Some road trips are about more than reaching the destination. And when a group of journos set off from Sandton’s Leonardo Hotel toward the wilderness of Nambu Lodge in the Lowveld, we were ready to experience every twist and turn of the journey. Our convoy was powered by the versatile 2024 Volkswagen Touareg, and this luxury SUV proved to be more than just a comfortable ride. It became our bridge between city elegance and bushveld wilderness, giving us a taste of both luxury and adventure.
With bags packed and spirits high, we set off from Sandton’s Leonardo – leaving behind the elegance of its Renaissance-inspired lobby for a road that promised breathtaking views, wide-open skies, and close encounters with nature.
SETTING OFF FROM SANDTON’S LUXURY
Leaving the Leonardo felt like saying goodbye to an old friend. It’s a place steeped in sophistication, much like Sandton itself, but with the Touareg R Line fleet lined up and the open road calling, our collective excitement was electric. We hit the eastbound route from Sandton, heading toward Mpumalanga’s vast landscape, where big skies and wide-open roads awaited.
The Touareg’s plush leather seats and intuitive “Innovision Cockpit” quickly won us over. With its crisp 15″ touchscreen, the infotainment system put a wealth of options at our fingertips, while the cabin’s overall comfort made every kilometre feel like a breeze. With Johannesburg fading in the rearview mirror, we knew this journey would be about balance – equal parts refinement and raw adventure, just like the cars we were in.
EMBRACING THE OPEN ROAD
The N4 is a quintessential South African route, winding eastward through the country’s scenic backbone, and it’s a favourite for a reason. Here, the Touareg’s power and agility shone brightly. Its 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, delivering a torque-rich 600 Nm, was more than enough for the N4’s varying terrain. Smooth acceleration made overtaking feel effortless, and the SUV’s refined suspension kept every ride as smooth as it was exhilarating.
The landscape was a welcome departure from Sandton’s polished streets – long stretches of rolling hills and sunlit fields gave way to valleys and mountain passes. The Touareg’s adaptive cruise control allowed us to keep a steady pace, while its advanced driver-assistance systems, like lane-keeping assist and IQ, and LIGHT matrix LED headlights kept us confident in the changing light and terrain.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
After hours on the N4, we detoured toward the R536, a road that brought its own kind of charm with dense greenery, winding mountain passes, and rugged paths leading us deeper into Mpumalanga’s heart. The final stretch toward Elephant Point brought us to a gravel track where the Touareg continued to impress. Its adaptive air suspension absorbed the bumps, while its ground clearance kept us confidently above the rocky path. There was a shared sense of anticipation when we reached Nambu Lodge. We had experienced luxury in Sandton, then power on the highway, and finally, the Touareg’s prowess in the bush. It was time to let Nambu’s wild beauty take centre stage.
WHERE LUXURY MEETS THE WILD
Nambu Lodge at Elephant Point felt like a hidden gem within the bushveld. Perched along the Sabie River, it offered uninterrupted landscape views, blending perfectly with its surroundings. The lodge itself is a masterclass in natural elegance, with each suite offering private decks where we could watch the river and its visitors – from hippos to the occasional elephant.
The lodge’s interiors are an homage to the African bush, with natural woods and large windows that seem to bring the outdoors into the living space. We were given the best of both worlds here: absolute luxury amid the wild. As we settled in, the tranquillity of the Lowveld took over. Each of us found our own quiet spots to reflect, unwinding after the day’s adventure on the road.
As night fell, we gathered for dinner, where the food was as memorable as the journey itself. With local ingredients and dishes that combined South African tradition with refined culinary flair, each meal felt like a tribute to the lodge’s surroundings. It was the perfect end to a day marked by contrast, from the high-paced drive to the quietude of the lodge.
THE BUSH’S FINEST
One of Nambu Lodge’s defining experiences is its access to nature. Our group had front-row seats to the wildlife without even stepping off the lodge grounds. Elephants gathered by the riverbank, and hippos grunted from the water below. With Kruger National Park’s Paul Kruger Gate only minutes away, we took off for an immersive game drive in open-top game viewers.
The lodge arranged a sunrise game drive for us, and as the early morning light crept over the plains, we were treated to a series of unforgettable moments: lions lounging in the morning sun, and herds of impalas darting across the open land. Each sighting was made even more special by our guide, who shared stories and insights that brought the bush to life for us.
Later, back at Nambu, the lodge’s luxury continued to impress. Some of us relaxed poolside, while others enjoyed the serene views from their private decks. The connection between lodge and landscape was flawless, allowing us to feel as much a part of nature as the wildlife we had just witnessed.
THE JOURNEY BACK
All too soon, it was time to return to Sandton. But as we left Nambu, we felt a sense of renewal. The drive back was quieter and reflective, and the Touareg’s tech-rich comforts only added to that—Volkswagen’s IQ. The DRIVE system, with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, gave us the peace of mind to enjoy the last stretches of the journey without distraction.
The Touareg was equally impressive on the return leg, with its efficient fuel consumption (averaging around 7.5 l/100 km) and modern tech features that kept us connected. Features like Apple CarPlay and over-the-air updates made the drive feel effortless, adding to our sense that this SUV could handle any trip, from urban commutes to wild getaways.
As we approached Sandton, each of us felt that the road had offered us a rare kind of experience. The Touareg had been more than just a vehicle – it had been a bridge between the fast-paced city and the wild peace of the Lowveld, effortlessly transforming to meet every challenge along the way.
LAST WORD
This journey from Sandton’s Leonardo to Nambu Lodge at Elephant Point, experienced together in Volkswagen’s 2024 Touareg, was more than just a road trip. It was a journey marked by contrast: from the city’s bustling heart to the bush’s quiet majesty. The Touareg was the perfect partner, delivering power and sophistication in every moment – whether cruising highways, climbing mountain passes, or handling gravel roads.
For anyone looking to take on a road trip that combines urban luxury with bushveld beauty, and a vehicle capable of taking it all in stride, this is the journey to make. With the right company, a route worth taking, and a car as capable as the Touareg, it’s a trip that goes far beyond just getting from one place to another – it’s about making every kilometre unforgettable.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © ELEPHANT POINT / BERNIE HELLBERG JR
