Where are you from?

We are both from Germany.

When did you start your interest in exploration?

Fred started to travel with his first owned car (Landrover Defender 110 TD5) in 2014.

What is a brief understanding of your background story up until you started seeking adventure?

Fred worked for several years in Cape Town and always wanted to explore more of Africa. Tatjana joined a few trips in Europe as of 2012 and was the initiator of the Southern Africa trip in 2024/2025. 

What special skills do you have to help with your explorations?

Fred is definitely helping with his cooking skills to survive even in remote areas on Michelin star level. Tatjana has organization skills to plan the trip - if necessary - weeks ahead. Most likely we just plan from day to day. 

Where have you explored so far?

Europe (France, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy); North Africa (Marocco, west Sahara, Algeria); Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya)

What is a brief understanding of your adventures so far?

Explore local, buy local food, cook local dishes, experience landscape, people & wildlife 

What are the top three destinations you hope to explore next, and why?

Angola and more of Botswana. Sometime in the future also Australia is on the list. You ask why? Because we are curious. Curious to meet more people, see more of the landscape that we either do not know of, or want to experience more from. It is important for us to experience as much and as close as we can. 

Where would you recommend others visit?

In Africa: Botswana. In Europe: definitely Portugal.  

How do you primarily travel on your adventures today?

We travel in a Land Rover Defender 110 Td5 - owned for 24 years. We owned the vehicle before overlanding became so popular. Top three modifications for our Defender are: 

- sound proofed - Alubutyl (so that it doesn't sound like a tin)

- nearly water proof with a lot of Sikaflex

- Alu-Cab Rooftop Tent - when the car is not 100% waterproof, at least out tent is in Africa's rainy season

What are five pieces of equipment that you always travel with?

Defender specific: Ratchet Tool, 9/16" combination spanner, 52mm nut socket

and in the end good food and some cold bottles of white wine

What inspires you to explore more?

Our curiosity to explore more of this earth and drive to experience it as close as possible. 

How do you engage with others?

We like to meet people on the road and stay connected which is luckily not that hard in today's time.

Why is it important to embrace global cultures?

Because there is so much more to explore beyond your backyard. Staying open and exchanging ways of living are enriching for everyone. 

What are your goals when you explore?

"To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, to draw closer, to find each other and to feel. That is the purpose of life." - quote from Life magazine and how the photographer of ours - Fred - sees it. 

What are some challenges you have experienced?

Isn't driving a Defender challenge enough?

What has been your most meaningful moment so far?

The trip to Africa is already meaningful enough. But when Fred explored Morocco he experienced a special encounter. He was standing in the middle of the Sahara desert. Someone observed Fred from afar and he was suspected to be robbed. The person disappeared and came back towards the car. Once the person approached the car and came closer, Fred noticed that this person was holding something in his hands. In the end it turned out that the person was very interested in the car and brought some tea as a gesture. In the end both were having a great time together talking with body language instead of words. It is always great to be surprised and to experience the world beyond your own biases. 

How has exploration changed you?

Maybe... that we do not want to go back home? 

What is the number one lesson that you have learnt through your exploration?

Be open and stay curious. There is always something that is beyond your own horizon. 

How do you explore locally?

Same as in Africa, slow and steady. 

What does the explmore mantra mean to you?

To quote someone we met on our trip: 'we are so blessed to travel this way'.

What advice would you give to others who are seeking life changing adventure?

Go, prepared, but go. Or you just have a few Espresso Martini and take a risk ;)