By MABUYANE KEKANA
I think it is safe to say South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Its breathtaking and picturesque landscapes can leave you numb. It is also amazing how different the regions or provinces are from one another. I was recently part of a strong media group which travelled with BMW South Africa across three provinces as part of the #BMWX3Xplore Tour. We kicked started our trip in Midrand, the heart of Gauteng, then proceeded to Rosslyn, north of Pretoria to visit the upgraded BMW plant where the X3 model is now built. I have been to the old facility where for many years the BMW 3-Series was built, but to witness the newly upgraded plant was fascinating. So much is happening within the BMW Rosslyn complex. Watching man and machine at work to produce the same cars we were driving to explore our country felt unreal. As we move from department to department, watching young trainees at work was a humbling experience to say the least. This is no ordinary factory but a state-of-the-art world class technology hub, it is such experiences that always help get things into perspective even when the country is going through a difficult economic period. Our journey was on full swing when we left the plant to drive to Irene, just a stone throw away south east of Pretoria to our overnight stay before we head out to Mpumalanga the following morning.
Irene Country Lodge is situated in the middle of the city but once inside it offers the feel of a countryside lodge. Tuesday morning was buzzing as we got ready for a long distance drive to Mpumalanga. Often, on such events, it is important to drive with someone you are comfortable with. In this case, I was very fortunate that my long-time friend Thami Masemola was available. The two of us quickly got allocated a car in the form of the X3 3.0i which we were to drive in the first leg. Our next stop was Sabie for lunch, before we head out to the Three Rondavels, one of this region’s natural wonders. We all got lost in the moment, taking tons of photographs. The last time I was there was when I was a teenager on a school trip back in the 90s. I hadn’t at the time understood what this place was and what it truly meant. But now as an adult armed with all the information and understanding, I stood there with a whole mix of emotions. Next to us, a group of Eastern Capers also touring the province.
“Guys we have to move” says one of the BMW officials. We grudgingly make our way to back vehicles to drive the long journey to Hoedspruit, our home for the night. Along the route, we pass beautiful landscapes and villages. In between our conversations, Thami and I look around and appreciate the beauty of it all, even acknowledging how lucky we have been to have a career such as this. As expected, the X3 performs like a typical BMW SUV, smooth engine, enough accelerating power to keep us on schedule. In between, we bump into slow rural motorists going as slow as donkey carts with no rush, but we quickly pass them with ease. Life here is easy going.
We finally arrive at Makalale Private Game Reserve where the big five roams freely. “There are no fences around the rooms and restaurant” warns one official. The head ranger pleads with us to make use of the rangers when walking to and from our rooms. “Things change quickly in the wild”, he warns.
Indeed, just an hour later when all freshened up and made our way back to the Boma for our dinner and entertainment, word gets around that one of our colleagues cannot make it to dinner as there were two elephants parked right in front of his door. We learn that he was safe but he might have to starve until the kings of this land decide to move, some of us chuckle at thought of a terrified and hungry Sibonelo. Eventually the elephants move and the rangers fetch him from the room to join the rest of the group.
We still have another early start the following day as we head back home to Gauteng via Limpopo.
The drive route takes us through Tzaneen and via Magoebaskloof Pass. The X3 feels firmly at home on both these twisty roads and dirt roads of this region. As we get to Magoesbaskloof it is overcast and a bit nippy. We make a stop for a comfort break and quick coffee, we have to be on the road as we are still a long way to go until we are back in Midrand. I glanced at the agenda and it says our lunch stop will be at Legends Golf and Resort. This is where the famous hole-in-one is situated. Well, there will be no time for a round of golf this time around.
So far the journey has been absolutely amazing though by that time we are feeling a little tired and looking forward to getting home.
South Africa is absolutely beautiful. Let us explore our country it has so much to offer.
