This is the Good Life: Meet the Nomads Who Call the Road Home

Hey there! Imagine a life filled with adventure and freedom. A life where you wake up every day to a new city or a breathtaking landscape. Sounds amazing, right? Well, there are people who have chosen to live exactly like that – they are called nomads.

Nomads are individuals who have decided to make the road their permanent address. They are not bound by the traditional notion of home. Instead, they create a sense of belonging wherever they go. How do they do it? Let me tell you.

First, nomads embrace the unknown. They thrive on unpredictability and see it as an opportunity for growth. They understand that each day brings new experiences and challenges, and they eagerly welcome them. It’s all about living in the present moment and making the most of what life throws their way.

Second, nomads are skilled at adapting. They have honed their ability to make any place feel like home. Whether they are sleeping in a cozy van or setting up camp in a remote location, they can create a comfortable and welcoming space wherever they land. They have learned to rely on their resourcefulness and creativity to make the most of their surroundings.

But living on the road isn’t always easy. Nomads face unique challenges that come with a nomadic lifestyle. They have to constantly search for places to stay, find reliable sources of income, and navigate unfamiliar territories. It’s a lifestyle that requires resilience, flexibility, and a willingness to step out of their comfort zones.

Despite the challenges, nomads wouldn’t have it any other way. They have discovered a profound sense of freedom and fulfillment in their nomadic lifestyle. They have learned to appreciate the simple joys of life and have formed deep connections with people and places along their journey.

So, if you’re drawn to the idea of a life on the road, I encourage you to explore the nomadic lifestyle. It may not be for everyone, but for those who are willing to embrace the unknown and adapt to new surroundings, it can be an incredibly rewarding way to live.

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

What could be better than the feeling of complete freedom, with everything you need right behind you and an endless road waiting ahead? I talked to three van owners to get their take on this incredible experience.

Hi, I’m Etienne Swanepoel!

My Amazing 1975 VW Kombi Type 2 Adventure

I am so excited to tell you about my incredible VW Kombi Type 2. I bought this beauty right after Lockdown last year. It was love at first sight! I immediately knew I was in for a grand adventure.

Once I got my hands on it, I wanted to make some modifications to turn it into the ultimate adventure machine. Thanks to the amazing team at 4×4 Megaworld, my van received a dual-battery system, spotlights, work lights, and adapters. These additions ensured that my fridge would keep running and all my gear could be easily charged. It was like having my very own portable paradise!

After my first trip in the van, I had a brilliant idea. Why not take out the back seats and transform it into a cozy one-bedroom unit? That’s exactly what I did. Now my van has a mini kitchen, a work space, and even a comfy double bed. It’s like having my own tiny home on wheels!

Every time I step into my VW Kombi Type 2, I feel a surge of excitement. It’s not just a van; it’s a vessel that takes me on incredible journeys. Whether I’m exploring rugged terrains or cruising along peaceful coastlines, this van never fails to ignite my sense of adventure.

The freedom and flexibility that my van provides are truly unmatched. I have the freedom to go wherever my heart desires and the flexibility to change my plans on a whim. It’s a feeling that can’t be replicated.

So, if you’re looking for a vehicle that offers endless possibilities, look no further than the 1975 VW Kombi Type 2. It’s not just a van; it’s a ticket to a world of unforgettable adventures. Trust me, once you experience the joy of traveling in this beauty, you’ll be hooked!

One of my favorite things about my van is that I can pick from three different places to sleep, depending on the weather. I have the option of sleeping on the roof rack, hanging my hammock on the side of the van, or inside. I absolutely love having “my home” with me wherever I go and not having to worry about finding a place to stay. It’s also a great way to start conversations and meet interesting people. However, it does require a lot of maintenance. If you’re someone who enjoys adventure, I would definitely recommend it. Just make sure to plan your trip ahead of time and set up your vehicle to meet your specific needs.

My Creative Spice Rack

So, I had this brilliant idea to make the most out of what I already had. I wanted to put together a spice rack for my kitchen, but instead of buying something new, I decided to recycle old materials. I had some wood offcuts lying around, and instead of throwing them away, I thought I could put them to good use.

Here’s what I did:

I took those wood offcuts and got to work. I attached some recycled glass jar lids to them, creating a simple but functional solution. Now, I can screw the jars onto the wood pieces, and voila! I have a spice rack. It’s not only practical but also keeps everything in place even when I’m driving around.

Isn’t it amazing how you can find a clever solution by repurposing things you would otherwise throw away? It’s like turning trash into treasure! I love the idea of being resourceful and finding new purposes for old stuff.

Imagine the possibilities! You can create your own unique designs and solutions by thinking outside the box. It’s not just about saving money or being eco-friendly, although those are great benefits. It’s about using your creativity to elevate everyday objects into something extraordinary.

If you’re someone who loves a good DIY project, this is right up your alley. Give it a try and see what you can come up with. You might surprise yourself with what you can create!

My Home Office for CreativityWhen I’m traveling as a professional photographer and videographer, I need a workstation that can keep up with my editing needs. That’s why I designed a unique setup that meets all my requirements. Let me share it with you.

First, I have a special platform where I can place my equipment. To create more space when I’m not working, all I have to do is unhook the attached rope, and the platform folds away. It’s a simple yet effective solution that allows me to maximize my workspace.

Next, I made sure there’s a 220-volt plug installed at my workstation. This is crucial because I rely on electronic equipment to carry out my editing tasks, and having a dedicated power source ensures that everything runs smoothly. No more worrying about running out of battery or struggling with multiple adapters!

Whether I’m on the go or stationary, my workstation is adaptable to my needs. It’s designed to provide a seamless editing experience, no matter where my creativity takes me.

My Stove and Kettle Combo
So, here’s the deal. I’ve got this awesome gas stove, the Cadac (you can find it for R489 on takealot.com) and trust me, it’s a lifesaver. Then, I’ve got this cool kettle that I bought from an outdoor store for R239 (you can find it at campcraft.co.za). The best part is, when I need to cook something up, all I have to do is pull open the drawer and voila! I’m all set to make a delicious pasta or a hearty breakfast. It’s super convenient and perfect for my outdoor adventures.

I have found that an axe can be quite useful for chopping firewood. In fact, I drive around with it attached to a piece of elastic rope.

Have you ever tried sandboarding?

It’s something I discovered on a trip to the Eastern Cape. I ventured to Gamtoos River Mouth and decided to give it a shot. Now, whenever I find myself at the coast, I’m always on the lookout for some beautiful sand dunes to indulge in this adrenaline-fueled adventure again.

Dee Gregory and Alan Paterson

Alan Paterson 1974 VW Kombi Type 2 ‘Winston’

“When my wife and I decided to buy Winston in 2015, we knew we were in for a project. Our goal was to explore the beautiful lighthouses scattered across the country – a challenge that excited both of us. Since then, we’ve had the pleasure of visiting around six or seven lighthouses so far. Despite its lack of fuel efficiency, which is not surprising given its box-like shape, Winston has become an integral part of our weekend adventures. Whether it’s a trip to the beach or a day at the races in Killarney, this classic beauty never fails to impress.

Winston may not be our daily driver, but he is perfect for those special occasions – a delightful picnic, an exciting day at the races, or a memorable camping trip. It’s amazing how a simple car like Winston can elevate our experiences and create lasting memories.”

Hey there! Winston the Kombi is quite the star wherever I go. People are always curious and eager to have a look at him and bombard me with questions. It’s incredible how many folks, particularly the older generation, can relate to him. Seems like everyone has had a Kombi in their lives or knows someone who has. The mere sight of Winston, with his British charm and well-preserved condition, never fails to grab attention. Whenever I’m cruising down the road, I can count on people honking their horns or giving a thumbs up. It’s delightful to see the joy he brings to people’s faces.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, Winston is definitely a he, not a she. Just wanted to clear that up!

If you’re interested, Winston is also available for photoshoots. You can find him on Instagram at @Winstonthekombi. So, why not give him a follow?

I just have to tell you about the amazing pop top roof

‘You won’t believe the difference it makes in your camping experience. When I first heard about the pop-top roof, I couldn’t contain my excitement! The idea of having an extra two feet of space and the freedom to stand and move around easily while cooking or changing sounded incredible. It’s like having an instant upgrade to your camper van!

Picture this: you’re on a camping trip and it starts raining. You’re stuck inside your van, feeling cramped and confined. But with a pop-top roof, everything changes. Suddenly, you have the ability to stand up and stretch your legs. You can move around freely, without feeling like you’re in a sardine can. It’s a game-changer!

Not only does the pop-top roof add space, but it also elevates your camping experience. Imagine waking up in the morning and being able to sit up in bed, with sunlight streaming through the open roof. It’s like being one with nature!

And if you’re worried about the practicality of a pop-top roof, don’t be. It’s designed with convenience in mind. The roof easily opens and closes, allowing you to switch between the open-air feeling and a closed-off, weatherproof space. Plus, it’s made with durable materials that can withstand the elements.

So, if you’re in the market for a camper van upgrade, consider the pop-top roof. Trust me, you won’t regret it. The extra space, freedom, and connection to nature are worth every penny. Your camping adventures will never be the same!

Check out this awesome stove!

This stove is called a single plate induction cooker, and it’s pretty cool. Instead of using coils or gas to heat your food, it uses a special kind of magic called induction. Basically, it creates a magnetic field that heats up your pots and pans directly. No flames or red-hot elements involved!

One really neat thing about this stove is that it can only be used with certain types of cookware. It works with pots and pans that are made of iron or other magnetic materials. So, if you have some fancy non-magnetic cookware, this stove won’t work for you.

This stove is super efficient, too. The manufacturers say that it uses up to 56% less energy than a regular stove. That means you can cook your favorite meals while saving the planet!

And the best part? This stove can even be used with an inverter. So, if you’re out camping or in a place without electricity, you can still enjoy a hot meal. It’s like having a portable kitchen with you wherever you go.

So if you’re in the market for a new stove, this single plate induction cooker might be just what you’re looking for. It’s sleek, it’s energy-efficient, and it can work in almost any situation. Give it a try and see how it can make your cooking experience even better!

Huge Fan
‘I absolutely love Winston’s air-conditioning unit. It keeps the car cool and comfortable, even though I still like having the windows open for fresh air.’

Bed
Did you know that the seats in this piece of furniture have a secret hidden feature? They can actually transform into a bed! Isn’t that amazing? All you need to do is use the legs that are cleverly stored underneath, and voila! You have a comfortable bed to sleep on. And the best part is, it’s big enough for both of us. So whether you want to relax and take a nap or have a good night’s sleep, this bed has got you covered.

Cupboards
So, I brought in some experts to handle the motor, but I took charge of the interiors: the panels, vinyl, and curtains. It was quite a project, and it took us around a year to complete. Now, Winston is fully equipped with lights, a spacious three-meter gazebo, and all the camping gear neatly stored inside. All we need to do is pack some clothes and food, and we’ll be all set for our adventure.

About Craig Day and Chantelle Ashford

The Story of the 1978 Jurgens VW Autovilla

“Hey there! We’re Craig Day and Chantelle Ashford, and we’ve got quite the tale to tell about our beloved 1978 Jurgens VW Autovilla. We stumbled upon this gem back in 2015, when we bought it from a retired hippie in Richards Bay. Can you believe it? We’ve been on quite the adventure ever since!

First things first – when we got our hands on this beauty, we knew it needed some serious TLC. We stripped it down to its bones, fixing every bit of rust we could find. The outer skin got a makeover too – we wanted our Autovilla to shine on the outside just as much as it did on the inside.

Ah, the interior. Now that was a challenge! We worked day and night to transform it into something that suited us perfectly. And boy, did we succeed! But the best part? Whenever we hit the road, people can’t help but be drawn to our bus. It’s like a magnetic force. We’ve had curious souls follow us for miles, begging to take pictures and learn about its history.

And let me tell you, our bed is always made! Why? Because everyone wants a peek inside. There’s just something about this South African icon that captivates people. We’re so proud to keep it on the road and share our incredible journey with anyone who’s interested.

So there you have it, our story with the 1978 Jurgens VW Autovilla. It’s been one heck of a ride, and we wouldn’t trade it for anything. We invite you to join us on this remarkable adventure!”

‘I don’t have any fancy features like ABS, airbags, air-conditioning, or a built-in computer, but I absolutely love my Autovilla. My kids and I have so much fun on our road trips. We cozy up on the bed and watch movies while we travel to our different destinations. It’s like our own little movie theater on wheels! And the best part is that we can get everything set up in just 10 minutes when we arrive at our campsite. The adventure starts as soon as we step into the Autovilla.’

‘We decided to swap out the engine for a Toyota 4Y engine because it’s easier to find spare parts for it, especially if we want to drive up to Europe someday. Our ultimate goal is to take the van all the way to Europe and explore different countries. The longest trip we’ve taken so far was from Johannesburg to Cape Town, then through Namibia, Botswana, and up to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. We even made it to Malawi! We spent a total of 45 nights in the van on that journey. Every December, we also spend three weeks in Jeffreys Bay. In total, we’ve spent over 200 nights in our Autovilla.’

Me
“Can you believe that there were only about 1,000 Jurgens Autovillas ever made? And get this – they were made exclusively in South Africa! These campervans have become so popular that people all over the world are importing them. It’s amazing to see how much love and effort people put into restoring and taking care of them. Every year, we have a big Autovilla campout at the Volksie Museum in Bloemfontein. It’s such a fun event where we get to show off our hard work and admire each other’s beautiful campervans.”

Storage
When I first got the van, there was a separate area for showering and washing up. But I had a different idea in mind – I wanted to be able to sleep in the van and have all the cooking and showering happen outside. So, I decided to turn that room into something more useful: a fridge and freezer. Now, it runs on both 12 and 220 volts, which means that it can keep my drinks cold while I’m driving and even plug into the power at a campsite. In the future, I plan to install solar panels on the roof to make it even more self-sufficient.

Bed
You might be wondering what kind of bed to choose for your camping adventures. Well, let me tell you about the double bed, which is the standard option. It’s perfect for two people to sleep comfortably. But here’s the best part – there’s also a smaller bed on top that’s specially designed for kids! It’s like having a built-in bunk bed for the little ones.

Now, here’s where it gets even more interesting. Some people have come up with a clever idea. Instead of using the top bed for sleeping, they’ve turned it into a storage area for all their camping gear. How cool is that? They can keep everything they need up there, like tents, cooking equipment, and more. It’s like having a little storage room right in their camper van.

But what about when the kids come along? Well, these smart campers have thought of that too. They simply take all the gear off the top bed and put it on some customized roof racks. These racks can hold not just camping equipment, but also fuel, water, and even a spare wheel. They’ve really maximized the space in their camper van to accommodate both their sleeping arrangements and their gear.

So, if you’re in the market for a new camper van bed, consider the double bed with the bonus top bed for kids. You can use it for sleeping or turn it into a handy storage area. It’s a versatile option that will make your camping trips even more enjoyable and organized. Happy camping!

Outdoor equipment“Setting up and breaking down our camp is a breeze, taking just 10 minutes each way. That’s why they call it a snail; we carry our home on our backs.”