For more information,
and to find an authorized Jurgens Dealer,
"click" on the link below.

A LIFE OF LUXURY ON THE LEBOMBO ECO TRAIL

Jurgens Ci took fine living onto the breathtaking 500 km Lebombo Eco Trail in July, to prove how people who enjoy off-road excursions can do it in true comfort even in the remotest regions.
 
The Lebombo Eco Trail is strictly for 4x4 vehicles and runs along the eastern border of the Kruger National Park from Crocodile Bridge to Pafuri. The Park allows only five vehicles on the trail in any one expedition, and an armed ranger joins each group. The ranger acts as both guide and educator and turns an interesting experience into an unforgettably fascinating one.

Because of the nature of the trail, Jurgens sponsored 4x4 Safari off-road caravans for the adventure. The Safari range includes the Xplorer, Xcape and Oryx.

The Xplorer now comes in two versions, Xplorer I and Xplorer II, both having more similarities than differences. Both are based on the hot-dip-galvanised steel chassis with 1800 kg heavy-duty axle upgraded with stronger suspension rubbers for increased absorption of vibration. In addition, the way in which the body is bolted wall-to-floor is new and provides a more solid result.

Of special importance is the fold-out tent bed, giving much more space inside the caravan. Perfect for stargazers on nights when the rain sheet and insect-screen surround are not being used.

The interior boasts two adult single beds that can convert to a king-size double and four-seater dinette. There is storage space between these two beds for cargo boxes.

Another change is the fridge position, which now slides out with the kitchen instead of being fixed inside the caravan.

Changes have also been made to the shower tent, which has a pull-out shower head now stored in a lockable fibreglass box, so there is no need to connect the water supply manually.

The Xplorer II differs from the Xplorer I only in the sleeping arrangements; in addition to the fold-out double, there is a side-oriented double that converts into a four-seater dinette. As a result, the Xplorer II has only one door.

As for the Xcape, it has a modified kitchen now with the same two-burner stove found in most Jurgens Ci caravans. There is also a new clip-on basin system with hot and cold water.

Changes to the Oryx include a solid bunk where the two-seater dinette used to be. The result is an increase in storage space and a better build quality, as well as fewer small-cushion joins for the mattress. Another improvement is seen in the new cargo tie-down rails inside the Oryx.

All Safari vehicle feature a new pressurised vent on the roof to stop dust ingress, white and red driving lights, a corner-steady holder on the A-frame, fabric stone-deflecting guards and better tie-down points for cargo.

The Lebombo trail is a rare experience because of the limited numbers of people who are given access and the trail consists of roads that are not accessible to the ordinary Kruger Park visitor. Thanks to the presence of the ranger, visitors can get out of their vehicles and walk around wherever they like. Furthermore, the rangers are walking encyclopaedias. The group would stop for breakfast in the most picturesque spots and have dinner around a campfire in locations that are not fenced in.

Jurgens Safari teamed up with Stafford Bros & Draeger and Avocado Magazine. While Stafford Bros & Draeger sponsored fine foodstuffs for the seven-day trail, Jurgens Ci came to the party with luxurious 4x4 Jurgens Safari caravans.  Avocado Magazine sent an accomplished photographer to participate and the results were breathtaking.

Keith Laing is an accomplished cook, as all the participants discovered to their pleasure.  Keith spoiled his companions with some really delicious meals, despite the basic nature of the campsites.  He put Stafford Bros & Dreager provisions to the test and found they made his role as ‘chef de cuisine’ a snap.

It is the first 4X4 eco-trail and has the approval of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism as a permanent activity in the Kruger National Park. It is rated as the best eco-trail in southern Africa, particularly for the diversity of the flora and fauna that can be spotted along the route.