So here we are, in the 12th and last month of the year. Finally! But with so much on your plate over the past year, we know that some of you may have left planning your December to the last minute. To help you out, we’ve come up with a lovely little list of places you (and your vehicle) can fall in love with this summer.

  1. Richtersveld National Park (Northern Cape) – For those of you with a 4×4 and some time on your hands, this gem of mountain and desert will have you marvelling at all kinds of flora and fauna.
  2. Franschhoek Motor Museum (Western Cape) – Lovers of vintage and modern vehicles will have a great time taking a trip through the past 100 years of motoring. When you’re done, take a drive around Franschhoek where you’ll find delectable food and exquisite wines.
  3. Sani Pass (KwaZulu-Natal) – Seasoned drivers on the hunt for a stark landscape and unpaved road should be steering their wheels this way. At its peak, Sani Pass is 2873 metres above sea level, which explains its nickname: Roof of Africa.
  4. Cape Point (Western Cape) – Just 60km south-west of Cape Town, you’ll find Cape Point. With dramatic cliff faces and crashing waves urging you on along the route, and the rich maritime history of the destination, this makes for a brilliant Sunday drive.
  5. Blyde River Canyon (Mpumalanga) – Known as the Panorama Route, this drive will show you truly spectacular views of the reserve on the Klein Drakensberg escarpment. The most famous viewpoint, God’s Window, will take your breath away.

So now you’re excited at the thought of exploration, but before you head out, we want to make sure you’re vehicle is as ready as you are. Which is why we’ve put together the ultimate checklist any driver needs when going on a long trip.

  1. Check those fluids! Brake fluid, oil and water.
  2. Make sure all your tyres (including the spare) are correctly inflated.
  3. Have your shock absorbers checked because these can have a significant impact on the handling of your car.
  4. Check your windscreen and make sure the wipers and washers are operational and cleaning properly.
  5. Be sure your lights, indicators and hooter work to ensure your intensions are clear to other drivers.
  6. Have your fuel and temperature gauges tested so you’re sure they work properly.

Now that we’ve got you thinking about all the South African adventures you and your car could go on, we’d like to wish you safe, memorable journeys this December. In short: enjoy the ride, knowing Matrix will be right by your side.

Regards,
The Matrix Team