For over a century, Ford has cemented its legacy in South Africa, contributing to the local automotive landscape and embodying the spirit of adventure that this stunning country offers. Recently, Ford hosted an Everest African Experience, an event designed to showcase the remarkable capabilities of the Ford Everest across some of South Africa’s most breathtaking terrains. This event epitomised not just Ford’s commitment to innovation but also its deep connection to the heart and soul of South Africa.

South Africa is renowned for its diverse landscapes, from sweeping savannahs and rich wildlife to rugged mountain trails. And it’s in this awe-inspiring setting that the Ford Everest was put to the test. Built on the same platform as the award-winning Ford Ranger, the Everest not only reaps the benefits such as production efficiency and profitability but also exceeds customer expectations in virtually all aspects.

Neale Hill, President of Ford Motor Company Africa, emphasised the massive appeal of the Everest: “Our vehicle appeals to a wide variety of customers, from families seeking safety to adventurers prioritising comfort.” He continued, “this customer-centric approach has led to substantial growth, with a 30 percent increase in sales this year alone. By emphasising safety, comfort, and performance, Everest has rapidly gained market share, becoming a favourite among consumers; in New Zealand, it commands an impressive 60 percent of the four-wheel-drive SUV segment.”

Before the African Experience commenced, Ford Everest Global Program Manager Pritika Maharaj drew parallels between the vehicle’s attributes and Africa’s iconic Big 5. “What makes the Ford Everest a standout?” she posed, then likened its off-road capabilities to that of a leopard. “The Everest’s Terrain Management System allows for seamless transitions between various driving conditions, making it incredibly adaptable to different terrains.”

The Ford Everest prioritises safety, embodying the strength and stability of an elephant she said. With an advanced safety cell design and extensive crash testing, it achieves a five-star safety rating, reassuring occupants whether navigating city streets or off-road trails.

In terms of comfort, Everest excels, merging luxurious interior features with rugged capability. The sophisticated suspension design ensures a smooth ride, even on uneven surfaces. With plush seating and climate control, every adventure feels premium.

The Everest’s powertrain is another standout feature, providing the robust performance and efficiency that modern drivers expect. “The newest 3.0L V6 diesel engine produces 184 kW and a formidable 600 Nm of torque, ensuring that it excels both on-road and off-road. Its responsive handling provides a confident power delivery akin to a lion on the prowl, ensuring drivers feel in control at all times,” beamed Pritika.

To illustrate the capabilities of the Ford Everest, Ford invited participants to South Africa for a thrilling two-part adventure: a safari through the renowned Kapama Private Game Reserve and a challenging ascent to the peak of Mariepskop, the highest mountain in the eastern Drakensberg Escarpment.

Kapama Private Game Reserve is a magnificent sanctuary for Africa’s wildlife, sprawling across 13,000 hectares and home to the Big 5. In a convoy of standard Ford Everest vehicles, equipped only with robust all-terrain tires, participants embarked on a game drive guided by an experienced tracker. The convoy quickly spotted diverse wildlife, from majestic giraffes to graceful zebras.

The first leg of the safari showcased the Everest’s versatility in 2WD as it effortlessly manoeuvred through dusty trails. With the climate control set to a cooling 18 degrees, the cabin provided a refreshing escape from the heat as the wildlife safari commenced.

As the quest for the Big 5 continued, we switched to the Everest’s Sand Mode to navigate deeper into off-road territory. With the terrain challenging their abilities, the Everest’s dynamic handling and Terrain Management System came to the forefront, allowing us to traverse through soft sands (with only one of us getting stuck) and managed to spot some lions feasting on a Giraffe carcass.

The following day brought the exhilarating challenge of climbing Mariepskop, a journey that tested the Everest’s capabilities while keeping its occupants enveloped in five-star luxury and safety. After navigating quiet tarred roads, our convoy ventured onto a gravel trail, crossing streams and winding through picturesque forests.

The Everest’s 800mm wading depth was put to the test as we forded streams to ascend into the cooler mountain temperatures. As the journey progressed, we lapped up the rainforest-style flora and fauna, all while enjoying the vehicle’s serene ride over rugged terrains.

Reaching the summit of Mariepskop was the icing on the cake, offering panoramic views deserving of the climb – well it would have been had we not been stuck in the middle of the fog and clouds! Either way, with an astonishing plant diversity and the unique ecosystems, this peak provided a stark contrast to the rugged beauty of the Kapama Game Reserve.
South Africa is a magnificent playground for adventurers, and the Ford Everest is the perfect vehicle to explore its depths. With exceptional off-road capabilities, luxurious comfort, and the robust design reminiscent of Africa’s Big 5, the Everest is an all-encompassing SUV prepared for both urban jungles and wild escapes.

The experience showcased not just the prowess of the vehicle but also the beauty of South Africa, leaving us with a deep appreciation of the offerings of this vibrant country. So whether you are planning a family road trip or an exhilarating off-road adventure, the Ford Everest is more than ready to take you on your next journey.