Since COVID, there has been a huge increase in the number of Europeans and Americans choosing to travel and even live in a converted campervan or other mobile homes. The so-called #vanlife is becoming a huge trend. Does it have as much potential for growth in South Africa? It seems so.
Many people are choosing this nomadic, minimalistic lifestyle as a holiday option to explore a destination, but others are choosing to live in a van permanently.
Barend Smit, Marketing Director of MotorHappy, a supplier of motor management solutions and car insurance options, says there are two key reasons why the uptake in ‘van life’ might be a little slower in South Africa. ‘We have obvious security concerns. Simply parking on the side of the road, called ‘wild camping’, is risky – and, in fact, illegal in South Africa.
‘You’re not allowed to park on the side of the road here. This means you would need to book into caravan parks or campsites, or other types of establishments, all of which drive up expenses and make this type of lifestyle a little less accessible here than it is in Europe or America.’
But there are travellers who make it work and have never looked back. We even interviewed some of them.
READ: Now this is the (van) life – nomads who live on the road
‘Living on the road long-term or planning extended road trips has become a very real possibility now that many jobs are remote. All you really need is a good internet connection and a power supply – and, of course, a reliable source of income,’ says Smit.
There’s a wide variety of vehicle options, but if you opt for a combi-type of van, you will need a conversion kit, or you could do a custom build. Beware though, a custom build is not always the cheapest option, and it would only really be handy if you were skilled in DIY.
Vans usually have basic facilities for cooking, washing and sleeping.
Naturally, this lifestyle comes with its own benefits and drawbacks. Travellers have freedom and flexibility, and many have said they find peace in scaling down on their number of possessions.
READ: Life on the road in SA’s only known Mk1 Transit camper van
However, people who live on the go will need a remote job or work for themselves, and the rising cost of fuel doesn’t help. There are often also practical challenges like finding ablution facilities if your van does not have a bathroom. Other challenges might be the lack of community and not being close to friends and family.
READ: Another travelling couple that decided to hit the road
Properly maintaining your campervan or mobile home while on the road is also something to keep in mind. Good maintenance prevents breakdowns, minimising the risk of being stranded. Regular maintenance costs are much more affordable than repair costs, and it extends the lifespan of your vehicle. Ultimately, your van will have a higher resale value.
Ultimately, those who have tried and tested the #vanlife say they have no regrets, and that the pros of hitting the road, meeting people along the way and experiencing all the country has to offer, far outweigh the cons.
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