Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2019 i Caravan and Outdoor Life

A MAMMOTH TASK Meet the new and exclusive model called the Mammoth, in Bush Lapa’s range of 4x4 off-road motorhomes. This off-road capable vehicle is a 4-sleeper and is built on an Iveco 4x4 single or double cab. It also has an internal bathroom with a functional toilet and shower. It offers heavy-duty off-road design and capability; it is also completely customisable and offers direct access from the cabin area to the living area. For potential buyers, the proof is in the pudding. Once you handle a four-wheel drive camper in tough conditions, it’s easy to become hooked. It also boasts some great accessories and amenities including: tons of internal storage, a freezer unit, an aircon, a two-burner stove and much more, to offer you and your family the overland…

While the people behind Crown Caravans have been in the caravan manufacturing business for a good few years now, they are expanding their horizons and want to take the current players head on. They have two new, conventional caravan models (non pop-tops) aimed at the upper end of the market where owners place more importance on interior space, a bigger permanent double bed, plus that of having their own exclusive shower and toilet facility. Newest dealer, Motor King and Marine in Pretoria, have just taken delivery of the latest Checkmate Knight, a single axle, 4-berth conventional caravan with a length of 7 810mm and GVM of 1 950kg. FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT The secret of seeing any new caravan is that first impression, it must imprint an image that lasts. For…

REMOSKA ELECTRIC BAKING DISH Czech out this Czech technique for perfect camping cooking “What? No ways!” my wife said, when I showed her the box from the Czech Republic. “But we can have braaied chops in every possible way,”I replied. “And if it ruins the meat you are paying for it!”my wife added. “The instructions say that it can be used by children of eight years and older, surely my five score and ten puts me at an advantage? After all, how difficult can it be putting chops in an oven?”I replied. To cut a long story short, we discovered a new way of enjoying fine dining in the great outdoors because we have never, but never, had such a tender rack of lamb chops, ever! Not even in fancy…

At Swadini, a Forever Resort in Limpopo, an undocumented dragonfly has been found and celebrated. This is the first time that this dragonfly has formally been documented in the country; needless to say, it is also good news for the Limpopo ecosystem. Earlier this year Swadini started a project with the aim of understanding the ecosystem in and around the Resort, ultimately exposing guests and students to a wealth of knowledge. The project was started in partnership with Neels Snyman, Flip du Plessis (as swell as Dries de Vries), and the guests staying on the resort who have been documenting and monitoring this new species. This Eastern Scissortail dragonfly was found and photographed by Antoinette Snyman on the 20th of May 2019. “Dragonflies and damselflies play a key role in…

Our journey with the Gecko started as just a dream. After years and years of camping with different caravans, we just couldn’t seem to find one that fitted into what we needed. This is how the idea of building the first-ever Gecko Caravan came to be, and it still is the best decision we have ever made. After three years of development and building, we had created our perfect caravan. Something robust, strong and durable. A caravan that was manufactured using quality products, was dust-proof, simple to use, and that still had elements of luxury – like the king-size bed and an ‘en-suite’ bathroom. We wanted a unit that would allow us to explore off-road, off-grid destinations, as well as annual visits to the coast to meet up with family…

In a recent study it was found that the one industry millennials are having a positive impact on is: camping and all the associated outdoor activities such as motorhoming, trailering and overlanding. These are activities that are more grounded in nature and take them away from their reliance on all the ‘tech’ that they have become so accustomed to. This is not only good news for their general health and welfare, but it suggests a booming future for the camping, caravan, trailer and motorhome industry. PACK AND GO! It’s clear, millennials want to get outdoors and they don’t need to break the bank to do it. A couple of hundred rand spent on a tent, a few provisions packed into the boot of an old jalopy, and off into the…

31 Aug – 1 Sept The South African 4x4 & Outdoor Show Zwartkops Raceway, Pretoria, GP SA’s most specialised 4x4 exhibition is back and bigger than ever, featuring the best overlanding rigs, off-road stunts, live entertainment and vehicle demonstrations that our country has to offer. All of the best and most innovative manufacturers will be flaunting their latest gear, and you can even outfit your own vehicle on the spot. This year’s event features a craft beer festival, also featuring bespoke gin and rum producers. There’s plenty of fun for the kids, as well, and lots of good food to go around. www.4x4outdoorshow.co.za 24 – 29 September Aardklop National Arts Festival Potchefstroom, NW Undoubtedly Potch’s premier event, Aardklop is a celebration of South Africa’s best musical and theatrical performances, all…

Braaing is as much a national pastime for many South Africans as is camping and the outdoors; with good reason. Not only do we have a wonderfully moderate and sunny climate that is perfect for outdoor fun, but we have some of the most scenic and picturesque landscapes in which we can commune with nature and enjoy a good braai with friends. But, hosting the perfect braai means that you need to take special care of your braai and grid to ensure the cleanest, healthiest and tastiest food offerings. START WITH A CLEAN GRID After years of braaing, I can safely say that the best way to clean a grid is to burn off any sediment and grime from the last braai. When the sediment is white and powdery, simply…

Destination Caravans Want to stand out from the crowd this year? We hitch Destination Caravans’ new 4-berth, tandem-axle Wonder caravan behind a 3-litre Isuzu MU-X and head out of Gauteng, on a long trip up to beautiful campsites in the Vryheid area of KwaZulu Natal. While the scenery and resorts are superbly satisfying, the highlight of the trip is undoubtably glamping in this caravan. This is one of the most luxurious and comfortable locally-produced caravans on the market. Gooderson Natal Spa Imagine camping next to a small bass dam. Wander off and soak away the stresses and strains of city life in one of the pools fed by the geo-thermal hot springs, originating deep within the earth. Take part in anything from horse riding, archery, paintball or a relaxing spa…

Wireless power CTEK’s Battery Sense allows you to track the status of your vehicle’s battery directly on your smartphone, using Bluetooth technology. It works with any 20-200Ah lead acid battery, giving you information on battery condition and even the battery’s ability to hold charge. It’s a great way to prevent permanent battery damage. R950 For more information, contact 087 807 7760 or visit www.enertec.co.za. Nut remover Perfect for removing stubborn nuts or studs on a rusty wheel, or when you need to change tyres in the field, the Mac-Afric ½”Drive Cordless 24V Impact Wrench delivers a potent 450Nm of torque while tipping the scales at only 3kg. The wrench is supplied with a 24V rechargeable battery and a durable plastic case. R2 495 For more information, contact 086 123 3636,…

Most of us go through the never ending cycle of work, home, sleep, roll on weekend and then we repeat this cycle over and over again. This unfortunate survival cycle never allows us to fully release the stresses and strains of everyday life. For this reason alone, it is imperative that we down tools and take a break in nature to rejuvenate and revitalise ourselves. Here are seven good health benefits associated with the outdoors. 1. DOWNTIME IS GOOD TIME When we get into nature, it allows our brains the necessary downtime, free of cell tower activity, laptop radiation and various other harmful electronic devices that surround us on a daily basis. The human brain needs to reset itself, and getting into nature is the easiest way to do this.Your…

Corian's Caravan Resort is situated in the sea-side village of Pennington, on the KZN South Coast, 70km from Durban and 15km south of Scottburgh. This caravan resort is a mere 90 meters – that’s about a two minute stroll – from the beautiful beach where you can go for lovely early morning walks, picking up shells, fishing, surfing and swimming. If you are a golfer, Pennington has three world-class golf courses: Umdoni Park, Selborne and Penn Valley (nine holes), all within 5km of the resort. Runners are in for a treat, with the very popular Umdoni Park Run taking place in the forest around the Umdoni Park Golf Course every Saturday morning. And, for cyclists there are some mountain bike trails in the area, offering wonderful coastal scenery and new…

After a recent assignment on the Wild Coast, I made a pit stop at the RSI SMARTCANOPY headquarters in Pietermaritzburg. I arrived canopy-less, after enduring two weeks of gruelling load bin packing and unpacking, but left far better equipped for all future expeditions. The folks over at RSI have been kind enough to outfit our bright blue Isuzu D-Max with a state-of-the art, stainless steel RSI SMARTCANOPY, complete with a superb RSI SMARTKITCHEN unit neatly tucked away under the left-hand side gullwing. It also boasts three dual LED light bars, load bar-ready roof rails and an extremely convenient roof-mounted aluminium camping table. With all of these features in one stylish, secure and rugged package, we’re ready to tackle our forthcoming adventures with confidence and peace of mind that convenience has…

Caravan Cove Resort KwaZulu-Natal December 2019 Special: New camping bookings only. 2 people – R480 per night (minimum 10 nights). Dogs allowed – R100 per dog per night. T’s and C’s apply. Use reference“SLH50D”when booking! T: 039 976 1215 E: caravancove@scottburgh.co.za W: www.caravancove.co.za Richards Bay Caravan Park KwaZulu-Natal Pensioners: R1 212 for 2 people for 2 weeks. Or 2 people for 1 month just R2 385. Low Season: Book 4 nights, pay for 3. Mid Season: Book 8 nights, pay for 7. T: 035 753 1971 E: info@richardsbaycaravanpark.co.za W: www.richardsbaycaravanpark.co.za Paradise Holiday Resort KwaZulu-Natal Campsites, chalets and log cabins: Stay 5 nights, pay for 3. Stay 10 nights, pay for 7. Pensioner 30% off daily rates, excluding December. T: 039 313 0655 E: paradise@megadial.com W: www.paradiseholidayresort.co.za Bosveld Oase North West December 2019 bookings…