BUSH to BEACH

It’s a sad truth that many South Africans take our neighbouring countries for granted. Those in the know are fully aware of the awe and splendour on offer just beyond our borders. With that in mind, we enlisted the services of Riaan Jooste, a passionate 4x4 tour operator and enthusiast who would be plotting our canter through Swaziland – these days known as eSwatini – and southern Mozambique, one of his personal favourite destinations.

Editor Angus Boswell and I had met up with him in Pretoria, and it wasn’t long before we were awaiting the arrival of our full contingent at Alzu Petroport en route to the Oshoek border post. First to arrive, in a brand-new Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 A/T 4x4, were Toyota’s Jeanette and Anthony Clifton, the South African motor industry’s favourite couple. They were soon followed by Kia’s Niel Behrens and his wife Elana in their stylishly dark Kia Sorento AWD 2.2D 8AT. Before you ask, yes, this was a 4x4 trip. You’ll just have to read on to see if the Kia made the grade…

Last to arrive, courtesy of a wrong turn here or there, was Suzuki’s Toni Herbst and her son Daniel. Naturally, they rocked up in a cheeky little Jimny, which quickly became the butt of many a joke. In his ‘concern’ for the little beast’s conservative fuel capacity, Riaan offered up his roof rack as an emergency alternative. To be fair, his monstrous 4.6-litre straight-six Nissan Patrol would probably be up to the task, too.

Hot glass & fat crocs

With full bellies and topped-up tanks, we hit