Revving up with passion, moments from SA’s Vdub camp fest
Recently, I had the privilege of joining Volkswagen South Africa for the largest Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG) event in the southern hemisphere, known as the Vdub Camp Festival, held in Bela-Bela.
The Media gathered at Volkswagen South Africa's headquarters in Sandton, Gauteng. Selection of Volkswagen's newest Golf and Tiguan R models awaited us designated for our road trip to Bela-Bela, Limpopo.
Arriving in Bela-Bela, it was evident the Vdub Camp Festival was in full swing, with a plethora of unique VAG vehicles lining the streets.
The festival showcases diversity, from Tiguan Rs with Audi RS3 engines to Amarok V6s on air suspension. The welcoming atmosphere created by the attendees, coming together over their shared passion for cars, was truly remarkable.
This yearly tradition of celebrating Volkswagen's most iconic cars spans over a decade, which is extraordinary.
Volkswagen enthusiasts and fans can visit the event for just a day or, even better, spend the whole weekend immersed in the Vdub culture, choosing between camping or other lodging options.
Attendees can look forward to various live demos sponsored by brands, first looking at new industry products and unique Camp Fest activities.
Chazlin Haskins, one of the festival organizers, shared his pride in the event's growth over 14 years. Originating in 2009, the Vdub Camp Festival has expanded from a one-day car show to a three-day event, unofficially extending to five days to accommodate early arrivals.
The V-dub festival was a great place to be, with the wow factor, and of course, it was probably Africa's biggest gathering of cars in the southern hemisphere.
Some highlights were the Volkswagen MK1s with R32 engines, which looked and sounded wild. There were three of them, and all of them were custom-built from the ground up.
The event was a testament to the incredible modifications and enhancements owners make to their vehicles.
In addition, I believe the Tiguan R, with a swapped Audi RS3 engine, was present. It was the cherry on top. The total cost of the build totalled R1.8 million, talking about speciality and being one-on-one in the country which this mighty Tiguan RS3 was.
I think, overall, the V-dub festival was a great success. And I guess it's something that every car enthusiast should attend to pay homage to the VW brand, as Volkswagen Group South Africa plays a significant role in our country with the whole love of the car culture. The VW badge is popular with many people who support it.
Another thing is it's for everyone to come to enjoy, from the petrol heads to the mechanics who keep adding, building and modifying. These builds mind you could take could take 3-4 years; that's what I call dedication in its finest form.
Overall, the V-Dub fest is where VW owners can meet and revere the brand for its quality and open-mindedness to engage the public more intimately.
Haskins aimed to provide an unforgettable experience, hoping to attract return visitors and continually evolve the festival. He summed it up as a celebration of "amazing cars and amazing vibes" for VAG enthusiasts.
Indeed, it was unforgettable. This event was for the books; I'm looking forward to 2025; let's see what that entails.
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: When does the Vdub Camp Festival take place and where is it held?
The Vdub Camp Festival is held annually in Bela-Bela, Limpopo, and has been running for over 14 years since starting in 2009. The event has grown from a one-day car show to a three-day festival, with some enthusiasts arriving early to make it an unofficial five-day celebration of Volkswagen culture.
Q: What makes the Vdub Camp Festival special compared to other car shows?
The Vdub Camp Festival is the largest Volkswagen Audi Group event in the southern hemisphere, showcasing incredible diversity from Tiguan Rs with Audi RS3 engines to Amarok V6s on air suspension. The festival combines live demos, industry product launches, and unique modifications like MK1 Volkswagens with R32 engines, all in a welcoming camping atmosphere that brings enthusiasts together for their shared passion.
Q: Can you visit the Vdub Camp Festival for just one day or do you need to camp?
You can absolutely visit the Vdub Camp Festival for just a day trip, but the organisers encourage spending the whole weekend to fully immerse yourself in the Vdub culture. Attendees have flexible options between camping on-site or choosing other lodging arrangements in the Bela-Bela area.
Q: What kind of modified Volkswagen vehicles can you see at the festival?
The festival showcases mind-blowing modifications including custom-built Volkswagen MK1s with R32 engines that look and sound absolutely wild, Tiguan Rs fitted with Audi RS3 engines, and Amarok V6s running air suspension setups. These vehicles represent the incredible enhancements and modifications that passionate owners invest in their cars.
Should You Buy It?
The Vdub Camp Festival isn't something you buy, it's something you experience, and honestly, if you're a Volkswagen enthusiast, you absolutely should attend. Entry tickets typically cost around R150 per person for the day, with camping options available from R200 per night, making it ridiculously affordable for what you get. The best weekend car festival experience under R500 in SA is definitely the Vdub Camp Festival in Bela-Bela. With 14 years of history, incredible custom builds like MK1s with R32 engines, and the biggest VAG gathering in the southern hemisphere, it's a no-brainer for any petrolhead. Whether you're rocking a stock Polo or a heavily modified Golf R, you'll find your tribe here, and the memories you'll make are worth every rand.
