Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2018 i Caravan and Outdoor Life

Ladies and gentlemen, I am now officially an "oom". That's right, in mid-January my brother and his wife welcomed their first child into the world. I'm sure the readers won't mind if I take this opportunity to once again congratulate them, and say "welcome to the world" to little Nico. Visiting the happy new parents at the hospital, and seeing that tiny new life in their arms, I couldn't help but wonder what lies ahead for the little guy. Thinking about the future is something I'm sure many of us do at the start of any new year. I'm not talking about the resolutions we all make and then mostly throw out the window once we get back into the routine of our daily lives, going back to work. I'm…

“These rates have pushed it too far” We received a letter from a reader who (sadly) informed us they are leaving the caravan lifestyle behind. Why? Because of issues with resorts. They complained that some resorts charge well over R1 000 per night for a family of four during peak times, that ablutions are filthy, and that rules about late-night music are ignored. Now they plan on staying in hotels and guest houses. And even though the rate might be double, they say at least they don't have to tow their own caravan, and they have their own ablutions. Here’s what our online followers had to say about a decision to unhitch from the camping lifestyle. Comments Richard Melville Must agree to a point. When one adds everything together, fuel…

HOW TO ENTER To win this Suzuki multi-tool set, simply send an email with the subject line “Where are we” to editor@caravansa.co.za, and tell me where the picture above was taken. Please also include your name, contact number and address. LAST MONTH'S PIC The Big Hole – Kimberley, NC The Kimberley Big Hole is the world-famous icon of South Africa’s mineral wealth, claimed by some to be the largest hand-excavated hole in the world. The names Kimberley and Big Hole are often said in the same breath, because the history of the town is inextricable from the history of the immense diamond mine, as the town was founded as a result of the diamond rush. A few years before anyone broke ground in the area that would become Kimberley, a…

“Guys, get your trailers and tents set up… I think we’re in for a helluva storm,” said Jannie Rykaart. It was the first night of our trip to Botswana. There had already been flashes of lightning and the dull roar of thunder in the distance. We were at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary on the main road between Serowe and Orapa, and a storm that would keep any Gautenger happy rained down that night. The next morning, we woke to delightful petrichor... that earthy smell of the bushveld after rain. A big flock of Southern pied babblers chattering near our camp. A pair of grey loeries nipped at Ouma-rusk crumbs around our breakfast table, while the ubiquitous Glossy starlings preened themselves in the branches around Jannie’s van. We were only four…

The first time I met Henk Blaauw, he pulled into the parking lot in front of our office, his camping unit loaded onto the thundering V6 Hilux Raider. After a firm handshake and a quick introductory chat, he asked if I wanted to see his custom creation in action – and less than 10 minutes later, the unique Kamper 2 + 2 was set up. Although at first glance you might expect the Kamper to be something similar to a rooftop tent, it’s not. Henk’s unique slide-out bed design allows easy access to a four-sleeper area in which you can actually stand upright. “I started designing the Kamper when our family’s camping excursions started becoming more long distance, nomadic and rough – especially in Botswana and Namibia,” says Henk. “The…

Situated on a game farm within easy driving distance from Johannesburg and Pretoria, Klein Paradys Guest Farm offers wonderful tranquillity and peace of mind. The owners, Kobus and Zelda van Heerden, welcome you to their little piece of heaven on earth. Supported by friendly and welcoming staff, this resort will make you feel at home right from the moment you arrive. During that well-earned break when you can relax amidst friends and nature lovers, Klein Paradys Guest Farm offers personal attention to each guest. They have 37 shaded and grassed stands with 10 amp electrical points, taps nearby with water from the borehole (which is safe to drink) and a braai. Their ablutions range from two family bathrooms to big ablution blocks that are cleaned on a regular basis every…

There are very few places in the world where you can breathe almost pure ozone and feel as free, safe and secure in your solitude as you do at Kwass se Baai. One of nine basic coastal campsites between Groenriviersmond and the Spoegrivier Estuary in the Namaqua National Park, it has few man-made facilities to speak of, bar an enviro-loo shrouded in stone and a low-walled stone boma nearby to keep the wind out. You are able to pick up on the sheer timelessness of this place: It seems virtually unchanged from the days, some 300 0000 years ago, when early man first loped over these succulent-covered sands. In more modern times he was succeeded by the free-spirited San and Khoekoen. There are four stands at Kwass se Baai which…

In a world where individuality breaks the mould of boring, this limited edition Ford Fx4 with its big turbo diesel engine will add joy to your soul. Ford bakkies have never been as good as they are now, nor has the model line-up been so varied – keen to cover every possible usage for their product, Ford has already released 34 models to choose from. But if you are a Ford man looking for a ride that makes you stand out from the crowd of other Ranger owners, then this “panther black” FX4 might just be the Ford for you! Based on the more luxurious XLT 4x4 Double Cab Ranger, the FX4 derivative is about R16 000 cheaper than the top of the range Wildtrak model. It still features the…

MOVER’S HANDSET I bought a mover for my caravan, expensive I know, but what a pleasure! I should have taken the leap years ago. The only problem is the plastic hand-held control unit. It has become very sticky to the touch, the surface seems to be melting. Is there a special cleaner available? Godfrey: It appears this might be a common problem, our unit did the same thing. We tried contacting the manufacturer in England but had no response. I see they offer a replacement handset for 99 Pounds (order at www.purpleline.co.uk/all-products/quattro-handset ). That’s about R1 819.00 plus freight and customs… and presuming they are still in business. TENT LEAKS We used our caravan tent for the first time in ages and it leaked. We…

Breakfast Burrito Had a bit of a late night around the campfire and woke up craving a good breakfast? This burrito meal can actually be made ahead of time, so you can simply wake up and chow. Or, if you are feeling fresh, make it fresh in the morning. Ingredients • 4 tortillas• 8 eggs• Bacon• 1 onion• Mushrooms• Grated cheese (cheddar)• Cherry tomatoes• Salsa (optional) Method 1. Scramble the eggs and season with salt and pepper. 2. Fry the onion and mushrooms over medium heat. When done, remove from pan. 3. Now fry the bacon until it starts getting crisp. This should release bacon fat for frying. 4. Add the eggs and stir gently until the eggs are almost cooked – you want them a bit runny still. 5.…

TALKING DIRTY Happy new year to the wonderful staff and all the readers of Caravan & Outdoor Life. I hope everyone had a great festive season and holiday. To start the year, I want to raise a little issue: dirty campsites. This is not directed at the resorts, but rather at campers. I want to share some simple guidelines on how to ensure that you leave a camp in a condition that is enjoyable for those around you, and those who come to camp after you. Everyone hates pulling into a great campsite, getting out and finding rubbish all over the place. The disregard shown by dirty campers towards others is inexcusable. Keeping the resort clean is easy! So, whether you are new to caravanning and camping, or have been…

There could be a big change on the horizon for motorists. The National Assembly has passed the latest Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) amendment bill. The bill aims to introduce new road traffic violation rules, removing the courts from the AARTO process and replacing them with a dedicated authority. And if passed, it’s going to affect you in several ways. Chief among these is the introduction of the ‘Demerit System’ that has been in the legislative pipeline since 1998. Contrary to what some may tell you, it will not be replacing the current fines system. Instead, it’s an additional measure that aims at rewarding good drivers and punishing repeat offenders. The bill is just a few steps away from being signed into action by the President, so here’s…

Whether you prefer camping next to the river, in the forest, or at the ocean, there’s something for everyone in the Garden Route National Park. The park stretches across the Eastern and Western Cape, and is one of the most important conservation areas in the country in terms of biodiversity. It was established in 2009 by amalgamating the existing Tsitsikamma and Wilderness National Parks with the Knysna National Lake Area, as well as with various other areas of state-owned land. There are four campsites in the Garden Route National Park, although only three can accommodate caravans. I am from Cape Town, and have often travelled the Garden Route, but this journey was set to be a little different. While I’d usually lounge away the days at my campsite, this time…

I’ll never forget my first sighting of the Spitzkoppe. We arrived late in the afternoon, when the air was starting to cool after a typical hot Namibian day. Seemingly growing out of the plains of the Namib desert was a sandstone mountain massif, a sight that will be forever imprinted in my memory. Known as the Matterhorn of Namibia, the Spitzkoppe are found to the north east of Swakopmund, with the closest town of Usakos some 50km away. It’s an imposing “sharp head”, rising some 1 728m off the desert floor. Adjacent to it is the minor peak, the Little Spitzkoppe. This smaller peak lies 1 584 metres above sea level. Hard to believe, but the mountain is reckoned to be 700 million years old! The local community runs the…

It all started on a camping trip through Namibia in 2011, with my son and soon-to-be daughter-in-law. One night, sitting around a campfire in a red-wine induced mellow mood in Etosha, I had a disagreement with my wife, Maureen, about who had driven our Land Cruiser 200 through a door-handle-deep waterhole in Lesotho. To cut a long story short, I bet her anything she wanted that I was right. I lost, and she claimed a motorhome… 4X4, nogal. So, in 2012 we purchased a Mercedes Sprinter with an Iglhaut 4X4 conversion from Travelstar. They constructed the interior to our specifications. In December, we set off to the Serengeti in a convoy of 8 vehicles and 20 people. In Kabwe, we unfortunately hit a “sleeping policeman”speed-bump at about 50 km/h, which…

Wakene Beach Estate Mozambique Massive savings for February 2018: Get 50% discount on camping sites! The Wakene Beach Estate (2km North of Ponta Malongane) offers 10 secluded campsites, each with their own private ablution and kitchenette. Tel: 035 562 0630 Cell: 082 494 1047 Web: www.wakene.co.za Paradise Holiday Resort KwaZulu-Natal Low season rates on caravan sites, chalets and log cabins. Stay 5 nights, only pay for 3, or stay 10 nights, only pay for 7. Pensioner discount: 20% out of season. Valid until 1st April 2018 E: paradise@megadial.com  W: www.paradiseholidayresort.co.zaF: Paradise Holiday Resort Corian’s Pennington Caravan Resort KwaZulu-Natal 30% off bookings of 10 days or longer until the end of November, incl. Easter & June holidays. Senior citizen special from May – October: Bring your caravan…