Kayosha, Peru
We stopped at a café and ended up chatting to its owner, Kayosha. He is an environmental activist of Japanese decent.
Gerhard and Martine, Peru
We met these German travellers in the Sacred Valley and bumped into them several times in different places we visited.
Dwight and Lucia, Peru
We met this English/Brazilian couple in Argentina and then again in Peru.
John and Heather, Bolivia
At last! After months of communicating online, we eventually meet at a truck stop in La Paz. So pleased to have finally met you.
Edwardo and David, Bolivia
These guys at MAN Bolivia helped us out with a few jobs on Big Bertha and then allowed us to camp at the garage for a few days whilst visiting La Paz.
Dana, Javier, Luke and Clara, Bolivia
We spent a couple of weeks travelling with this lovely Canadian/Spanish/French family in some lonely parts of Bolivia.
Tato, Chile
We met this Colombian in San Pedro de Atacama and he took time to explain all the places we should visit in Colombia – thank you Tato!
Juergen and Gaby, Chile
A lovely German couple that we really got on with – we were on the ‘same page’. We were very sorry that we were travelling in opposite directions.
Trefor and Carol, Chile
Well, would you beleive it? We found some British overlanders. We spent a lovely evening discussing where we had each been and future plans.
Linda and Sandro, Chile
We are having lunch and these Swiss guys stopped to say ‘hello’. We spent an hour chatting before departing in opposite directions.
Claude and Maryline, Argentina
We saw this French family’s truck in Salta and then met them in JuJuy. It was nice to chat.
Valentina and Noam, Argentina
We gave this Colombian / Israeli couple a lift back from the the look out over the coloured rocks at Humahuaca.
Nicholas, Argentina
We gave this Argentinian a lift to the the look out over the coloured rocks at Humahuaca.
Ivan, Argentina
This long time Spanish overlander accompanied us across the lonely Puna region in Argentina. It was very nice to have his company (especially on his pizza nights!)
Hans Peter, Luciano and Andres, Chile
These guys took great care of Big Bertha while we sorted a couple of mechanical issues and performed a service at MAN Santiago.
Jorge, Jordan and Rodrigo, Chile
The paint shop crew at MAN Santiago – they put right David’s minor indiscretion with lamp post.
Mauricio and Patricia, Chile
We first met these guys in Puerto Río Tranquilo, Patagonia and they invited to their home in Santiago.
Florian, Sylvie and Pascal, Chile
We camped in the centre of Santiago with these guys – can you believe it? It was like camping next to Hyde Park.
Miguel and Monica, Argentina
We had Big Bertha’s rubbish bag repaired at Miguel’s workshop in Mendoza. We bumped into them here and we shared a very boozy Asado.
Rolf and Christina, Argentina
We met this German couple in Uspallata and we shared stories over coffees. They broke down shortly afterwards and we couldn’t help as we had flights from Santiago (over the Andes).
Armin and Claudia, Argentina
We met this Swiss overlanding couple coming the other way from Uspallata. We stopped for a brief chat.
Alfredo, Grandpa, Barbara and Camila, Argentina
These guys refreshed the threads on our brass gas adapters – and refused payment. Thank you so much!!
Diego and Jose Luis, Argentina
These guys stopped to offer their help whilst we were stranded with a broken starter motor. They used the road everyday and bought us essential supplies (bread etc.).
Manuel, Argentina
Manuel stopped to offer his help whilst we were stranded with a broken starter motor. He rang around the VW dealers looking for a spare.
Maria and Damien, Argentina
Maria and Damien stopped to offer their help whilst we were stranded with a broken starter motor. Maria ultimately solved our problem.
Dwight and Lucia, Argentina
This British / Brazilian couple very kindly stopped to offer help whilst we were stranded with a broken starter motor.
Jan and Anja, Argentina
This German couple very kindly stopped to offer help whilst we were stranded with a broken starter motor.
Sjors and Monique, Argentina
We met this Dutch couple first in Chile and then again in Argentina. We hope to meet them again.
Charlene, Aram, Lucine and Hayk, Argentina
We first met Charlene (from Taiwan) at Scottish Country Dancing in Buenos Aires. Later, we met up in her home town, Bariloche. We spent a couple of hours in the company of her soon-to-be new neighbours.
Steve and Bonita, Argentina
We met this British/Polish couple in Los Alerces National Park. They were on a month’s tour and were very surprised to see a UK number plate in the carpark!
Timothy, Chile
Timothy, from Switzerland, was stuck on the stoney riverbank were we both wild camped overnight. Big Bertha had him out in ten minutes!
Vincente, Chile
We picked up this hitch hiker and Vincente turned out to be a tour guide and gave us some good tips.
Bruno and Marie, Chile
This French couple are travelling the same route and we keep leap frogging them along the way.
Fabian, Isabela and Matheo, Chile
Otherwise know as ‘LiveAndGive4x4’. David followed this German/Brazilian family prior to starting our own adventure.
Stanley and Eva, Chile
These tough young Brits were cycling the Carretera Austral. Being cyclists, they survive on minimal rations – so we gave them a hearty breakfast to start their day.
David and Prune, Chile & Argentina
We met this French family in Torres del Paine and again in El Chaltén. We jumped started their truck.
Lori, Antarctica
Lori very kindly brought us a part for Big Bertha from the US down to Ushuaia. We were on an Antarctica cruise together.
Axel and Christina, Argentina
This German couple joined our, mainly German, convoy. We had such fun.
Sascha, Kirsten, Chris and Mike, Argentina
We travelled with these Germans on and off for a month or two. Such lovely people.
Wolfgang, Argentina
We met Wolfgang just in Gualeguaychú. He was heading to Montevideo to ship home after an epic trip.
Montevideo Scottish Country Dance Class, Uruguay
We spent a lovely evening dancing some of the old classics with Maria Helena and her group.
Hermann and Sibylle, Brazil
This Swiss couple went beyond the call of duty and brought a part for Big Bertha from Europe. We spent an evening chatting over beers and we hope to meet up again in Ushuaia.
Seb, Beccy, Lourenco and Mateo, Uruguay
This Argentine/English couple invited us to their chacra (small holding) in Uruguay after having met them at a sculpture park. We had a lovely evening and a BBQ.
Marco and Alcebiades, Brazil
We called into this VW/MAN dealership to have Big Bertha’s oil changed. Marco and Alcebiades could not have taken better care of us. Marco used to live in Ireland and spoke excellent English.
Maicon and friends, Brazil
We took a boat trip with these guys around the Furnace canyons and then we had lunch together.
Ludimila, Brazil
This lovely lady made us so welcome at the Parque Ecoturistico da Areia Branca campsite.
Pantanal Farmers, Brazil
Having stopped to help them change a tyre, they insisted (in sign language) that we camp the night at thier farm
Eudes and Eliane, Brazil
Brazilian campers in a cute VW Combi. We were neighbours for a short time in Bonito
Stefan and Dunja, Brazil
A lovely German couple, we spent some time together in Bonito and the southern Pantanal.
Stuart and Rachel, Brazil
Fellow Brits, we met at Iguazu Falls. They were on their way to Montevideo, where they will store their truck and take a break in the UK.
Theo and Sabine, Argentina
We met this lovely German couple at Iguazu Falls. We would like to have spent more time with them, but they were heading south.
Diego, Argentina
Diego guided us around Che Guevara’s birth place in northern Argentina. He is a great personality.
Florian, Valérie, Louise and Camille, Argentina
This French family has just started their overlanding journey around South America. They plan to tour for a year, ending in Colombia.
Daniel, Argentina
Daniel was our shipping agent in Argentina and helped us to painlessly extract Big Bertha from the port after her arrival by RoRo ship.
Buenos Aries Scottish Country Dance Class, Argentina
We received a very warm welcome from this dance class led by Sol. After a strenuous two hours we adjourned to a local restaurant and chatted until well after midnight. Normal apparently!
Raquel, France
Raquel, Francine’s long time friend, very kindly lent us her huge apartment in the centre of Béziers to hang out in, whilst waiting for Big Bertha to be shipped to Argentina.
Nigel and Elspeth, France
Old friends from our time in Singapore, we visited these fellow Scottish Country dancers and Singapore St Andrew’s Society members at their lovely home in Alès.
Pinky, South Africa
We were invited to Pinky’s Durban apartment for a lovely meal and a nice chat. Pinky is Shireen’s (Francine’s “sister”) cousin.
Steve, South Africa
We met Steve (overlandingfamily.com), the original owner of our truck, in the Kgalagadi National Park. A long lunchtime was spent discussing Big Bertha and future travel plans. Afterwards we toured BB and Steve was very happy to see we were looking after ‘his’ truck.
Gerd and Sylvie, South Africa
We met this German couple and their Steyr truck, at Die Mas, a lovely campsite on the Orange River. They were heading in the opposite direction towards Namibia.
Fish Hoek Scottish Country Dance Class, South Africa
We had a fun evening of Scottish Country dancing in this class, led by Heather and Andrew. Even danced “Catch the Wind”!
Gary, South Africa
We stored our truck at Gary and Cathy’s apple farm in Cape Town. They looked after Big Bertha and took to and from the airport. Great service!
Alan and Lila, South Africa
So nice to meet these guys again! Alan was Francine’s boss in Hong Kong and we spent many weekends together hiking.
Freddie, South Africa
Freddie let us camp outside his house in Stellenbosch – we were having trouble finding somewhere to stay in this very touristic wine growing region. He showed us his collection of Land Rovers.
Thom and Christa, South Africa
Thom and I were Marshalls in a 4×4 club in the United Arab Emirates – we spent out weekends tearing around the desert in our cars. Very pleased to meet up in Cape Town and chew the fat.
Arthur and Irena, South Africa
We rather rudely camped in the road outside their house at Onrus. We asked if they minded and four bottles of wine later we all decided it would be fine.
Sean, South Africa
Sean is a friend of ours from the United Arab Emirates days. We spend an afternoon eating fish n chips at Still Bay harbour and chatting about old times.
Jürg and Margot, South Africa
We met this Swiss couple at a campsite at Oudtshoorm and the following day we went with them to a South African banger racing event. Great fun.
Uli & Martina, South Africa
We have met another Bocklet truck and what’s more, it was on the famous Swartberg Pass. We spent an hour chatting and then went our separate ways.
Jack and Bridgit, South Africa
These guys are building their own overlanding truck and will start their journey in a couple of years. We shared a meal and talked about the overlanding life.
Jake, Lesotho
Cycling across Africa on his bike, we met Jake in Lesotho. You have to be English or mad to ride across the ‘Kingdom of the Sky’! He was both.
Esther, South Africa
Esther was hitchhiking from Bergville to Johannesburg (a long way) and back in a day, to visit her daughter. We were able to take her to the main road.
Ngezi, Willie and Andrew, eSwatini
Very lucky to be invited by Marco (our friend in Lusaka)’s uncle to their lovely home in the hills of eSwatini (Swaziland).
Max, South Africa
Max invited us to visit in Nelspruit and we had a good chat – Max and his wife are shipping their truck to South America and there is a good chance we will meet again on that continent.
Madelyn and Jimmy, South Africa
Francine met Madelyn in Abu Dhabi and it was wonderful to visit their home in Whiteriver.
Johan, Lynn and Michelle, South Africa
We were vey fortunate to be invited to stay at this fabulous property on the banks of the Vaal River. It was a wonderful stay!
TM Trucking, South Africa
We spent a month at this garage having Big Bertha serviced ready for South America. Thank you Terry and crew!!
Sarah and Ken, South Africa
This couple from Canada (Sarah is a Brit though) have at last managed their African trip after having been thwarted by the pandemic.
Ellen and Mehmet, South Africa
We met up with these Germans, Ellen (again) and Mehmet, at the fabulous Blyde River Canyon
Henk, Bianca and sons, South Africa
We met this lovely family on our first day in RSA and Henk spent a few hours helping us choose our route around the country.
Portia and Husband, Zimbabwe
They had been stuck overnight, but together we managed to get their truck started.
Bax, Charles and Sally, Zimbabwe
We joined these guys for a lovely walk in the Vumbe hills.
James, Ruth, Henne and Jessie, Zimbabwe
This lovely family invited us to stay at their wonderful home in Harare. Mo, James’s mother who stays in Chiredzi, was also visiting. We had a wonderful three nights with them.
Stanley, Zimbabwe
We stayed overnight in front of Stanley’s farm and gold mine. He showed us the workings in the morning.
Robert, Zimbabwe
We gave Robert, a ranger we met at Chizarira National Park, a lift to his university town. On the way we stopped for a local sadza meal. It was very tasty!
Neil and Anneliese, and Gordon, Zimbabwe
These guys invited us to an evening meal at their cottage overlooking Lake Kariba. A few Jagermeisters were consumed!
Katharine and Uli, Zimbabwe
We met this German couple at our campsite and we shared travel stories.
Max and Sylvie, Botswana
We met this French couple at the campsite – they were waiting for spare parts for their Citroen camper.
The Potjie Ladies, Botswana
We met Marjan and Patricia in Maun and shared several meals and beers together. We met up again later in Lusaka, They are on their way to their home country – Belgium.
Andreas and Sabine, Namibia
Dave had a great time talking batteries with Andreas, but they are a very shy German couple, so here is a picture of their truck!
Alan and Valda, Namibia
We had a great time chatting to these South Afican’ at Oppi Koppi. They are three months into their full time overlanding journey.
David and Charlotte, Namibia
Brits David and Charlotte were staying at Oppi Koppi when we retuned form our trip to Marienfluss. Their truck was even heavier than BB!
Andreas & Gerlinde, Namibia
We met this Austrian couple at Oppi Koppi camp in Kamanjab, Namibia. We hunted scorpions after Gerlinde was stung walking in camp.
Günther and Ingrid, Namibia
Bumped into this German couple at Henties Bay. They had just returned from Kaokoland and gave us some good tips.
Walter and Francine, Namibia
Met this fun German couple whilst Kayaking at Pelican Point with the seals.
Detlef & Chris, Namibia
Met in Henties Bay and shared a campsite in Swakopmund. This German couple drive a really mean ex Dakar rally raid MAN.
Robert and Marita, Namibia
We met this German couple in the Etosha National Park. They drive a nice Unimog which lives in Nambia.
Werner and Dewi, Namibia
With Nelly & Julie at Kupferquelle campsite in Tsumeb. We spent Christmas day together. Met them again later at Henties Bay. A nice German couple.
Bud and Mary, Namibia
With Nelly & Julie at Nourukoro campsite in the Caprvi Strip. We again met this American couple in Henties Bay where David sorted out Bud & Mary’s Landcruiser’s electrics.
Shaun and Cricket, Tanzania
We met these Californians on a coffee plantation in Tanzania and we met up a couple of times thereafter. Very nice company.
Tanzanian Family, Tanzania
Upon arrival at our campsite, this family immediately invited us to join their BBQ. Lovely spiced meat!
Nick and Family, Tanzania
We met these lovely family at Ngwazi Sailing Club in Tanzania and we were promptly invited to a pork roast to celebrated their son’s birthday.
Kris, Tanzania
We met Kris online; he gave us good advice whilst in Tanzania and it was great to actually meet him in Morogoro.
Erwan and Hannery, Kenya
We met this lovely couple when they chanced upon us at wild camp in an old quarry adjacent to the road. We were both surprised to see each other!
Reggie, Kenya
Permanently camped on the beach for seven years, Reggie is a roving musician. We later heard him play at Diani Beach.
Ernst and Verena, Kenya
This Swiss couple are travelling in their super MAN Fuss Mobile truck. Our paths crossed near Mombassa. They were heading north and we were heading south; but we hope to meet again as our overall routes are the same.
Chris and Janine, Kenya
Chris’s brother, Max, who lives in Topsham, put us in touch. Chris and Janine were super helpful in recommending things to see and where to stay. We stayed outside their house at Vipingo Beach for a couple of nights.
Marion and Anatole, Kenya,
First YouTubers we have met and now have a following of over 100K. A nice French couple also ‘stuck in Africa’ and lovin it! We met them in Tsavo East National Park.
Alex and Micki, Kenya
Long term travellers. We met them on Mt Kenya and shared a nice meal at Ken Trout.
Father Anthony, Kenya
This German has been in the far north of Kenya all his working life (40+ years). Initially North Horr and now Kalacha. Told us stories of the old days when there were no tar roads and he used Unimogs. He has a beautiful church with murals.
Sylvain, Audrey, Anais and Victor, Kenya
French family travelling southern Africa. We briefly met this lovely family near Lake Baringo.
Joe, Uganda
Joe, an architect with his own practice in Kampala, knocked on our door and we got chatting. He would like to build a truck and travel overland one day,
Robert, Beate and Chiara, Uganda
We hooked up with these guys in Entebbe and spent a few days together. They are excellent company and really good fun. Our kind of people!
Dominik and Katharina, Uganda
This lovely couple invited us to stay at their home in Gulu. We did the normal overlanding things (filled up water, used washing machine etc) and spent a very nice valentine’s evening with them over a superb meal at a nearby restaurant.
Anna, Tanzania
Anna helped us with getting a SIM card in Tanzania (its difficult to register a SIM there). Later we were pleased to help with her mother’s hospital bill.
Hazel and Euwart, Zambia
This British couple, long term residents, run the Thorntree Guest House in Kasama. We stayed with them while we were stuck earlier in the year, and again stayed on our journey north.
Thomas and Esther, Zambia
A Swiss couple we met at the Kasanka National Park. Have been travelling for many years now.
Oliver and Karin, Zambia
We met these two intrepid travellers on their sprint through Zambia. They spent the night with us at Dylan’s.
Lusaka Posse, Zambia
On a day out at Parry’s, just outside Lusaka.
Bruce and Kate, Zambia
Have a farm just north of Lusaka – we spent a nice weekend there.
Niko and Stella, Zambia
Part of the Lusaka posse
Jono, Lulu and Kelly, Zambia
Part of the Lusaka posse.
Peter and son, Jason, Zambia
Peter machined a new part for my jack after it was broken during recovery operations.
Christof and Margret, Zambia
We met at Carsten’s workshop and I helped fix their fog lights.
Carsten, Zambia
Cartsen owns German Truck Tech in Lusaka. He fixed our leaking wheel hub.
Jameson Sausage The First, Zambia
Dylan’s faithful companion, taken by a puff adder on 26/8/2020. RIP Sausage Dog.
Thadeus and Dominic, Zambia
We met these mining engineers at Croc Valley. We hired a Land Cruiser and explored South Luangwa NP.
Simonga and Laura, Zambia
We met these guys at South Luangwa National Park and spent some time in the park.
Fanwell, Zambia
We met Fanwell at the MAN garage – he drive’s a MAN 4×4 for work.
Marco, Tahira and Keanu, Zambia
We got to know this lovely family really well during our extended stay in Zambia.
Pinnon Lodge Weekend, Zambia
We visited Pinnon Lodge for a long weekend with our Zambian friends. We had a terrific time!
Lyndon, Ruth, Indiana and Ivy, Zambia
These guys call Pinnon Lodge home and we spent a lovely week with them on the Kafue River bank.
George, Zambia
George helped us with rescue operations at Chambeshi River.
Major Phiri, Zambia
The Zambian National Service, led by the Major, came to our rescue when stuck at Chambeshi River.
Father Thomas and Anton, Zambia
Father Thomas, Anton and his crew came to our rescue at Mutinondo.
Rescue Team, Zambia
These guys got us out of a very sticky situation at Mutinondo!
Lari, Zambia
We had a very bad ‘stuck’ at Mutinondo, but Lari took us under her wing and looked after us.
Gary, Zambia
Gary lives full time in a house boat on the Zambezi river above the Kariba dam. We went aboard for a short cruise and drinks.
Dylan and friends, Zambia
Dylan (at top of table) contacted us on Facebook and we stayed on his wonderful small holding outside Lusaka. We returned here later for the COVID19 lockdown.
Billy, Zambia
Billy own Rivonia, a Zambian sauce company. He very kindly showed us around the factory and gave us some samples to try. He is a real character.
Sheila and Sylvia, Zambia
Sheila, 88 years young, founded Chimfunshi and her daughter, Sylvia, continues to work at the foundation. We played Scrabble, ate chocolate and drank beer / vodka.
David and Veronica, Zambia
This lovely couple made our 2019 Christmas and NYE very special.
Peter, Zambia
Fifth generation Zambian and the only white chief in Zambia. We stayed on his farm at the source of the Zambezi river.
Dan, Namibia
Dan took us on a boat trip along the Kwando River. This Brit from Middlesbrough was a real character!
Nikoli and Aniela, Namibia
We stayed with these wonderful people at their lodge on the Kwando River. We will always remember the family Pizza night.
Emily, Namibia
We stayed in the guesthouse for four nights and ate splendid meals in the family kitchen.
Chante & Megan, Namibia
We stayed at the family farm, ate elan steak and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!
Thierry & Christine, Angola
We met these lovely people at Kalandula Falls in Angola and spent a couple of days there with them. They have very ambitious travel plans and we really hope to meet them again soon.
Fantastic Four, Namibia
These guys materialised from nowhere and helped me dig out Big Bertha in Puros. Cheers Guys!
Erich & Maja, Namibia
The first ‘big truck’ we have met in Southern Africa. Erich & Maja were heading south, but it was nice to stop and say ‘hi’.
Herbert & Christiana, Namibia
We met Hertbert & Christiana in Puros, a remote part of Namibia. We are impressed they are still pushing the envelope well into their 70s!
Cora and Theo, Namibia
A lovely couple that have started up a lovely guesthouse in this very remote area. Filtered coffee on tap with home made cake!!
Martin, Namibia
Martin was our very knowledgeable and personable guide for Tweyfelfontein.
Kasper & Family, Namibia
We bumped into these guys in the middle of Naukloff National Park, Namibia. The trucks stays in Namibia and a group of families share it.
Nellie and Julie, Namibia
Old overlanding hands. Run many of the overlanding WhatsApp / Facebook groups. Super nice and always helpful.
Doug & Carol, Spain
We visited Francine’s dancing friends in Valdelagrana.
Mary & Keith, Portugal
We visited my Aunty Mary in Esposende.
Robert & Chantelle, Portugal
Fellow overlanders cruising around Europe.
Tarik, Morocco
Tarik, assistant manager at the Tinghir Hotel, let Francine use a bath for free and served apple tea afterwards.
Jeurgen & Yasha, Morocco
It was so nice to finally meet these guys after reading so much about them. Prolific posters.
Mike & Doreen, Morocco
A fun Dutch couple we met near Zagora in Morocco. We spent a few days together and shared some beers and a nice meal!
Jim, Hazel and Ludwig, Morocco
We spent a night at a Moroccan police station with these guys. Say no more!
Mark, Morocco
Mark is a Morocco guru – very useful guy to know! He managed to reunite David with his phone that was stolen in Morocco.
Salima, Morocco
Salima messaged us when she saw Big Bertha parked up in Bouarfa. We met up and we had dinner with her family at her home.
Gaston and Hildrud, Spain
Gaston and Hildrud had just bought their MAN truck and were on a test run through Spain. We were very surprised to meet them coming in the opposite direction on a narrow Spanish road.
Duncan and Patty, Spain
David used to work with Duncan In Dubai – and we also danced. Great to have a boozy evening in Javea together.
Jean and Frazer, Spain
Long time friends from Abu Dhabi, it was really nice to visit their Spanish finca in Benissa.
Rocío and Susana, Spain
Francine often danced with Rocío and Susana at the Scottish Country Dance school in St Andrews in Scotland. It was nice to meet up in Madrid for a meal.
Sebastian and Julia, Spain
We pulled their camper out of the mud and they cooked us dinner. Seemed fair!
