Amarok Adventure Thrills Journalists - and proves South Africa is best explored by road
The ultimate driving experience is best appreciated from behind the wheel of a capable adventure vehicle, with scenic winding roads stretching endlessly towards the horizon. Recently, a group of motoring journalists from across southern Africa had the opportunity to experience this driving nirvana firsthand, courtesy of Volkswagen South Africa, during an unforgettable journey through some of the region's most breathtaking landscapes.
The experience Volkswagen South Africa delivered was epic and bucket list stuff, as journalists participated in the Amarok Adventure 2026, a five-day expedition covering some of the country's most spectacular roads and landscapes. The journey began at a Volkswagen dealership in coastal city of Durban before heading into the rolling green hills of KwaZulu-Natal's Midlands. From there, the convoy set its sights on the legendary Sani Pass, the dramatic mountain route linking South Africa to Lesotho with sharp bends, twists and turns.
The mighty Amarok did not break a sweat and excelled in this environment giving the driver much needed confidence. Towering more than 3,200 metres above sea level, Sani Pass offered the first real test for the fleet of Volkswagen Amaroks. The steep climbs, rocky surfaces and tight switchbacks demanded concentration and precision from drivers, but they also provided the perfect showcase for what the Amarok was built to do. Volkswagen fielded a diverse lineup for the adventure, including the new 222kW Amarok PanAmericana powered by a 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the 184kW 3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel and the workhorse 125kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel Life derivative.
For the first two days, I spent most of my time behind the wheel of the new 222kW petrol-powered Amarok, arguably the surprise package of the range. The performance is unlike anything traditionally associated with a one-tonne bakkie. Throttle response is immediate and the vehicle gathers speed with enthusiasm, often feeling more like a performance SUV than a workhorse. On winding mountain roads and open stretches of tarmac, it delivered an engaging driving experience that constantly encouraged one to explore its capabilities. If Volkswagen has a GTI equivalent in its Amarok range, this is probably it. The adventure continued beyond Lesotho and into another of South Africa's great driving destinations, Naude's Nek Pass.
Rising above 2,500 metres, it is the highest dirt-road pass in the country and remains one of the ultimate tests of both machine and driver. Driving down Naude’s Nek was truly epic and exciting. From there, the convoy travelled through Barkly East and into the Eastern Cape Highlands, where endless gravel roads, rugged mountain scenery and remote landscapes provided fitting backdrop for an adventure of this nature. By the fourth day, it was time to swap vehicles. Moving from the energetic petrol-powered Amarok into the 184kW V6 diesel immediately highlighted the different personalities within the range. The V6 is less dramatic but arguably more refined. Its 600Nm of torque arrives effortlessly, making steep climbs and overtaking manoeuvres feel almost effortless.
While the petrol derivative thrives on revs and responsiveness, the diesel delivers smooth, relaxed progress and feels perfectly suited to long-distance touring and towing duties. One of the biggest surprises was how comfortably the Amarok handled extended highway journeys. Travelling from Barkly East to Hofmeyr in the Eastern Cape, the V6 displayed a level of ride comfort and composure more commonly associated with premium SUVs than traditional bakkies. Hours behind the wheel passed without fatigue. The cabin remained quiet, the gearbox shifted seamlessly and the vehicle soaked up imperfections on the road with ease. Yet it was the scenery that continually stole the show.
From snow-capped mountain peaks and dramatic valleys to remote farmlands and endless horizons, every stage of the route seemed designed to reveal another side of South Africa's natural beauty and other hidden gems. For a motoring journalist, opportunities to drive some of the continent's most scenic roads while evaluating a new vehicle do not come around often. And Volkswagen South Africa went out of its way with this huge logistical undertaking and hospitality, making the trip truly memorable.
The Amarok Adventure delivered an engaging drive, comfortable and entertaining cabin and safety features through out the journey. The final day saw the convoy depart Graaff-Reinet, after a splendid stay at Drostdy Hotel and headed towards the coast, bringing to an end nearly a week of exploration across some of the region's most iconic landscapes. Alongside the drive programme, Volkswagen also introduced the latest addition to the Amarok family, the new Dark Label derivative. Available with either the 125kW 2.0 TDI or the 184kW V6 diesel engine, the Dark Label brings a more aggressive appearance through black styling elements, darkened exterior trim and unique interior finishes. Since its introduction in 2010, the Amarok has carved out a reputation as one of the most refined offerings in the highly competitive premium bakkie segment.
During the Amarok Adventure 2026, it demonstrated exactly why it is not only one of the best looking bakkie but the most capable too. More importantly, the trip served as a reminder that some of southern Africa's greatest treasures are not destinations but the roads that connect them. It is truly the type of driving experience every car enthusiast should take at least once in their lives. For five unforgettable days, the Amarok proved to be the ideal, capable and safe companion for the epic cross country trip.