JACO SAYS

Our country is just so diverse!

If you ever wanted to show an overseas visitor the diverse natural beauty of Southern Africa, this issue of Drive Out is a great example. Magoebaskloof in the Limpopo province, just outside Tzaneen, has a unique eco system that differs greatly from the surrounding areas, just like Hogsback in the Eastern Cape. In both places you’ll find lots of vegetation and a higher rainfall than the lower surrounding areas. In fact, in some places it reminds you of Britain. When I looked at Evan’s photos of Magoebaskloof I immediately thought of the Eastern Highlands in Zimbabwe, where it is not uncommon to find proteas and see landscapes that remind you of the Scottish Highlands. Charles also spent a few days driving around Gauteng. Yes, that Gauteng. In the process he explored five great 4x4 destinations where you can also camp and make a whole weekend of it if the opportunity presents itself. Yes, we know that we usually encourage you to pack your passport and head for faraway destinations, but financial realities and a shortage of annual leave mean that for most part of the year this is not possible. It is also a good idea to rather give your new long-range fuel tank or aluminium canopy-cum-solar-panel a proper shakedown over such a weekend, instead of finding out somewhere deep in the Marienfluss that it has been fitted incorrectly. A mate of mine called Andrew Johnstone did a solo adventure up the West Coast and Richtersveld en route to doing the Faces of the Namib trip. He was born in the old Rhodesia, where his father, Maj. Rob Johnstone, was a legendary member of the Rhodesian Special Air Service. It’s definitely a case of like father, like son, because Andrew is without a doubt one of the most adventurous people I know. As long as there’s a cold beer every now and then, he’ll be more than content with a tin of bully beef, a pocket knife and a piece of rope. It is therefore important to note how he decided against doing a certain route on his way back home. I hope that our readers take this lesson to heart, because sometimes it’s just plain stupid to do certain things. As the saying goes: “Discretion is the better part of valour.” In Six of the Best this month we’re looking at great sunsets. I must confess that every time I looked at that particular layout I started to drool at the prospect of having a cold one, followed by a braai an hour or two later. I sometimes wonder why I love travelling into the open spaces in my 4x4: Is it always about the driving, or isn’t it also about reaching a beautiful, remote spot and experience a beautiful sunset? Why don’t you send us an e-mail about your own experiences in this regard? Charles also investigated vehicle fires (yes, also those involving the Ford Kuga), and it is highly valuable information that each of us can put to good use. Remember, it can happen to anyone, regardless of which vehicle we drive.

So buckle up and hold on. Here we go.