Tracks4Africa - Mapping Africa one day at a time

If you are thinking about coming to South Africa, I would highly recomend you get yourself a copy of Tracks4Africa, it is perfect map to add to your garmin map so that you can find out some details about a lot of places in africa. The detail you can get about some god forsaken 4X4 track is great as people might mention that the gate is locked and you need to get a key from so and so, or buffalo campers is a great place for 4X4 hire.

The other great feature is you can check out a lot of the detail they have in google earth. I must say it makes me very excited for my next 4X4 trip into Africa. The other nice think is you can become a member and submit your track for inclusion into the map, how cool would that be. You can then get the T shirt, i was there and I have proof!

Happy 4X4 hire south africa.

Facts and Questions

Buffalo Campers aim

To offer travellers to off-road destinations in South Africa the opportunity of camping in comfort with minimum fuss and more time to enjoy the trip. The campers had to be equipped with everything needed for an off-road trip/safari. Every item had to be classy, durable, practical and lightweight.

Before they started off, they had to do thorough market research, not only on who or where their competitors were, but also the tourism figures, the figures of new 4x4’s sold and various other factors.

Our vision

Despite the Beach Ban, the growth in the 4x4 market over the last decade has been phenomenal: All indications are that this market will keep on expanding.

• The person, who buys a 4x4 today, does not buy it just to park it on the pavement.
• When buying a 4x4 that person has something in mind, whether it is the feeling of safety or security or whether deep inside him/her is that feeling to Experience Africa.

Buffalo Campers wants people to use their 4x4 vehicle responsibly and to tread lightly wherever they go. Especially the impact their 4x4 vehicles make on the terrain and the environment wherever they go. We want people to be aware that a road between point A and point B belongs to somebody – whether it is a public or private road doesn’t matter. It belongs to the people of that country or a tribe or an organisation or a private person. Use that road responsibly and have respect for other users, the land and environment. Research has shown that many South Africans and tourists from abroad do not always want to Experience Africa in expensive and luxurious lodges and haotels. People want to experience the real bush and what better way to do it, than by showing their class and style and to rent a 4x4 vehicle and off-road camper from us. Busy executives or professionals do not always have the time to plan their own safaris and this is where Buffalo Campers can assist by giving them a service of just hook and tow.

Responsibility

We believe as one of the niche 4x4 and Camper Rental business currently in the market, to take on the huge responsibility on us to set standards of excellence in service and in our products. We are pleased to see that our competitors are copying these standards.

Reliability

Not only will the products we rent out have be reliable but as our business is family owned and operated, we will back up our products with excellent service.

Awareness

We believe that people should be educated and made aware of the environment and have respect for their surroundings.

This is really a great site

I have been following Mara Triangle on twitter for a while now, it is always exciting when the post poaching action, it is like you are part of the action but far away enough not to get shot at.

The Mara Triangle website is also great and they are doing such good work, I must say it would be very sad to loose such a great place, and as much as it is hard to imagine Africa would be a much sadder place without all the animals.

On that note please send us your stories of Africa and any photos as we would love to put them up on the www.buffalo.co.za, send them to campers [at] buffalo.co.za.

Do you feel we need to have a forum on the site at all?

South African Tourism

If you are looking for some interesting websites for ideas for you next 4X4 trip to South Africa, have a look at friendfeed.com south-african-tourism it has some very interesting links.

I mean you can even plan your whole 4X4 trip in google earth, it give you a chance to learn a lot about South Africa long before you even get here. Have a look at Plan My Itinerary and one last thing don't forget to tell them that buffalo campers sent you, the place where you can get a good 4x4 Hire.

Inyati Game Reserve

Inyati Private Game Reserve is situated in the world acclaimed Sabi Sand Game Reserve, adjoining the Kruger National Park. Experience the enchantment of the African Bushveld in the comfort of an immaculately furnished chalet with glorious river views.

Inyati (meaning buffalo in Shangaan- the language of the local people), is home to this powerful breed along with the rest of the Big Five.

Inyati offers the discerning guest luxury and friendly service combined with the ultimate game viewing experience, striking the perfect balance in providing an unequaled and unforgettable African bush experience.

A video from one morning game drive at Inyati Game Reserve in the Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa. Mid-June, 2008. 2 different leopards, mating lions, 4 of the Big 5!

South African Tourism's photostream

For those longing to come to South Africa or even those longing for there return visit, have a look at the South African Tourism's Photostream on Flickr, it was even exciting for me and I live here.

Have fun and please feel free to pop in to South Africa, it is a very nice place.

Until next time
Lantz Mattinson

Holiday in Africa

In Europe we are used to people returning from holidays in Africa absolutely smitten with the continent and, as a regular traveller to Southern Africa, I can assure you that all the stories of incomparable sunsets, sunrises, starry skies and exceptional wildlife are no exaggeration. There is no better way to appreciate what Africa has to offer the stressed out European traveller than touring the innumerable parks and reserves in your very own fully equipped campervan or 4WD.

Having travelled in both regularly over the last 8 years I would say that the campervan is ideal for first-timers to Africa or those who are just planning to stick to paved roads in Kruger or the Cape. It enables you to travel and enjoy the wonderful scenery and wildlife from the height and comfort of your own house on wheels. What can be better than spending the afternoon with a pride of lions in the bush with all the food, drink and other comforts you may need right there with you and spending your evenings cooking your dinner on the braai often with hyenas and other wild animals patrolling the fence of very well-organised and comfortable rest camps?

But for the more adventurous traveller or those wanting to experience the thrill of travelling to more remote parts of Africa a fully equipped 4WD is a must. Nothing can equal being able to go wherever you want, driving through herds of elephants and stopping whenever you feel like it to observe first-hand the goings on in the bush without worrying about getting stuck in sand or mud. Camping in the bush where your nearest neighbours are more likely to be four-legged than two is an experience that very few people will ever be able to forget. What can be better than to savour a well-deserved sundowner surrounded by the sights and sounds of your very own real-life documentary?

For peace of mind and greater freedom many places such as Marakele, Lesotho, Ithala and The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which is very sandy and easy to get stuck in, are best explored in a 4WD but for others, like the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique and all parks in Botswana, a 4WD is absolutely essential.

If you cannot afford the exorbitant cost of luxurious lodges or you hate being shepherded about as part of often overpriced tours, if it is people and civilization you want to escape from then a 4WD is the only way you will be able to independently reach and enjoy all those incredible places that only the most privileged documentary film makers usually get to see.