Botswana Bound: Testing The Power & Play of the ISUZU D-Max
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Sunrise had just cracked the horizon when we piled into the ISUZU D-Max, packed to the brim, and started the five-hour drive towards the South Africa/Botswana border. Cruising along the N4, we blazoned past other cars, feeling as if we were on top of the world in our high-ride suspension double cab. As we sang along to road trip tunes and the trees whooshed by, it dawned on us that travel couldn’t be any sweeter. And it was all thanks to ISUZU’s fuel efficient adventure machine.
Breaking the Border
Designed for power, performance and dependability, we felt right at home in the ISUZU D-Max as the roads stretched out before us and we crossed over the border into Botswana. Driving down Tlokweng Road, we encountered the first opportunity to test of the D-Max’s brakes. Fast and sharp, we managed to stop effectively for a herd of cattle slowly moving across our path – a perfectly common occurrence, we soon discovered. Thanks to the ISUZU D-Max’s amazing brake system that features rapid brake-force distribution and traction control, we felt assured navigating the diverse road conditions, whether paved or dirt.
Accelerating to 120km/h in no time at all, the Indaba Lodge in Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, entered our sights. Indaba’s City Lodge provided a day-end oasis. Amazingly, it is situated right next to an ISUZU dealership. How’s that for perfect timing and placement? After a long day’s drive, the overnight stay in our spacious and upmarket suite was wonderfully refreshing. However, we loaded up our ISUZU D-Max again the next morning to set off towards Nata Lodge on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
Navigating to Nata
Botswana’s roads are known to be relatively well maintained, however, the one-lane-only road for the entire 600km stretch to Nata certainly afforded us the opportunity to test the D-Max’s limits, as well as its impressive fuel consumption. As a popular carrier route for imports and exports, the stretch of road carried huge cargo trucks, causing delays and traffic pileups. Evidently, the D-Max was forced to weave between and overtake slow-moving trucks, free roaming goats and an array of stray sheep. Remarkably, we barely felt a thing! Dodging a divot in the road, navigating gravel under our wheels and accelerating back up to the speed limit were all seamlessly easy. Cruise control was also a lifesaver, allowing the D-Max to take the wheel itself for a fair portion of the drive.
Keeping You on the Beaten Track
Apart from the fact that we could have done a big chunk of the trip on one tank (the D-Max is renowned for its ability to travel 2004km on a single tank), another trip highlight was undoubtedly the vehicle’s fully integrated infotainment system that kept the bass and beats burning. Its solid eight speaker sound system creates appreciable acoustics, with a sleek 9-inch touchscreen to operate it all from. Wireless Apple CarPlay also ensured that we were never led astray, with Waze’s offline maps constantly keeping us on the right track.
Forces of Nature
Admiring our surrounds and the utter beauty of Africa en route, we noticed a military vehicle and veterinary ambulances that had parked next to an elephant lying on the road. Just then, another elephant stepped into view, ambling across the main road and forcing us – again – to test (or trust?) the brakes’ anti-lock as we jolted into an instant halt. Fiercely protective of its injured friend, the male started to trumpet and flap its ears, noticeably enraged. Suddenly, it began charging towards us. Flooring the D-Max, the engine revved to help us make a swift and speedy exit. In an otherwise calm and quiet environment, the thrill of this lucky escape has us dumbstruck as we viewed the scene from the rearview mirror – clouds of dust twirling behind us.
Power Before Play
The dirt roads to Nata Lodge allowed the 4×4 force of the ISUZU D-Max to prove itself. Turning the dial to 4H, the steering and suspension of the vehicle immediately stiffened, allowing for a smooth ride all the way to the lodge’s reception.
Reflecting the raw, natural beauty of Botswana, the bungalows at Nata Lodge are made entirely from wood and other natural materials. Cosy and intimate, our room overlooked a flowing river, providing both personal solitude and a deepened connection with the wild. That evening, the African skies had us constantly staring up into space. Stars in their thousands lit up the sky. We spotted Orion’s Belt, the Southern Cross and breathed in the Milky Way. With no trace of air or light pollution shielding the stars from sight, this rarity felt like a true African blessing.
Cruising to Chobe
The next stop was Chobe Safari Lodge, set on the elephant-dotted banks of the Chobe River. Here, plenty activities awaited. Our beautiful safari room – with stunning river views – provided the perfect sundowner spot, right there on the balcony.
That afternoon, we were treated to the lodge’s famous sunset boat cruise. We spotted elephants grazing on sweet green grass mid-river – just an arm’s length away – as well as hippos, crocodiles and water buffalo basking in the sun along the riverbanks.
Back at the lodge, the restaurant offers adventurous meats like crocodile tail for those who dare to sample something out of the ordinary. If that isn’t quite your preference, the Beef Tomahawk is a sure win!
The thundering Victoria Falls awaited the following day. This natural wonder (which locals call Mosi oa Tunya’ or ‘The Smoke that Thunders’) and the immenseness of it all had us in awe. Later, we relaxed on a game drive while taking in the majestic open plains of the park, spotting – among other reserve delights – a lioness protecting her cubs.
Spontaneous Adventures
Wanting the chance to see a giant Baobab Tree in all its glory, we took the ISUZU D-Max through the open reserve for its very own photo opportunity. With mud-streaked side panels and an insect-splattered bonnet, it fit the frame perfectly, posing underneath the first Baobab we could find. Throughout the entire journey, the vehicle’s wheels never sank into the mud, nor did our luggage shuffle an inch. And, even with the rocky terrain, our coffee cups didn’t spill once.
Back to Reality
Despite being a trail master, the ISUZU D-Max proved itself worthy of tar roads too. We manoeuvred our way back – from the wide, open roads of Botswana to the wild streets of Joburg – naturally comparing the city’s worst potholes with pacing, ear-flapping elephants.
After all is said and done, the jury might still be out on whether it’s the roaring lion or ISUZU’s fuel efficient D-Max Diesel Double Cab that wears the crown as king of the savanna.
