/
/
/
/
Ollie and Seth (Hold My Gear)

Today's Explorers

An interview with

An interview with

Ollie and Seth (Hold My Gear)

November 18, 2025
6
min read
by
Charles Forman
England
Canada

DONATE TO SCHOOL IN A BAG: https://www.justgiving.com/page/holdmygear

Embarking on an extraordinary adventure, Seth and Ollie are attempting to set a world record by driving from London to Cape Town in a three-wheeled Reliant Robin. This unique journey not only showcases their passion for exploration but also aims to raise funds for a noble cause. In this blog post, we’ll dive into their inspiring story, the challenges they face, and the incredible experiences they encounter along the way.

The Adventure Begins


Seth and Ollie’s journey began with a shared love for exploration and a desire to push their limits. Seth recalls how his passion for travel ignited during his Duke of Edinburgh program, where he had the opportunity to work with a tribe in the Amazon and rebuild a school in the Andes. This experience transformed him from a shy teenager into an adventurous spirit eager to see the world. Ollie’s journey also started with a similar passion, having participated in the Mongol Rally, where he first spotted the Reliant Robin that would become the vehicle for their epic trip.

Preparation for the Journey


The duo meticulously prepared for their trip, ensuring that their vehicle, a 2000 Mark III Reliant Robin Van, was equipped to handle the challenges of long-distance travel. They upgraded the car with heavy-duty rear springs, a fuel tank guard, fog lights, and even MX-5 seats to make their journey more comfortable. As Ollie humorously noted, fitting both of them into the small car was a challenge in itself. The vehicle also features an aluminum radiator, crucial for traversing the Sahara with a heavily laden car, and a roof rack for added storage.

The Route


Seth and Ollie’s route takes them through various countries, starting from France and spanning across Spain, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, and Guinea. Each destination presents its own unique experiences. For instance, Seth shared that he has been to Morocco multiple times, and every visit unveils something new, especially when exploring the southeastern deserts. Surprisingly, they found Guinea to be one of the friendliest countries they have visited, contradicting the negative portrayals often depicted in media. The duo emphasizes the importance of planning their route carefully, especially to avoid politically volatile areas.

A Cause Worth Supporting


In addition to their adventurous spirit, Seth and Ollie are dedicated to making a positive impact through their journey. They have partnered with a charity called School in a Bag, which focuses on providing educational resources to schools in the countries they pass through. Their goal is to raise funds and awareness for the charity, creating a meaningful purpose behind their adventure. They already visited a school in Senegal and plan to continue their efforts in Ghana and Sierra Leone.

Challenges Faced


Throughout their trip, Seth and Ollie encountered various challenges, including visa issues and the physical demands of traveling in a small car. They shared stories of police encounters, unexpected delays, and the exhaustion of navigating through harsh terrains. Yet, despite these hurdles, their spirits remain high as they connect with locals and share their journey with a growing audience on social media.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways


Seth and Ollie’s journey from London to Cape Town in a Reliant Robin is more than just a road trip; it’s a testament to the power of adventure, friendship, and making a difference. Their story inspires us to embrace exploration, face challenges head-on, and contribute to worthy causes along the way. As they continue their journey, we can look forward to more tales of adventure, resilience, and the beauty of human connection.

All images subject to copyright.
Advertisement

Gallery

No items found.
All images subject to copyright.

Today's explorers

Want to share your story?

We would love to hear how your life has changed, because of adventure.

Charles Forman
Charles is the founder and curator of explmore. He is also the proud son of Alec and Jan Forman, the authors of the book Strangers Like Angels - With a Devil or Two to Boot and the inspiration behind the creation of explmore. He has spent the majority of his life living outside his original passport country. Today, when he is not running the operations behind explmore you will find him hiking, camping and enjoying the outdoors (overlanding of course) with his family.
Advertisement