ISUZU mu-X: The Ultimate Road Trip Partner for Family Adventures
As we stood watching three giraffes nearing the waterhole, waiting for them to slowly bend down in their unusual way to quench their thirst, a snake sneakily slipped past us mere metres away. Its proximity nudged us into the sweet realisation that finally, we were in the bush. Submerged in nature, life seemed to move at a slower pace.
In recent years, we came to find that the lessons you learn from travelling with kids are endless. For us, one of those lessons was to embrace slow travel, even before it became a thing. While the term has now been identified as one of the travel trends of our time, it’s something we’ve adopted a long time ago. Considering the benefits, we don’t plan on changing anything about it any time soon.
Slow travel or slow tourism can be described as a way of travelling that reduces mobility. And, taking time to explore local history and culture while also supporting the environment. In fact, according to the Journal of Travel Research, a slow traveller’s goals mainly consist of relaxation, self-reflection, escape, novelty seeking, engagement and discovery. Our recent stay at Safari Plains, as well as the journey there and back, ticked all of these boxes.
The Journey, Elevated by the ISUZU mu-X
The ISUZU mu-X played a huge part in making our journey a memorable one. Driving to Mabula Game Reserve from Pretoria with two kids in tow was surprisingly pleasant, with them having ample space at the back. Between drawing, playing ‘I spy with my little eye,’ taking a nap and snacking, the two-hour journey almost went by too fast! Luckily, we could also stop at a local ‘padstal’ en route, exploring some of the local foodie favourites and souvenirs for sale.
They say slow travel encourages more leisurely modes of transport and, considering its comfort and user-friendly cruise control, travelling to Safari Plains with the ISUZU mu-X undoubtedly ensured an effortless, leisurely drive.
Making the Most of Slow Travel at Safari Plains
We are convinced that South Africa is one of the best countries to tap into slow living. Especially if you’re clever about it. Apart from choosing the right vehicle for your journey and making time to stop at local shops and stalls, opting for the right destination that will cater to your travel needs is vital.
Many might argue that safari lodges have all become one and the same. In fact, some feel that the offering is often typically made-for-tourist experiences instead of the authentic connections and interactions the slow travel movement is after. Still, Safari Plains’ human-to-human interactions, unique cuisine offerings (often in the middle of the bush) and the insights into nature had us in awe.
So, we made the most of our two-day stay at Safari Plains. We spent as much time together as a family as possible and learned more about the area’s fauna and flora, as well as its people. As with many safari experiences, we were also offered a bonfire dinner in the bush with a performance by some of the local staff. This performance stood out, though, as they explained the tradition of drumming and invited guests to participate – giving us a glimpse of their culture in combination with a feast of local cuisine.
A Golden Thread
The golden thread of slow travel also ran through to the beautiful, canvased units we got to call home for two nights. Consisting of a main bedroom and a second twin room, a spacious bathroom, a small lounge area and a deck, it offered the perfect escape from the public lounge, bar and pool area. Here, we could sit on the deck and listen to the birds. At night, a jackal came past, leaving footprints for us to discover the next morning. Ultimately, we were submerged in nature, but not vulnerable. We loved it.
Of course, the guided game drives and the anticipation of spotting the Big 5 added to the experience even further. At Safari Plains, nothing is necessarily as it seems. From surprise afternoon high teas under thorn trees to morning coffee and waffles in the bush. Here, the hospitality team truly made an effort to leave lasting impressions through emotional connections.
A Sweet Return
While we’ve had our fair share of travel blues following adventures we’d never forget, this time was different. Safari Plains’ people had become family in a matter of two days! Somehow, we knew that we’d return. In addition, we still had the journey back home to look forward to.
Steady on its wheels, the ISUZU mu-X effortlessly drove us home as we reminisced about spotting zebra stripes in the tall savanna, lazy lions and bulky buffalos. The 7-seater SUV was perfect for getting there and back, offering exceptional driving on Mabula’s dirt roads and smoothly transitioning to the urban roads of Pretoria.
At the intersection of travel and tech, we found a sweet spot to secure a sweet return. With the ISUZU mu-X’s 9’’ touchscreen with RDS, MP3, Bluetooth, Audio Streaming, six speakers, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi and a Multi-Information Display, we were set with a backtrack and many stories to share.
Specs that Speak to Travelling Families
Of course, safety is a biggy when it comes to family road trips and here, the ISUZU mu-X also delivers. It comes with seven airbags, a rear-view camera, front and rear parking distance sensors, trailer sway control, hill-descent control, hill-start assist, electronic stability control, cruise control, side-impact bars (front and rear), brake override accelerator, a brake assist system, electronic brake-force distribution, an anti-lock braking system and a remote key auto re-lock.
Consequently, one thing is certain: The ISUZU mu-X will get you to a place where you can take life at a slower pace, smoothly.
The entry level Isuzu MU-X 4X2 (1.9 LS) is available from R744 300, with its big brother – a 3.0 LS 4X4 – going for R931 600.
