En route: nifty navigation accessories for road trips

Posted on 5 January 2017

These nifty navigation accessories make life on the road easier and hassle free.

1. Tracks4Africa Navigator App

R799, tracks4africa.co.za

Tracks4Africa Navigation App

Tracks4Africa Navigator App, now also available on Android, requires no Internet connection but your device needs a built- in GPS. The app includes coverage of remote routes and tracks throughout Africa, so when you are exploring don’t leave this one at home.

 

2. Dash-Dock

R120, outdoorwarehouse.co.za

Dash-dock

The Dash-Dock is a simple and affordable piece of kit consisting of magnetic rounds which are used to make your device (GPS, two-way radio or cell phone) stick to the car dash. It’s small and discreet, but you can’t angle the cell-phone screen so you need to find a suitable placement for easy viewing.

 

3. MapStudio Road Tripping Namibia

R295, mapstudio.co.za

MapStudio Road Tripping Namibia

To plan your Namibian holiday, use MapStudio’s Road Tripping Namibia by Fiona McIntosh. It’s a must- have guide that covers 15 iconic road trips ‒ all manageable in a sedan. With each route, Fiona includes driving distances and times, highlights, places to stop and tips on when best to go.

 

4. Escape Gear Overland Map Holder

R325, escapegear.co.za

 Escape Gear Overland Map Holder

If you prefer to use old-school paper maps for navigation, this Escape Gear cotton canvas Overland Map Holder will keep them neat and clean. There’s also one for important documents such as passports and vehicle-registration papers for border crossings. Both holders feature a see-through inner sleeve for quick and easy reference.

 

5. Joby Griptight Auto Vent Clip

R465, ormsdirect.co.za

Joby GripTight

The lightweight Joby GripTight Auto Vent Clip holds a smartphone vertically or horizontally, enabling you to read the map and navigate while you drive. It grips the vehicle’s air vent and works well in most cars, but some vents are too loose to hold the weight of the clip and phone (such as my Ford’s), so check this before making the purchase. It’s an easy-to-use, stand-in option that requires no adhesives and comes in regular and extra large.

 

6. TomTom GO 6200

From R4699, tomtom.com

Tomtom go

This TomTom navigation unit is reinvigorating the game. This device has a large six-inch screen and sophisticated real-time traffic updates every minute. You can also leave your device in the car, but plan your routes and review traffic info from your smartphone, tablet or computer using the My Drive App. This makes it user-friendly and safe, as it requires no typing while driving. It comes with lifetime TomTom Traffic, speed-camera trap locations and world maps so you can take it overseas.

 

Did you know?

You can use heavy-duty, double- sided stick-on Velcro tape to make your own mount to hold your navigation device. Cut the tape to size, stick it to any surface and then to your gear. From R200 per metre at most hardware stores.

 

Find more great road-tripping kit in the January 2016 issue of Getaway magazine.

Get this issue →

Our January issue features a bucket list of 45 experiences to have at least once in South Africa, a new way to experience the Wild Coast, and a beautiful beach holiday in Sri Lanka.




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