How a British expat turned a Land Rover into a luxury home ahead of a ‘mammoth’ road trip across Africa

A British expat has converted a Land Rover into a mobile home with a double bed and an indoor shower.

It’s all in preparation for a gigantic road trip across Africa, with the 4×4, nicknamed ‘the beast’, making its home for at least eight months when it sets off in February.

Katrina Smith, 55, spent around £50,000 modifying the ‘landie’ and claims it’s the only vehicle of its kind with built-in hot and cold running water.

It also has a kitchenette with a gas hob, fridge and freezer.

The Alhaurín el Grande resident installed a pop-up tent on the roof, providing a double bed at one end, while inside there is a second double bed and a hammock positioned horizontally on the front seats.

The retired mechanic even went to the trouble of installing a removable steering wheel, so she had more room to stretch out in the hammock.

Smith will travel with her friend Nicole Taylor and begin her trip to Africa from the port of Algeciras on February 5.

From there, they will board a ferry to Morocco and head south to South Africa, driving some 20,000 kilometers a day through 16 countries.

Along the way, Smith and Taylor will volunteer at an orphanage in Uganda, Little Angels.

The couple is hosting a fundraiser before they leave, with the proceeds going to the organization.

However, Smith said he knows it won’t be easy and is setting himself up for a tough ride at times.

“I know what awaits me and it will not all be fun and glory,” he told the olive press.

Her biggest fear, however, is a ‘normal’ life of working 9 am to 5 pm, going out to restaurants and shopping.

“I have taken epic journeys like these in the past and they have put a different view on my life,” he said.

The duo will have to deal with political tensions in some countries, particularly Nigeria, as the country’s general election looms.

While the threat of malaria is constant, leading Smith to have eight months worth of malaria pills by his side at all times.

“Some of these countries will make Morocco look like Buckingham Palace,” he said.

“But I know what I’m signing up for and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

The charity event will take place at Molly’s Roadhouse in Coin on Saturday 4th February at 12:00pm

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