The Great South African Road Trip

Everything Counts host, Motheo Khoaripe, hands over to motoring journalist and TV personality Marius Roberts, for three episodes of Real Torque.

In Marius’ YouTube series, ‘Just to see how far it is’, he shares his own road trip adventures. From the preparation, the challenges, the joys and the journey. 

In this episode, Marius interviews Layton Beard, head of Public Affairs at the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA), Johan Kriek, the founder of the Adventure Trophy, a family friendly overlanding event for Land Rover Defender enthusiasts and Deon Venter, CEO of 4x4 Megaworld.

“It is so easy getting caught up in all the excitement around planning a road trip. Where you're going, booking your accommodation, checking out Instagram, finding cool things to do. You forget the most important part - making sure that your car can get you there safely,” Marius starts. “For the AA, what are the non-negotiables?”

Layton Beard, head of Public Affairs at the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) comments that, “We do a 125-point check – a health assessment of your vehicle. It’s a good idea to do a check a month or two before you're actually going to leave on your trip. If you need to fix something, you have the time to do so. If you’re towing a trailer or a caravan, check it thoroughly as well. What do the axles look like? Are there any nuts and bolts to replace before a long trip?”

Also, understand your car. “Read the owner's manual. Do you have a spare tire or a run flat? Do you have all the equipment to change that spare tire? Every now and again, wash your car yourself. Are there dings? Are there nicks? Is there anything that I need to be aware of? It sounds silly, but it's important that you do that,” he adds.

“I love it. I love a road trip. As a family, we love a road trip. The biggest thing is to pick the person who has the best taste in music!” Layton Beard

According to Layton, about 12 500 people die in crashes in South Africa annually. 93% is caused by driver behaviour. The other is caused by road conditions, for example potholes or traffic lights that don't work. The weather, such as rain and fog, also contribute to accidents.

“Although your car has to be in its best state, most critically is having the right mindset when you’re driving. If you're going to be driving a long way with your family in the car, you’re not only looking after them, you're looking after every other road user. So you have to be 100% focused on the road. Patience is absolutely critical and you have to stop at least every two hours to take a comfort break.”

Layton adds that you want to be able to make it home again. “So relax, be calm. It's a time of the year when you are not facing deadlines. You're not under a huge amount of pressure.. It’s not a race, you don’t have to speed. Wait for when it's safe to overtake. Obey the rules of the road and get to your destination safely.”

He also mentions that in addition to mindset, the driver should be in the best condition physically. “If you haven’t had your eyes tested this year, perhaps you should have a check-up. Never drink and drive or take drugs or medication that will impede your ability to drive safely. Once you reach your destination, you can unwind completely.”

“Ignorance and arrogance is a deadly combination. The one thing you can be in charge of is your attitude and behaviour on the road.” Marius Roberts

Marius remarks that driving is actually the biggest test in trust. “I don't know you, you don't know me, but we're sharing the road. Everybody must play their part.”

Marius remarks that the Great South African Road Trip isn't only about toll roads and Wimpy coffees. It’s not just people getting on a national road to Durban for their summer holidays.

For many, leaving the highway for adventure is the ultimate getaway. The overlanding experience has really grown in the last couple of years. “For me it was getting from point A to B as quickly as possible. But, I now do a lot of overlanding, where you’re going from A to B via Z.”

Johan Kriek, the founder of the Defender Trophy states, “That’s exactly the joy of planning an overlanding trip. How do I get there in the most scenic way? It's not the destination that’s important, but it's actually the journey.”

He elaborates. “Specifically after Covid, that spark was ignited again. We're now looking for off the beaten track ways to get to our destination. Just look at the Karoo. People say it’s boring. But, if you go off main road and you start visiting farms, you see so much of an area. An area you would usually just be flying past on the N1.”

And when it comes to planning? Johan says he usually starts with Google Maps to give him a quick idea of distance and it normally gives a few route options as well. So, if you want to travel to B, why not via C?

The thing that Google Maps won’t tell you is the condition of a road. Johan explains that when you are doing your planning, look at timing, how far you can travel in a day, what the road conditions are.

“If it's off road, I always refer to Tracks for Africa as well on my GPS. It gives you the route and the timing is fairly correct. Because they allow for a gravel road to go slower and for tracks to go really slow. And as you know, the information is really where people have driven and actually plotted it.”

“When your lunch stop is in the middle of nowhere, you can just sit there. Suddenly, that quiet enfolds you, it's just so magical.” Johan Kriek

If you plan to visit really rural areas, local knowledge is invaluable. “I always try and get hold of the locals that actually grew up there. They know about all the small little tracks and whether you can actually cross the mountain or not. If there’s a river crossing or an ox wagon crossing. You get  to discover places like the Forgotten Highway – a 1 000 km road connecting Tulbagh and Kuruman.”

For Marius, the best part is to disconnect. “It's time to look left and right, take the blinkers off and just take in what's around you. We don't get that time anymore. It's important to disconnect. It’s also the people you get to meet along the way and their stories you get to listen to.”

Johan agrees. “When your lunch stop is in the bush somewhere or on the top of the hill or just in the middle of nowhere, you can just sit there. Suddenly that quiet enfolds you, it's just so magical.”

The key is simplicity. To start small. Johan explains that if you have a car with ground clearance, you're already halfway there. “You need fuel in the tank. If you’re going to camp, you need somewhere to sleep and eat, that’s it. Get a small tent, a mattress, some bedding.. Maybe a chair. For food, you can bring stuff from home. Or go to a B&B. So just start and do it. You eventually build up your gear and when you cross borders or go into the wilderness, you can be totally self-sufficient.”

If you’re new at it, Johan recommends going with a qualified guide or a group. Farm stays are also great. “Farmers are accommodating and welcoming. Get out in the middle of the night and you just go look at those stars.”

Overlanding to remote destinations can be an expensive exercise. You need a capable vehicle and special gear, including tents and kitchenware, fridges, roof racks, air compressors, winches, driving lights, inflators and gauges, suspension lifts etc. Where do you start?

Deon Venter, CEO of 4x4 Megaworld says the reality is that overlanding is going to cost you a lot of money if you're going to do it right. “You have to decide on what you're doing. If you have a base camp and you're there for four, five, six days, then I'd say a trailer or off road caravan is better. But if you're moving every day, I'd say rooftop tents are the best.”

Do you plan or just go with the flow? Deon shares, “We did a West Coast trip with friends and staff and we got to beautiful spot where I would have stayed the rest of the time. But we had other bookings and went on. I still believe the trip would have been 10 times better if we just stayed where we were.”

He adds that he prefers not to plan a trip. “The best trips I’ve done in my life has been the ones that barely involved any planning. No booking. We're going in a direction. Where we stay, we stay and where we get to, we get to. Fortunately, I have everything, so the day before, I go buy the groceries and stuff.”

Before you get on the road what are Deon’s non-negotiables? “For me, the main priority one of a trip is to make sure your car is 100%. Because nothing can stuff a trip up like a car breaking down. It could ruin everything. You need to check everything from your suspension to charging your fridges. And make sure you do it well in advance to iron out any issues before you go.”

Marius adds that so many people like to plan everything, but things are going to go wrong. “You're going to get a puncture, something's going to break down. You have to think off your feet and come up with a new plan.”

“No booking. We're going in a direction. Where we stay, we stay and where we get to, we get to. Deon Venter

Marius concludes, “I hope that you are inspired to get the car packed and get out there on your own Great South African Road Trip. But more importantly, consider some of our vital tips that will help keep you safe on our roads. Because the last thing we want is for you to be a statistic. Remember, it's a road trip, not a race. So enjoy the drive.”

1. Plan your route: Research and map out your route, including rest stops, attractions, and accommodation along the way.
2. Check your vehicle: Perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle, including tire pressure, fluid levels, brakes, and lights. A professional check-up is ideal.
3. Pack the essentials: Pack a roadside emergency kit, including a spare tire, jack, jumper cables, flashlight, and basic tools. Also, bring necessary documents like your driver's license, registration and insurance.
4. Review your insurance cover: Ensure your car insurance is up to date and provides adequate cover for your road trip.
5. Plan for regular breaks: Schedule regular breaks to rest, stretch and hydrate. This helps prevent fatigue and keeps you refreshed during the journey.
6. Pack snacks: Bring a supply of snacks and water for in-car or roadside picnics.
7. Check the weather conditions: Stay updated on the weather forecast along your route and pack accordingly. Be prepared.
8. Secure your belongings: Keep valuable items out of sight or locked away to deter theft.
9. Inform someone of your plans: Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member, including your planned route and estimated arrival times. Stay in touch for safety.
10. Stay connected: Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and carry a car charger. Consider having a back-up power bank for emergencies.

Remember, safety should always be a top priority when embarking on a road trip. Enjoy the journey, stay alert, and have a fantastic adventure!