FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

South Africans have been spoiled for choice with all the different caravan options, especially on the off-road side. Conqueror and Echo4x4 are the heavyweights that specialise in the off-road trailer and off-road caravan segment, but the Cape-based manufacturer Bush Lapa is quickly becoming part of this distinguished group. Conqueror is known for their modular plate structures, Echo uses mainly fibreglass for the body, and Bush Lapa focuses on materials like stainless steel and aluminium. Bush Lapa opened their doors in 2010 in Worcester and eventually started bursting at the seams – they had to move the operation to Paarl. In the meantime they also opened a branch in Centurion as well as a dealership in Pretoria. Loftus Caravan City in Johannesburg now also has a Bush Lapa franchise, and another dealer outside Pinetown opened one in KwaZulu-Natal. The newest development is Bush Lapa’s entry into the international market. Their first consignment has already been shipped to Australia. The owner, Jannie Oeschger, says they’ve sent their entire range and not only a few models. The caravans do need to be modified to adhere to Australian regulations, but the whole construction is done here. The range of colours is also slightly different compared to the local range, and the names have been changed. The Gogga range becomes the Hopper, the Ratel is now called the Badger, and the Baobab remains unchanged. By the time you read this, 1 200 Bush Lapas will have been rolled out of the plant. Contact 021 870 1277/38 info@bushlapa.com bushlapa.com >