VEHICLE DETAILS: 2018 Volkswagen Amarok 2.0-litre BiTDI 4 Motion
DRIVER: Neil van Rensburg
CO-DRIVER: Tineke Meiring
Neil and Tineke’s Amarok has been their partner in crime for many trips, varying from short getaways to more extended travels, covering up to 6 000km over two weeks and through some of the most rugged terrain South Africa and Namibia has on offer.
“We are frequently asked: why an Amarok? To which I answer, Why not!”, says Neil van Rensburg about his trusted steed. “It is comfortable, reliable, and trustworthy – we do long-distance overlanding trips and the Amarok has time and time again proven itself as a great adventure partner!”
“Travelling through the length and breadth of this beautiful continent of ours can be quite challenging,” says Neil, “and having breakdowns is never welcome. Luckily, it’s not an issue when you’re behind the wheel of an Amarok!” It’s not just Neil who’s a fan. Driving the Amarok is one of Tineke’s favourite things, too. “It simply takes everything we throw at it, making life a breeze on the road,” she says.
The couple highlights Namibia as one of their favourite destinations and they had a memorable trip there recently. “We started our journey in Hermanus and drove up to Spitzkoppe and back, including a stayover at Sossusvlei. We camped at beautiful places and met amazing people from all over the world,” says Neil. “However, one place stood out above the rest – Spitzkoppe. It is truly special to stand in the middle of those rocky outcrops, surrounded by the Namib Desert.”
Revisiting Namibia – this time exploring the northern parts of this African gem and returning via Botswana – is on their bucket list. In preparation for this epic adventure, they are making minor adjustments to the Amarok to make things a bit more convenient.
“The most important lesson we have learnt is to kit out the Amarok with only the things you need, and not everything you want. Quality overlanding gear can be expensive, and buying things for aesthetics rather than function can be a costly mistake. My advice is always to stick to the basics, and choose the best you can afford.”
Modifications to date:
- EFS Elite suspension
- Rockshockerz 4×4 underbody protection
- Viper exhaust system
- CustomROK performance software
- BF Goodrich KO2 A/T tyres
- CAWE nGauge 4×4 full app-based monitoring system
- Dual battery system Victron Energy inverter, solar charge controller and monitoring system
- Lumeno lights
- STEDI work lights
- Various vehicle accessories from Go Prepared 4×4
- Garmin DriveSmart 65 GPS with Tracks4Africa software
- RTS VHF radio communication
- Escape Gear full interior covers
- RSI SmartCap canopy and stow-away table
- Front Runner roof racks, slides and accessories
- Front Runner water tank
- Jerry can fuel storage (80 litres)
- Alu-Cab Shadow Awning
- Eezi-Awn rooftop tent
- SnoMaster fridge
Dust & Diesel is proud to be brand ambassadors for the following brands:
- SnoMaster South Africa
- EFS Africa
- Rockshockerz 4×4
- Escape Gear
- Viper Performance Exhausts
- CustomROK Performance Tuning
- PowerPlus Africa
- Dooierus (vehicle armrests)
Follow their adventures on social media:
Instagram: @Dust_and_Diesel_Overlanding
Facebook: @Dust.and.Diesel.Overlanding | Youtube: Dust and Diesel Overlanding
