MUSINA – A novel concept in tourism – an adventure expedition in vintage cars – brought two groups of 150 people altogether in 55 cars to the Soutpansberg region during recent weeks.

Eric Massiet du Biest of the French travel company, Globe Driver, is the organiser of trips in all parts of the world in vintage model Citroen cars.

“Using these vintage cars is the best way to discover new places and to meet people. It is an excellent way to communicate,” said Eric last week at Dongola Ranch, where a second group of 77 people in 30 old Citroens camped in the spectacular bushveld environment. Yet another group visited Dongola in the middle of July. The tourists are from France, Germany and Belgium.

The Citroens range in models from 1934 to 1957. The reason for using these Citroen models, says Eric, is because “they are good, solid, comfortable and safe.” The cars are all equipped to ensure the maximum independence as far as accommodation is concerned. All the cars are fitted with tents.

“Accommodation is either in hotels or at camp sites, depending on circumstances. This allows us to access very special natural sites, where most other organised tours will not go. In major cities, we select the best hotels.”

Most of the members use their own cars. For the rest, Eric has a supply of classic front-traction Citroens which they can rent. No other type of car is allowed to join these adventure rallies.

“We are discovering the best parts of Southern Africa and travel on average 300 to 400 kilometres per day.”

Although the South African expedition is known as the Tracbar Zulu 2004 Rally, it is not a competition. The Tracbar rallies are above all a concept of tourism and adventure expeditions in a spirit of conviviality and with no competition.

“It is a simple search for exceptional moments and sites,” says Eric.

Several of the group members are complete families who share the joy of this journey of discovery with their kids.

A professional mechanical back-up vehicle follows the convoy with spare parts and tools.

“Since 1998, with over 25 000 kilometres driven by a total of 100 cars, they all made it to the finish line.”

On the present tour the members, in collaboration with Europcar Southern Africa, will be making their own particular contribution to do fundraising for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. They will also promote research against AIDS. All the Citroens display the universal red ribbon.

Eric has been travelling for the past 20 years. The rallies, however, started eight years ago and included Australia, America and North Africa.

“South Africa is so far the very best country we have visited. It is beautiful. Here is much more to see and to experience in a concentrated area. You have a magnificent variety of scenery, animals, cultures and people, and you have the best food.”

He said the peace and harmony they experienced in all parts of the country they visited are in stark contrast with the popular media perceptions in Europe.

“We try to show the world at a positive angle to our tour members. We will return home with good impressions.”

Their Southern African route started in Durban, included the Kruger National Park, the Limpopo Province, through Botswana to Livingstone and the Victoria Falls, through the Caprivi, Namibia and back to the Cape.

Next year, they plan to visit Russia. In 2006, it will be Australia; 2007 Cuba; 2008 China; 2009 South East Asia and 2010 South America.