Destination Nature – an indoor palace with outdoor pleasures  

We at Caravan & Outdoor Life had the pleasure of reviewing the Destination Nature caravan on a recent trip up to Jozi, the City of Gold. Now, Jozi to us Capetonians is as far removed from normality as it gets, with potholes the size of the Kimberley Diamond Mine waiting to swallow your vehicle up and spit you out into the waiting arms of gun-toting hijackers  … according to my colleague.

I kept telling him that pressing the central locking button four times does little to improve the vehicle’s security. It’s similar to pressing the button harder on the TV remote when the batteries are flat. Simply, it’s wasted effort. I on the other hand threw caution to the wind and drove around, like a farmer, arm resting out of the open car window with the doors unlocked… to test the Jozi system. We came away unscathed. Viva Jozi!

On the bright side though, we did find light at the end of the tunnel in the premium Destination Nature 4 berth caravan, and it’s certainly one very smooth operator. We had the opportunity to spend a few hours perusing and photographing this wonderful double axle caravan fitted with a gamut of excellent features, accessories and sumptuous adornments.

A pleasing exterior
The exterior of the Nature is sleek and aesthetically pleasing with understated decals and flowing lines. Sometimes, simplicity is the best enhancer for a caravan. Accessible via slide-out drawer systems is a two plate gas cooker with single plate induction top, prep area and basin. Below this slide out kitchen unit are drawers holding the crockery and cutlery and some added storage space for incidentals.

For the full article on the smaller 2 berth Destination Wish, click here.

Situated to the right of the slide-out kitchen is a convenient storage hatch that can be used for spices and other foodstuffs. To the right of the storage hatch is another fold up hatch that houses the microwave oven, within easy reach for the appointed chef of the day. Caravanning is not all fun and games; the holiday crew needs to eat!

Integrated grab handles ensure that positioning the Nature at your favourite campsite is easy. Also featured on the exterior are two multi-plugs and a power socket to hook up the electricity on arrival at the caravan park. At the rear of the Nature are two storage hatches. The lower larger storage hatch houses a spare wheel and offers lots of additional packing space.

Check out the full video walk through of the Destination Nature below

The upper hatch houses the air conditioning unit and also offers storage space. The lock-latches and hinges used on the Nature are good quality and designed to last. The Nature has an entrance door set towards the rear of the caravan which is fitted with a retractable step, making access to the interior very easy.

The brake and indicator light clusters are set vertically into the rear of the Nature at a height that offers good visibility to motorists coming up behind the caravan. The heavy duty caravan steadies ensure that the Nature is firmly planted to the ground when not being towed. The attention to detail on the Nature is excellent and the finishes are very good. The Nature is shod with 215/80/15 tyres and has alloy rims which further complement its exterior look.

Let’s go inside!
The interior of the Nature is a plush affair with all the amenities, accessories and fittings to make any stay a very comfortable one. On entry there is a work surface with plug points on your immediate left, which makes a good internal preparation area for food when the weather is not suitable outdoors. This area can also be used to charge things such as cell phones and laptops.

Above this work surface are all the glasses which hang neatly from a rack. Above the glasses rack is ample lock-latch storage. There is also ample storage below the work surface in the form of cupboards.

Situated opposite the work area/counter top is a large dinette that can easily seat 4 people comfortable, even 6 at a push. There is a large window next to the dinette offering ample outside views, and above the dinette are additional fold-up storage areas. In the ceiling above the dinette is a skylight which offers increased natural light. The dinette doubles as a bed, offering two additional people a comfortable bed. This makes the Nature a 4 berth caravan. There are three skylights/air vents in total in the Nature, one above the dinette, one above the bed and one in the bathroom. There are large slider drawers under the dinette seats which offer additional storage.

To view the smaller 2 berth Destination Wish, click here.

Bordering the dinette is a large double door fridge freezer to store all your holiday perishables. Moving further into the interior you find the queen island bed with two bedside lights, ample clothing storage and plug points. At the foot of the bed, set just below the large window is a flat screen TV to enjoy when the weather is cold and rainy. The whole family can keep warm under their duvets and watch movies.

Above the bed’s headboard is the 12 000 BTU air conditioner for those hot summer days with its remote control situated conveniently in a holder right next to the bed and the bedside table. To the right of the TV is a clothing hanging cupboard and to the left of the TV is a long mirror to help you look you absolute best.

There is also a mirror on the cupboard which is convenient and creates a feeling of extra space. General headroom in the Nature is great without having to stoop or bend over to stop bumping your head.

 

A premium bathroom for all
The Nature enjoys a large bathroom with full shower, hand basin with mirror, towel rail and toilet. Below the basin is a cupboard offering ample storage for the family’s toiletries. The space in the bathroom is excellent and you don’t feel like you’re hemmed in at all.

Tale of the tape
The Destination Nature is a large and well-appointed caravan, offering excellent comfort, great aesthetics and is manufactured to a very high standard. If today’s trends are anything to go by, and you purchased a Destination Nature now, you’d get your money back with interest a few years down the line. That’s a pretty good investment in our book.