What Is the Bushlapa Shongololo?
The Shongololo is one of the smaller models in Bush Lapa's off-road caravan range. It's designed for explorers who want genuine off-road capability without the size and weight of a full family caravan. This trailer is a compact, 2-sleeper unit with a 3CR12 stainless steel body and chassis, aimed at couples and pairs of friends who like to travel light and want to get well off the tar.
Bush Lapa's full range includes the Rooimier, Vlooi, Boskriek, Kewer, Miskruier, Baobab, Ratel, Gravelroader and GX models. The Bushlapa Shongololo sits at the more compact end of that lineup, and everything below unpacks it's specs in detail.
Full Specifications
The core specifications below come from an authorised Bushlapa dealer: Bush Lapa Gauteng North:
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Dry weight | 460 kg |
| Total length (incl. spare wheel) | 3,633 mm |
| Total height (to roof top) | 1,898 mm |
| Total width (excl. Bush Wing awning, per dealer spec) | 1,850 mm |
| Load capacity (per dealer spec) | 290 kg |
| Ground clearance (axle) | 295 mm |
| Departure angle | 33 degrees |
| Axle | Solid beam axle with leaf springs (unbraked), 900kg rated |
| Coupler | Unbraked coupler with break away chain, 2,700kg rated |
| Bed configuration | Double bed x1 |
| GVM | 750 kg |
| Sleeps | 2 adults |
| Body and chassis | 3CR12 stainless steel |
| Interior and doors | Aluminium, x3 |
| Tracking | Micro-dotted (DataDot), per South African legal requirements |
| Guarantee | 2 years (ex factory) on material and workmanship |
Just a quick note on width: Bushlapa's own product page lists total width as 2,000mm, while Bush Lapa Gauteng North's listing specifies 1,850mm excluding the Bush Wing awning. The difference here comes down to what's being measured (with or without the optional awning fitted), so keep that in mind before ordering if width is a hard constraint for your setup/parking space.
At 750kg GVM, the Shongololo falls within the Code B towing threshold rather than needing a Code EB licence. This is a big deal and means that majority of licensed drivers would be able to hook this trailer up and get away for the weekend. If you're not 100% sure about your license and what it means for towing, our guide to Code EB licences for towing a caravan in South Africa covers the 750kg rule in full.
All Features Of the Bush Lapa Shongololo
Standard Features:
- Inside bed with mattresses (1,950 x 1,350mm) x1
- Internal storage compartments with canvas and zips x6
- Kitchen storage compartments with canvas and zips x4
- Additional door-pocket storage x2
- Kitchen with 2-plate gas burner stove x1
- 15" wheels, 6-stud, steel epoxy rims x3 (incl. spare)
- 105Ah deep-cycle battery with cover box x1
- Victron Intelligent Charging system, monitor and Bush Lapa power panel x1
- Anderson plug on A-frame for 12V accessories x1
- Roof LED light x1, dual touch LED lights outside x2, kitchen LED lights x2
- Hella points 12V output x2 (front LH corner, rear RH corner)
- Anderson fridge point 12V 50A x1
- 220V inlet caravan plug x1, 220V 3-point plug x4 (3 outside kitchen, 1 inside DB board), 220V 2-point plug x1 (inside DB board)
- 220V caravan extension lead (10m) x1
- 5kg gas bottle bracket on wheel arch x1
- Wheel chocks x2
Optional Extras:
- Front Runner roof rack (price on request)
- Bush Wing awning, 90 degrees x 270 degrees
- 100W external solar panel with MPPT 75/15 Blue Solar regulator, 10m lead and PVC bag
- National Luna 45L fridge incl. baskets (220V/12V)
- Alternate axle (price on request)
- Mag wheels, 15" or 16"
- 5kg gas bottles (empty)
- Foldable camping table (1,800 x 740 x 740mm) with PVC bag
- DC-DC charger (price on request)
- Lithium battery 100Ah (price on request)
- EVA insulation (price on request)
- Transport from factory in Paarl to dealership
Also offered through Bush Lapa Gauteng North (availability and exact spec may vary by dealer, confirm directly before ordering):
- National Luna 90L fridge/freezer incl. baskets (220V/12V), a larger option than the 45L listed on the main Bushlapa site
- Shower wing cubicle and sides, with PVC shower floor tray
- Stabiliser legs fitted in front under the chassis, including installation
- Top and lower travel blankets
- Rip-stop canvas caravan storage cover
- L-shape ground sheet in PVC bag
So, Is the Bushlapa Shongololo Right for You?
The Shongololo is built for a specific kind of trip: two people, travelling light, and prioritising off-road capability over a bunch of interior space. At 460kg dry and 750kg GVM, it's very compact, and the 295mm ground clearance and 33-degree departure angle is everything you need in a off-road caravan. The stainless steel body and chassis and aluminium interior are built for durability on rough tracks.
If you're weighing this kind of compact off-road trailer against a larger, more spacious off-road caravan, it's worth thinking through what you actually need day to day once you're at your destination: living space, setup time, water and power capacity, and how many people are travelling. A unit like the Shongololo trades some interior space for agility and a better price, which at the end of the day, suits couples and solo travellers really well.
Looking to rent an off-road caravan? Feel free to browse the full range of off-road trailers and caravans available to rent to compare similar compact off-road units.
