Women on Wheels goes wild in the Kruger with SANParks
4x4ing continues to be a favourite activity among South Africans when it comes to exploring some of the country’s most popular destinations. It’s a fun and adventurous way to bond with friends and family and can make for some great team building too!
Women on Wheels joined an all-women’s four-day 4×4 Eco trailing adventure, hosted by SANParks in the Kruger National Park and while we’ve had our fair share of 4x4ing experiences, this particular adventure trail was a truly unique one.
From Phalaborwa to Punda Maria
The Mafunyane 4×4 Eco Trail is a guided, self-catering trail in the north western area of the Kruger National Park (between the Olifants and Luvuvhu Rivers). The route covers a distance of about 270 km. You’re required to have your own vehicles, provisions, tents etc but lucky for us, this was all arranged!
We were we spoiled by numerous sponsors of the event (from CampWorld to Howling Moon, to name a few) who contributed to an incredibly efficient and well-equipped stay in the Kruger. We also had the opportunity to get up close with some of the Game Reserve’s wildlife and vegetation, thanks to SANPark’s rangers who gave us a unique and personal experience on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
The trail departs from the Phalabora gate every Thursday afternoon at 12:00 and ends at the Punda Maria Camp on Sunday morning.
Vanessa Strydom, Manager of Conservation Interpretation and Support, was our group guide and with her team she lead us through the Kruger National Park, sharing everything she knows and loves about the Reserve. “This is my home and I’m passionate about sharing and educating those new to it,” are words that she certainly lived up to while we journeyed along the eco trail from Phalaborwa, right up to the north of the Kruger to Punda Maria.
Reuniting with the Isuzu KB
As the trails consists of a variety of terrains you’d need to make sure that you’re equipped with a suitable vehicle.
“Road conditions vary from reasonably good to sections with steep inclines, crossing of streams and rivers and muddy sections during or after rain and therefore only 4×4 vehicles with proper 4×4 trailers or caravans are allowed.”
We were fortunate to have been been able to use five of Isuzu’s new KB 300 vehicles and after having once spent a few days in the big dunes of Namibia with them, I felt pretty confident knowing all about the KB’s capabilities.
Also read: Climbing the great dunes of Namabia with the 2016 Isuzu KB
Most people don’t like the idea of getting stuck in awkward places but the truth is, you haven’t really been 4x4ing until you experience getting stuck. We enjoyed a few instances where slippery terrain gave us a few challenging obstacles to get out of, and we’re pretty chuffed to say that we managed to get through with the help a women-only group of guides.
More about the Isuzu KB
“The new KB looks a lot sleeker and streamlines with a new instrumentation cluster design, improved sound system while maintaining all the key Isuzu characteristics we have come to love. In addition to the new look, 3 litre 4×4 LX Double Cab customers will benefit from additional value as these models now come standard with a towbar, sportsbar, roofrails and power adjustable leather seats,” says Brian Olson, Vice President of Vehicle Sales, Service, and Marketing General Motors Sub-Saharan Africa.
Engine: The new range continues with the 2.5 and 3.0 litre diesel engines.
Power: 3.0-litre DTEQ turbocharged diesel with 130kW and 380Nm from the common rail direct injection turbodiesel
Fuel Consumption: 4×4 double cab and extended models: 7.9 litres per 100 km
4×2 versions: 7.7 litres per 100 km
Price
The Mafunyane 4×4 Eco-Trail is one we’ll never forget and for those in search of a truly unique 4×4 experience in the Kruger, we highly recommend you give this a try!
For more information about the trail, please visit the SanPARKS website here: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/tourism/activities/4×4.php
Dome tents by Howling Moon
Jurgens Safari caravans X-Range
Source: Sanparks.org