Give it horns!

We held the 10th Bull Run in October, and there was only one way to celebrate this special milestone… with an almighty party on Vanwyksvlei in the Northern Cape.

It all started when a group of friends from Cape Town’s northern suburbs got the urge to buy old cars, head to the Northern Cape plains, and fight it out there, in the dust. The Drive & Camp Bull Run was born with those 11 cars that hit the road then, and in October 2021, the 10th – and largest one to date – took place at Vanwyksvlei. This year, nearly 150 teams and 750 souls gathered to show off their vehicles and test their mettle – and metal – on the farm roads and the ever-popular pan. (Vehicles must be older than a 1985 model and cost less than R30 000.) In between all the driving, there was a lot of socialising too… and even the famous rockers Valiant Swart and Albert Frost joined in the fun. Yes, the 10th Bull Run was certainly one for the books. Especially for the men of the Geel Apteek (Yellow Pharmacy) in a 1973 Volkswagen Variant, who were crowned the ultimate winners. As always, it would not have been possible to host such a successful event without help or sponsors. Our sincere thanks to Gerrie van Eeden, Thys de Jager, and the 45 track officials who come to help (largely voluntarily) every year. Also to Rudi Oberholzer and the organising committee on Vanwyksvlei, who host us so hospitably every year. Heartfelt thanks also to Northern Cape Tourism, Isuzu South Africa, Pro Auto Rubber, OzTrail, Signorama Pretoria North, HFR Refrigeration & Transport, and Tiger Wheel & Tire 4x4 Fitment Center. Same place, same procedure next year!

The Bull Run is a party. It’s basically a matric holiday for grownups. – Gerrie van Eeden, organiser

It’s AfrikaBurn for petrolheads. There’s nothing like the Bull Run. – Schalk Jonker, editor of Drive & Camp

It’s long been a dream to have Valiant Swart and Albert Frost at the Bull Run. This year, that dream became a reality. – Francois Malan, organiser

WELCOME, WELCOME! Upon arrival, Bull Run participants’ cars are inspected. While that’s happening, teams have the opportunity to show off their themes, costumes, and that all-important spirit.

FAN OF THE PAN. It’s only here at the Bull Run that you’d be perfectly content with being covered in dust from head to toe. It’s the perfect playground for the owners of almost 150 cars that gathered in the Northern Cape for a weekend of fun and games.

WINNING SMILES. Congratulations to Morné Smuts, Sias Scott, Emile Rossouw, and Kristo Minnaar from the Geel Apteek, who walked away with the laurels this year. By the way, that 1973 model VW Variant of theirs rolled over on the pan last year, but they fixed it up and brought it back for this year’s event.