On Tuesday, the 23rd of August 2016, Ford – one of the top 10 largest automakers in the world – flew 48 various media members, including us, to George to experience the new Ford Ranger 2.0 Double Cab Auto Ride.
We arrived at George Airport where we were met by the representatives and were chauffeured to our hotel rooms at Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Resort. Upon arrival we received our names tags, itinerary and goodies. We were then escorted by golf carts to our rooms. What a stunning resort, without a doubt one of the gems of Mossel Bay and the famous Garden Route. Did I mention that it has 2 beaches – Oyster Bay and Eden Bay – and I just found that Pinnacle Point is now a Heritage Site, very well deserved.
Later that evening we attended a business meeting at the club house where the ?President and CEO at Ford South Africa explained the purpose of the trip and how Ford has been doing since the previous year. I am glad to confirm that Ford is still doing well in the market. This year June was their highest sale and in July it was the second selling brand in SA. Personally, my favorite is still the orange Ford Focus ST *hides*. After dinner we played poker (some of us are hopeless) so I was just observing.
This is the picture of the clubhouse view I took whilst we were having breakfast…very tranquil.
After breakfast, in pairs, we had to choose a lucky Ford model to drive around the dunes…
This picture that was taken when we were walking up the sand dunes, en-route to experience Dragon Dune, the longest sandboarding dune in South Africa …
Lerato and Dimi after Sandboarding. The lady on the right – Lerato – travels the world for a living. She just came back from Swaziland and is going to New York for a 6 month trip. I need such in my life you know…
Vleesbaai Dunes – I do not mind Sandboarding these dunes all day, every day. It is the most ridiculous feeling ever….
Whilst we were Sandboarding the dunes, our fellow adventurers were preparing themselves for the coolest 4×4 rides with next level comfortability…
Meet the Ford auto 2.2…What a machine!
The highlight of the day, riding the 4x4s in style…
After all the fun, we stopped at Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar for lunch. Later we rode and drove the Rangers for almost 2 hours, passing The Outeniqua Mountains, and what a beautiful view it was…
Kojo Baffoe (Former editor of Destiny Man) is the friendliest soul. He is quite an interesting person, I was honored to acquaint with him while dining at one table…
CEO for Ford sub-Saharan Africa region- Mr Jeff Nemeth at the presentation…
Motor Journalist – Dzumuka from Zambia…
At the poker table – the lighting was bad though, I trust the photo is visible enough…Kind of sets the mood
Papi and Danine. Papi won the Poker game, I went to bed after midnight while they were still playing…
Hypress is such a sweetheart, one of my favorite acquaints…
Our wonderful host Vanessa da Silva from Ford.
After all was said and done, we met our representatives at the airport with our luggage and then headed back for Johannesburg.
The biggest thank you goes out to Ford for quite an amazing experience, the Ranger is a machine, easy on the eyes and quite hard on the performance.
To Pinnacle Point Gold Estate and Resort, the hospitality was exceptional, I am rating it 11 out of 10, it was the best indeed, Thank you.
SAA and Kulula, thank you for the service.
Lastly we were all grateful for the Drimacs and Mini Gas stoves we received to take home. I enjoyed my time With Ford, In Ford and By Ford.
By Thato Malau
@ThatoMalau