As I pondered the idea, I began to research how many people complete a full Trans-Africa journey,or overland journey with children. A friend of mine told me his story how he and his wife drove from South Africa to Germany in a Land Rover Forward Control. His son adapted perfectly and helped ease the border process as officials recognised them as a family, and not as travelers.
The current list of travelers with kids are:
- 2 Capes 2 Kids (2007)
- Drive to Oz (2008/2009)
- The Big Adventure (2009)
- RSA2UK (2009)
- Overland With Kids (2010)
My thoughts are beginning to evolve, especially now that I have become a dad. Our daughter is still a little young to go off on a Trans-Africa trip however, I do think that it might be possible when she is four or five years old.
Vehicle Choice: Small 4x4 - Land Rover or Toyota
A Land Rover Defender will seat three people up front, however, the cramped driving conditions will be difficult over a longer driving period. If I think back to the bad roads in Angola, having a child sitting next to me would be hazardous due to the constant jolting of the Land Rover.
4x4 Truck
This would be my ideal choice. The front cab area is large enough for three people, plus the rear load area is sufficient for beds, washing facilities and seating area.
The UK second hand market, mainly ex military, offers ex Daf, Bedford and the odd Iveco. A few trips with trucks are listed on The Africa Overland Network.
Back to travelling with kids... I don't have much more to add as I need to research a little more.
More later...
Great to see that the travel spirit lives on,
ReplyDeleteNot sure if the registration is the same in the Uk but in SA the Forward control is registered as a vehicle not a truck, we had to argue the point at most border crossings but always won in the end as it states this in the vehicle documents and carnet, the difference in taxes and "insurance" is huge. I fitted a 300tdi motor and did a few upgrades, true to Landrover nature the forward control is so universal, the size of the ambulance is perfect, not to big and not to small, you can fit everything you need inside the vehicle even a shower and toilet (important for the little one) and still have enough space to move around. Park and go the next morning without having to get out of the vehicle is a big big advantage.
Let me know if you need more info
David,