipal Caravan Park Barkly West 053 531 0671Rekaofela Holiday Resort Barkly West 053 531 0626Calvinia Caravan Park Calvinia 073 990 2355Tankwa-Karoo National Park Calvinia 027 341 1927Colesberg Lodge Colesberg 051 753 0734Van Zylsvlei B&B Colesberg 051 753 0589Broadwater Holiday Resort Douglas 082 332 2266The Crowry Orange River Nature Camp Douglas 021 853 7952Garies Caravan Park Garies 027 652 8000Wildebeest Guest Farm Griquatown 072 124 6814Boegoeberg Dam Resort Groblershoop 083 257 4730Groblershoop Caravan Park Groblershoop 027 218 1265Trans Boegoe Eko Oord Groblershoop 083 500 7180Hondeklipbaai Camping Hondeklip Bay 027 692 3066Thota Lodge and Boma Hotazel 076 105 3432Die Mas Caravan Park Kakamas 079 137 7667Kamieskroon Hotel and Caravan Park Kamieskroon 027 672 1614Verbe Caravan Park Kamieskroon 027 672 1776Kalahari Water Caravan Park Keimoes 054 461 2404Ou Skool Gastehuis Keimoes 054 464 0125Big Hole Caravan Park Kimberley 053 830 6322Kimberley Caravan Park Kimberley 082 442 5097Kimberley Pleasure Resorts – Riverton Kimberley 053 832 1703
Resort / Campsite Nearest Town Telephone
Mokala National Park Kimberley 053 204 8000
Riverside Country Club and Caravan Park Kimberley 082 924 3075
4x4 Bateleur Camp and Tours Kuruman 082 224 5000
Cullinan Guest Farm Kuruman 082 826 1419
Kuruman Caravan Park Kuruman 053 712 1479
Red Sands Country Lodge Kuruman 082 801 4414
Shomatobe Lodge Kuruman 053 712 1561
Soetvlakte Guest Farm Kuruman 083 470 6644
Wonderwerk Cave Kuruman 087 310 4356
Riverside Country Club & Caravan Park Modderriver 082 924 3075
Nieuwoudtville Municipal Caravan Park Nieuwoudtville 027 218 8700
Nieuwoudtville Olive Camping Site Nieuwoudtville 027 218 1535
Klein Pella Guest Farm Pofadder 054 972 9712
McDougalls Bay Caravan Park Port Nolloth 027 851 1110
Witsand Nature Reserve Postmansburg 053 313 1061
Die Bos Caravan Park Prieska 083 373 9390
Gariep Country Lodge Prieska 053 353 2552
Richmond Caravan Park Richmond 053 693 0001
Goegap Nature Reserve and Caravan Park Springbok 027 718 9906
Kokerboom Motel and Caravan Park Springbok 027 712 2685
Namaqua National Park Springbok 027 672 1948
Springbok Caravan Park Springbok 027 718 1584
Panorama Caravan Park Sutherland 071 658 4970
Skurweberg Holiday Farm Sutherland 023 571 2728
Verlatenkloof Guest Farm Sutherland 023 004 0653
Die Eiland Resort Upington 054 334 0286
Kalahari Guest House Upington 073 192 2864
Kalahari Monate Lodge Caravan Park Upington 082 445 8324
Kgalagadi National Park, Twee Rivieren Upington 054 561 2000
Kgalagadi Transfronteir Park, Mata Mata Upington 054 561 2000
Kgalagadi Transfronteir Park, Nossob Upington 054 561 2000
Molopo Lodge Upington 054 511 0008
Oranjerus Holiday Resort & Caravan Park Upington 082 772 5896
Tshahitsi Lodge Upington 054 333 1126
Letsatsi Road Lodge Van Rhynsdorp 027 219 2640
Melton Wold Guest Farm Victoria-West 053 621 1912
Paradise Camping Site Victoria-West 082 094 8880
Victoria West Municipal Caravan Park Victoria-West 053 621 0026
Aquacade Camp Vioolsdrift 027 761 8777
Fiddlers Creek Vioolsdrift 027 761 8953
Oewerbos River Camp Vioolsdrift 027 761 8753
Vosburg Municipal Caravan Park Vosburg 053 675 0021
NORTHERN CAPE RESORTS
THE TRADING POST Roma ValleyOffers secure campsites, picturesque gardens, good ablutions facilities & electric points. Roma is the perfect base from which to explore the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. [GPS] S292632.48 E274212.02. Contact Ashley or Jennifer Thorn [C] +27 82 773 2180 [E] [email protected] [W] www.tradingpost.co.za
LESOTHO RESORTS
TO ADVERTISE Please contact your area specialist, Denise Reid-Daly, on [T] 021 702 4200 [C] 076 301 9468 [E] [email protected]
69
NORTH WEST RESORTS W NORTH WEST WILDLIFE
Bush ‘n BuckPrivate Game Farm
Contact usTel: +27 82 772 4747Fax: +27 86 238 9577GPS: 25˚ 22 ‘ 29 S 27° 35 ' 15.6 E
w w w. b u s h n b u c k . c o . z a
· 15 Luxury self-catering chalets fully equipped, with aircon and DSTV· 9 camp chalets, with communal kitchen/ ablution block with shower and bath· 53 Caravan/Tent stands with luxurious bath/shower facilities· Heated swimming pool, tennis court, driving range, putt-putt, and conference facilities available· Game viewing by golf cart· Bird life
Please contact your area specialist, Brian Jefferies, on [T] 031 266 2550 [C] 082 772 5555 [E] [email protected]
Bosveld y f f g s and paved pathways with wheelchair friendly ablution facilities. Fully equipped self-catering units. NEW WATER PARK that includes: Big Super Tube, Twin racer slides, Sprinkler park for kids, open heated pool and 9 hole mini golf course. Day
visitor by prior reservations , limited number of people allowed per day.Things to enjoy for Campers and self catering guests. Covered heated & cold swimming pools, kiosk,bird watching, fishing and game viewing by foot/bicycle.
Oase situated in tranquil Bushveld only 15 minutes from Brits. Consists of 110 grassed caravan standhways with wheelchair friendly ablution facilities Fully equipped self catering units NEW WATER PAR
A unique bush retreat in the North West Province. The 300ha private bushveld property promises an unforgettable peaceful getaway with 5 self-catering chalets, 10 bed luxury house and 40 paved/grasses, shaded caravan sites
with ablution and washing up facilities. 2 Private ablution luxury stands. Come and enjoy our warm / cold swimmingpool and quads/horse rides. Pensioner special during weekdays. VIEW BY APPOINMENT ONLY.
KLUB LOUICO WOONWAPARK Stilfontein25 km buite Klerksdorp, 6 km vanaf Gholfbaan en 3 km vanaf Leeuplaas. 60 Afgemerkte staanplekke met kragpunte, twee ablusieblokke, koeltebome met grasperke oral, twee koue swembaddens, Putt-Putt, volleyball, verfbalbaan, 171m super tube, poolkamer, kafee, saal en kroegarea. Plaasatmosfeer met Afrikaanse Christelike beginsels en baie veilig. Skakel Louise [C] 073 427 9330 [GPS] S26º 46' 22.0" E26º 48' 33" [E] [email protected]
Resort / Campsite Nearest Town Telephone
Funane Game Farm Beestekraal 082 372 9920
Die Hoek Resort Bloemhof 072 436 7030
Sandhurst Safari Lodge Bray 082 453 5683
Aeroden Lodge Brits 083 999 3842
ATKV Buffelspoort Brits 014 572 1000
Atlanta Holiday Resort Brits 083 324 4301
De Wildt 4x4 Game Park Brits 083 268 8185
Drie Berge Caravan Park Brits 083 608 3409
Hartbeespoort Holiday Resort Brits 012 200 9903
Klein Paradys Caravan Park Brits 012 252 1938
Kokoriba Game Reserve Brits 012 277 1902
Makalani Resort Brits 072 456 9301
Manzi Maningi Private Game Lodge Brits 083 566 3318
Silwer Vis Caravan Park Brits 072 951 8759
Thaba Morula Caravan Park Brits 012 277 1371
Zanandi Pleasure Resort Brits 082 826 2100
Roos Se Oord Resort Broederstroom 012 205 1173
Tau Roara Lodge Coligny 018 571 0233
Barberspan Bird Sanctuary W Delareyville 078 536 0561
Barberspan Hotel and Holiday Resort Delareyville 078 536 0561
Pigmy Lodge Delareyville 083 734 4615
Rapoeli Farm Delareyville 053 948 1336
Molemane Eye Naturereserve Frankfort 018 643 9904
Marico Bushveld Dam Caravan Park Groot Marico 083 733 4251
Bobbejaanskloof Hartbeespoort 012 543 2953
71
LEEU PLAAS VredeKom speel met die leeu welpies. Moresonranch.co.za is 'n wild en vakansieplaas met 'n woonwapark en selfsorg chalets 10 km buite Vrede.Die woonwapark het elk sy eie kragpunt en van die staanplekke sy eie ablusie blok. Half Olimpiese binneshuis verhitte swembad.Pensionarisse kry 50% afslag gedurende mid-week. Kroeg en restaurant is binne die leeu kamp gelee. [T] 058 913 9900 [F] 086 214 7651
LITTLE ROCK HOLIDAY RESORT Ladybrand Tucked away in the mountains of Ladybrand, only 17km away from Lesotho on the scenic Maluti route. A bird-watchers and nature lover’s paradise. Large grassed camping sites with electricity and clean ablutions. Hiking trails, big swimming pool & children’s playground. Self-catering chalets available. [T] 051 924 0260 [C] 082 386 4154 [E] [email protected]
REYNEKE PARK BloemfonteinSituated just 2 km from the N1 on the N8 towards Kimberley. Perfect to overnight on your long journey from Johannesburg or Cape Town, in a nice, neat and relaxed atmosphere. We are a 3-star camping and accommodation and AA preferred destination. [T] 051 523 3888 [F] 051 523 3887 [E] [email protected] [W] www.reynekepark.co.za
RUSPLEK GUESTHOUSE CONFERENCE CENTRE AND SPA BloemfonteinCentrally situated. 30 rooms, from standard budget rooms to large, self-catering family and executive rooms to meet your budget and need. Conference venue for up to 60 delegates. We can cater for all meals. Free Wi-Fi, selected DSTV. Secure Parking. Spacious gardens with braai areas, 2 swimming pools. Pet friendly. [T] 051 522 5008 [C] 082 821 9100 [E] [email protected] [W] www.rusplek.co.za
SHUMBA VALLEY GUEST FARM FouriesburgCamping and caravaning. Stunning view of the Maluti mountains from every site. Excellent ablutions, power points at each site and built in braai's. Horse riding, mountain biking, great walks, peace and quiet and wonderful fresh air! Contact Bob [C] 072 227 6752 Di [C] 084 562 9818 [E] [email protected] [W] www.shumbavalleyfarm.co.za [GPS] S28°41.8.41' E028°09.794'.
Resort / Campsite Nearest Town TelephoneAldam Estate Aldam 057 652 2200Bethlehem Campworld Bethlehem 058 303 5050Tussen die Riviere Nature Reserve Bethulie 051 763 1000River of Joy Camp Bloemfontein 083 462 7522Rustfontein Dam Nature Reserve Bloemfontein 051 528 2926Sandveld Nature Reserve & Caravan Park Bloemfontein 053 433 1702Soetdoring Nature Reserve Bloemfontein 051 433 9002Toms Place Resort Bloemfontein 051 564 0680Bergwoning Clarens 082 396 7595Bokpoort Holiday Farm Clarens 058 256 1181Golden Gate Highlands National Park Clarens 058 255 0000Anchor Creek Marina Deneysville 016 371 2029
Resort / Campsite Nearest Town TelephoneRus ‘i Bietjie Deneysville 016 371 2288Vaal Waterfront Deneysville 083 655 7949Moolmanshoek Nature Reserve Ficksburg 051 933 2220Eastco Parys Holiday & Caravan Resort Parys 083 379 2872Camelroc Guest Farm Fouriesburg 058 223 0368Meiringskloof Nature Park Fouriesburg 058 223 0067Aanleg Guest Farm and Caravan Park Frankfort 058 813 1051Water Park Caravan Park Frankfort 058 813 1051Forever Resorts Gariep Gariep Dam 051 754 0045Gariep Dam Nature Reserve Gariep Dam 051 754 0026Mountain View Harrismith 058 623 0255Mount Everest Game Lodge Harrismith 079 886 3101Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve Harrismith 058 622 3520Langdam Caravan Park Heilbron 058 852 2014Koffiefontein Caravan Park Koffiefontein 053 205 9200Koppies Dam Nature Reserve Koppies 056 777 0919Kroonpark Resort Kroonstad 056 216 9269Maselspoort Caravan Park Maselspoort 051 441 7848Oranjeville Caravan Park Oranjeville 016 351 1631Wildgedraai Holiday Resort Oranjeville 012 430 3914Arendsnest Parys 016 987 1541Benjoh Vaal River Camp Parys 056 818 1110Dimalachite Nature Resort & River Lodge Parys 056 818 1860Mimosa Gardens Caravan Park Parys 056 811 2312Smilin Thru Resort Parys 072 223 5404Umfula Resort Parys 018 290 7387Weltevrede Caravan Park Parys 056 818 1291Westvaal Holiday Resort Parys 073 489 1647Woelwaters Resort Parys 016 987 7932Yellow Fish Paradise Parys 016 987 7199Kumkani Potchefstroom 018 290 7387Bass Feather Country Lodge & Caravan Park Reitz 082 378 6991Reitz Municipal Caravan Park Reitz 058 863 2811Abrahamsrust Recreation Resort Sasolburg 016 971 4904Biddulphsberg Resort Senekal 058 481 2302Oberammergau Caravan Park Senekal 072 078 3783Riverside 4x4 Trail Steynsrus 056 471 0812Riverview Country Inn Swindburne 058 672 1033Erfenis Dam Nature Resort Theunissen 057 733 2125Bundu Camp Ventersburg 082 851 4584Willem Pretorius Resort Ventersburg 057 651 4003Wawiel Park Holiday Resort Viljoenskroon 018 441 1093Aqua-Via Hengeloord Villiers 071 210 0204Vaal Holiday Resort and Caravan Park Villiers 058 821 0484Swallows Caravan Resort Virginia 057 217 2621Tikwe Lodge Caravan Park Virginia 057 212 3306Emanzini Country Resort Vrede 082 329 2225De Rust Private Nature Reserve Welkom 057 354 2497Caledon Nature Reserve Wepener 051 583 2000Danke Schön Guest House & Caravan Park Winburg 082 776 7768
FREE STATE RESORTS
Grab a digital version of Caravan & Outdoor Life magazine
for only R16.50 per copy!
71
Winburg 082 776 7768
72
HAZY PARK LODGE HazyviewChalets and caravan park 16 km from Kruger Nat. Park, 15 km from quad biking, white water tubing, horse trails, night drives, golf. 40 km na Graskop, Sabie Pelgrims vir bungie swaai, watervalle en asemrowende natuur tonele. [C] 082 315 8739 | 082 498 3006 [W] www.hazyparklodge.co.za
LAKEVIEW CARAVAN PARK NelspruitKaapschehoop Road 4.2km from the N4. Safe, shaded level stands. Fishing, bird watching. Close to all Lowveld attractions and 45 min drive to Kruger Park. Make us your home base and explore the Lowveld from here! Special rates for "swaweltjies" New Bushcamp!! Johan [C] 071 352 7458 [E] [email protected] [GPS] S25°29'31.2’ E030° 56.12.0’
PANORAMA REST CAMP GraskopLocated only 2km from Graskop on the R533. 21 caravan & tent stands, 220V/10A electrical points, grassed, some trees, neat and clean ablution facilities as well as camp kitchen and laundromat. Facilities: short hikes (about 2 hours), playground with trampoline, pool and TV/Games room. We are pet friendly. Central to everything that Mpumalanga Escarpment has to offer. [T] 013 767 1091 [F] 086 502 0666 [E] [email protected]
Forever Resorts Water Fall Safari Lodge Middelburg 013 262 3075
Pienaardam Leisure Resort Middelburg 013 282 7816
Benmari Resort Nelspruit 013 750 2007
Elangeni Holiday Resort Nelspruit 013 257 7071
Golden Spot Caravan Park Nelspruit 082 950 1898
Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve Ohrigstad 013 759 5300
Sundowner Caravan Park Piet Retief 017 826 0885
Forever Resorts Mount Sheba Pilgrims Rest 013 768 1241
Pilgrims Rest Caravan Parks Pilgrims Rest 076 156 0202
Bastille Backpackers Sabie 013 764 1177
Castle Rock Municipal Caravan Park Sabie 013 764 3153
Mac Mac Forest Retreat Sabie 013 764 2376
Sabie River Camp Sabie 013 764 3282
Mahawane Country Resort Volksrust 017 735 3003
Barham Bay Lodge Witbank 082 851 5304
MPUMALANGA RESORTS
73
Resort / Campsite Nearest Town TelephoneAcacia Thorntree Campervan Park Benoni 082 783 3142Bajadam Caravan Park Bronkhorstspruit 082 826 4660Ezemvelo Nature Reserve Bronkhorstspruit 013 680 1399Kaia Manzi Resort Bronkhorstspruit 013 932 3140Teen die Rivier Bronkhorstspruit 012 662 1140Smuts house & Doornkloof Caravan Park Irene 012 670 9016Pomona Caravan Park Kempton Park 011 979 1011Eastco Magalies Holiday & Caravan Resort Magaliesburg 082 885 1994Lovers Rock Family Resort Magaliesburg 014 577 1327Magalies Sleepy River Caravan Park Magaliesburg 014 577 1524Thabametsi Farm Magaliesburg 082 934 4070Weavers Roost Caravan Park Magaliesburg 014 577 0001Klipdraai Meyerton 083 479 7686Sionbergh Accomodation Vereeniging 079 491 7919Loodswaai Game Farm Naawpoort 082 083 9424Bass Lake Lodge Pretoria 012 735 1650De Rust Caravan Park Pretoria 083 282 7292Derdepoort Recreation Resort Pretoria 012 800 1279Diamante Pleasure Resort Pretoria 082 682 8839Hennops Pride Caravan Park Pretoria 083 288 9915Joos Becker Caravan Park Pretoria 012 335 2887Kudu Rus Bush Camp Pretoria 082 469 0914Liracia Bush Camp Pretoria 083 282 1714Mar Leo Pretoria 082 817-0405Monateng Caravan Lodge Pretoria 087 813 0514Bonanza Resort and Caravan Park Pretoria-North 012 376 4141Country Park Roodepoort 083 256 7000Roodeplaat Angling Grounds Roodepoort 072 638 8529Klein Sambane (Xombana) Rust de Winter 082 446 1518Emfuleni Caravan Park Vanderbijlpark 016 932 3683Bloekompoort Caravan Park Vereeniging 082 415 5674Klub Koppisol Holiday Resort Vereeniging 016 556 1112Soetdoring Holiday Resort Vereeniging 016 556 6154
MALONJENI GUEST FARM Meyerton 250 Caravan & Tenting sites in two camps. Self catering accommodation available. Game Drives Facilties: various sport facilities. Cocktail Bar & Sports Bar & Tuck Shop. BMX track & Mountain Bike trails. 2 swimming pools (one heated). Laundry facilities.Canoeing & fishing depending on dam level. [T] 016 424 5932 [F] 016 424 5933 [E] [email protected] [GPS] S 26” 36’ 9.53” E 28” 9’ 40.57”
NKWE CARAVAN PARK PretoriaTOP 100. 083-309-6516. Nature’s best. Offers Beautiful pick nick park, Lovely Log Cabins, Comfortable Chalet, Cosy Caravans for hire. Beautiful Bush camp is a campers dream. For Caravans shady grassed sites & electricity. Clean ablution. NEW tuckshop. RESORT close to Pretoria & Johannesburg. Lapa with spit & braai facilities. Beautiful Waterfall & natural rock pool. Good bird life, scenic walks - Pienaars River. Discount for pensioners & caravan club rallies. Wilgers, Pretoria East Hospitals close. Nkwe PO Box 11093 Tieqerpoort, Pretoria 0056. [E] [email protected] [W] www.nkwepark.co.za [GPS] S 25' 52.840' E 28' 25.217' [T] 012 811 5231
TAMBOTI VREUGDE VAKANSIEOORD WOONNWA PARK & GASTEPLAAS Rust de WinterPrivaat rustige eksklusiewe oord naby Rust de Winter 60km Noord van Pretoria. 65 Lowergroen grasperk staanplekke in totaal 78 kragpunte. Familie Badkamers, Swembaddens, een binnehuis verhitte swembad, klimraam, springmatte, Volley ball baan, lapas & boma. Stap of ry Fiets tussen die verskeidenheid wild (wildritte ook Beskikbaar) voelkyk en visvang (vang en Los). Ses, Agt &Vier bed Chalets en slaap lokale vir jeugkampe is beskikbaar, Deel van die Dinokeng Groot Vyf Natuur Reservaat. Kom besoek ons park se klein winkeltjie met noodsaaklike items (Hout, Ys, Roomys, Lekkers & Koeldrank ens) Omtrent 4km van ons park is daar n winkel sentrum, vulstasie, slaghuis, drankwinkel en kafee. Kontak Eddie [C] 082 458 4503 of Paul [C] 084 251 1891 | 082 416 0146 (besprekings) [E] [email protected] [W] www.tambotivreugde.co.za
GAUTENG RESORTS
We're looking for experienced salespeople to sell advertising space in our titles. Send your details to [email protected]
Alberton – Die Blou Meul: 011 907 1107/8Pretoria – Gas & Equipment : 012 328 7167
Vereeniging - Vaalgas: 016 422 3581Witbank – Rod and Reel: 013 692 5659
GAUTENG
CARAVAN STORAGE
ATTENTION! STORAGE-4-AFRICAOaktree, Krugersdorp. Secure storage for caravans, motorhomes, boats, 4x4s, quad bikes etc. Individual brick walled units. Not a shared shed or warehouse. 25 km from Clearwater Mall. 24 hr access,365 days. On tarred road. Units - 8 x 3,2m - 6 x 3,2m x 2,7m high. Henk [C] 083 300 7933 [T] 011 674 5356 (o/h)
MIDRAND CARAVAN STORAGEConvenient for Centurion, northern Jhb On tar road in Kyalami area. Solid, locked steel
donated to Welfare Org. Willem is deaf so sms him at [C] 083 703 4529 or [E] [email protected]
AIRCON, AIRCON, AIRCONLet me install a split unit air conditioner (cooling & heating) into your caravan. Make your holiday even more enjoyable. Onsite installation in most caravans in the Gauteng area. DIY REARVIEW CAMERA SET R1500 7” TFT LCD mirror monitor with rear view night vision camera. Contact Thomas [C] 018 771 2637 [T] 082 753 0860 (o/h)
BRIAN’S CARAVAN ACADEMYFull valets, any repairs/alterations, maintenance or service professionally and promptly done by quality trained personnel. Phone me for the most reasonable quote - you won’t be disappointed. Brian Pretorius [C] 082 498 0460 [F] 086 647 2064 [E] [email protected] [W] www.caravanacademy.co.za
CHARGERMAN: AC / DC POWER SPECIALISTRepairing: Caravan battery chargers, have your charger and battery checked. Gauteng – Boksburg. Contact Jan Fouche [C] 072 461 3244.
CJ AIRCON’S PTY LTDWith over 10 years’ experience and specialising in caravan air conditioner installations, services, maintenance and repairs. We also offer spare wheel - brackets, on-site installations on all Caravans in Gauteng professionally done by qualified personnel. Outstanding references. Contact Jacques Nagel [C] 072 413 3899
ONE STOP CARAVANS CCAlfred the caravan man has 35 years experience. We specialise in all caravans and motorhomes insurance related claims, repairs, plus conversions, woodrot, new surrounds and all fibreglass parts. We also service trailers or caravans in the comfort of your own home. We're situated at no. 25 Aquamarine Street, Klerksoord, Rosslyn. Contact Alfred [T] 012 527 0527 [C] 073 252 5312 [E] [email protected]
HANS’ MOBILE CARAVAN REPAIR AHA - Let only the best service your caravan on site. All other other repairs & insurance work done at our workshop in Krugersdorp areas: JHB, PTA, West Rand, East Rand & Carltonville. 19 years experience. Hans [C] 083 287 9252 | Sharon [T] (011) 660 3638.
VENTURE TENTS CC Tent Manufacturing, repairs and modificationsNEW Replacement Caravan and camping tents, Rally canopy & side walls, Dome tents, Gazebo’s, Multirooms, Roof Surrounds, Canvas Bakkie covers, Zip replacements, Trailer covers, roof extensions, travelling blankets, lapa curtains. And MORE! Contact Venture Tents [T] 011 955 5539 [F] 011 955 5541 | Aamir [C] 084 555 10272 Voortrkker Road, Silverfields, Krugersdorpwww.Venturetents.co.za
WESTERN CAPECARAVAN REPAIRS/SERVICING
MOBILE CARAVAN SERVICESWe come to you in CAPE TOWN and surrounding areas for: servicing, re-sealing, repairs and much more. Contact Rodney [C] 082 427 0488.
TENT CLEANING
HUGO’S TENT CLEANING SERVICESNow in Cape Town, courier services nationwide.Specializing in the cleaning and resealing of:Caravan tents | Add & Multi rooms | Roof surroundsTent extensions. Suppliers of Tent Roof protection shields, EasyGrip clips, ropes, aluminium rope adjusters and custom-made Storm straps. Prevent a soiled and damaged tent, GET A ROOF PROTECTION SHIELD. Contact Hugo [C] 081 355 0729[W] www.hugostentcleaning.co.za[E][email protected]
LIMPOPOCARAVAN REPAIRS/SERVICING
XTREEM CARAVAN & CAMPING (CAMPWORLD)In Naboomspruit. Authorised service dealer for Jurgens
Pieter/Ella [C] 084 616 9771 [T] 014 743 0226
KZNCARAVAN STORAGE
OASIS CARAVAN & BOAT STORAGE Situated away from the sea air, within proximity to all KZN resorts. A safe environment for peace of mind, with a choice of undercover or open air bays to store your caravan, boat or car. [W] www.oasisstorage.co.za [C] 082 457 1506 [E] [email protected].
CARAVAN REPAIRS/SERVICING
NATAL CARAVANS & MARINE Repairs, alterations, full service and maintenance to all makes of caravans and boats by factory trained experts. Insurance claims a speciality. Towbars supplied and fitted, including wiring. 6 Kirk Rd, Pinetown. [T] 031 702 7291 [F] 031 702 7209.
85
Since 1976
Tent Manufacturers, Repairs and Alterations on all canvas tents, boat covers, chairs, table covers
OPTIONS: Reverse mirror monitor Navigation ti e i eo inserts o It o rse insta ation
igita ire ess onne tion it o t an inter eren es
Gauteng e ro s a an net Te e KwaZulu-Natal e
KP CARAVAN REPAIRS - WE ARE MOBILESpecialists in woodrot modification sealing serviceselectrical wiring and maintenance. We come to you at home or holiday wherever you are. Big or small we do them all. Workmanship guaranteed. 20 years’ experience. Keith(rafi) [C] 083 342 9293 [E] [email protected] Irene [C] 083 286 9389 [E] [email protected] [W] www.kpcaravanrepairs.co.za
MISCELLANEOUS
GAN’S TENT REPAIRS Specialist manufacturers of caravan tents (canvas/PVC) and trailer tents. All types of camping tents, rooftop tents, gazebos, caravan covers, rally tents, bags & upholstery, roof surrounds. Modifications to all caravan tents. Contact Gan or Lionnel Kuppen [T] 031 500 3260 [C] 082 711 0073 | 078 063 7987 [w] www.ganstents.co.za
EASTERN CAPECARAVAN REPAIRS/SERVICING
COCABANA CARAVANS In East London, Authorised service agent for Jurgens Ci, Supplier of caravan fittings plus workshop. All small to major repairs done. We also repairs tents. Cocabana Caravans is situated in the SBDC complex shop 28, Commercial road, Arcadia, East London. Contact Mike or Elna [T] 043 722 0707 [E] [email protected]
Remoska is a highly efficient electric mini-oven from the Czech Republic that saves you up to 85% electricity compared to a conventional oven.
The Remoska can cook virtually anything you would cook in a traditional oven, roast chicken, pizza, casseroles, even puff pastry and cakes. It is ideal for packing up and taking anywhere and then using at home as well.
R299 for 12 issues* or R598 for 24 issues*( *local subscriptions, please contact us for foreign rates)
To subscribe online with your credit card, go to www.caravansa.co.za/subscribe. To subscribe over the phone or for
help with online payments call Linda-Rose on 021 702 4200 or email her at [email protected]. For direct deposits
she'll send you a form to complete, along with our banking details. Once this is completed and proof of payment has
been received, your subscription will begin.
Digital SubscriptionYou can get a digital subscription to Caravan & Outdoor Life for just R149 for 12 issues. Go to www.caravansa.co.za
and then follow the links to subscribe. Digital editions can be read on desktop computers & laptops, as well as on
tablet devices (iPads) and smartphones. All you need is an internet connection & you're good to go.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. The competition closes on 30 December 2015. Both new and existing subscribers are eligible for entry. Offer is limited to subscribers in South Africa only. The winner will be selected at random and notified by email. The judges’ decision is final,
and no correspondence will be entered into.
Subscribe and WIN!
Stand a chance to win this Cobb Premier Plus Kitchen-in-a-box. It contains a frying pan, frying dish,
griddle, fenced roast rack, dome extension, chicken roasting stand, and is all handily contained
in a carry bag for easy packing and carrying.
90
INDUSTRY NEWSTOURISM HAT TRICK FOR DIBIKI
NEW SANDWICH TECHNOLOGY AT MOTORHOME-WORLD
Hartenbos boasts the best 4-star caravan and camping resort in South Africa. For the third consecutive year, Dibiki Holiday Resort on the banks of the Hartenbos River has secured the Lilizela Tourism Award. What makes it even more remarkable is that the same award, previously known as the AA Awards, was also bestowed on Dibiki for three years in a row in 2009, 2010 and 2011; and the resort was also added to the AA Awards Hall of Fame. In 2012 there were no awards, and in 2013 the Lilizela was established by the Department of Tourism.
According to owners Martie and Oosie Pretorius, they are thrilled by the
27 mm honeycomb sandwich panels have been in use at Motorhome-World (MH-W) with great success since 2006, but Motorhome-World has now moved on. Recognising the need for new and innovative products, MH-W employees have identified new sandwich-panel technology. From now on, the company will use panels which are 35mm thick and made up of an exterior GRP (Glass Reinforced Polyester) skin, a high-density LBX Styrofoam core, and an interior of 3 mm plywood with a pre-applied finish.
The advantages of the new panel are numerous, but some of the highlights are:
A weight saving of a least 2 kg per
square metreBetter insulation against noise and temperatureMore stability in the panel itself; for example, when subjected to extreme temperaturesBetter and quicker cutting of the entire sandwich panels on their state-of-the-art CNC router.
Because of the increasing numbers of orders coming into MH-W, there's also a price advantage, and economies of scale play a bigger role. With the introduction of these new panels, numerous other small adjustments have had to be made to the design of their motorhomes. These changes have had a positive impact on quality, durability and weight distribution.
fact that they have been able to achieve and maintain such a high standard. 'It is not always easy, but when you have pride in your product and you put your customers’ needs first, it becomes a way of life,' Martie said, and added that they are a hands-on team which prefers to under-promise and over-deliver.
Locals are aware of Dibiki’s excellent facilities for functions and conferences, as well as their wholesome food − especially their fabulous spit-braais. According to Martie, guests want to enjoy their holiday in a secure environment with the least stress possible. 'Our aim is to make them feel extra-special and safe, so that Dibiki can become their second home,' she said.
Derek Hanekom, Minister of Tourism, congratulates Martie Pretorius, owner of Dibiki holiday resort, on her award
All of which means that Motorhome-World is able to deliver a superior motorhome to the South African market. They have offices in Kempton Park in Gauteng, Atlantis in Cape Town, and Windhoek in Namibia. The factory and head offices are located in Atlantis, Cape Town. More information can be found on their website, www.motorhome-world.com
OLIFANTS RIVER LODGE SPECIALSOlifants River Lodge is offering some great accommodation specials in January & February 2016.For a two-night stay, you'll pay just:R150 p/stand & R50 p/p campingR400 p/night for a rondavel (sleeps 2, not self-catering)
R750 p/night for a cabana (sleeps 4, self-catering)R900 p/night for a 2-bedroom villa (sleeps 4, self-catering)R1 100 p/night for a 3-bedroom villa (sleeps 6, self-catering).What's more, pensioners enjoy a
50% discount for stays during the week.
For more information, contact Olifants River Lodge on 013 243 9401/2, or 082 892 3029; or visit their website: www.olifants-river-lodge.co.za.
MONTAGUE SECURITY UPGRADES
91
NEW JURGENS SAFARI XT140 DARK version of the XT140 − the Jurgens Safari XT140 Dark. The new model will turn heads, whether it is on or off the road. You can upgrade from the XT140 standard to the XT140 Dark for only R999 at any Campworld dealership nationwide. The offer is valid until 31 January 2016 and does not apply to pre-owned units.
The Dark kit is comprised of three black rims, a complete set of charcoal-coloured
LUGGAGE TRAILER SOLUTION Campworld presents the new Jurgens LT660 luggage trailer: a trailer designed to meet the practical needs of outdoor enthusiasts who require that much more space. It provides ample packing space, with its main body volume measuring 1 300 litres. The trailer also features a strengthened lid, more hinges, space for parking jacks and a tailgate which can open or close while the lid is shut. What’s more, the larger 283 litre nosecone opening makes the packing of larger items easier.
The trailer can be easily converted into a camping companion with the optional corner steadies when fitting a trailer tent. This feature provides stability while the tent is being used, as well as helping to level the unit. Howling Moon’s range of trailer tents are ideal for this type of trailer − particularly the 1 150 mm Howling Moon Olive Trailer Tent which can be purchased
Montagu Caravan Park is proud to announce recent upgrades to the park's security. The entire resort is protected by electric fencing, and there's an electric gate at the entrance; guests are given a remote control to enable them to enter or leave the park. For more information, contact Montague Caravan Park on 023 614 3034, or at [email protected].
checker plate items, a braai grid integrated into the spare wheel, and a charcoal-coloured nosecone stone guard. Gas bottles, gas-bottle brackets, and a black toolbox, as well as existing XT140 accessories, are available as optional extras.
For more technical information and details, contact your nearest Campworld dealer. Visit www.campworld.co.za to find the Campworld dealer in your area.
There's a new alternative in the XT off-road trailer range. It's a bold and more aggressive
as an optional extra. Available for R14 500, the Jurgens LT660 luggage trailer is the
smart way to increase space. For more technical information and details, contact your nearest Campworld dealer. To find the Campworld dealer in your area, visit www.campworld.co.za
All the data recorded in this guide is taken from the actual results of towing tests we’ve conducted over the past nine years. So if you’re looking to buy a new towcar, make sure that it’s up to the job!
DATAP.O.A. Price GVM Licence mass Payload Suitable car Berths Fixed bed Spare wheel Bathroom Headroom Overall length Overall width Tent Fridge
JURGENSExpo R182 200 1210 kg 1050 kg 160 kg 2.2 3 sliding yes no 1965 5520 2300 Rally awn 220 V/gas/210 LFleetline R222 700 1300 kg 1108 kg 192 kg 2.5 4 yes yes no 1965 5975 2300 tent 220 V/210 LPenta R244 900 1400 kg 1220 kg 180 kg 2.5 4 yes yes no 1965 6410 2300 tent 220V/270LClassique R294 700 1490 kg 1266 kg 224 kg 2.8 2 yes yes yes - 6410 2300 tent 220 V/gas/150 LExclusive R334 400 1750 kg 1504 kg 246 kg 2.8 4 yes yes yes - 7330 2300 tent 220 V/280 LElegance R367 200 1850 kg 1634 kg 216 kg TBA 3 yes yes yes - 7460 2400 tent 220 V/280 LSENSATIONAnee POA 1780 kg 4 yes 8310 2480 tent 220 V/270 LMaia POA 1620 kg 4 yes 7460 2480 tent 220 V/270 LVee POA 1500 kg 4 yes 7160 2480 tent 220 V/270 LSHERPATiny R125 000 750 kg 560 kg 190 kg 850 cc 2 opt opt no 1850 4300 1800 awning 220 VRough Roader R135 000 750 kg 580 kg 170 kg 850 cc 2 opt opt no 1850 4300 1975 awning optSPRITESprint R185 600 1110 kg 910 kg 200 kg 1.8 3 yes yes no 1950 5204 2160 Rally awn 220 V/210 LSwing R177 600 1240 kg 1016 kg 224 kg 2.2 4 yes yes no TBA 5785 2160 tent 220 V/210 LSplash R201 600 1330 kg 1094 kg 236 kg 2.5 4 yes yes no TBA 6440 2160 tent 220 V/210 LTourer SP R203 000 1370 kg 1081 kg 289 kg 2.2 3 yes yes no TBA 4218 2185 leisure awn 220 V/12V/60 LTourer SW R229 400 220 V/12V/60 L
Price GVM Licence mass
Payload Suspension/ Berths Bed combina-
tion/ Fixed bed
Bath-room
Spare wheel
Headroom Overall lenth
Overall width
Tent Kitchen Fridge
BUSH LAPARooimier R165 000 1400 kg 620 kg 780 kg l/s 1600 kg 2 Dx1 opt std std 3360 1850 Bush-wing std optGeitjie R165 000 1500 kg 740 kg 760 kg l/s 1800 kg 2 Dx1 opt std std 3360 1950 Bush-wing std optVlooi R185 000 1500 kg 750 kg 750 kg l/s 1800 kg 2 Dx1 opt std std 4050 1850 Bush-wing std optBoskriek R195 000 1500 kg 780 kg 720 kg l/s 1800 kg 3 Dx1+Sx1 opt std std 4050 1850 Bush-wing std optKewer R195 000 1500 kg 780 kg 720 kg l/s 1800 kg 3 Dx1+Sx1 opt std std 4050 1850 Bush-wing std optMiskruier R205 000 1500 kg 800 kg l/s 1800 kg 4 Dx2 opt std std 4050 1850 Bush-wing std optRatel 3 R294 000 1600 kg 1100 kg 500 kg l/s 1800 kg 3 Dx1 + Sx1 yes std 2000 5100 1970 Bush-wing std optRatel 4 R294 000 1600 kg 1100 kg 500 kg l/s 1800 kg 4 Dx2 yes std 2000 5100 1970 Bush-wing std optRatel 5 R294 000 1600 kg 1100 kg 500 kg l/s 1800 kg 5 Dx2 + Sx1 yes std 2000 5100 1970 Bush-wing std optRatel 6 R294 000 1600 kg 1100 kg 500 kg l/s 1800 kg 6 Dx3 yes std 2000 5100 1970 Bush-wing std optCONQUERORCommander R220 821 1525 kg 1190 kg 335 kg Coil spring 4 Dx2/D+S opt opt 2280 4588 2045 opt std opt 80 LCompanion R186 578 1525 kg 990 kg 535 kg Coil spring 4 Dx2 opt opt 2460 4451 1892 opt opt 80 LECHOKavango R273 725 1500 kg 1050 kg 450 kg l/s 2000 kg 2-4 Dx2 std std 5150 1950 std std optNamib R235 775 1500 kg 880 kg 620 kg l/s 2500 kg 2 Dx1 std std 1970 4600 1960 std std optGECKO Gecko POA 1650 kg 1320 kg 330 kg 2500 kg 2 Kx1 std std 1910 4950 1940 std std optJURGENS SAFARIXcape R210 600 1400 kg 1050 kg 350 kg Rubber torsion bar 2 D x1 tent std Angle roof 4636 1850 side awning std 220V/60LXplorer R297 100 1650 kg 1296 kg 354 kg Rubber torsion bar 4 Dx1 + Sx2 tent std 1955 5300 1821 side awning std 220V/80LMULTI PURPOSEScotty Leisure R82 500 800 kg 420 kg 380 kg Leaf spring 2 no no std 1900 4100 1700 opt no 220 V/130 LIMAGINE TRAILVANSComfortvan 3 POA 1500 kg 860 kg 640 kg Leaf spring 3 Dx1 + Sx1 opt std 2570 1850 std std optComfortvan 4 POA 1500 kg 860 kg 640 kg Leaf spring 4 Dx2 opt std 2570 1850 std std optTrailvan 3 POA 1500 kg 720 kg 780 kg Leag spring 3 Dx1 + Sx2 opt std 2570 1850 std std optTrailvan 4 POA 1500 kg 720 kg 780 kg Leag spring 3 Dx2 opt std 2570 1850 std std opt
OFF-ROAD CARAVANS
CARAVANS
All prices subject to change...
95
TRAILERS/CAMPERSPrice GVM Licence
MassPayload Suspension Berths Bed Shower Spare
WheelBattery Length Width Tent Kitchen Fridge
AFRISPOOR Mongoose R29 000 1500 kg 385 kg 1115 kg l/s 2500 kg 2 tent opt opt opt 3000 1800 opt opt optBUSH LAPAShongololo R50 000 450 kg 750 kg 300 kg 900 kg 2-4 opt opt opt 2590 1800 opt std optBUSHWAKKABhoma R280 000 1500 kg 900 kg 600 kg Heavy-duty l/s 4 Dx2 std std std 4300 1850 std std stdSundowner R240 000 1500 kg 800 kg 700 kg l/s 2 Dx1 std std std 4400 1850 std std stdBUZZARD INDUSTRIESRaised Bushpig R26 790 750 kg 340 kg 410 kg l/s 2 500 kg 2 tent opt std opt 2600 1600 opt opt optOverlander R27 930 750 kg 410 kg 340 kg 1720 2500 opt CAMPTECHCamper R69 325 750 kg 320 kg 430 kg l/s 1250 kg 4 tent opt std opt 3340 1650 std opt optWeekender R45 465 750 kg 320 kg 430 kg l/s 1250 kg 3 tent opt std opt 3340 1650 std opt optBosvelder R66 105 750 kg 340 kg 410 kg l/s 1250 kg tent opt std opt 3450 1700 std opt optCONQUERORCourage R62 193 1550 kg 490 kg 1060 kg swing arm 2-3 tent opt opt opt 3350 1830 opt opt optConquest R97 815 1525 kg 490 kg 1035 kg l/s 2500 kg 2-4 tent opt opt opt 3445 1720 opt opt optCompact 2 R104 558 1525 kg 450 kg 1075 kg l/s 2500 kg 2-4 tent opt opt opt 3328 1784 opt opt optSupra 2 R120 703 1525 kg 540 kg 985 kg l/s 2500 kg 2-4 tent opt opt opt 3681 1818 opt std optComfort R130 578 1525 kg 590 kg 935 kg l/s 2500 kg 2-4 tent opt opt opt 3910 1784 opt std optECHO 4X4 (prices from)Echo 1 R45 275 750 kg 290 kg 460 kg l/s 1800 kg 2-5 Dx1 opt std opt 2600 1420 opt opt optEcho 3 R57 025 750 kg 290 kg 460 kg l/s 1800 kg 2-5 Dx1 opt std opt 2900 1760 opt opt optEcho 4 R72 725 1500 kg 390 kg 1110 kg l/s 1800 kg 2-5 Dx1 opt std opt 3500 1760 opt opt optEcho 5 R87 275 1500 kg 590 kg 910 kg l/s 1800 kg 2-4 Dx1 opt std opt 3750 1500 opt opt optEcho 6 R95 545 1800 Kg 545 Kg 1255 Kg l/s 1800 kg 2-6 Dx1 opt std opt 3900 1800 opt opt optEcho Roadster A/T R28 005 750 kg 290 kg 460 kg l/s 1800 kg tent tent opt std opt 2900 1850 opt opt optJURGENS XT120 R41 250 1200 kg 500 kg 700 kg rubber torsion 0 tent no yes no 3455 1878 no no noXT140 R54 950 1400 kg 620 kg 780 kg rubber torsion 2 Dx1 no yes no 3750 1870 no no noXT140 EXT R59 850 1400 kg 672 kg 728 kg rubber torsion 2 Dx1 no yes no 3750 1870 no no noXT75 R34 250 750 kg 420 kg 330 kg rubber torsion 0 tent no yes no 3071 1835 no no noXT160 R165 600 1600 kg 1020 kg 580 kg rubber torsion 4 Dx2 yes yes std 3975 1896 yes yes yesUT125 R33 950 1250 kg 488 kg 762 kg rubber torsion 0 tent no yes no 4002 1726 no no noBT547 R10 450 470 kg 160 kg 310 kg rubber torsion 0 tent no yes no 2567 1458 no no noBT670 R11 999 700 kg 218 kg 482 kg rubber torsion 0 tent no yes no 2850 1558 no no noLT655/70 R13 999 700 kg 205 kg 495 kg rubber torsion 0 tent no yes no 2967 1472 no no noLT675 BRAKE R19 450 750 kg 232 kg 518 kg rubber torsion 0 tent no yes no 3175 1472 no no noCAMPLITE R36 500 750 kg 335 kg 415 kg rubber torsion 2 Dx1 no yes no 3375 1472 no no noSKIPPER *All pricing and specifications subject to change without prior noticeModel T R59 900 500 kg 320 kg 180 kg l/s 750 kg 2 Dx1 no opt no 3180 1800 std opt stdModel T LT R62 200 600 kg 360 kg 240 kg l/s 750 kg 2 Dx1 no opt no 3180 1800 std opt stdOyster R70 800 590 kg 420 kg 170 kg leaf spring 2 Dx1/Sx2 no opt no 3200 1800 std opt stdOyster LT R73 800 650 kg 436 kg 215 kg leaf spring 2 Dx1/Sx2 no opt no 3200 1800 std opt stdOyster X R82 400 650 kg 450 kg 200 kg leaf spring 2 Dx1/Sx2 no opt no 3200 1800 std opt stdOyster LT X R 85 400 650 kg 450 kg 200 kg leaf spring 2 Dx1/Sx2 no opt no 3200 1800 std opt std
If you've built something interesting related to caravanning, camping, trailers or motorhomes, let us know. We're looking for great DIY stories. If yours is published, you could earn some money towards your next project! Send your story to: [email protected]
Are you a DIYer?
JOIN our online community. VISIT our website now for the LATEST content & EXCLUSIVE features. SEARCH for fishing charters. READ the latest features from the mag. BROWSE online classifieds and businesses or add your own for free. ENTER the latest competitions. WATCH videos of our latest reviews.
WWW.LEISUREBOATING.CO.ZA
YOUR ONE-STOP POWERBOATING WEBSITE!
WATCH
READ MORE
SA’s top selling powerboat magazine
leisure
Visit us www.sa4x4.co.za
COMMUNITY FORUM discuss all things 4x4 with like-minded
enthusiasts. R10 000 WORTH OF prizes to be won! GREAT
OFFERS in our classifieds. You can place YOUR AD FOR FREE.
