4x4 Camping

[Gromit]

So a new bug has bitten Farside & I - touring SA on the off-roads. Farside got his dream car earlier this year, Landrover Discovery 3 and now we're kitting it up for some camping. So far, got the drawer units and fridge, utensils, matrasses etc. We're debating a roof-top tent or a ground tent. Any experience out there? Roof top for me because we're going to Mapungubwe in September which has the highest concentration of leopard in SA and the camps aren't fenced and in Dec we're going to the Kgalagadi TransFrontier Reserve - borders SA, Namibia and Botswana. Black back jackel wonder into the camps all the time. Also, 40c+ in the day. We want to get the basics but good basics - I don't want to camp with tons of 'stuff' that never gets used and is just a pain to pack and carry.
All a bit new to me so advice and suggestions welcome please.

 

[devo]

leopards are very good climbers aren't they
so... does it matter how high up you put the tent.
I'd opt for a cage :happy:
:y18:

 

[Gromit]

I thought about that! Just can't park under any trees.............I think

 

[DaveM]

This is what I also thought a rooftop won't stop a leopard :y114:

 

[Merlin]

Roof to tents are the way to go if ya not doing serious 4X4ing,They only take about a minute to set up.In Bots the leopards are not the problem its the Hyaena's and lions that are a pain in the A...... at night.Especially in the delta above Maun... :ya2:

 

[Gromit]

Mapungubwe has 35km's of road for 'soft' cars - the rest needs a 4x4 but it's not like Mokgatle or anything like that. Why? Will the roof-top racks compromise the integrity of the vehicle?? I'm more scared of hyenas than the big cats but that's not to say I want them sticking their noses into my tent at night....

 

[DaveM]

Being in a tent with all these nice big animals around make me think that it is the same as wearing a wetsuit so the sharks won't bite you h: :silent: :y114:

 

[devo]

[quote author=DaveM link=topic=6455.msg35538#msg35538 date=1248168023]
Being in a tent with all these nice big animals around make me think that it is the same as wearing a wetsuit so the sharks won't bite you h: :silent: :y114:
[/quote]

:y18: :y18:

 

[Merlin]

The roof top tent adds allot of extra weight to the top of the car "Top heavy"......Landy has a 35-40 degree slant angel with the tent on the roof you are reducing the angel by 10 degrees.

 

[Gromit]

OK - makes sense & good to know, thanks. Any tips on other gear we should be looking at?? And what's the best time of year to go to the delta??

 

[Merlin]

Best time to go to the delta is November/December...Less dust.Will post a list later on the equipment required.

 

[Gromit]

:y115: :y18:

 

[DaveM]

Will you be taking the scrambler along on a trailer

 

[avion]

I can't really offer any value to this thread, due to my extreme dislike of camping. I think it's down to 9 years in the defense force, and most of that time was spent in a tent.
Even the smell of a tent get's the stomach all in a knot. lol

I would imagine a roof top tent would save the leopards having to drag your body up there as they prefer to have their prey off the ground.

Perhaps you should befriend a game warden about camping in predator populated areas?

...

 

[Merlin]

This link will help with most requirements..

http://www.4xforum.com/

 

[Gromit]

Thanks for weblink - will check it out later.
Taking Farside's cousin with - the original "Marlboro Man" ruftie tuftie so hopefully he'll keep us soft-foots safe.
We don't have a scrambler:- Tiger, Speed Trip, Bonny & my little red rooster scooter. Not taking a trailer at all.
Leopards are quite shy so as long as we're not stupid by leaving meat etc out, we should be ok (ha ha). I really am very wary of hyenas. They have the strongest jaws out of all the animals here (not counting crocs) and they hunt in packs!!!
But you'll see the pics when we get back - really want to get some good shots of leopard. :y115:

 

[Silli]

Gromit........ I can be of no assistance whatsoever. As far as I am concerned, tents are to sell beer from!!
:ya2:

 

[DaveM]

:y24: :y24: A true camper hey Silli

 

[Merlin]

[quote author=Silli link=topic=6455.msg35558#msg35558 date=1248177736]
Gromit........ I can be of no assistance whatsoever. As far as I am concerned, tents are to sell beer from!!
:ya2:
[/quote]

:y24: :y24: :y18:

 

[The Seeker]

SHEESH!

When we go camping, the worst thing we have to worry about would be the mosquitoes!!!

Tigers, lions, leopards, hyenas??? SCREW that &%$#!!!