Overland with Kids

Well it had to happen! - As soon as the word ’roof tent’ was mentioned and we were almost close to a decision - a given decision in fact and just subject to which manufacturer - when a competitor to the much salivated over B’rakhah Igonyama raised it’s head at the Billing Exhibition today. Andrew decided to take himself off there for the day alone (Anne and Jess had gone the day before) and discovered the Ithende stand with it’s Conqueror Commander and Ithende’s other three models in the Conqueror range - and that was it! - everything just pailed into insignificance - Andrew was smitten and hasn’t spoken about anything since.  Anne doesn’ t need persuading about the benefits etc. as it was she who had initially found the B’rakhah - she just can’t believe that she somehow missed seeing the Ithende stand itself while at Billing - must have had her eyes shut. The only way we can describe the Commander or B’rakhah is that these are akin to something in between a caravan and a trailer but just so much more practical and designed for off-roading and expedition type travel. Having something like this would be a dream come true and we are dead against having a trailer but this seems to be the exception to the rule for us.  It allows us to utilise reclining 2nd row seats in the Land Rover for the children, put bikes on the roof, provide ideal camping for a family of four for long-term overland travel, education and living requirements. The issue is the expense - £15K quoted for the Commander - phew! We are investigating whether we could possibly ship a second hand or used Conqueror Commander or B’rakhah to the UK from South Africa. Ithende are the European representatives based in the Netherlands and we are making enquiries with them also to see what we can do.  Apart from this, the other manufacturer we were impressed with at  Billing Show was a Land Rover vehicle or company called L’Azalai who make specialist living accommodation  attached to the Land Rover vehicle itself - becoming a bit like a campervan only sooo much smarter and looks cool too! - and fully equipped and includes sleeping for 2-5, shower, toilet, fridge, seats, table, living area - all without losing off-road capability. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaggggggh!!!! - thank God we are not going for a while yet - can see how easy it would be to make expensive quick decisions in tight timeframes. It would be really good if we could try out each of those mentioned for a few days to determine preference (even the roof tent scenario - but really no competition when pitched against these overland expedition camping caravan trailers - look like their built to be attached to a Land Rover Defender 110 CSW to boot). Ho hum - decisions, decisions - the jury is out yet again!)

 

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