Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2019 i Caravan and Outdoor Life

What an incredible way to kick off the year! In this magazine, the first of 2019, I see a lot of what the soul of the outdoor life and industry is all about. Let's start with the good news: There are loads of brand new caravans, motorhomes and camping products coming this year. Before the close of 2018, I reached out to the industry to find out what everyone had planned for the future. And even though not all those I contacted took the time to respond, I still learned that there are at least 20 new caravans and motorhomes coming to South Africa in the next few months! You can read about some of these exciting developments on page 16. "Without leaps of imagination or dreaming, we lose the…

Whether you’re camping in a small, cheap entry-level tent, a caravan, or a multi-million rand custom motorhome, there’s one thing you can always be sure of: caravanners and campers are warm, helpful, hospitable people. This trip, a three thousand-odd kilometre drive from the Kruger Park to Cape Town, was a perfect example of the kindness of fellow campers. It all started when I attended the launch of the new Isuzu D-Max in the Nelspruit, Kruger Park, and Hazy View area of Mpumalanga. After the launch, the Isuzu team were so kind to let me keep the impressive bakkie for a few more days, and I got to drive it all the way back home to Cape Town. But first, I headed to Pretoria to pick up a Rhino Bushy Ranger…

I guess if you were standing around the braai talking bakkies and someone said “I remember my old KB”, nobody would add “Isuzu”. They knew what you were talking about. Well, the latest upgrade to the Isuzu brand includes a name change. The new bakkie will from now on be known as the D-Max. I attended the launch of the new D-Max in Nelspruit, then drove a LX 6-speed auto model all the way to Cape Town. All in all, I ended up covering about 3 000 kilometres, more than enough to give me a good idea of the vehicle. Isuzu’s update not only includes a name change, but also the introduction of a new 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions for all LX models. A total of 30 Isuzu D-MAX…

Do you know where I could obtain a comprehensive list of what to look for when purchasing a caravan and also where I could learn to service a caravan in Cape Town? Graeme Kruger Godfrey: Different makes and models of caravan require different attention when purchasing and servicing and so the list can be extensive if covering all products. So let’s look at the common basics. When purchasing a caravan or trailer the general points to review are the running gear - that is the towball coupling, hand brake operation and effectiveness, jockey wheel mechanism, chassis and suspension and condition of the tyres. Most tyres have a five year lifespan. Caravans can last a long time and in some cases the rubbers that provide suspension might go soft…

Wind up Complete your ultimate off-roader with the Ironman 4x4 12000lbs 12V Monster Winch. It’s been totally redesigned and upgraded, and now features a stronger motor, a tougher casing, and competition-style solenoids. It’s also the only winch on the market with a motor breather! From R14 295 For more information, contact Ironman 4x4 on 011 634 7600, email sales@ironman4x4.co.za, or visit www.ironman4x4.co.za. The old fashioned way A jaffle iron is a camp kitchen necessity, and this one saves time by cooking up to three delicious toasties at a time, keeping everyone happy. It can be used on an open fire, gas stove, or even a conventional electric stove, and is easy to use and clean.You can even have your wooden handles personalised! R250 For more information, contact HV Casting on…

To say that 2018 was a tumultuous year for the caravan and camping market would be an understatement. But after a few months of shake-ups and uncertainty, the industry got back on track and we were treated to the introduction of various new caravan manufacturers. By the end of last year, it seemed caravanners were more spoilt for choice than in the past decade... and this is only going to become more true in 2019. Caravan & Outdoor Life reached out to manufacturers, old and new, to find out what they are planning for the upcoming year. Man, oh man, did we get a great response! In total, 11 manufacturers revealed to us that they plan on launching new caravans or motorhomes this year! We also know of another…

MEIRINGSKLOOF NATURE PARK Meiringskloof has 23 well-shaded camping sites, all with electricity, braai facilities and a rubbish bin. The ablution block is a little run down, and could use a dab of paint, but it was still clean and tidy. The showers were hot, but the secret is to run the water for quite a while before the hot water comes through. There is a big scullery area behind the ablution facilities. It also has a washing machine. The small shop at the park entrance sells ice, wood, sweets and cool drinks. Cellphone reception can be difficult, but there is free WiFi at the office. CONTACT: T: 058 223 0067 E: admin@meiringskloofpark.co.za W: www.meiringskloof.co.za GPS: S 28° 36’ 9.24” E 28° 13’ 27.5” MOUNTAIN VIEW ZASTRON Zastron is a popular…

Want to show off your caravan and camping adventures? Are you a lensman who captures the beauty of nature? Do you have a terrific towing combination? Then show us! Caravan & Outdoor Life want to see your awesome outdoor images and share it with our audience. Whether you are towing a caravan or trailer, heading out in a motorhome, or camping in a tent, take a picture of your travels and share it with us. Each month we’ll publish the best pictures in our magazine, and share your winning snap on our website and social media. winner MARIUS & TERTIA MYBURGH (@molenrivier) On our Namibia tour . Taken on the D707 on our way to Aus. OUR FIRST PRIZE IS A HAMPER OF FALKE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE GEAR These are not…

Fairhills Caravan Park KwaZulu-Natal Easter Special: R2000 for 10 days for 4 people. July Sardine Run: R2000 for 10 days for 4 people October Break Special: R1400 for 7 days for 4 people T: 071 228 1814 W: www.fairhillspark.co.za Scottburgh Caravan Park KwaZulu-Natal All new bookings until 5 January: Less 7.5% on standard rates! T's and C's apply T: 039 976 0291 F: 039 976 2148 E: caravanpark@scottburgh.co.za W: www.scottburghcaravanpark.co.za Corian’s Caravan Resort KwaZulu-Natal 30% discount on bookings of 10 days or longer. Valid between 9 January and 20 November 2019. Includes Easter and June/July holidays. T: 039 975 1107 F: 039 975 1108 E: corians@telkomsa.net W: www.corians.co.za Pine Lodge Resort Eastern Cape Pensioners Day: Enjoy great discounts on a…

I couldn’t help smiling at Denzil Gouws’ letter in your November 2018 issue (80 years old and looking to start caravanning). Let me say this to you directly, Denzil: Us caravanners are all a quirky lot, so you should fit right in! Never mind your age, start now! (Dare I say, before you forget?) Your wonderful letter starts under the direction of your head and solemnly lists all the points to be considered and asking advice on what van to buy. Then it ends by your heart taking over and telling us you’ve already bought an Invader Duo and never mind anyone’s advice (although you’re too polite to put that last bit in)! We’ve all been there – you set off to buy something and came back with something else…

CONQUEROR TEAM UP WITH RECCE FOR SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION Conqueror Off-Road Trailers have once again lived up to their“military tough”reputation by partnering with Recce Incorporated for a range of limited edition units. Recce Inc is a company (shares held by the Recce Heritage Trust), that exists to commercialise the RECCE brand for the benefit of the members of the South African Special Forces Association (SAFSA), a Non Profit Military Veterans Organization open to all retired and serving Special Forces members. This company does not partner with just any brand – they choose only the best to put their name to, and told Caravan & Outdoor Life that when it came to choose an off-road caravan manufacturer to partner with, Conqueror was the clear winner. Caravan & Outdoor Life attended the…

It’s a new year, and that means new camping adventures. Soon the summer holidays will be behind us, and now it’s time to start looking to where we are going to hitch up and head out to next. Caravan & Outdoor Life has put together a few destination ideas which we feel should be on your Bucket List for 2019. 1. THE SMALLEST DESERT ON EARTH Port Edward, KwaZulu-Natal At just 200m in diameter, Port Edward’s Red Desert is claimed by many to be the smallest desert on earth. It seems awfully out of place along the coast, contrasting sharply with the surrounding greenery and the nearby Umtamvuna Estuary. Many have speculated on its origins, with some kooks theorising an alien landing to be the culprit, but according to…

After putting our tour itinerary together to fish the five rivers which border Namibia, some four years went by before we could swing it into action and get the wheels rolling from our home in Bronkhorstspruit. In between the planning and action, we traded our 1993 Pzazz 7500 triple-axle caravan (it is too long to be an off-roader) for a 2014 Sahara rough-roader caravan. It would be a good test for the Sahara, as we planned some gravel travel into the itinerary. The rig was headed by a 2013 Mazda BT 50 3.2 auto double cab with standard 17” rims. Over time an Alu-Cab canopy and drawer system was added, along with additional 60 litre fuel and water tanks. The Sahara also has 17” rims, amongst other things like Electro…

Although a star grading for non-camping accommodation at resorts is quite common, did you know that a caravan park could receive a star grading for their camping facilities? To qualify for a star from the Tourism Grading Council is not easy, and resorts that apply have to be properly examined and graded. For any resort even to be considered for a star, it has to meet a few basic criteria. These include that the owner or manager is contactable 24/7; that there is an appropriate reception area and no policy of discrimination; that the staff must be presentable, the service prompt, and the pricing transparent; that there is clear communication of all services provided, that there are separate facilities available for overnighters and day visitors... and more. Once a park…

I’ve gushed more than once about Fred Oosthuizen and the luxurious vehicles rolling out of his Custom Campers facility in Meyerton. One of the secrets of its success is the experienced team – you can feel the camaraderie and pride the moment you step onto the factory floor. In a previous article, I wrote about Giel Nel of Pretoria and his motorhome built on a Mercedes-Benz chassis. Now, I get to tell you about a visit to the ‘Big Daddy of Overlanders’ that Fred and his team built on an Iveco Eurocargo 10 ton 4x4 truck chassis. The camper section is 10 metres long! I never got to meet the owner, as he is an extremely hardworking businessman; and, when I phoned him later, he asked that I just call…