In this issue

The August 2018 issue of Leisure Wheels is on sale now. Our cover feature , wildlife photographer Heinrich van den Berg and his family headed to Namibia’s Skeleton Coast in our Mazda BT50 3.2TDCi 4×4 and a Jurgens Safari Xcape. Their mission? To track down the elusive Dr Philip Stander and his even more elusive desert lions. With the fuel price reaching record heights and with the economy putting a squeeze on Average Joe drivers, saving a few rand at the pump has become quite important for many motorists. It is a good time then, to introduce a new initiative… we call it Fuel for thought.

Lions And Magnetite

Earlier this year, wildlife photographer and publisher HEINRICH VAN DEN BERG packed his family into our long-term Mazda BT50 3.2TDCi LE 4×4, hooked up a Jurgens Safari Xcape, and headed off to Namibia. His mission was two-fold: to introduce his young sons to the stark beauty of Namibia; and to meet up with Dr Philip Stander, who is almost as elusive as the desert lions he looks after.

10+ mins

Seeing Swaziland

South Africa has a brand new country on its doorstep. To celebrate 50 years of independence (and the King’s 50th birthday) Swaziland has been renamed the Kingdom of eSwatini. MELANIE VAN ZYL visited for a 1000km weekend break.

5 mins

No More Excuses

Consumerism has taken over our lives to such an extent that we often hear people blaming their lack of gear or equipment as the barrier stopping them from chasing their dreams. Legendary amputee mountain biker Reuben van Niekerk firmly believes in having the right tool for the job, but stresses that the right tool does not always have to be the biggest, most expensive one.

7 mins

Go V6 Or Go Home

Slovenia not only gave the world Melania Trump, it also boasts beautiful, almost deserted tar and gravel roads, snaking along the foothills of the Alps. It was in this idyllic setting, with great driving roads, that Mercedes-Benz revealed its new 190kW X350d 4Matic bakkie. It proved to be a match made in motoring heaven.

6 mins

Only The Brave Need Apply

We reported on Carnage Canyon 4x4 trail late in 2017, and found it to be one of toughest, if not the toughest, 4x4 trails in South Africa.

3 mins

Ford Everest 3.2TDCi XLT 4WD AT

A brand new Ford Everest 3.2TDCi XLT 4WD automatic has joined our long-term fleet. There are some exciting plans in the pipeline for the Ford, with the latest and greatest in mud terrain tyres and other off-road kit on the menu. For now though, let’s get better acqainted with the stock Everest XLT.

4 mins

The Daily Grind

Our Haval H6C has been spending the last month doing absolutely nothing out of the ordinary, which gave us some insight into how it fares as a day-to-day commuter.

2 mins

The Dead Lion

Mother Nature can be a tough old bird. Just when you think you’ve worked it all out, she throws you a curveball. And sometimes, that curveball can be a life-threatening one, as a game ranger once found out.

3 mins

Toyota Scores A Whitewash

There was a time when Lady Luck used to give Toyota a real hard time in the Toyota 1000 Desert Race, SA’s premier cross-country race, sponsored by Toyota. The team would lead, only to fall foul of some small issue, with another manufacturer storming through to take a famous victory. How times have changed. In this year’s Desert Race, Toyota recorded an emphatic clean sweep of the podium in the production class.

2 mins

A Hefty Case

Hooking up a trailer or caravan behind a tow vehicle is not quite as simple as just hooking it up and towing it. There are numerous factors, rules and regulations to consider which may influence your experience.

4 mins

Read all stories from Leisure Wheels

Leisure Wheels Magazine Description:

The Adventure Motoring Magazine

Leisure Wheels explores the exciting world of adventure motoring off the beaten track with an emphasis on breathtaking Southern African destinations. It’s the country’s leading magazine for those who love overland adventures, caravanning, camping, 4x4 and the great outdoors.