Family Road Trips: A Memorable Journey Through South Africa

Taking a road trip with parents can create some of the most cherished memories of a lifetime. One such journey took New Orleans to Los Angeles via South Africa. This family of four, including the narrator, came together in the summer to embark on an unforgettable adventure in a camping van, converting a Volkswagen Kombi from the 1950s to fit their needs.

Converting the Kombi

The most unique feature of this camping van was the conversion from a regular passenger vehicle to a makeshift living space. The father's innovative solution involved removing the middle seat and replacing it with two tiers of wooden boxes. These boxes could be used for storage and, when removed, the top box would be placed on the bottom box to create a makeshift bed. The van also featured a custom-made tent that could be secured to the roof, providing additional sleeping space. This ingenious setup allowed the family to embark on their journey with minimal fuss and maximum comfort.

The Adventure Begins

With all preparations complete, the father decided to take the family on a road trip to Kruger National Park. This decision would play a pivotal role in the family's adventure as they would witness incredible wildlife.

Exploring Kruger National Park

The family arrived at the park through the Lower Sabie gate. Their first day, much to their disappointment, only provided sightings of black-backed jackals and vultures. However, things improved significantly on the second day. A small pride of lions emerged from the grass, followed by a male Kudu and two females with their babies. Later, a herd of elephants made its appearance. The show was almost over but was interrupted by a massive elephant who caused a scene, leading to a tense and exciting moment for the family.

Camping and Snacks

The family decided to camp for the night in an area known as Skukuza. After enjoying a hearty meal, they retired early and set off the next morning to visit a waterhole. The highlight of the day was certainly the delightful surprise of a troop of monkeys eating the ginger flan the narrator had mistakenly made. This unique and comical experience is something the family will always cherish.

Adventures in Mozambique

The next part of their journey took them to Mozambique, where they marveled at the architecture and wide palm tree-lined avenues of the capital city, now known as Maputo. They set up camp near a pristine beach, spending the next few days exploring marine life in the crystal clear waters and enjoying the beach.

Unique Cultural Encounters

The family also had a unique encounter with a Marshall Island policeman who trailed them everywhere, creating a light-hearted moment. Their visit to the town's museum was another memorable experience, filled with curiosities like a two-headed goat, a six-legged calf, and a two-bodied chicken. The family also tried eating bananas three times a day, leading to a period of banana aversion.

Conclusion

Although the journey came to an end as the father and children had to return to their respective routines, the memories of the adventure, particularly the conversion of the Kombi and the wildlife encounters, are treasures that will last a lifetime. The camping van setup worked perfectly, allowing the family to enjoy a comfortable and adventurous ride through some of the most beautiful places in South Africa.