September 25 2016

which are openings in the earth’s crust that emit steam and gases, predominantly hydrogen sulphide judging by the strong smell of rotten eggs.

Lastly we stopped at Viti Crater. About 300m in diameter, it was formed during a massive volcanic eruption in 1724.

On day five we reached the “northern capital” of Akureyri, where we took a few days’ rest from the driving and curled up in a cosy cabin in the fjord of Eyjafjörður. The view here was spectacular. Imagine blue skies, snow-capped mountains and tranquil waters with humpback whales lazing about.

After a few nights’ rest, we were recharged and journeyed on day six for the last leg towards western Iceland. Here we travelled around the Snaefellsnes peninsula and saw the highest peak, Kirkjufell. The peak bears an uncanny resemblance to our own Lion’s Head in Cape Town, simultaneously reminding us of home and signalling that our amazing journey was coming to an end.

So, after 2 374km of left-hand, right-lane driving, dodging sheep and other cars on single-lane bridges, learning Icelandic radio hits and singing along, admiring countless waterfalls, jaw-dropping landscapes, glaciers, lakes, mountains, and farmlands; sleeping in eight different accommodations but having four sleepless nights watching the Northern Lights, we finally made it full circle and completed the Ring Road and the epic road-trip adventure that is Iceland. — © Imran Khan

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