My Adventure Living in South Africa’s One and Only Mk1 Transit Camper Van

When I first set eyes on South Africa’s one and only Mk1 Transit camper van, I was immediately captivated. Its retro charm and the promise of adventure had me hooked from the start. I couldn’t help but envision myself cruising down the open road, embracing the freedom and unpredictability that comes with a life on wheels.

Living in a camper van may not be for everyone, but for those of us with a sense of wanderlust and a willingness to embrace the unknown, it offers a unique and fulfilling way of life. Imagine waking up to the sound of birds chirping and the sun peeking through your windows, knowing that the day ahead is filled with endless possibilities and breathtaking destinations.

Exploring South Africa’s diverse landscapes in my Mk1 Transit camper van has been a journey like no other. From the rugged beauty of the Drakensberg Mountains to the expansive deserts of the Karoo, every day brings a new adventure and a chance to reconnect with nature in its purest form.

But life on the road isn’t just about breathtaking views and picture-perfect moments. It’s about embracing challenges and learning to adapt to a life of simplicity. Living in a small space forces you to prioritize what’s truly important and let go of the excess baggage that weighs you down.

There’s a certain freedom that comes with living in a camper van – the freedom to go wherever your heart desires, to change your plans at a moment’s notice, and to embrace the unexpected twists and turns that life throws your way. It’s a constant reminder that life is meant to be lived, not just observed from a distance.

Of course, life on the road isn’t always easy. It requires careful planning, resourcefulness, and a willingness to go with the flow. But the challenges are always outweighed by the rewards – the feeling of waking up to a new sunrise, the joy of meeting fellow travelers along the way, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from navigating unfamiliar terrain.

So, if you’re looking for an adventure unlike any other, I encourage you to consider life on the road in a camper van. It may not always be glamorous, but it will undoubtedly be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. Embrace the freedom, the simplicity, and the awe-inspiring beauty that South Africa has to offer – and let the open road be your guide.

Listen up! I’ve got an incredible story to share with you. It all started a couple of years ago in Benoni, South Africa. Linda and Craig, two adventurous souls, decided to take a massive risk. They made the bold move of selling everything they owned and transforming an old-school 1968 Mk1 Ford Transit into their very own traveling home. And guess what? They’ve been living this nomadic life ever since, and they have no plans of slowing down.

But let’s talk about Martha, the 53-year-old camper van, before we dive into our travels.

The Famous Transit

The Transit is a famous vehicle in British history. It’s known as the ultimate van and has a reputation for being iconic. Did you know that it was even the preferred getaway ride for bank robbers? That’s because of its powerful V6 engine. Scotland Yard once revealed that the Transit was used in 95% of all bank robberies. Talk about a notorious reputation!

In 1965, I had the pleasure of witnessing the birth of the Transit. It was a remarkable moment, taking place in Berkshire, inside an old ammunitions factory. Little did I know that this car would go on to shape the future of vans.

The Transit quickly became a model for all vans that came after it. Its versatility knew no bounds. It could be used for countless purposes. Imagine a van transporting ice cream, its cold goodness delighting children on a sunny day. Or picture a van big enough to carry an elephant, its majestic presence captivating all who lay eyes on it.

From its humble beginnings, the Transit has proven to be a true game-changer. It has provided a canvas for creativity, enabling people to explore new ventures and transport goods with ease. Its impact continues to ripple through time, setting the stage for a whole new generation of vans.

When the Mk1 was first launched, it cost a little over £542 (which would be about £10,000 or R202,845 today). It was produced for ten years, making the initial edition very rare. In 1967, Sprite Caravans decided to enter the motorhome market with the help of the new Ford Transit.

This collaboration between Ford and Sprite Caravans led to the creation of a luxurious motorhome with built-in amenities like a shower, toilet, and the option of a fridge or oven. At the time of its release, this motorhome came with a price tag of £3,800, making it the most expensive one in the world.

There were only three Sprite Ford Transit camper vans imported to South Africa, and Martha is the only one known to still be in the country out of the remaining six in the world.

Meeting Martha

By the way, when Craig and Linda made their trip to Klerksdorp to buy the van, they had no idea about Martha’s background. They completely renovated the inside, sold their house, and got rid of all their possessions in preparation for their adventure, which unfortunately began right before the Covid pandemic hit.

“Once we sold everything, we were left with no choice but to set up a tent as storage and use our van as a makeshift bedroom,” Craig shared with MzansiBride. “We had so much stuff to get rid of, it was overwhelming.” However, they managed to overcome these challenges by downsizing their belongings to just three pairs of pants and shirts each, along with a few essential kitchen utensils. Surprisingly, they found that this minimalistic lifestyle provided them with everything they truly needed.

I created a Facebook group called ‘Ford-in Transit,’ where I regularly post updates of my travels, and discovered a community that would prove invaluable in a time of need. When I found myself staying near the Drakensberg one night, the rain started pouring.

The old van started to leak, and I had to use every pot, cup, and bowl to try and catch the water leaking into my home. One of my followers, John Knighton, shipped a sheet for me to put over my van when it rained.

He wasn’t the only one. Many others were also inspired by my story, and a company called Trevor’s Tyres gave me a new set of tires. Jonnesway Tools gifted me a toolkit to keep up with all the maintenance on my van.

So, there I was, at the Ford Straundale assembly plant, getting my car serviced. Ford themselves were pretty intrigued by my presence and decided to give me full access to all their service centers across South Africa. Pretty cool, right?

Now, let me tell you about Craig and Linda. These two have been traveling all over South Africa, while the rest of us were stuck inside. They even found a clever way to transport alcohol by technically storing their six-pack in the fridge on their own property. Talk about a loophole!

On their journey, my friends and I have stayed in some pretty unusual spots. We’ve parked our RV in casino lots and even in the driveways of generous people we’ve met. But the most amazing part has been the incredible people we’ve met and the sense of belonging we’ve found in this close-knit community. It’s truly priceless.

Join me on Linda and Craig’s incredible adventure!

Photographs: Linda and Craig Evans

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