THE DRIVE OF A LIFETIME

1 LAND CRUISER, 2 MATES, 21 COUNTRIES
18,000 MILES OF ADVENTURE

When Ollie Robertson and his best friend James Weller set out to plan their university summer break, they could have chosen the usual route: part-time work, festivals, or a laid-back holiday. Instead, they chose something entirely different – an 18,000-mile overland expedition across Africa in a 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser they have restored. Their mission? To drive from London to Zimbabwe via Cape Town in just 85 days, leaving on 14th June 2026.

THE VEHICLE: A TRUSTED 100-SERIES LAND CRUISER

At the heart of the expedition is a 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser 100 series — a machine known for its reliability in the harshest conditions. Restored and prepared for the demands of long-distance overlanding, it will be their home, workshop, and lifeline for nearly three months on the road.

Keeping it running smoothly is critical, which is where Witham Group comes in, supporting the journey with high-quality oils and lubricants. In an environment where heat, dust, long distances, and unpredictable terrain push every mechanical system to its limits, dependable protection isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.

THE ROUTE: DISCOVERY MEETS ENDURANCE

The journey will take them through 21 countries, starting in the UK and cutting through Europe before crossing into North Africa and down the western and southern spine of the continent.

From desert crossings and coastal highways to remote bush tracks and bustling cities, every leg of the trip brings a new challenge — and a new story waiting to be told.

It’s not just a route on a map. It’s a moving test of resilience across some of the most diverse terrain on Earth.

THE CHALLENGE: BORN FROM FRIENDSHIP

“Why are we doing it?” they asked. “We said… why not?” What started as a conversation between best mates quickly evolved into a full-scale overlanding challenge: a test of endurance, mechanical know-how, navigation skills, and friendship. The original route was London to Cape Town but they decided, with James living in Zimbabwe, that this should be the final destination. The route became both a personal journey and a shared mission.

But this isn’t just about the miles; along the way, they are raising funds for a cause close to the hearts of James and his family: a community rhino conservation initiative near Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. Their goal is to support local conservation efforts protecting one of Africa’s most iconic and vulnerable species.

FOLLOW THE ADVENTURE…

Ollie and James will be documenting the entire expedition through daily updates on Instagram
@twoandacruiser_
giving followers a front-row seat to the highs, lows, breakdowns, breakthroughs, and unforgettable moments that come with a journey of this scale. If you would like to support this project or the charity, please contact us or Ollie and James via their Instagram account or fundraising page:
www.hwangecommunityrhino.com/james-and-ollie-epic-roadtrip

From border crossings to desert sunsets, the story will unfold in real time and provide a journey neither of them will ever forget.