There are a lot of self-proclaimed overlanding channels on YouTube, but few are as inspiring and well documented as the adventures shared by Jolie and Mark in The Way Overland. On their most notable epic overland trip, they traveled from Australia to the UK in a 2006 Toyota Troopy. This journey can be enjoyed on their social media, website, and perhaps most notably, their YouTube channel.
The adventures, storytelling, and quality of their videography are exemplary. Few channels that captivate me from beginning to end, but their travel videos are consistently excellent, and they drive my all-time favorite vehicle, the Toyota Troopy. Their expedition-ready example has been meticulously built from the ground up for rugged exploration. Throughout their travels, this platform has lived up to its reputation as a dependable and capable companion (check out their “Inside the Troopy” tour).
If The Way Overland sounds familiar, it’s probably because the couple made international news a couple of years ago when they were arrested and placed in the notorious Evin prison in Tehran, Iran, after being erroneously charged with espionage for illegally flying a drone (Evin has since come under fire for its treatment of inmates.) It was a reminder to all travelers that while the world is largely full of kind, genuine, and amazing humans, there is still the possibility of risk and injustice. In this terrifying ordeal, the couple was awoken at midnight, blindfolded, taken at gunpoint, and held for almost three months before finally being released, thanks to the efforts of Australian authorities. Refusing to let the traumatic experience douse their spirits, they re-joined their Troopy 18 months later to continue their trip in “The Journey Continues.”
In today’s episode, Jolie and Mark cross into central Asia’s Tajikistan, traversing part of the Pamir Highway before camping at 4,000 meters alongside the remote and breathtakingly beautiful Karakul Lake. As always, the drone work is exquisite and does a wonderful job of capturing the huge, open expanses of the country while encapsulating the isolation experienced when exploring these remote landscapes. Another highlight is undoubtedly their time spent living in a traditional yurt, replete with instructions on how to assemble, heat, and live in these circular tents. Finally, Mark and Jolie enjoy some traditional food before continuing their adventures in “Driving the Roof of the World.”
The Way Overland might just be my favorite overland-focused YouTube channel, one I highly recommend subscribing to. While you’re there, be sure to view their catalog of videos. For more about their adventures, including their upcoming overland plans, you can also find them on Instagram.
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