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CARAVAN & OUTDOOR LIFE November 2010 Shingwedzi • Camp & scub a • 13 tents • 20 glamorous gadgets WWW.CARAVANSA.CO.ZA ON THE

WAR Photos by Mark Samuel and Grant Spolander PATH Words by Mark Samuel Words

20 Caravan & Outdoor Life • November 2010 Shingwedzi Eco-Trail

Adjacent to Kruger, across the border, lies Parque Nacional do – the Mozambique portion of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. The fences between the parks are slowly coming down, and the popularity of this destination is increasing steadily. The best way to experience the region is on the Shingwedzi 4x4 Eco-Trail. So, with a Conqueror hitched to our Toyota Hilux, we set off to see what this trail has to offer.

The briefing before the trail commences lets you know exactly where you’re headed.

here they were: ghostly grey ’s and time. It’s beautiful, untamed and wild – all behemoths moving stealthily Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park. that’s missing is vast populations of buck behind a veil of almost complete For years endless tracts of border fencing and wildebeest foraging its plains. This, in darkness, the occasional crack kept the South African and Mozambican turn, would entice the predators, and before of a dry stick the only hint of parks apart, and while the game in Kruger you know it an entire ecosystem would be Ttheir location in the thick vegetation. There thrived, war, poaching and poverty thriving. must’ve been 50 or more emerging from the dramatically diminished the numbers of Nevertheless, a journey through this dense bush, led by an enormous individual, wildlife on the Moz side. remote land is more than a journey: it’s with a little one scurrying around her feet. First With the establishment of the transfrontier an experience, and one that’s made all the we had noticed three sizeable scouts venture park, the fences are coming down – perhaps more enjoyable when you’re following a down to the water’s edge. After ten minutes not as efficiently as originally planned, but knowledgeable guide – which is what the the three loners retreated into the bush and there are areas where animals can move Shingwedzi 4x4 Eco-Trail is all about. the rest of the herd cautiously made their freely between the two regions, virtually way out into the clearing next to the river, unhindered by man. There are, though, a Pafuri their giant shapes silhouetted by the starlight. number of factors that influence the animals’ On the towcar front, our capable vehicle for Finally, the wildlife that until now had been movement across the border. At the top of the trail was a spanking new, out-of-the-box so elusive made an appearance – and what an this list is the proximity of the villages within Toyota Hilux 4x4 D-4D Legend 40 double- appearance! From our campsite vantage point the park’s boundaries in Mozambique. There cab. Okay, it had just over 1000 km on the high on the cliff overlooking the Shingwedzi was an agreement to relocate these villages odometer, but that means it had been run in River, the elephants put on a display that will into the buffer fringe zone of the park, just enough for towing. Interestingly, until be etched into my memory forever. ensuring less people-animal interaction. now I hadn’t towed any significant distance But it’s not that easy to up and move groups with a Hilux. Perhaps it doesn’t deliver quite Uncharted territory of people who have lived in a certain place the same torque and power as its peers, but The Shingwedzi 4x4 Eco-Trail is the for as long as they can remember. It’s now this is a great bakkie with an extremely proud best way to experience and explore the a few years down the line and nothing history. Although all of our travel companions Mozambique portion of the Great Limpopo has happened with a number of these from Conqueror Off-Road Campers were Transfrontier Park. The five-night, six-day settlements. Many people still live well within also towing with Toyotas, Godfrey Castle and trail negotiates some of the most remote the park’s borders, and if I were an animal I were in the only diesel-powered vehicle, parts of Parque Nacional do Limpopo, assessing the pros and cons of relocating and it didn’t take long to impress our fellow Mozambique’s contribution to the 3.7 million from Kruger, this would be a major deterrent. travellers with our frugal fuel usage. hectare transfrontier park that unites it with That said, much of the land there just needs Depending on where you’ve driven

www.caravansa.co.za 21 from, most groups about to embark on the we arrived slightly on the wrong side of our swimming allowed in this river: a few metres Shingwedzi trail sleep over somewhere prearranged meeting time of 08:30. from the bank lurked some fearsome-looking nearby the night before the start, which is This is where our destinies, at least for the hippos and crocodiles. always on a Sunday from the Pafuri picnic site next six days, were handed over to Janco Day one of the trail has you entering Kruger inside Kruger. Scott, our enthusiastic and knowledgeable and then driving straight through to the Because it’s the most convenient campsite, Shingwedzi trail guide. Over steaming coffee border with Mozambique, hence the need to literally a few kilometres from Kruger’s Pafuri and Ouma rusks, Janco described the route pay for a day’s Kruger Park conservation fees. Gate and neatly laid out with great facilities, we were about to embark on, referring to his Currently you’re likely to see more wildlife we opted to stay at Pafuri River Camp on map mounted on the side of the Conqueror during this short drive than over several days Saturday night, which allowed us a leisurely Comfort. This introductory talk included in the Mozambique part of the trail – but drive up from Gauteng. At Pafuri River Camp topics like the terrain we were likely to experiencing the trail isn’t only about viewing you have the option of a quiet and well- encounter, the history of the region and plans wildlife. There’s the thrill of venturing into shaded bush camp near the Mutale River, for its future, and anecdotes on the fauna remote parts of a neighbouring country, positioned far from the bush pub, restaurant and flora of the park. Two-way radios were experiencing new and challenging terrain, and swimming pool, or their tented camp. distributed to all the vehicles, enabling Janco different cultures, Mozambique 2M beer sold A donkey boiler at the bush camp provides to speak to us collectively along the route and from tiny shacks in the middle of nowhere, glorious hot water for the showers, and there enlighten us with interesting facts – and, of wild and unfenced campsites, baobabs and are even flush toilets! We took advantage of course, to allow for the usual airwave banter more. And of course the camaraderie of these luxury offerings, knowing full well that that goes hand in hand with two-way radios. experiencing all this with a group of good amenities on the trail would be rudimentary I have yet to encounter a convoy of guys friends. at best. driving 4x4s through the bush who can resist Towing on the trail adds a different Early on Sunday morning, after a good telling jokes, sharing their favourite songs or dimension. One thing’s for sure: the product night’s rest, we made our way to Kruger’s taking the mickey out of their mates. What is you’re towing must be sturdy and capable of Pafuri Gate, where sign-in procedures for it about a two-way radio that encourages this taking the knocks. The Conquerors fulfilled our large convoy took around 45 minutes. odd yet universal behaviour? this criterion with aplomb. In fact, when we With park entry and conservation fees paid, assessed the whole convoy on day three, off we trundled, each of us proudly towing Out of bounds the weakest component was the tow hitch a different unit from the Conqueror product En route to the SA-Mozambique Pafuri link between some of the vehicles and their range, to the Pafuri picnic site. The drive from border post, we took a brief detour to a trailers, which had taken strain from the the gate to the picnic site is about 25 km lookout point on the banks of the mighty continuous forward and backward motion and takes approximately 45 minutes, and . There’s certainly no casual on the uneven sandy ground. Towing on the

Brunch stops next to the pans gave us a chance to stretch our legs, fill our stomachs and enjoy a refreshment or two.

22 Caravan & Outdoor Life • November 2010 Braaied goat is tasty, Shingwedzi is definitely worthwhile, though, but rather chewy. There are various campsite options and as it offers you elevated levels of camping route alternatives that your trail guide can comfort throughout the six days. choose from, so you won’t necessarily stay Once across the border we soon encountered at the same spots we visited. Another prime small villages and settlements, with all manner benefit of doing the trail with Transfrontier of smiling faces to greet and farm animals Parks Destinations is that most of the camps to look out for. Unbeknownst to the rest of are located on concessionary land, and you the convoy, the guys in the last vehicle made can only camp there if you have signed up a secret pit stop to arrange some extra braai and paid for the guided trail. meat for the evening meal. Our group’s Surprisingly, and delightfully, a hot-water cunning arrangement was that each of the donkey boiler system was waiting for us at vehicles would be responsible for one evening our first camp. When it comes to forgetting meal, and the Sunday night chefs clearly about the concerns of work and city life, a realised they had underestimated how much lot can be said for a hot shower underneath meat was required. The late afternoon arrival a thick blanket of Milky Way stars in a at camp was made all the more interesting remote Mozambique setting. with the presentation of a newly acquired local goat. Animal lovers needn’t worry: it was Bush war already an ex-goat, having been professionally Early on day two we were exposed to a dispatched by the fellow who sold it to us. and filleting process was, let’s just say, different chilling reminder of the bush war that had What proceeded was certainly a learning and quite unique. And the flavour of the meat ravaged this region more than 25 years experience for a soutie like me. The skinning – err, chewy, but admittedly quite tasty. ago. Several kilometres from camp, Janco

There’s certainly no casual swimming allowed in this river: a few metres from the bank lurked some fearsome-looking hippos and crocodiles.

The Limpopo River is home to some rather large hippos. And the crocs ... Well, let’s just say that we weren’t rushing in for a swim.

www.caravansa.co.za 23 brought our convoy to a stop. The mine- certainly relieved to be a civilian traveller of these stops Janco demonstrated how the mangled remains of a military vehicle in an air-conditioned Hilux, out on a tiny leaves on a small fern-like plant reacted that had been transporting ammunition camping expedition with friends. when touched. The leaf frond immediately years ago lay off to one side of the track, contracted, effectively closing the leaf: an with rusted remnants of exploded bullets Abrasive terrain interesting defence mechanism from a and rocket propelled grenades littering Almost the entire trail comprises a tweespoor seemingly defenceless plant. Surrounding the site. This decades-old wreck and its track; in places the surrounding bush is us during this botany lesson were colossal unfortunate occupants were the target of very thick, and you have to be prepared for elephant footprints in the muddy ground, a landmine laid by the Rhodesian Selous that bone-chilling sound of dry twigs and some of which were big enough to double as Scouts at the height of the bush war. branches dragging across your paintwork a La-Z-Boy recliner seat. Some of the remaining rocket-propelled like fingernails on a chalkboard. I was hugely grenades were still live, so we took care relieved that our Hilux was white: a darker Bush ablutions not to disturb any potentially dangerous vehicle would’ve come out the other side Some campsites on the Shingwedzi Trail have items. Gazing into the surrounding, quiet looking like a pinstripe suit. basic shower facilities, a toilet and even a bush it was hard to imagine a time when Gratefully appreciated interruptions to sink for washing dishes, but there are a few hidden commandos patrolled covertly the dense bush were the pans, where the nights when you’re on your own entirely, so through the undergrowth, with the sole paint scratching abated and we frequently to speak. That’s where the Conqueror trailers objective of eliminating their enemy. I was stopped for a drink and a leg stretch. On one and caravans came into their own: the flick

Left: We were more than a bit relieved that the elephant that made these prints wasn’t still in the area. Centre, top and bottom: Chilling reminders of the bush war that ravaged the area. Right: The paintwork of your vehicle is going to get scratched. Fit VPS beforehand if you want to prevent any damage.

24 Caravan & Outdoor Life • November 2010 Most camps offered enough space to set up camp in a laager formation, with a central area for braaiing and chatting.

of a geyser gas switch produces piping hot want to be caught with your pants down if course of burritos packed with spicy filling, water in 15 minutes. there’s a lion on the prowl! Even better, I’d grated cheese, diced tomato and onions, and Here I need to discuss, ever so briefly and recommend you take someone you trust sour cream. Yes, the spades worked overtime discreetly, the less mentionable aspects to keep a lookout while you’re otherwise the next day, but a more memorable evening of ablutionary conduct in the bush: what occupied. After all, you can return the favour. we couldn’t have wished for. Who says you the Afrikaners travelling with me called a I must admit that having a spade to hand that can’t be a creative cook when you’re bush veldie. (Well, that’s one of the things they I could optionally use as a defensive weapon camping? called it.) To assure yourself of a trouble-free during my solo missions made me feel a lot Not one of the evening meals was a veldie while out on the Shingwedzi Trail, it’s safer as I set out on my Veldie-Fokus. disappointment. If you’re in a convoy of two vitally important to make a few elementary or more vehicles, dividing the evening meals preparations. One item that makes things Olé up between the groups is a brilliant idea, a lot easier is exhibit number one, a canvas Never to be outdone, when it came to and it will save you money. You‘ll be buying camping chair with a hole in it. Second, you Caravan & Outdoor Life’s meal night we ingredients for specific nights, which means need a sturdy spade, and finally you must went for something completely atypical of you’ll know exactly how much meat, veggies find a secluded spot well away from camp. the African bush: a Mexican themed meal. and other ingredients to take. Just confirm However, make sure you’re keenly alert Starters were lemon, salt and a shot or two of beforehand exactly how many people you to what’s going on around you: you don’t tequila, which led us cheerfully into a main need to cater for. Apart from that, you’ll

www.caravansa.co.za 25 Best brandy No camping trip deep into the African bush is complete without a stock of good brandy. We spoilt our travel companions (and ourselves) with a selection of KWV brandies: some five- year-old bottles, a few ten-year-olds and, for the momentous occasions, a 20-year-old potstill brandy. For more info on KWV’s range, have a look at www.kwvhouseofbrandy.com or www.kwv.co.za.

only have to stock up for your own breakfasts, handbrake, which we’d secretly pulled up The location next to the river is breathtaking, lunches and snacks. before his crossing attempt. With friends like with towering rocky cliffs on the far bank. us, who needs enemies! Hippos and crocs have been sighted here, Handbrake antics but the only evidence of animals that we saw Depending on the time of year, several dry Unhitched was fresh elephant and lion spoor in the river riverbed crossings will be on the cards for At mid-morning on day four we reached a sand. If you’ve got sufficient ground clearance certain days. One such crossing on day two detour that turned off to the right. About two and low range, and you’re accompanied by became our lunch stop. Now, I’ve been on kilometres down this road we unhitched our your guide, this is a fantastic place to enjoy a a number of 4x4 towing trips with the guys trailers – all except for Gary from LA Sport, late brunch. from Conqueror, so I’m keenly aware of how with his accessorised Land Cruiser 70 and The LA Sport Land Cruiser didn’t so much fond some of them are of practical jokes. One Conqueror Courage off-road trailer – and as flinch while towing the Courage down to of their favourites is, when you’re not looking, took the slow, mostly rocky route down to the river valley and back out again. I guess, to engage the handbrake of your caravan the viewing spot over the . if you’re equipped with oversized Mickey or trailer just before you tackle a deep sand obstacle. This was my unfortunate fate on our trip through Namibia last year. Needless to say, I now check my caravan’s handbrake after every stop, and occasionally in between, and I haven’t been caught since. Not so lucky was PJ from the Conqueror team, towing with his Hilux 2.7. When his turn came to traverse the dry riverbed, his vehicle, with over-sized Maxxis tyres and all, just couldn’t pull the trailer through the soft sand. To make it even more frustrating, he was towing one of Conqueror’s lightest and smallest units, the Supra! No amount of reversing, adapting his line of attack or turning his steering wheel from left to right could solve the problem. Finally, when we thought that damage to his clutch was imminent, we put an end to Getting stuck isn’t really likely, unless you’re playing the fool, or his misery by simply disengaging his trailer’s someone’s pulled up your trailer’s handbrake without you knowing.

26 Caravan & Outdoor Life • November 2010 Who knew that frying slap chips could be so entertaining!

Thompson Baja ATZ tyres and a suspension hours earlier. Border crossing kit fitted to a Cruiser 70 SW, not much is This is exactly what owning a rugged made easy going to hold up your towing progress. off-road vehicle and caravan or trailer is Be friendly. That’s rule number one, no matter what response all about – enjoying places and seeing you receive from the officials. The great thing about crossing Elephant encounter things that you wouldn’t be able to get near the border into Mozambique from inside the Kruger Park is It was on the evening of night four that otherwise. that these posts are considerably quieter than those outside we witnessed a sizeable herd of elephant the reserve. Don’t take photographs at the border post: this drinking from the Shingwedzi River below Dam fine isn’t allowed. our camp. Sure, the wildlife during the We spent our final night about 45 km from Have all the necessary papers and documents ready when trip had been anything but prolific, but the imposing . Once we’d you’re at the counters, and also carry your own black pen. this encounter more than made up for it set up camp a few of us took a drive to the Important documents include the passports of all the people – especially when paired with the sublime wall to take a look. in your vehicle, vehicle registration papers (or, if the vehicle African sunset we had been treated to a few This dam has a 4.6 km-long wall doesn’t belong to you, a letter from the owner authorising you to take it across the border) and trailer or caravan Massingir Dam’s 4.6 km earth wall is one of the longest of its type in the world. registration papers. Also, cash for Mozambique border fees is vital. (R100 should be more than enough.) If you’re not a South African citizen, you will need to purchase a visa at the border. If you want to declare your camera, laptop or other electronics, have all the serial numbers written down and know the approximate rand value of each item. Before you head into the office on the South African side, open your vehicle’s bonnet and leave it open when you go inside. This will allow the official to inspect the vehicle identification number as conventiently as possible. On the Mozambique side it’s likely your vehicle and trailer will be searched. This will entail opening the different compartments in the trailer and vehicle. Essentially they’re checking to see if you’re taking too much South African beer into Moz, so be warned! And once again, remember to be friendly, and patient. Getting grumpy won’t help you in the slightest.

www.caravansa.co.za 27 Conqueror Many of our fellow travellers on the Shingwedzi Trail were from Conqueror Off-Road Campers. These guys know how to build solid off-road towables. Our unit was the trailer range- topping model, the Comfort. I’ve used this trailer before in Mozambique, on the coast, and it’s got everything you need for remote bush camping. But so do all of the Conqueror products. It has a distinct military look, which means you’re not going to find any wood that’s going to rot, or fibreglass that might break. What you will get is a purpose-made trailer or caravan that’s happiest when it’s deep in the bush, where you’ve got no facilities or ablution blocks. If you’re in the market for a fully capable off-road trailer or caravan, drop the guys at Conqueror a line. They’re more than likely to have a model in their diverse range that’s exactly what you’re looking for. Mention that Caravan & Outdoor Life sent you. And if you’re not ready to buy, enquire about a rental unit. 016 349 6533 016 341 6535 082 925 4218 (P.J. Raath) www.conqueror.co.za S26°30.751’ E28°21.425’

made of piled earth – one of the longest We saw more wildlife on our drive in the world. Construction began in the back out through Kruger than we had in Mozambique. These lion were 1970s, but the 16-year civil war delayed its protecting their freshly killed buffalo. completion. Work to install sluice gates and raise the height of the wall was completed in 2006, and the dam is now a vital source of water and irrigation in the region. It is said, though, that the new sluice gates have caused sediment to back up the Crocodile Gorge, one of the world’s largest breeding grounds for the . Still, the wall is impressive. I managed to capture a few photos before a security guard threatened to confiscate my camera. The trail’s campsites offer enough space the park entry permit that we had bought Apparently you aren’t allowed to photograph to park your vehicles and caravans in laager when entering Parque Nacional do Limpopo dam walls, even if they are damn impressive! formation, with a central braai area for the a few days earlier. Be sure not to lose this evening kuier. Camps without showers and document, and you’ll be fine. Back to SA washup facilities necessitate complete self- During our drive from Giriyondo to Orpen Our final night was celebrated with yet sufficiency, with enough water for cooking Gate, the Kruger Park put on a display of another hearty meal, this time prepared by and washing. Our Conqueror units meant wildlife that more than compensated for the the blokes from LA Sport, whose prep of the that none of this was ever a problem for us. dearth on the Moz side of the border. We slap chips over the braai flames included a Giriyondo border post is the trail’s entry saw impala, a cheetah with cubs, a pride of pyrotechnic display that would rival any New point back into South Africa. Here there lion, bellies bulging, protecting their recent Year’s fireworks show. (See page 72.) were no hassles: we simply had to produce buffalo kill, vultures begging for scraps

28 Caravan & Outdoor Life • November 2010 Travel info Shingwedzi 4x4 Eco-Trail Transfrontier Parks Destinations 021 701 7860 [email protected] www.dolimpopo.com Cost: R6150 per vehicle (until 28th February 2011) for 5 nights / 6 days, and a maximum of 4 people per vehicle. Towing an off-road trailer or caravan is Mutale River, Pafuri River Camp permitted. From 1st March 2011 to 29th February 2012, the cost will be R6700 Pafuri River Camp per vehicle. 082 785 0305 [email protected] www.pafuri.co.za S22°25.340’ E31°02.170’ Pafuri Gate, Kruger S22°24.006’ E31°02.468’ This spot is ideally located for an overnight (or multiple-night) stop before Pafuri picnic site S22°25.387’ E31°14.849’ you start the trail. It’s just a few kilometres from Kruger’s Pafuri Gate, which View site over Limpopo River S22°25.565’ E31°18.437’ means that getting to the start of the trail at the Pafuri picnic site is very easy Pafuri SA border post S22°26.931’ E31°18.841’ on the morning your group sets out. Pafuri Mozambique border post S22°26.940’ E31°18.975’ The bush camp has shower facilities, with hot water provided by a donkey Fever tree forest S22°26.715’ E31°23.830’ boiler system, as well as clean flush toilets. There is also a dishwashing basin. Transfrontier Park entrance S22°53.606’ E31°55.526’ Tall, shady trees offer welcome relief when the temperature soars – and in Cold 2M beer for sale S22°51.438’ E31°56.049’ these parts it can really get hot. Trail camp night 1 S22°57.988’ E31°49.219’ There is also a tented camp that offers linen, towels, a fully equipped Landmine site S23°00.767’ E31°45.990’ kitchen, shower, toilet, braai area and private access to the Mutale River. Trail camp night 2 S23°11.684’ E31°55.773’ Delicious bush camp meals can be enjoyed at the central lapa area, and the Trail camp night 3 S23°20.882’ E31°41.917’ adjacent pub offers ice-cold drinks. Turn-off to Shingwedzi valley S23°22.860’ E31°43.347’ Don’t expect cellphone reception – but that’ll probably help you enjoy a Shingwedzi valley view site S23°24.264’ E31°40.294’ whole heap of relaxation in the quiet bushveld setting. Trail camp night 4 (elephants) S23°29.180’ E31°52.544’ Trail camp night 5 S23°45.913’ E31°49.392’ Massingir Dam wall S23°52.441’ E32°08.741’ Massingir bottle store S23°55.379’ E32°10.187’ Heidelberg Kloof Lodge Giriyongo border post S23°35.039’ E31°39.614’ 010 590 2091 079 122 1708 Letaba Camp, Kruger S23°51.239’ E31°34.502’ [email protected] www.heidelbergklooflodge.co.za Orpen Gate, Kruger S24°28.550’ E31°23.445’ S26°29.775’ E28°21.034’ Our luxurious accommodation, both before and after the trail, when we met Some baobabs on the trail are more than 2000 years old. up with the team from Conqueror in Heidelberg, south of Johannesburg, was Heidelberg Kloof Lodge. Little did we know that there were accommodation options as comfortable as this available in such a small town! If you’re considering buying a Conqueror and you’re heading through to Heidelberg to check out the factory and the various caravans and trailers in their range, Heidelberg Kloof Lodge will make your visit that much more enjoyable. You can expect plush rooms, each with its own private patio, air-conditioner, fireplace and DStv, which are serviced daily. The surroundings are peaceful, with a view of the scenic Suikerbosrand. The lodge is geared for conferences, with seating for up to 30 delegates. So, as you can imagine, both before setting out for the bush and after, we were treated to levels of luxury that we aren’t used to – certainly a contrast to roughing it in the bush!

Heidelberg Kloof Lodge

www.caravansa.co.za 29 around the lions, two hippos mock-fighting likely to break your vehicle, but adequate and another large adult with her tiny baby, ground clearance and 4x4 with low range crocodiles, jackal, and baby giraffe to top are essential. The trail operator’s website the list – all in about two hours on the has a comprehensive list of items to take main road! If game viewing is your passion, along, as well as information on travelling Poaching perhaps plan for an additional night or times and other important things to two in Kruger after you’ve completed the consider. If you’re in search of a bush problems Shingwedzi 4x4 Eco-Trail. adventure that’s not too far from Gauteng, It’s a sad truth that poaching is on the increase. The trail comes highly recommended. drop Transfrontier Parks Destinations a line Recent reports indicate that more than 200 rhino Be prepared to rough it a little, and be – and soon: spaces on this trail get snapped have been poached in South Africa this year totally self-sufficient and geared for some up pretty quickly. alone – and it’s by both small-time operators challenging terrain. There’s nothing that’s and well-financed syndicates. But even the minor players are extremely efficient at what they do, and about as proficient at living in the bush and off the With friends like these, who needs enemies! land as anyone you’ve ever heard of. Our guide, Janco Scott, shared a story about a Mozambican poacher who was tracked for months by rangers, but always remained one step ahead. Finally he was apprehended, and when interrogated was asked about rhinos that he had killed recently. Rather remarkably, when he was taken up in a helicopter to identify the locations of the carcasses, he was able to direct the pilot over hundreds of kilometres to the exact spots. He had never before seen the terrain from the sky, nor was he using a GPS or map. Merely by recognising the different land forms he could formulate a mental picture of the entire region, right down to the specific location of the carcasses. For people like you and me most of the bush in these parks looks the same, and it’s impossible to tell the Day four’s lunch spot in the Shingwedzi River valley made for a most rewarding detour. difference between one koppie and another. The ability to navigate by instinct, all the while evading capture, is one of the reasons why, unfortunately, these poachers are so successful at what they do. And, of course, the whole system relies on the fact that there’s a demand for the poached items.

30 Caravan & Outdoor Life • November 2010 TRIP TOWCAR Toyota Hilux Double-Cab 3.0 D-4D 4X4 Raider Legend 40

his bakkie is a true legend, and not just But it was the towing fuel economy that got wheels with 265/60 tyres, cruise control and front because of the ‘Legend 40’ name emblazoned everyone talking around the braai fire. Upon sport seats, as well as ‘Legend 40’ decals on the Ton the side. It’s as tough as nails – as a exiting Kruger I noted a fuel consumption figure of exterior. The load bay boasts a special tonneau cover, workhorse, tow vehicle or family leisure car. Basically, 11.1 l/100 km. That included open-road highway which keeps some of the dust out, and your gear it’s hard to fault, but you probably knew that already. towing from Heidelberg to Kruger’s Pafuri Gate, and away from prying eyes. The tailgate is lockable, which I’ve mentioned the fact that, prior to the trip, I serious off-road work on the trail – not to mention is a handy touch. Standard inclusions too are the hadn’t towed many kilometres with the double-cab the low-range rock-crawl route down to the lunch Legend 40 roll bar, side steps, nudge bar and rear Hilux, and I was eager to put some serious towing spot overlooking the Shingwedzi River (without our bumper with towbar. distance under my belt with one of these models. Conqueror in tow). The vision behind the model is to commemorate The Shingwedzi 4x4 Eco-Trail presented the ideal The cab is spacious. It’s comfortable too, but not 40 years of Hilux in South Africa – and it’s certainly a opportunity, and a demanding challenge too. cluttered with fussy frills: what you need, and a bit vehicle Toyota can be proud of. We towed on tar, gravel, tweespoor dirt track more, is all there. The air-con kept us in constant Overall, this vehicle impressed me, especially from and rocky terrain, and, when all was said and done, comfort, and the sound system meant that I didn’t a towing perspective. Having it paired with the we came out the other side unscathed, but for the have to endure any of Godfrey’s singing to fill up Conqueror Comfort, I had a distinct ‘go anywhere’ branch scratches on the bodywork – and I did thank those occasions when conversation ran out. The load feeling every time I was behind the wheel. I’m sure our lucky stars that our test vehicle was white! bay also swallowed up all we could throw at it. you’ll know what I mean when you collect the keys Sure, there are other turbo-diesel double-cabs on The tow hitch was a factory-fitted unit, and to your new Hilux. the market with slightly higher power and torque I’m pleased to report that it was one of the And to endorse the Legend 40’s reputation even specs, but that didn’t once hinder this vehicle. In fact, sturdier removable ones that I’ve seen. In fact, it further, rest well knowing that the first unit came in keeping with my unhasty towing style, I never outperformed many of the aftermarket brackets on off the production line on 10th March – the very once felt underpowered or without sufficient torque. some other vehicles in our convoy. day that Chuck Norris celebrated his birthday! Not bad when you’ve got 4.0-litre V6s towing in your And, let’s face it, this is certainly a good looking Coincidence, or destiny? convoy! double-cab! The Legend 40 package has 16” alloy

Towing on the Shingwedzi trail was pure pleasure behind the wheel of the Hilux Legend 40 Double-Cab.

Price From R406 600 Service plan 5 years/90 000 km Service intervals 10 000 km Engine 3.0-litre D-4D Gearbox 5-speed manual Capacity 2982 cm3 Power 120 kW @ 3400 rpm Torque 343 Nm @ 1400-3200 rpm Tare 1770 kg GVM 2760 kg Manuf. tow limit 1500 kg (braked)

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