Discovery Channel

There are many premium SUVs around, but few with true off-road capabilities. GQ motoring ed Dieter Losskarn took one of the best, the Land Rover Discovery, on an adventurous road trip into the Karoo, Baviaanskloof and Addo Elephant National Park.

- Dieter Losskarn

I LIVE IN HOUT BAY, so that all my road trips will start with one of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world:

Chapman’s Peak Drive. Chappies, as it is fondly known to locals, was blasted into a cliff-face high above the sea, just where softer sandstone meets harder granite rocks, more than a hundred years ago. After a short drive across the harbour pier to watch the seals, we are heading towards those 114 enjoyable bends. The large Discovery with enormous space inside is handling surprisingly well through the tight stuff and the 600Nm from the V6 diesel pull it nicely out of the corners.

What used to be a more comfortable, squared edged alternative to the old Defender is now in its fifth generation. In production for more than 30 years, it is now much closer in looks and feel to a Range Rover than all its predecessors. The current Discovery is a more rounded premium SUV, a comfortable cruiser, relaxed ride and excellent off-roader. And Jasmin and myself are taking it on a road trip to find out whether all of this is true.

It’s Jasmin’s first time in Africa and she loves animals, especially elephants. So Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape was the obvious destination choice. Albeit with a few interesting detours thrown in. After a nice breakfast in Muizenberg, we follow the False Bay coastline on Baden Powell Drive. The relaxed, comfortable cruiser part is already being proven on the N2 towards Swellendam, our first overnight stop. South Africa’s third-oldest town has plenty of B&Bs to choose from. We opt for Schoone Oordt Country House, built in 1853. Before we check in we have the best springbok carpaccio on vetkoek in the country at Old Gaol restaurant across from the beautiful church. This was followed a bit later in the evening by a romantic candle-lit dinner at Field & Fork.