Conquering Afirca

Africa is a continent that's rich with spectacular natural highlights - and to seek out these remote destinations is a passtime long entrenched in the South African psyche.

The principal challenge in reaching most of these places, however, is road conditions which commonly restrict access only to bush-ready, off-road vehicles.

As the holiday period is fast approaching, many hard-knuckled off-road aficionados will be looking to beef up their land conquering vehicles.

The variety of items available at Front Runner - a company that specialises in off-road accessories based in Kyalami - should make the going and living in the bush for days that much more comfortable.

For a start, most of the company's specialities are suitable for use on any kind of 4x4 vehicle, but Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rover owners will feel that more special.

This is because Front Runner prides itself with offering bespoke items specifically created for these two brands and the number of attachments that can be fitted is mind-boggling.

For the exterior, think bull-bars, spot-lights, and spade brackets, light protectors, roof racks, jerry-can holders, bonnet protectors and branch deflectors.

These are a pair of hard-steel wires either side of the vehicle that connect between the edge of the bonnet and the A-pillars. Even fitted with just these items, a vehicle will surely set tongues wagging about its looks.

If your commitment to the lifestyle runs in your veins, there are plenty more survival bits and pieces that include a host of holders for fishing rods, canoe and kayaks, gas bottles, water tanks, and rooftop tents. The tents are water-proof, 1.3 m wide and 1.22 m high and fitted with mosquito netting.

And to really mimic the comforts of your home left behind in the city, awnings with fronts and sides replete with door and windows can be ordered.

Chairs and camping tables with wash basin option are also available. Ditto portable gas water heaters and a braai grid that's mountable on the spare wheel.

To aid progress over inhospitable terrain and to safeguard crucial mechanical items, there are steel diff guards, aluminium sump and steering guards, winches, tow-bars, and high-lift air-jacks.

Taking your SUV through to Front Runner, whether you are a Kingsley Holgate wanna-be or the average guy who likes the visual impact of a car ready-made to conquer Africa, you will be satisfied.

Home Comfort

Front Runner specialises in kitting out 4x4s for that overland adventure and can also make the interior more comfortable.