SA4x4 January 2020

Here we are then, launching into the year of clear vision: 2020. Because it’s the right spirit in which to start a new year, full of hope and energy for the upcoming 12 months, and with a determination to bring positives like the Rugby World Cup win into play. That was a victory against heavy odds, and it’s exactly the kind of boost we needed. If congratulations went to a superb team clawing back the odds, then by the same token we need to support efforts to clean up the parastatals, root out the graft, and get this incredible country back on track. What can it mean for overlanders, travellers, and 4x4 enthusiasts? As a small, but relatively vocal, well-connected, and financially-effective bunch, we can be key players in getting…

Here we are then, launching into the year of clear vision: 2020. Because it’s the right spirit in which to start a new year, full of hope and energy for the upcoming 12 months, and with a determination to bring positives like the Rugby World Cup win into play. That was a victory against heavy odds, and it’s exactly the kind of boost we needed. If congratulations went to a superb team clawing back the odds, then by the same token we need to support efforts to clean up the parastatals, root out the graft, and get this incredible country back on track. What can it mean for overlanders, travellers, and 4x4 enthusiasts? As a small, but relatively vocal, well-connected, and financially-effective bunch, we can be key players in getting tourism back…

DUSTER MAKES MABUA & BACK! Mabuasehube is a rare jewel in the southern Kgalagadi that has lured me back at least a dozen times. The name itself evokes images of mystery and beckons the adventurous to experience the barren wastes of Botswana. Having made my previous journeys in my V8 Defender, V8 Discovery, and a 3.0-litre Toyota double cab, I was interested to see if my recently acquired, versatile little 4x4 could cope – a Renault Duster. My fellow travellers were in a 3.0-litre Ford diesel 4x4 bakkie, a 4.0-litre Toyota Land Cruiser, and a 3.0-litre Toyota Prado. Quite tough opposition! Having slept at Kuruman, where we all met, it was a good drive to Tshabong where we fuelled up before hitting the road. When we reached was deflate and…

DUSTER MAKES MABUA & BACK! Mabuasehube is a rare jewel in the southern Kgalagadi that has lured me back at least a dozen times. The name itself evokes images of mystery and beckons the adventurous to experience the barren wastes of Botswana. Having made my previous journeys in my V8 Defender, V8 Discovery, and a 3.0-litre Toyota double cab, I was interested to see if my recently acquired, versatile little 4x4 could cope – a Renault Duster. My fellow travellers were in a 3.0-litre Ford diesel 4x4 bakkie, a 4.0-litre Toyota Land Cruiser, and a 3.0-litre Toyota Prado. Quite tough opposition! Having slept at Kuruman, where we all met, it was a good drive to Tshabong where we fuelled up before hitting the road. When we reached was deflate and consensus led us…

In response to a growing number of complaints about how we conduct ourselves in the wilderness, we decided to draw up and promote a code of conduct for overlanders. We’d like to include your input, comments and debate, so please send your suggestions to editor@sa4x4.co.za. FIREWOOD Take your firewood in with you; don’t chop down trees or gather dead wood within parks or wilderness areas. KEEP QUIET We go to the bush to appreciate the sights and sounds of the bush. No music, and nothing louder than a spoken conversation. RESPECT LOCALS – LAWS AND PEOPLE Obey the rules of the place you’re travelling through. Respect locals and their traditions; if they don’t like having their photos taken, don’t take photos. SUPPORT LOCAL TRADE Your spending money at the local…

In response to a growing number of complaints about how we conduct ourselves in the wilderness, we decided to draw up and promote a code of conduct for overlanders. We’d like to include your input, comments and debate, so please send your suggestions to editor@sa4x4.co.za. FIREWOOD Take your firewood in with you; don’t chop down trees or gather dead wood within parks or wilderness areas. KEEP QUIET We go to the bush to appreciate the sights and sounds of the bush. No music, and nothing louder than a spoken conversation. RESPECT LOCALS – LAWS AND PEOPLE Obey the rules of the place you’re travelling through. Respect locals and their traditions; if they don’t like having their photos taken, don’t take photos. SUPPORT LOCAL TRADE Your spending money at the local shops and lodges will…