Me and my car

A car is a wonderful thing – it gives you the freedom to visit the destinations of your choice, at your own pace. It doesn’t matter if you drive a hatchback or a kitted-out 4x4 – it’s the desire to explore that matters! We spoke to readers about why they love their cars.

The Karate Kid

The launch of a new double cab is always big news in South Africa, especially one as handsome and capable as theMazda BT-50. But is “handsome and capable”enough to force the reigning black belt champions – the Hilux and Ranger – out of the dojo?

The future is Riversdale green

Riversdale is in one of the most fertile agricultural regions in the Southern Cape, and the town and surrounds have many great places to stay. Turn off the N2 and make a holiday of it!

In the company of great trees

Providing oxygen, shade and food should be enough reasons to admire trees, but some goliaths also have fascinating stories. These super specimens from the subtropical Lowveld have acted as welcome signs, places of gathering, and markers of beginnings…

A glimpse of Gough

Gough Island, in the middle of the South Atlantic, is one of the most important seabird nesting sites on earth. It’s also one of the most remote places on the planet! Join James Lowe on a two-week sailing trip from Cape Town to the island and back.

Take A Hike

Forest-bathing in the Karkloof

The Other Blouberg

Blouberg sails on the bushveld like a solitary ship, rising above the Limpopo landscape near the town of Vivo. Set your course for adventure because vultures and views await…

From Kamiesberg To The Coast

The annual explosion of orange daisies around Skilpad rest camp in Namaqua National Park is stunning, but drive deeper into the park and you’ll see even more wildflowers, all the way to the windswept waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

With My Own Eyes

The tortoise and the mongoose

The Walkers Of The Waterberg

Author and artist Clive Walker has been a well-known name in South African conservation circles since he founded the Endangered Wildlife Trust in 1973. He and his wife Conita live near Vaalwater in the Waterberg, where their son Anton and his wife René run the Waterberg Living Museum.

Where Will You Sleep Tonight?

On a long drive from the Kalahari to Cape Town, Toast Coetzer counts his blessings.

Ain't No Mountain High Enough

An excellent way to determine if a blinged-up SUV like the Ford Everest Sport can face up to South African gravel roads is to take it on a 4000km cross-country expedition. So that’s what we did.

Fill Your Cup At The Source

The untarred R332 runs through the Baviaans and Kouga mountains. It’s about 200km long, but what no map will tell you is that it will probably take you days to drive. Here’s why.

STAY HERE

HOUTEMA RIVER CABINS, KOGELBERG

BIRDS

In the previous issue, you found me scratching mosquito bites and staring desperately into the canopy of a Mozambican forest.

Adrift In Time

Zanzibar might be part of Tanzania politically, but in reality, it’s a world of its own – a slice of coral and palm trees caught in the current of history that has swept up the East Coast of Africa for hundreds of years.

Take A Hike

True peace on the Swartkop Trail above False Bay.

Nottingham Road: The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker

Nottingham Road is tucked away in the hills of the KZN Midlands, where potters, weavers, farmers and painters go about their business. It’s home to the founding families of the Midlands Meander, but more importantly, to all those whose hearts yearn for the country.

The Bushveld Beckons

Ah, the Bushveld! The word alone is enough to ignite your wanderlust. This week-long travel plan includes national parks and a few secret spots… and a campfire every night.

Go Slow, Be The Flow

There’s a place in the Northern Cape where a city slicker feels like he’s between nothing (Hopetown) and nowhere (Douglas). Here, the Orange River has carved a deep trench out of black basalt, polished smooth by centuries of sun, wind and water. Come paddle with us through this ancient landscape.

Mother Earth Of The Agter-Pakhuis

The Agter-Pakhuis straddles the Karoo and the Cederberg. It’s a land of extremes – farmers here need to be bold and a little stubborn. The land will work you as hard as you work it, just ask Haffi Strauss.

Carry Your House With You

A small, lightweight tent is invaluable if you’re going adventuring, whether on foot, on a bike or in a kayak. It must be easy to pitch and pack away but still be comfortable to sleep in, and it must be as compact as possible when stowed. Here are nine of the best.

Follow Old Footsteps In The Forest

Join us as we travel deep into the Knysna Forest, into the world of Saul Barnard, Silas Miggel and Fiela Komoetie. Wemight even run into Oupoot…

Small Town Trouble

Late one night, the rugby posts at Vredendal High School uprooted themselves and moved nearly half a kilometre. Evan Naudé explains the reason behind this mysterious phenomenon.

Rocking the T

The arrival of the stylish T-Roc adds a fourth option to Volkswagen’s T-range of SUVs. But is this a case of one musketeer too many?

Can You Travel With A Baby?

Can you travel with a baby? Of course you can. The question is whether you’ll actually enjoy your holiday! Esma Marnewick remembers a few trying trips.

Take A Hike

Living on the edge at Bermanzi

In The Moment

As a teenager, Joe Welman started experimenting with his dad’s old Pentax Spotmatic camera, spending his monthly allowance on Fuji Provia 100 film and lurking around the local pond near his home in Secunda using all sorts of makeshift blinds and hides to stalk birds.

Buffy The Cold Slayer

The humble tube scarf is the multi-tool of clothing. It’s a bandana, cap, sweatband, mask, handkerchief – and an emergency bandage if necessary. These days, even Benji the bull terrier has his own Buff®.

The Little SUV That Could

The saying“you get what you pay for”holds true for most things in life, but there are exceptions to every rule. Is the new Renault Duster such an exception?