I wanted to see what the Outdoor X EXPO was all about. It took place at Idle Wild Country Estate outside Pretoria, in the same direction as The Big Red Barn.
The cost of attendance was R150 per person, which is not bad, considering all there is to see and do. The event was much larger than I had anticipated.
As I headed towards the entrance, I feared facing the usual 300-meter-long queue typical at aviation shows. I had also heard about some drama from the previous year.
To my surprise, entry was quick and efficient. Stop, tap, and move on. Kudos to the organizers for addressing that issue.
I began navigating the initial exhibitions, which primarily highlighted luxury vehicles designed for outdoor use.
In addition to these vehicles, various kits were available for extended stays in remote areas, such as those you might need for disappearing into the African wilderness for weeks.
Imagine a Toyota Land Cruiser equipped with everything necessary to provide shelter, sustenance, and self-maintenance for extended periods in the middle of nowhere.
There were some interesting caravans and campers on display. I’d love to have one of those campers.
It’s amazing to see what’s available in the outdoor DIY space. Simply put, if you’re on the fence or still researching outdoor vehicles, kits, caravans, campers, etc., this is the expo you need to attend.
Each display in this section has a sample and representative who can answer all your questions. After spending time with a few of them, you should be able to make a more informed decision about what to purchase.
As I continued exploring, I stumbled upon a scuba diving exhibit and outdoor gear companies like Decathlon, Columbia Sportswear, and Oriel. They all had massive discounts on their products.
Additionally, companies promoted activities such as fishing, horse riding, quad biking, and camping. There was so much to see that I probably missed some of it.
I remember plenty of food and drink options for people of all ages. There was ample seating available, especially around the stage area.
Shows took place on the stage, and there was also a small playground for the kids. The organizers did a great job considering the whole family’s entertainment when planning the event.
They seemed to have considered everyone’s different interests, which is very impressive. Another kudos to the organizers!
Now, before this post gets too long, let me get to the best part of the show. The show also offered helicopter rides. As an aviation fan, I could not pass on this opportunity. You can come along for the ride by clicking play below.
That’s it from me on the Outdoor X EXPO.
All in all, I can’t think of anything I disliked about the EXPO. It’s a good way for an outdoor enthusiast to spend time and bring the family along. There is something for everyone to see and do.
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