WE CATCH UP WITH 4 KIDS AND A BUS AS THEY TAKE US ALONG THEIR JOURNEY TO OUDTSHOORN
We hitch a ride with the Van Niekerk family as they explore the area of Oudtshoorn in their converted double-decker bus.
Last year, we met Rheinholdt and Sonja van Niekerk, high school sweethearts who decided to pursue their dream in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Together with their four children, the two teachers converted an old bus into a home and have been traveling across the country ever since. This week, we found out how the freedom of the open road has brought them even closer as a family.
Prior to van life, Rheinholdt and Sonja both taught at a remedial school. The idea to move into the bus however, came after the birth of their twins.
“We went to Bali on holiday and landed up returning pregnant with twins. While Sonja was on maternity leave she was watching a lot of series, and came up with the idea then,” shares Rheinholdt.
It’s no surprise that the couple’s family were shocked by the news. “When we showed our family pictures they thought we were crazy! Our twins are only 3-months old and we were still adjusting to that, and now we’re buying a bus and making this huge project.”
Although life on the road has been a wonderful experience for the family, they have been struck with their fair share of obstacles. From below freezing temperatures, to breaking down in the middle of nowhere, van life is certainly not smooth sailing.
“The hardest thing for me [with] being on the road is definitely the constant change, you don’t always know what to expect,” explains Sonja.
The minor hiccups however, do not outweigh the positives of life on the road for the family as it’s clear that the children are enjoying the experience, just as much as their parents.
For the family, the main priority is educating the children through experiences and we were fortunate to tag along as the family explored one of the most magnificent landmarks in Oudtshoorn – the Cango Caves.
Located in Precambrian limestones at the foothills of the Swartberg range, the Cango Caves stretches a total of 5.3km, making it the largest commercial cave on the African continent.
With its prominent stalagmites and stalactites features, the Cango Caves are considered to be one of the greatest Natural Wonders of the World.
In the Cango Caves, displays of Khoisan are depicted. They were the first inhabitants of the caves, dating back to 80 000 years ago. Today, the Cango Caves is considered to be South Africa’s oldest tourist attraction.
The next destination on our tour was the Cango Wildlife Ranch and Conservation Centre.
In 1986, Andrew and Glenn Eriksen bought the Cango Crocodile Farm. The pair wanted to get more involved in conservation and decided to start helping the crocodile population as well as the endangered cheetah population.
Today, the Cango Wildlife Ranch has become a symbol of education on the plight of endangered species with the ranch expanding to include a number of big cats. Although the originally focussed on the highly endangered cheetah population, the Cango Wildlife Ranch is now home to more than 90 species of animals and reptiles.
“When a family comes to the Cango Wildlife Ranch, we would like them to be placed into a different world,” explains Craig Gouws, Zoological Manager at the Cango Wildlife Ranch, “emersed into an environment where we recognise that we share this planet with all these amazing animals.”
“I feel that experiences like this give the children a far better understanding of the world,” exclaims Sonja.
And what is next for the Van Niekerks? The family is planning on heading towards Cape Town but wherever the road will lead, we wish them good luck.
WATCH THE SEGMENT
CONNECT WITH 4 KIDS AND A BUS
vanniekerksonja.wixsite.com/4kidsandabus
CONNECT WITH CANGO CAVES
www.cango-caves.co.za
CONNECT WITH CANGO WILDLIFE RANCH
www.cango.co.za
