1. IT’S GREAT FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING
We all know that being in a large crowd of people is the worst thing to do when trying to avoid the Coronavirus. Luckily, the South African Karoo, the Higveld and the Lowveld plus rural areas do not have many people at all. Most locals live in the cities such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban among others, while during the outbreak, there will be even fewer travelers outside the cities. And speaking of cities, if you live in one, you are surrounded by LOTS of people. Traveling around South Africa will get you out of the city and, more importantly, away from the elderly and highest-risk population. Just make sure that your travel partner is healthy when you cuddle with them at night but if you’re traveling solo you can be as isolated as you want!
A view of the Amphitheatre in the Kwazulu-Natal Drakensberg of South Africa
2. CORONAVIRUS IS EXPENSIVE, #VANLIFE IS CHEAP
Coronavirus is hitting the stock market hard and it’s looking like we’re heading into another recession. Even if your business or salary won’t take a direct hit, chances are that your wallet will suffer in some way or another. Maybe you’re way over your toilet paper budget or maybe you’re worried about your retirement fund losing lots of value. Either way, renting a camper can save you some significant money when traveling throughout South Africa. Sure, parts of South Africa can be expensive to begin with but instead of renting expensive hotel rooms or buying expensive camping equipment, you can at least combine your transportation and lodging in a simple campervan and save you both some headaches and hard-earned dollars.
3. SOUTH AFRICA IS LOW RISK
South Africa is not considered a high-risk area and chances are that your country is riskier in terms of contracting the Coronavirus. Not only are you unlikely to get the virus in South Africa, but South Africa is also attractive for other reasons. For example, we were one of the first countries to declare a State of Disaster (A State of Emergency with lockdowns, etc. to follow soon) and our government has taken a pro-active approach to containing and ‘flattening the growth curve’ of the virus. In the unlikely event that you do catch the Coronavirus, South Africa has one of the best private healthcare systems on the continent. You will be in good hands.
4. STAY MENTALLY STRONG
You can isolate in your house, reading depressing news all day, eating junk food, and feeling sorry for yourself OR you could create unforgettable memories in the desolate South African nature. The reason I’m arguing for the second option is that it will be much better for your mental state. Be inspired, spend quality time with yourself or your travel partner, and re-energize on the road.
5. STAY ACTIVE
Related to the point above, staying physically healthy is crucial. Social distancing and self-isolation can lead to lots of hours sitting on the couch or laying in bed. Why not stay physically active during the pandemic, hiking trails, cooking healthy meals in the van, and exploring the African nature. Remember, self-isolation doesn’t have to be inside. Unspoiled nature is perhaps the safest place to be in times like these.
What do you say? Are you as optimistic as I am or am I the only one who’s feeling like escaping this crazy situation and going on a campervan road trip in South Africa? Let me know in the comments.
Of course it goes without saying that I’m not suggesting that you shouldn’t worry about the Coronavirus at all. Like I mentioned in the introduction, it’s a serious issue that should be taken seriously. So if you decide to travel to or within South Africa in the next few weeks, please take all the precautions, especially when you’re forced to be around other people, such as at the airport and inner cities.
Back