Camp Jeep goes to Limpopo for 2017

Even the name sounds suitably macho: “Camp Jeep” conjures up images of outdoor adventures, baked beans in a tin, and generally roughing it. There's no way that a brand which built its reputation upon toughness and capability would hang its name on an event if it didn't embrace these core values, right? Absolutely correct – except that the brand nowadays has a foot in the luxury market as well, and so it turns out that Camp Jeep 2017, just like the previous one (in 2015), will offer a nice blend of hardcore, outdoorsy ‘Jeeping’ with soft-touch luxury – this time, at the Legend Golf and Safari Resort in Limpopo.

What is Camp Jeep?

Once in a while, Jeep South Africa (FCA) hosts a super-sized get-together for Jeep owners and enthusiasts. Using the concept of the Jeep Jamborees in the USA and other worldwide events, Camp Jeep's primary focus is on the various driving activities, with some live entertainment as a side show.

What happens at Camp Jeep?

Off-roading novices will be able to try out the ‘Jeepkhana’ first, where experienced instructors will be on hand to guide them through some obstacles, giving them a taste of their Jeep's capabilities. Once they feel more secure in their own abilities, they can go out on a trail ride – various route options through the tranquil bushveld cater for Jeeps of (almost) all kinds and drivers of most skill levels. Serious off-roaders are also catered for by a few serious (grade 3 to grade 5) trails on the menu. Take note that vehicles without low-range transmissions will not be allowed on the more challenging drives – but they will be welcome to go on a game drive at the nearby Entabeni Game Reserve.

You can buy stuff as well...

It will also be a marketplace in the bush, with various aftermarket- and Jeep-approved accessories up for sale. There will even be a bush garage, in the event of a Jeep needing attention during the event. And once the sun sets, Camp Jeep will again become a serious party – complete with hot local musical acts up on stage. In 2015, Mango Groove put up a big show, while 2017 will see Beatenberg in the starring slot, so expect some shuffling of feet. Kids are also catered for, with tailored and supervised entertainment for those youngsters who would prefer not to join their parents out on the off-road tracks. Accommodation is available at the venue in either 5-star luxury at the resort or “glamping” in the bush, or from one of the many hospitality venues in the area.

So what's it like?

Before we get to the details about this year's event, let's first talk about the experience of attending Camp Jeep. I was privileged enough to be at two recent events – the aforementioned local one in 2015, hosted at the Champagne Castle in KZN; and the European one in 2016, hosted near Barcelona, Spain. At both events, the aim was about having fun and making friends. The entertainment and marketplace was a mere bonus, as it really revolved around the off-roading activities.

Camp Jeep Spain – 2017: An extraordinary experience

The 2016 event was memorable for quite another reason, too: it was held to commemorate the brand's 75^th anniversary, and to that end, a whole host of classic Jeeps were on display. At the other end of the spectrum, some recent Jeep concepts were on display and available for test drives. One concept which really made an impression was the Jeep Trailcat: basically a Wrangler stuffed full of supercharged V8 and extreme off-road suspension, it was a blast to drive around the short track laid out for this purpose. It was also completely pointless, as a mere tickle of the accelerator pedal would set all four wheels spinning, shooting glorious plumes of mud metres high. If that doesn't shout “JEEP” to you, nothing will.

Will we see these concept Jeeps here?

If the import licenses can be sorted in time, there's a possibility that we could see some of these concepts at this year's event. Another possibility is a local preview of the new Compass – a soft-roader which already met a warm reception elsewhere around the globe, and looks set to expand Jeep's presence in the local compact SUV market on its own merits, not just because it's a Jeep. But whether these concepts or new models are available or not, be sure that there will be plenty of opportunity to enjoy your Jeep in its natural habitat – out in the bush or plowing through a muddy pit.

Who can enter, and how?

Camp Jeep is open to all Jeep vehicles, old and new, but participation in the driving events would require an entry fee. This ranges between R350 for a day pass (on Saturday) and R850 for the full weekend for non-Jeep Club members. More information (and entry forms) is available at www.campjeepsa.co.za, but time is running out, as this year's event takes place on 23-25 September. If you don't own a Jeep, find a friend who does, and quickly...