Life in the seat of a 4×4 |

Life in the seat of a 4 x 4 ...

Today, exactly a year ago, Peter, our CMO and his friend Johan, started a tough 2400 km journey cycling from Cape Town, V&A Waterfront to Ponts drift Border post, Limpopo. This was to raise funds for Local Surf Lounge Academy.
On their third night, they met Zulch Conradie, who offered them a complimentary stay at his guest farm “Jurgensfontein” which is located between Ceres and Sutherland. Zulch is an ex ranger in Sabi Sands and a seasoned 4×4 camper and covered many miles around Southern Africa. To celebrate Tourism Month, we spoke to Zulch about his career as a ranger, his first overland camping trip and tips for keen campers that want to explore Africa.
Here is what Zulch had to say ….

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I grew up on a fruit farm in the Ceres area. After completing my B.Sc. Agric degree at Stellenbosch(1994) I ventured to the USA for 2 years, working in the fruit industry that side. On my return to SA I worked at another Fruit farming company, to gain more experience, before joining the family business.

In 2007 I left the fruit industry and moved to the Eastern Cape village of Rhodes. It is here that I got involved in tourism. With “Linecasters” we guided people on Flyfishing excursions to various destinations, including Lesotho and Angola.

My love for nature got me to follow a childhood dream to be a game ranger. So I applied for an opportunity to be a guide at one of the premier Five star establishments in the Sabi Sands. Living in the real bush was a privilege. Before long I found myself managing a 5* lodge. Desk work got the better of me so I decided to move on.

At that time I was ready to fulfil another dream: travelling Africa. So I packed the Hilux with root-top tent and off I went.

Zimbabwe, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia.

An injury to my knee forced me to return to the Western Cape.

2015 saw me getting married.

Today we own a Farm in the Tankwa Karoo (Ceres Karoo) 55km from Ceres, called Jurgensfontein ( www.jurgensfontein.co.za )

Apart from the livestock we raise, there are seven rescued donkeys. We believe in sustainability and responsible custodianship, perserving what we love for the generation to come. To share this dream with others we have a self-catering cottage on the farm.

Cape Town Table Mountain views

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BoKaap

What is your first overland/ camping travel memory. How long ago was it and where did you go, what was the highlight on the trip?

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BoKaap

My first trip was with three friends during September break while at Stellenbosch in 1992. We planned the trip in little more than a week. Danny borrowed his dad’s OLD Land cruiser bakkie. With two guys on the back and the other two driving we headed for adventure. Crossing into Botswana at Brey we followed what was then just two track in the sand all the way to Zambezi and Vic Falls (Zambia).

The round trip from Stellenbosch took us 11 days at a staggering R450 per person all included.

The entire trip was epic. We camped in the bush, ate bully beef and baked beans every day. Living free.

Which African destination in your opinion is the most magical/ your favorite to travel to and why?

The round trip from Stellenbosch took us 11 days at a staggering R450 per person all included.

The entire trip was epic. We camped in the bush, ate bully beef and baked beans every day. Living free.

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BoKaap

If you go on your next trip and you are only allowed to pack 5 things, what are the 5 most important things that you will pack on your trip?

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Traveling in my bakkie kitted with fridge and tent.

First aid kit (Mine is quite extensive)
Binoculars and reference books
Tyre repair kit and a shovel
Couple of beers and some meat
Water

Can you give any tips to keen adventurers, who are planning to go on their first African camping trip?

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Safety, Safety and Safety. Your own and that of your travel companions. But also that of you vehicle.

Animals are wild no matter who tells you what and should be treated accordingly.

Travel light, Don’t run out of water and use your common sense and don’t be ignorant.

For first time self drive campers, which destination and route will you recommend?

Take a long weekend into the Karoo/Tankwa. Try out all your gear. Figure out how to use it. What is unnecessary, and what is missing. Do this before you decide to hit the long road. Southern Namibia is a good place to start a longer trip.

I have spoked to a lot of campers that said that they camped for many years in campsites, but the day that they discovered Wilderness camping for the first time, they never wanted to return to paid campsites - DO you also feel this way about Wilderness Camping?

Yes. I love the freedom. However I do believe it is not possible all the time. In some places in SA it is just not safe to wildcamp these days.
Wild camping is becoming a trend. My fear is that not everyone respects private land and/or nature the way we should. Take only pictures and leave only footprints.

What’s your craziest travel story?

Doing Van Zyl’s pass alone. (Don’t try this at home) Then Namib also alone. This was a life changing experience. You have to face yourself and deal with all the lies etc.

What would you change, if you could change anything?

I would love to be able to travel more. The southern part of Africa has so much to offer ; such diversity; not only in nature, but also in people and culture

Cape Town Table Mountain views

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BoKaap