There’s something nostalgic and magical about a family road trip. It’s more than merely packing bags, buckling seatbelts and hitting the open road for several hours of uninterrupted family time. It’s about creating memories while embracing the unexpected, because as you might imagine, a lot can happen when you decide to load four families into cars for the long and scenic drive to the Kruger Park. The Easter period, when the long weekend combines with school holidays, is the perfect time for such a trip.

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In our family, this has always been a tradition that I’ve looked forward to at this time of year. We love road trips; they are an affordable way to see our beautiful country, combined with all the privacy and comfort of doing so in your family car. The laughs, the luscious Limpopo landscapes, and the wonderful stops along the way with a happy reward of a sighting of the Big Five at our final destination. I also love the mid-April timing: the weather in this part of the country is still warm, but not as scorching hot as it is in the summer months.

Planning an Easter road trip

Planning a family road trip starts long before the wheels hit the road. The destination remains the same each year; our family has done this for 20 years and we are yet to tire of it. With every addition of a new family member, it becomes such a treat to experience it through
their excited, fresh eyes. The rules for a successful trip are simple, but must be followed to the absolute letter. First on the list is a thorough safety check of the car: the tyres, lights, etc. You know the deal. Packing is its own adventure. Then, it’s ensuring everyone has all devices charged and bladders drained, games and a solid playlist. We also check that there is a Bible and a prayer warrior in each car (I come from a very religious family, so any minor hiccup calls for hands lifted in prayer) should the need arise. And of course, there is the mofago *, or padkos.

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Mofago a.k.a Padkos

Perhaps the very best part of the trip is packing food for the journey, complete with favourite snacks and delicious home-made sandwiches. The family WhatsApp group is always abuzz during the week leading up to our departure as everyone puts in their “requests”. The snacks are easy enough: I just pop into my local Woolies and shop like I’m stocking up for a party.

As for the sandwiches, a perennial favourite – as voted for in the family group chat – is, hands down, my pulled gochujang lamb hot cross bun sarmies. Think deliciously spicy, slow-cooked lamb, with a hint of honey for sweetness, combined with the freshness of rocket and some tzatziki to counter the heat of the gochujang. All this stuffed into the beloved hot cross bun. It may sound crazy, but they are so good. This has long been mine and my mom’s contribution to the annual road trip. We pack big baskets for each of the cars, and by doing so, dodge the designated driver list. A win is a win. And then we hit the road...

Mogau's lamb hot cross bun sandwiches recipe