Family’s six-month trans-SA trek leads them to Amanzimtoti

We all dream about packing it all in and hitting the open road. However, not many of us will ever have the courage of Seth (33) and Cindy Alfino (32) of Cape Town, who loaded their three children – Kyla (9), Riya (8) and Knox (6) – into a 1974 VW camper and hit the road on 1 July to tour Southern Africa.

The Sun met up with them on Thursday, 4 October while they were enjoying the facilities at ATKV Natalia in Illovo Beach.

“I decided we were missing out on spending quality time with our children. Besides visiting Durban for three days during our honeymoon, we haven’t seen much of South Africa,” said Seth, who initially had a tough time convincing Cindy of the merits of his dream.

“I first thought he was crazy,” said Cindy. “We rented out our house and we managed to keep our jobs. Seth is an architect and I am an insurance broker. I needed the security of still having a house to come home to, as well as a job before I would even consider the idea.” Seth works three days a week and Cindy puts in her hours wherever she can find signal.

From Cape Town the family headed along the Garden Route, turning inland to explore Hogsback, at a chilly minus eight degrees. From there, they headed to Lesotho, where they experienced snow for the first time, and the Transkei. They continued onto the KZN Midlands and Durban before making their way to Amanzimtoti.

“Amanzimtoti wasn’t on our map. We did plot a rough route and itinerary before we left but we are flexible. If we like a place, we stay for longer than intended. We stayed at ATKV Drakensville, where people we met told us about Natalia, so we decided to stop over.

The people we have met so far on our journey have been incredible and the Toti people have been the friendliest,” said the couple, who are documenting their experiences with daily blogs and updates on their Instagram and Facebook pages. Connect with them on https://www.3kids2dogsand1oldhouse.co.za/

From Toti they hope to head to Mozambique and central South Africa before winding their way back home in time for Christmas. Then they will pack up for the second leg of their year-long trek, leaving for Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and possibly Swaziland in January.

“We initially planned to only go in the van and I refurbished the back with a bed and kitchenette but we ended up taking Cindy’s Ford Figo with, which has been a blessing because we use it to move around and explore an area when the van is set up at a campsite,” said Seth.

“My worst fear has been breaking down. We have broken down about five times and often in the worst places. I wasn’t mechanically-minded but I had to quickly become. The van’s engine is the original 1974 two-litre. I have learned a lot in the last three months.”

The safety issue would probably be the main reason why many of us would never contempt such a trip, especially with three young children in tow. “I’ve never felt scared anywhere we have been yet. We have been blessed that we have been safe,” said Cindy.

“We look for safe campsites with fun things to do for the children. ATKV has been a gem, especially now that it’s school holidays and there are more children around for our three to socialise with.”

Seth has been home-schooling their children on the trip and their biggest gripe is they miss their grandparents, who they were used to seeing every day back home. The girls also miss their friends and routine but Knox loves his new way of life.

“We don’t regret doing this, we have seen so much already and it has definitely brought our family closer. The children are maturing as little people. Going back to real life will be difficult after this, as we are used to just packing up and going where we want, when we want,” said the couple.