Kombi Nation Tours recovers and refurbishes abandoned VW Kombi vans in Uganda, for use as slightly odd but very cool touring vehicles.
courtesy Will Boase
Meet the team —
From left to right, Piglet, The Dude and Beatrice (or Betty) have been reincarnated as touring vans, having led previous lives as a tool shed, chicken hutch and ambulance, respectively.
courtesy Will Boase
Sparked back to life —
The three Kombis are vintage vehicles from the 1970s and have been refurbished and refitted by the team's mechanic, Fred Seruwo. He also doubles as tour guide and driver for the company.
courtesy Will Boase
Shore excursion —
The Dude tours Lake Victoria on Bugala Island.
courtesy Will Boase
Touring trail —
To experience a savannah safari as well as gorillas, chimpanzees and tree-climbing lions, Kombi Nation Tours director Rachel Landman recommends a 10-day "Best of the West" tour for first-time visitors to Uganda.
courtesy Will Boase
Waterfall way —
The tours take in waterfalls, such as this one along Wanale Ridge, Mount Elgon.
courtesy Will Boase
Hardy wheels —
Many Kombis were used as taxis and buses in Uganda before being retired around 2000 due to the expenses associated with maintenance. "Children run to them in the village. Old men wave and ... take off their hats!" says Landman.
courtesy Will Boase
Not entirely risk-free —
Not all Kombi fans think the vehicle is suited to Africa's terrain. "I believe there are more appropriate vehicles for touring this part of the world," says Californian and Kombi owner Gary Garfield.
courtesy Will Boase
Scenic voyage —
Queen Elizabeth National Park (pictured) is home to the tree-climbing lion.
courtesy Rachel Landman
Memory van —
Volkswagen shut down the last facility making the vans (in Brazil) on the last day of 2013. "Many of the clients that we attract are from that 'nostalgia market,'" says Landman.
courtesy Will Boase
Still going strong —
Kombi Nation Tours say its current Kombis could run for another 40 years.
