Zimba and I have traveled an estimated 20000 km on our last adventure throughout Southern Africa. We went from South Africa into Mozambique, then into Malawi, entered Zambia and into Botswana, and ended up in Namibia.

This round trip from the Indian Ocean, through mountains, Savanah, and desert to the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast took roundabout 6 months travel time. It was a hell of a journey. This 1996 Landcruiser 80 series tackled insane terrain and never let me down.

Well, apart from that one time at band camp. That was 6 years ago.

Zimba has been grazing on Pieter’s farm ever since and covered a mere 800 km in that time, just to keep him moving. He wasn’t quite fit for our upcoming adventure. Zimba needed a thorough check-up on mechanical and electrical parts, which was handled before my arrival by Pieter and a brilliant young car mechanic by the name of JC. The two of them spent days replacing and greasing all moving parts, changed filters and worn components, and rejuvenated this zebra for another gallop through the African Savana. What an effort.

This 28-year-old zebra shows signs of wear and tear. But his heart is beating as strong as ever.

Now it was the interior that could use a makeover. The first step was to de-dust this zebra wagon.

Fine dust from the Kalahari and Malawian highlands needed to be sucked up by an industrial hoover. There was still plenty to be found. Then I began my master’s degree in duct-taping holes and crevasses.

I won’t be able to keep all the dust out but every Sandkorn that doesn’t get in is a win. Then we bought wood.

Pieter had an idea, the know-how, and the tools to build a drawer system onto Zimba’s back.

With the help of son Ruhan and mechanical engineer JC, the platform was quickly installed.

A drawer system at the back.

And a folding door system further upfront.

A plastic drawer system was secured on the upper side, along with a camping fridge and chilly bin. Choice, broo.

Pieter even mounted a solar recharging system onto the wooden platform. Who woodnt know?

The tent canvas was cactus and had holes that weren’t deductable. The canvas itself was worn out and had run thin.

Pieter just so happens to have a spare rooftop tent, purchased with a suitable camping trailer at an auction. Neighbor Hannes came along to help us four replace the canvas tent.

We lured him over with braai, brannewein, and coke. I don’t think he is falling for this trick again. JC was happy to help just as well. In fact, everyone who lent a helping hand or two was happy to pitch in. It was an electric atmosphere.

Project Zimba grew and grew. Neighbor Lynette crafted some handy carry bags, which are mounted behind the driver’s seat, on the dashboard, and saddle bags over the gearshift arm.

These are perfect for storing and organizing little things you need whilst driving in spaces unreserved. A number of smaller items were changed or added. It is those little things that make the big difference.

A new radio and antenna were installed. The window wiping tubes were replaced as fine dust blocked them and harsh sun dried them out. The back door handle had similar issues and Pieter and JC reconstructed and handled the movement area.

The Max-Trax boards found a permanent place on Zimba’s left flank. This makes it so much easier to access when needed. Hopefully, I won’t need them. Rain will wash them clean again.

The spare tyre on the roof rack was refurbished and tightened with bolts. A spare diesel Jerry fits the gap just nicely. Before adding the spare part toolbox.

The kangaroo jack found a permanent halt on Zimba’s right flank. All items were secured with padlocks to keep the sticky fingers off Zimba’s back.

Phew, what an effort. Simply perfect.

What did I do? I helped as much as I could and kept the spirits up high by making coffee baking fresh bread, and even pizza for lunch.

These are my specialties.

Zee Ben had a wee facelift just as well. Dizziness, headaches, lack of concentration, etc have been bothering me for quite some time now. I realized a year ago, that my sinuses are blocked and cause me this imbalance in my body and soul. Long story short, Dr. Nel opened them up here in Newcastle for half the prize it would have cost me in daring Australia. My advice! Check your sinuses and if you need them to be done, fly to South Africa and have a holiday afterwards.

With Zimba’s and my head gasket checked and overhauled, all pumps and pipes are running on full steam. Or in Pieter’s words: ‘The nose is okay, but the head is still crazy’.

We are both ready to tackle the world once more.

Zee Zimba Zebraconstrution gives the two of us the best possible start for our upcoming adventure.

I can’t thank Pieter, JC, Ruhan, and Uncle Hannes enough for their extraordinary efforts and dedication.

But I did. There is only so much coffee one can drink!

Now I needed to pack Zimba with something borrowed and something blue, something old and something new.

And off we go towards the sun and wherever our spirit will take us.