SHELBY ANDERSON drives a Maui 4 motorhome to Durban and finds courage en route
The first night our family of four went camping, a Mozambique monsoon blew, our hired caravan nearly capsized, and our tent got stuck in a tree. I’ve wanted to own a proper camper ever since, so imagine my excitement when MAUI Motorhomes lent me one.
When I collected the Mercedes diesel 2.5l 4 sleeper single chassis from the Kempton Park depot, Thulani showed me everything from how to start the vehicle to where to check the batteries. With the air-con on the roof, I had to reverse extra carefully to ensure low hanging trees didn’t scrape the top of the vehicle but road handling was smooth and easy.
What a pleasure not to have to lug a suitcase around! There is a place for everything including the MAUI-supplied bedding. The bathroom has a flush toilet and a hand shower with a 50L water capacity plus a place for toiletries. I hung my clothes in the long cupboards and packed other garments overhead. I was grateful for the aircon/heater and thick fluffy blankets. The kitchen with a kettle, toaster and two-plate gas stove even had a spot for spices.
I drove down to Pennington on the South Coast, where I stayed at a private caravan park. I stuck to the recommended speed limit of 110km/hour for the van – anything more made me feel slightly unsteady as the wind was hectic, as I set off to meet some biker buddies at the Green Lantern Inn.
Built in 1892, and previously known as Van Reenen Hotel, the Green Lantern Inn is a landmark along the spectacular eponymous mountain pass. With the mighty Drakensberg as their backdrop, Oaklands Manor — a magnificent place, reminiscent of colonial days – was our stay-over point. Thanks to owners Annie and Caroline, we had a fabulous time.
As we made our way back to Joberg, the MAUI motor home was a hit with everyone I met along the way, including petrol attendants. All asked if they could peep inside. Everyone loved my driveable mobile home. Most of all, I did. Thanks MAUI.