Why We Decided to Embark on the Van Life Journey
Life is a journey, and the most important part isn’t the destination but the adventure itself. Looking back, we realised that the most meaningful moments were all the experiences along the way.
We wanted to hit the open road, wander at our own pace, experience the freedom of living a Van life Journey, and go wherever the road leads. No plans, just going with the flow and embracing whatever each day brings.
I tend to get overly eager about new adventures, and sometimes those flashes of inspiration fade quickly — but the dream of travelling like a gypsy with our four-legged friend never left. Living in a small house on wheels has been a delightful experience and a dream come true. So here’s how it all started.
How Our Van Life Journey Started
Born with the Wanderlust gene, I constantly dreamt about hitting the open road, you know – like a gypsy – with my four-legged furry friend/s beside me. This idea never left me!
Hubby began sharing my dream after watching Expedition Happiness, a documentary where Felix Starck and Selima Taibi quit their 9-to-5 jobs, buy an old bus, and transform it into their home. They travel the world with their dog and live on their terms. It was so inspiring that I couldn’t get it out of my mind.
A few days later, I realised that my hubby, Johan, shared the same spark when I noticed him browsing ads for cargo vans and buses! That’s when I knew he also longed for a Van Life Journey. I was on fire with excitement! Shortly after, I drove past a yard with a beautiful old blue Ford school bus parked among other vintage cars. I turned around, took photos, and imagined it as our motorhome. Though I loved it instantly, Johan was more practical — concerned about rusted floors, hard-to-find engine parts, and campsite accessibility.
Our requirements were precise. We wanted an extra-high roof, an extra-long wheelbase Van, and something in good condition, even if it wasn’t brand new.
After months of searching, we found an ad for an extra-long, extra-high Ford Transit Cargo Van. It was more than 1,000 km away, but we were convinced after reviewing photos, videos, and a full service record.
Because of its height, the van couldn’t be transported by truck, so someone had to drive it to Pretoria. And so began the challenge of our Van Life Journey.
🚐 Our Ford Transit Cargo Van
Transforming Wandering Nomad into our tiny home on wheels was exciting! Hubby Johan did almost everything himself — from installing windows, tiling, a shower, and a toilet, to completing the full interior conversion — except for the electrical installation, which we wisely left to a professional for safety reasons.
We still have our house with a large garden, and we appreciate the freedom to hit the road in our self-contained home whenever we want.
👉 Read about our Van Conversion process and see how our Cargo Van became a beautiful home on wheels — a project that truly became a dream come true.
The Benefits of Travelling in a Van
A Van Life Journey offers countless rewards:
- Freedom to travel and explore on your schedule
- A more profound connection with nature and the outdoors
- More quality time together
- Living off-grid with independence
- A more affordable way to travel
- The ability to stop when and where you want
- Working remotely while exploring
- Cooking fresh meals anywhere
- A private off-grid bathroom and kitchen
- Sleeping comfortably in your own bed
- Bringing your beloved pets along — especially our little Dashuri!
Considering A Van Life Journey
Van life isn’t for everyone, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. We love our Campervan and the freedom it gives us. It’s a minimalist lifestyle that takes time and thought to embrace — very different from traditional living.
We cherish time at home in our large garden with our dogs, Rosy and Dashuri, and our cat, Renaldo. There’s no right or wrong way to live this lifestyle — it’s about the journey, not the destination.
Curious if van life is for you? 👇
See Our House on Wheels – Our Campervan Conversion Story
Being on the open road reveals life’s small wonders — a bee on a flower, a sunset over the mountains, or the gentle sound of rain on the roof. These moments bring peace and energy that city life rarely does.
Every journey allows us to discover more places and experience more of life’s wonders.
Why Would Anyone Choose Vanlife?
There are many reasons people embrace Vanlife beyond the adventure:
- Fewer responsibilities and a simpler lifestyle
- Freedom from routine and more time for self-discovery
- The chance to see new places without being tied down
- Time to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with nature
- A slower, more mindful pace of life
- Spiritual nourishment for the mind
Our First Motorhome Voyage
When Johan completed our van conversion, we took our first test trip to Kyleu Bushcamp — a beautiful off-grid spot without electricity or water.
It was the perfect place to try everything… and laugh about our first “problem”: discovering our coffee machine didn’t like solar power!
That weekend marked the true beginning of our Van Life Journey.
👉 Read about our first long trip – a three-week journey along the Eastern Cape.
Where to Overnight in a Van
In South Africa, safety is crucial. You can’t just park anywhere overnight — staying in official caravan parks or campsites is safest. Even then, always be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Finding secure, peaceful places to rest makes every trip more enjoyable.
👉 Read our essential Travel Tips and Safety Guide for South Africa before you hit the road.
Follow Our Van Life Adventures
If you’ve enjoyed reading about our journey, don’t stop here! Check out more of our adventures and tips for life on the road:
🚐 Our Van Building Journey
🌼 Vanlife Journey through Namaqualand
🏕️ Overnight Places in the Cederberg
🌿 Vanlife Journey along the Midlands
🌅 Vanlife Journey to Augrabies Falls
🌍 Outdoor Adventure Blog
📍 Where to Park app
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Yes, but only part of it a few years back. I wish I have more time to travel.
Only part of it, but it’s on one of our many lists :-). Any places you highly recommend, I would love to hear about it.
Have you done West Coast?
Thank you so much. Same blessings to you. Let’s keep in touch.
GREAT! great ! GREAT! go live your life .now , not tomorrow. God Bless your journeys .