Meet Wanda, and @a.truck.called.wanda the Toyota Hilux Invincible D7 3-liter diesel 2015 (UK model). Wanda, a name inspired by our love for wandering and constant travel. Some call it wanderlust, and that is the truth.
We are Nicki and Dave and inspired by our desire to travel we bought Wanda as a pre-owned vehicle in July 2020 after embarking on several short trips in rental vehicles. Through these experiences, we worked out a set of specifications for our own truck and with the help of a couple of companies, one being Tuff-Trek, we began the process of customizing Wanda to bring our dream to life.
Among the enhancements made to Wanda are a Rival front bumper with a Winch, under armor, a 140-liter fuel tank, Gobi Rock sliders, an Alu-cab canopy, and a front runner double roof rack that supports the TUFF-TREK Overland Series (MK2) roof top tent and various other accessories.
Inside the ALU-CAB Explorer canopy, we have a drawer system and fridge slide for the Snowmaster fridge freezer. All our electrical needs are met through solar power and an inverter. We replaced the rear bumper with an AFN split bumper, which features a jerry can holder, fold-down table, and spare tyre carrier.
Did we need all those adaptations?
We would say yes, although thankfully we have not used the Winch yet......but some of them were definitely "wants" rather than "needs".
Our personal favorite feature of Wanda is the fridge, spacious enough to store two weeks' worth of food supplies, including cold beers and wine, essential for those unforgettable sundowner moments. However, the most practical item has to be the rooftop tent. Living in a rooftop tent offers a unique experience that allows us to fully immerse ourselves in nature. Waking up to the melodic chirping of birds and the sun casting its golden rays over breathtaking vistas is an experience like no other. Our encounters with majestic elephants and formidable predators while safely nestled in our tent have been truly unforgettable! Living out of our tent for 34 months has been an adventure, but it also serves as the perfect option for spontaneous road trips, allowing us to set up camp effortlessly wherever we please. Whether we're gazing at the stars at night or feeling the gentle breeze on our faces as we drift off to sleep, rooftop tent living provides an unparalleled connection with nature.
However, it's crucial to be prepared for all kinds of weather conditions and to invest in top-quality gear to ensure a comfortable stay and it really is worth setting up camp properly even for 1 night, this would most definitely involve building a fire whenever possible, an absolute game changer when it comes to outdoor living. Despite the challenges, living in a rooftop tent offers a liberating and exhilarating way to immerse oneself in the beauty of the great outdoors.
We have the luxury of time so tend to travel slowly, working out our next route and destination as we go but we always identify early where we plan to spend the night, usually using the app iOverlander for campsites and Google earth for wild camping and arrive in daylight so we can check out the area and get set up. This brings us to our first top tip have plenty of good rechargeable (solar works well) lights and head torches available.
Our second tip is to do some research but remain spontaneous and adaptable to changes in plans and always take up a recommendation from a fellow traveller as the best places are usually handed down by word of mouth!
While our dream was to drive from London to Cape Town, we carefully weighed the risks and challenges of traveling through certain regions and decided to begin our journey in South Africa. We shipped Wanda, in a container to South Africa and made our way through Eswatini, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, before circling back through Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Angola, Namibia, and back to South Africa. After shipping home to Europe, we set off on another trip travelling and camping through 16 more countries.
Where To Go?
We are frequently asked about our favorite memory or country, and that is truly a difficult question to answer. How can you compare the serene beaches of Mozambique to witnessing a wild dog kill right before your eyes in South Luangwa, Zambia or climbing the highest peak in Montenegro? Each experience is unique and unforgettable in its own way. However, if pressed for an answer, we would have to say that it is the people we meet that truly leave a lasting impression on us. The many new friends we have made have enriched our lives in ways we never could have imagined.
One of the driving forces behind our decision to start our travels in Africa was Dave's experiences as a child growing up in Malawi and so a real hilight was returning to Malawi and revisiting this extraordinary country. Yet, it is the entire journey that has captured our hearts and minds. From the simplicity of life on the road to the challenges that arise along the way, each experience has been a lesson in itself.
Our top tip for anyone considering a similar adventure is to believe in the dream but keep it simple. You will find that you don't need half of the things you think you do! Just a comfortable roof tent and a few other essentials to make life easy, like a Side Awning for shade and cover. For us it's a Moka coffee pot with milk frother so we can enjoy that perfect cup of coffee literally anywhere in the world and a local sim card with data to stay in touch with family and friends at home and to plan ahead......let's face it once you have had access to Google its hard to manage without!
As we continue on this journey, we are constantly discovering new parts of the world to explore. The possibilities are endless, and we are eager to see where this adventure will take us next. If you are interested in following our journey, you can find us on Instagram at @a.truck.called.wanda
Please do drop Dave and Nikki a follow on INSTA as their amazing journey is not over yet!