Following Bound for Nowhere’s 5-part video series, the “Applied Theory of International Overlanding,” Expedition Portal and Overland Journal’s next XOverland-produced series sees South African filmmaker Adrian Abrahams undertake an unforgettable journey spanning 40,000 kilometers across Southern Africa and beyond.
Now available on the Expedition Portal YouTube channel, “Reasons to Roam” follows Adrian as he embarks on an African overland adventure in his 2018 Toyota Hilux, traveling off-pavement, camping under the stars, and experiencing the freedom of the open road. From breathtaking wilderness drives to fireside conversations at hidden camps, this is more than just a 4WD overlanding trip in Africa—it’s a celebration of friendship, exploration, and the overland lifestyle.
Over the past eight years, Abrahams has documented wild places throughout his African homeland. From Namibia to Botswana and beyond, he provides plenty of beta, tips, and techniques via his media company and YouTube channel, Roam Overlanding, which also chronicles several overland builds, including an Isuzu KB300, a Suzuki Jimny, and a Toyota Hilux.
Abrahams introduces the audience to individual overland styles through the eyes of his friends, family, and guests. The series is a personal one, digging into the heart of what inspires his journey and hopefully gives viewers the insight and motivation to begin and enjoy their own adventures.
In Episode 2, Abrahams is joined by his uncle, Andrew Bremmer, who begins the journey with tales of how this mode of travel impacted his life. The pair head to Sani Pass, visiting the Drakensberg region’s unique hiking destinations and reflecting on the importance of being new to the overland scene.
In Episode 3, Adrian meets up with his best friend, Roelf Rosema, who, once a year, embarks on a two-week overland trip, packing as much in with the time he has available. The friends travel to the Limpopo region of South Africa for an adventure not far from home before Adrian heads to Zambia to meet with tour guide Joubert “Juba” Tulleken for Episode 4. Owner of the Endless Africa tour company, Tulleken left his career as an engineer (twice!) to become a guide. They head into one of Zambia’s biodiversity hotspots, revealing just how different Tulleken’s life has become.
For a change in perspective, Abrahams meets with Andy and Mary Hannah of Expedition Rove, who are touring Africa long-term and full-time in a 2010 Land Rover Defender 110. Episode 5 sees Adrian, Andy, and Mary Hannah spending a week together in Mozambique, enjoying the country’s tropical paradise and diving into what it takes to be a full-time international overlander.
Overlanding as a family brings many unique rewards and challenges. In Episode 6, Abrahams delves into what it takes to travel as a family, catching up with XOverland’s Clay and Rachelle Croft and their three boys, Cy, Ryder, and Eli, as they travel through Southern Africa, filming Africa: Series 6 with a team of nine.
The overland industry is far larger than one individual, family, or country. In Abrahams’ penultimate episode, guest and mechanic Nicky Van Rooyan joins Adrian as they drive South Africa’s renowned Garden Route. Nicky and his family tour South Africa in a 30-year-old Land Cruiser while he isn’t busy with his responsibilities at the local off-road shop, which include hosting events, attending expos, and aiding with camping trips for product testing and marketing.
As the whirlwind 40,000-kilometer journey comes to an end, Adrian reflects on the adventures and guests encountered along the way, sharing lessons learned and how they have influenced his own trajectory. A final wild camp on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean brings the series to a close, where Abrahams enjoys the Namaqualand daisy season in full bloom.
Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.
