There is a sublime campsite a few miles east of the South African town of Swellendam. The camp is called Umshanti and is nestled between the mountains and a large dam brimming with large, tasty fish. We have camped there many times over the years and visited again a short while ago. Just off the N2 national highway, and at the start of a long dirt road leading to the camp, stands a relatively large industrial estate made noticeable by old Land Rovers (and an ancient Land Cruiser) scattered purposefully across a manicured lawn. A large sign proclaims this the home of Infanta 4×4. We decided to visit the factory, not knowing what to expect but intrigued by the beautiful old Land Rovers waiting for restoration beneath the Southern Cape sun, we assumed that restoration was the core function served by Infanta. We were in for a surprise.
We parked our Land Rover beside a new BMW 1200 GS and stepped into the showroom to be greeted by a friendly salesman and the coolest Land Cruiser camper we have ever seen. I am a lifelong Landy man, but, to be honest, the Land Cruiser pickup has always given me “the fizz,” and this shiny new Cruiser with Inkuzi camper was fizzy indeed. Infanta 4×4 built the lightweight camper from scratch, and we were amazed by the attention to detail, the high-tech materials, and the innovative solutions to overland travel requirements. The Inkunzi, which means “bull” in the Zulu language, is a serious-looking bull that is ready to tackle the toughest terrain comfortably and with a hard head. At the touch of a button, the roof pops up, and a side wall slides out to reveal a double bed. A porta potti slides out from under the bed, and a shower cubicle can quickly be opened for a hot shower. A kitchen area houses all the essentials, and a fridge slides out to offer cool refreshments after a claimed three-minute total camper set up. What more could you possibly ask for?
We were in luck, and Johan, the Infanta4x4 industrial designer and brainchild behind these high-tech creations, offered to take us on a tour of the cavernous workshop where the campers are hand-made to the client’s specifications. Yes, you can request a custom-made creation. Johan explained the company’s history, from a small family business creating trailers for local farmers and explorers to the growing, innovative success that it is today.
Constructed on the chassis of a Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Series or Toyota Hilux, the Infanta Inkunzi offers a near bulletproof foundation for off-grid expeditions. This choice of vehicle is not accidental; the Land Cruiser and Hilux are renowned for their durability and off-road prowess, making them an ideal base for a camper designed to go places few others can reach. The body of the Inkunzi camper is crafted from composite aerospace pre-impregnated fiber, a material choice that ensures lightweight yet robust construction. This camper is equipped to handle the accumulative challenges of remote travel, from crossing rivers to climbing steep inclines. The external dimensions of the camper are compact, yet the design maximizes internal space, striking a perfect balance between mobility and comfort.
Upon entering the Inkunzi, one is greeted by an interior that marries functionality with luxury. The space is ingeniously designed to offer ample storage without compromising the living area. Sleeping arrangements in the Inkunzi are a testament to its efficient use of space, and the comfortable double bed folds away during the day, allowing for free movement inside. For those beautiful mornings and tranquil evenings, the addition of a 270-degree awning provides a spacious outdoor living area that provides shade from the African sun.
Utility-wise, the Inkunzi is fully equipped for extended stays in isolated spots. It comes standard with a 105 amp-hour battery, a Victron energy charger, and a comprehensive battery monitor system. For those who wish to remain disconnected for longer periods, optional solar panels and an inverter can be added, providing sustainable energy off the grid.
The starting price for the Inkunzi camper stands at around R524,000 ($28,000 USD), a competitive price point considering its extensive features and robust build. We have said it before and we will say it again, South Africa is the perfect place to build an overland vehicle for international travel, the only real drawback is that South African vehicles are right-hand drive (and cannot be imported to the US until they are 25 years old).
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