Hilux: The first big test...in Hwange!

After fitting the Toyota Hilux with a drawers system, aluminium canopy, two roof racks, a rooftop tent, a dust-prootfstrip and a pair of spotlights, it was time to test the vehicle in the field. What better place to put it through the ropes as Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park!?

Hwange National Park is home to one of the largest elephant populations in the world.

In August 2010 Villiers, his dad Francois, and friend David Morinelli (from Miami) visited Hwange for a week, testing the Hilux mostly on bumpy and corrugated gravel roads. It was also a great test for the drawers and aluminium canopy, as well as the two roof racks and rooftop tent.

The Hilux on it's first trip after the big face lift!

One of many fantastic hides in the park. This is where it all happens!

Time for a drink at Nyamandlovu hide near Main Camp.

Initally we planned to camp every night, but eventually we ended up camping only three nights - one at Nata Lodge in Botswana and two nights at Masuma in Hwange. It still gave up the chance to test the rooftop tent and the comfort level of the new drawers and aluminium cab.

Our camp at Masuma Dam.

David quickly grabs something form the fridge. Thanks to the drawers it takes only a second or two.

To our delight everything worked. It worked very well! There's no comparison between camping with the standard fibreglass canopy and the aluminium cab! The fact that you can open the side flaps makes a huge difference! The drawers are also extremely handy and ideal for small things you need to reach for often, such as your laptop or extra drinks.

Just another stunning sunset in Africa!

At the end of the trip the verdict was unanimous - the Hilux performed like a star and is nearly ready for the big Serengeti Trip! The suspension support worked like a gem and virtually no dust was sucked into the back. The front roof rack was also the ideal place to fasten three of our crates.

The Hwange trip was a huge success! And the park surprized us all - the people are friendly and ready for the world to return. The waterholes are full and teaming with game, the camps are clean and neat, there's fuel in the towns and shops are well-stocked! There's no reason not to visit Hwange anymore!