Leisure Wheels, December 2008 issue

The December issue of Leisure Wheels again features something of everything the 4x4 and adventure motoring enthusiast wants to read about.
Our cover story looks at a new concession area, and the elephants of Botswana. They've apparently started migrating again to the green pastures of Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe, crossing the Zambezi River at will. And interestingly enough, they avoid the many minefields still about in war-torn Angola, perhaps using their sense of smell.
Those readers that have done it, will know that driving up Baboons Pass in Lesotho is not for the faint-hearted. We've done it - towing a caravan! Why? Because it's there...
A number of intrepid bikers took their BMW R1200GSs across the notorious Van Zyl's Pass in the north of Namibia and toured Kaokoland, while we also have the amazing story of a young Dutch actress's three-year journey across Africa - on a 35-year-old tractor!
Destinations include the Matjiesvlei Guest Farm in the Karoo, there's a report on the SUVs and MPVs seen at the Paris Motor Show, we drove Volvo's newest cross-country - the XC60 - in Spain, and we announce the Leisure Wheels Economy Challenge for Crossover Utility Vehicles.
It's one with a difference. For real-live, achievable consumption figures we invite our readers to come and drive the likes of BMW X3, L-R Freelander, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Patriot and other so-called softroaders over a 1000km route.
We test the new Nissan Qashqai TDi 4x4 and find it surprisingly good, and look at Mini's planned new SUV.
And there's the regulars - news from our neighbouring countries, Francois Rossouw's expert 4x4 advice, Andrew White stepping on a few toes, and a report on the most recent off-road racing event. Truly something for everyone.