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British reality TV show explores South Africa
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Charley Boorman and Russ Malkin embark on six weeks of adventure
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Nissan SA provides Navara and Pathfinder backup vehicles
Reality TV show stars Charley Boorman and Russ Malkin – who appeared on Channel 5’s Extreme Frontiers: Canada in 2011 – have embarked on South Africa for the next season of this exciting reality show. Aimed at exhibiting what the country has to offer from the saddles of their motorcycles, the two explorers have been enjoying some of SA’s best adventure activities, as the expedition enters its fourth week.
So far the Extreme Frontiers team has enjoyed the likes of abseiling down Table Mountain, diving with sharks in Gansbaai, night time squid fishing at Cape St Francis, traversing the Sani Pass and a parajetting experience in KZN, amongst other activities.
“We are having some great adventures here in South Africa,” says Boorman. “We’ve already travelled over 8000 km, swam with dolphins and sharks, met lions up close at the Born Free Foundation and climbed the icy Sani Pass, and Nissan have played a huge part in that.”
Nissan Navara and Pathfinder are behind-the-scenes heroes
Emphasising Nissan SA’s environmental involvement and its commitment to the community, two rugged examples of the Navara and Pathfinder have been employed to serve as backup vehicles on the expedition.
Says Gavin Rheeder, Senior Manager: Product Communications & Marketing, Nissan South Africa: “The decision to get involved with the Extreme Frontiers project was pretty straight forward for Nissan. If you have plans to cover vast distances over unpredictable terrain it is crucial to have the right vehicles for the job. Both the Navara and the Pathfinder provide not only the necessary comfort levels and proven reliability but also the ability to conquer all terrains. Add practicality and safety to the mix and it’s obvious that Nissan is the right partner for this adventure.”
The Nissan Navara 2.5 dCi 4×4 M/T double-cab pickup proved the perfect utility-biased choice with its generously-proportioned load box, one-ton carrying capacity and off-road gadgetry including low range, locking differentials and 233 mm ground clearance. More of a cruiser than outright bruiser, the luxurious Nissan Pathfinder 2.5 dCi 4×4 LE A/T joins the Navara and brings with it the comfort of a smooth automatic drive (with seven comfy seats) and enhanced features including hill descent control, Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) and satellite navigation.
Both models also enjoy the benefits of a diesel engine, which brings with it excellent power (128 kW at 4000 rpm) and torque (403 Nm at 2000 rpm), and relatively good fuel economy of 9.0-litres per 100 km on the combined cycle in both vehicles.
Plenty adventure still to come
With two weeks still to go, Extreme Frontiers: South Africa has plenty of adventure waiting to be explored before Boorman and Malkin head back to London. Highlights include overnighting in the Kruger National Park, a drive out in the Pilanesberg with anti-rhino poachers, a visit to a bike museum in Niewoudtville, Mandela Day celebrations in Soweto and even a patrol session with the Johannesburg SAPS. Boorman Concludes: “We’ve still got a long way to go but we know we’ll get there with your help, so thank you so much.”
