I think our way of life can seem to be very, very different to that of people living in the northern hemisphere. Here, most people have a truck of some kind and a great percentage are rigged out for fishing, camping and going to the game reserve. With all that is happening to me in connection with the website I am doing, I am going to be doing a lot more traveling this year and was looking for ideas on what I can do with my truck to give me more space. Remember that I had a canopy put on to cover the back and usually sleep in there. Now I will be needing a small fridge and generator as well so I was thinking of getting one of these roof-top tents so I can sleep in there. It folds up into a small bundle and is on a roof rack and many people are using them. They fold out very easily and the smaller ones like this have a double bed size sleeping space.
For the people who have big trucks and really want all the luxuary of being at home, there are these large trailers, some of them with 4x4 capabilities.
Inside, you go up the ladder there is usually the sleeping section which can comprise of either one or two double beds. Some of them have a small tent off to the side which can be used as a changing room or made into a shower.
On the outside, it has a covering and the trailer itself is devided to open into a kitchen complete with cutlery, crockery, fridge, stove, wash basin and many places for storage of other things you may need on a trip such as spare fuel tanks, spades etc.
Under the dome, there is space for turning into an eating area or space to sit out of the sun and drink a cold beer.
This one has a seperate sleeping area to the kichen and everything you need is right there. Needless to say all of this comes with a hefty price tag which many put themselves into debt to be able to afford. I guess if one is going to utilize the equipment, it is well worth it.
28 comments:
Oh no, Joan, I don't want my hubby to see your post today. If we weren't passionate bikers, and/or if we had more time at home, he's be a serious overlander with all the trappings you show here. We met two guys here in Khartoum yesterday who were travelling from Cape Town (all seem to start there) and will end up in Europe. They're doing it over the best continent in the world, of course: Africa! We're planning just such a trip (starting in the Free State) and travelling to the UK in 2012. Have a wonderful weekend. Jo
Wow. That's pretty impressive Joan. Now is the ladder part, climbing up to the living area, to keep the lions out? :)
Ahhhhh Andrea, that must be they one takes the beautiful photos of wild animals. Am I right?
What a large choice of camping vehicles, if only I had a lottery win I would take up camping again:-) Diane
Very cool that company is coming.
When it comes to camping equipment I suggest keeping it as simple as possible while still satisfying your needs. I kind of like the first option. Sleep on the roof and have the truck for storage.
So glad to hear you'll be getting back out into the bush. More details please.
We love camping and camp in a tent. I wish I had the bucks to get myself a bushtrailer (and the vehicle to tow it with) and explore some more that what we are able to.
I've rarely been camping and the last time I went was in my single days when I slept in a sleeping bag on the ground in a small tent on Dartmoor. My aching bones would have none of that any more - sigh ;) It was fun at that age but this looks more my cup of tea now and that would be great fun to go to a game reserve in one of these things. Happy traveling and a great time with your friends!
An English Girl Rambles
I would love to see this show. We are veteran campers, and have learned to improvise for many years. I think I could move right in to any of these. Let me know if you choose any of them. Save your pennies...
B.
LOL!! I hope you managed to hide it away Jo. I know what men can be like when they see these things but I must admit I am almost as bad. :) They do make such wonderful thing now to make camping easier.
That sounds like a fantastic trip you are planning. Are you going witht the motorbikes?
I am not sure it it is to keep the lions out and it is sure not high enought to keep the elephants from sticking their trunks in and peeking, or the giraffes, but it is a great idea and at least I can be sure of no scorpions in my shoes!! LOL!!
The same one Diane, and by the sounds of things, he is going to have the most wonderful pics to show us again. They had a fantastic trip.
It is so nice to see them again Gaelyn. Really wonderful people.
That is the reason I want one of these as I never seem to have enough space inside when I go on trips. These tents are so easy to erect too, tanke 5 minutes.
With this website of mine, I am planning on doing a LOT more traveling this summer as I want to start going to different areas.
I am also trying to find a sponsor so I can go out and do photography for it on a full time basis but they are scarce so it might take a while. :) If you know someone who wants to invest in some nature project, be sure to pass them my way please. :)
Those trailers sure are something Jonker but it would need more than my small bakkie to pull it so I have to be satisfied with a roof top tent at most. Beside, those trailers cost a fortune!! :)
Lovely to hear from you again Denise. Camping is not everyones cup of tea for sure but I think that after doing it for as many years as I have, these old bones love it. :)
Sounds like me too Becky. I think I have improvising down to a fine art now. :) It takes me 5 minutes to pack as I have everything I need in one place in the garage and make do with very little on these trips. As long as I have my cameras, a pillow and a blanket, I am a happy camper. Yes, the other bits and pieces make things easier, but are not always necessary. :)
Now these are just up my alleyway and yes I priced them too and I nearly Died R75 000 average price but they will look good on the back of my 4x4 hehe ah well I can dream carnt I Joan :))
I want your life! This is just too cool.
Very compact and effecient! Looks like a great way to go safaring.
An interesting preparatory post Joan! We will follow you in your expedition.
Hopefully you will enjoy your time with Andrea and Roberta.
When I was a child I do wanted to go camping in a set up like that..but we had the cabin and sleeping bags... Enjoy your company....
What fun, Joan! You remind me of a time my (non-outdoorsy) parents decided to take us 4 kids camping in a pop-up camper (mounted on a small trailer we towed behind our sedan) to Great Smoky Mts. Park in the U.S. Our first night out on the road--before we even got to the park--a huge downpour revealed the flaw in the design of our rented rig. Two beds pulled out, one from each side of the trailer--and they had to be pulled out BEFORE the tent-top could be raised over the beds and central aisle. We slept wet and cold that night, and of course, still recall it as a trip "highlight".
I have been traveling and again have loved catching up on your amazing photos in posts I have missed. You are a treasure!
Well maybe we can win the lotto soon Philip. See, I dream too. :)
I have had a very exciting one Sandy and have loved every minute. Living in Africa gives one so many opportunities but of course, not many take advantage of them.
It sure is Mary. Nothing like iving in style when one is out camping. :)
Thanks Birdy. We have had a couple of great days so far. It is always a pleasure having such lovely people here.
I could do with a cabin and sleeping bags Michelle. They would be a luxury to what I am used to. :)
LOL!! What a disaster Mary (Florida)but now it is just a memory of a fun time even though you did not think so at the time. :)
I think in the begining, we all make mistakes like this. I remember one time I went to this game reserve and was so excited, I dumped everything down and off I went in the car to see some wildlife. On my way back I started seeing these monkeys carrying strange objects and when I got back to my cabin, discovered that it was all my fruit and vegetables they had carried away. LOL!! I should have locked them up.
Where did you go to? Thanks for your kind words, it is always a pleasure to hear from you and am pleased you find my posts of interest.
For the last year Joan, I've had a particular fascination with Africa. I started checking out blogs such as (Food fun life in South Africa)..( think that's the name)...and several others.
South Africa advertises that it is a "world in one country" and it is quite true. We have everything here and for many reasons, am a very popular tourist attraction. We the great exchange rate, it makes it a very affordable destination and I know of many people who have decided to retire here because of this.
Naturally, our biggest attraction is our wildlife game reserves of which Kruger National Park is the biggest. If you want to learn more about it, just let me know and I will send you some links to posts I have done on it which included things like accommodation.
Besides the fact that we drive on the other side of the road, everything here are much the same as in the USA as far as food and entertainment is concerned so you need not worry about being fed strange things. Yes, we do have some foods which would be foreign to you like crocodile and ostrich, but it will always be specified as such and your choice whether to try it or not.
Come over Sandy, you will love it here. If you ever want more info, please do not hesitate to contact me. You have my e-mail address. I have had so many of my fellow bloggers coming over and I have spent a few days with them all.
Best of all, you will probably love our art which is VERY African. :)
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