Routes Rediscovered

Routes Rediscovered We are an authentic travel company specialising in adventure & overlanding travel

We invite you to take on the road less travelled. Reconnect with yourself.

Enjoy a life-changing adventure. Go off the grid and live life according to the rhythm of nature. We are a conservation-minded adventure travel company that invites you to take on the roads less travelled through some of sub-Saharan Africa’s last untouched tracts of nature. With our roots firmly entrenched in Africa we call on you to experience travel a little differently. Reconnect back to yourse

lf and enjoy a life-changing adventure with one of our wild African safaris whilst making a difference through your travels. Stop to meet locals in far flung locations and learn about their cultures, experience true wilderness, meet like-minded travellers, get involved in one of our conservation and community-based initiatives, create lifelong memories with family and friends and go off the grid and live life according to the rhythm of nature. This is Routes Rediscovered!

And that’s a wrap for 2026!After 8,000 kilometres, 31 days, six countries, countless adventures, unforgettable roads, sp...
07/06/2026

And that’s a wrap for 2026!

After 8,000 kilometres, 31 days, six countries, countless adventures, unforgettable roads, spectacular wildlife sightings, mechanical challenges, border crossings, sunsets, sunrises, and memories that will last a lifetime, what was undoubtedly the best part of the entire rally?

Coming home.

Coming home to family. To hugs. To familiar faces. To that little bubble where you can finally switch off, take a deep breath, and let it all sink in.

Because while the adventure is extraordinary, it is often only when you return home that you truly appreciate what you’ve experienced.

The reality is that overlanding Africa is not always easy. There are long days, unexpected challenges, breakdowns, delays, dust, and moments that test both patience and perseverance. Yet those are often the moments that linger the longest, long after the dust has settled and normal life resumes.

For me, sharing these stories, memories, and experiences with the people I love most is always the greatest reward of all.

And so, fittingly, this year’s journey ended not with the roar of an engine, but with a beautiful full moon rising over Umhlanga and a quiet walk along the promenade. A moment to reflect on just how remarkable this adventure had been.

To everyone who joined us on the journey, thank you.

Until next time…

Watch this space for something very special: an East Africa Rally, and a first of its kind.

Routes Rediscovered. Specialists in authentic African adventure and overlanding travel.



Destination Rally

The final road to the finish line.After 30 unforgettable days on the road, the final morning dawned with one last safari...
04/06/2026

The final road to the finish line.

After 30 unforgettable days on the road, the final morning dawned with one last safari drive at Phinda Private Game Reserve. One last opportunity to enjoy the sights, sounds, and magic of the African bush before turning our attention toward Durban.

Then it was heads down and wheels turning for the final run to the finish line.

As the convoy rolled into The Oyster Box in Umhlanga, there was a palpable sense of achievement. Thousands of kilometres travelled. Six countries explored. New friendships forged. Challenges overcome. Memories created that will last a lifetime.

The welcome gin and official flag-in ceremony were warmly received, although the celebrations were briefly put on hold as the realities of rally life kicked back in. Cars needed sorting, cleaning, repacking, and preparing for shipment back to their respective corners of the world.

Only once the hard work was done could the real celebrations begin.

And celebrate we did.

The culmination of a month-long adventure was marked in style, with plenty of laughter, storytelling, shared memories, and perhaps a few whiskies as old friends reflected on the journey and new friends realised just how difficult it would be to say goodbye.

Eventually, weary heads and tired bodies found their beds, knowing that the final farewell awaited in the morning.

Because while every rally has a finish line, the friendships and stories continue long after the engines fall silent.

Routes Rediscovered. Specialists in authentic African adventure and overlanding travel.



Destination Rally

With two nights at magical Phinda and the final drive into Durban fast approaching, I think it’s best to let the picture...
02/06/2026

With two nights at magical Phinda and the final drive into Durban fast approaching, I think it’s best to let the pictures do most of the talking.

After 30 days on the road, thousands of kilometres, countless border crossings, mechanical challenges, dusty tracks, unforgettable landscapes, and incredible people, Phinda was the perfect place to pause, reflect, and soak it all in.

Magical sunsets.

Breathtaking sunrises.

Unbelievable wildlife sightings.

Special moments shared with old friends and new.

A spectacular bush dinner under African skies, complete with a vibrant Zulu cultural performance that reminded us once again of the richness and diversity of this remarkable continent.

Phinda Private Game Reserve delivers every time.

The perfect soft landing before the final push to Durban and the end of another unforgettable Trans-Africa Rally.

Routes Rediscovered. Specialists in authentic African adventure and overlanding travel.



Destination Rally

And so, the final stretch begins....An early start saw the rally departing Hoedspruit under a blanket of mist, climbing ...
29/05/2026

And so, the final stretch begins....

An early start saw the rally departing Hoedspruit under a blanket of mist, climbing the spectacular Abel Erasmus Pass and heading toward one of South Africa’s most iconic drive, the Panorama Route.

The day delivered a little bit of everything. Stops at the Three Rondavels, some of the region’s famous waterfalls, and the bustling town of Graskop reminded us just how much beauty can be packed into a single stretch of road.

A brief reprieve at Hops Hollow on the Long Tom Pass provided a chance to catch our breath before the road called once more. It also resulted in me acquiring a new rather dozy friend, who seemed far more interested in naps than rally logistics.

That evening, we settled into the charming town of Dullstroom, South Africa’s fly-fishing capital. Sadly, there was no time for casting a line, but the cool mountain air and small-town atmosphere made for a welcome overnight stop.

The following morning, the team split into two groups.

One opted for the scenic adventure of the Bulembu Pass route, while the other chose the more direct — but no less beautiful — drive toward Ngwenya. Both groups reunited at the famous Ngwenya Glass Factory for a fascinating tour, lunch, and a well-earned break before the next push.

Because now the finish line is beginning to appear on the horizon.

Next stop: Phinda.

Two nights in the bush before the final run to Durban and the end of an unforgettable Trans-Africa Rally.

Routes Rediscovered. Specialists in authentic African adventure and overlanding travel.



Destination Rally

From Great Zimbabwe, via Mapesu Private Reserve, to Hoedspruit was meant to be little more than a formality.With border ...
27/05/2026

From Great Zimbabwe, via Mapesu Private Reserve, to Hoedspruit was meant to be little more than a formality.

With border contacts lined up on both sides of Beitbridge, some fun pit stops planned along the way, and a few scenic drives through ever-changing landscapes, I was genuinely looking forward to getting back to what feels like my other hometown.

But as anyone who has travelled Africa overland knows, things do not always go according to the road book.

Mechanical gremlins, delays, breakdowns, reroutes. The kind of moments that test both patience and teamwork. Yet through the determination of a committed crew working around the clock, alongside the incredible support of the vintage rally community, everyone eventually limped safely into Hoedspruit.

And sometimes, that makes the arrival even sweeter.

Although there was very little time to breathe, I did manage a special moment back in our beautiful bush home, seeing my folks again, swapping stories, and pausing briefly before the rally rolled onward once more.

And as Michael Bublé would say, it’s a new dawn, it’s a new day.

Nature seemed determined to remind us of exactly that. After every storm comes a rainbow, and occasionally a brand-new 4x4 rental too.

Next stop: the spectacular Blyde River Canyon before heading onward to the fly-fishing capital of South Africa, Dullstroom.

The adventure continues.

Routes Rediscovered. Specialists in authentic African adventure and overlanding travel.



Destination Rally

"This day will go down as one of the most memorable and special for me!" Mark BlandThe next leg of the journey took us f...
25/05/2026

"This day will go down as one of the most memorable and special for me!" Mark Bland

The next leg of the journey took us from Harare into Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands, one of my favourite regions anywhere in Africa, before continuing onward to Great Zimbabwe for our fourth and final night in this incredible country.

The roads through the Eastern Highlands are made for driving, and the entire rally team was blown away by the landscapes unfolding around every corner. Rolling mountains, winding passes, cool mountain air, and scenery that feels completely different to the dry roads and deserts we had left behind.

After a memorable night in the mountains, it was onward toward Great Zimbabwe.

Along the way, there were plenty of highlights: shopping for beautifully crafted souvenirs made from baobab fibre, crossing the historic Birchenough Bridge (designed by the same engineer involved in the Sydney Harbour Bridge) and a spectacular drive around Lake Kyle.

But the true highlight of the journey came on the banks of the Save River.

My dear friend Tendai and her family welcomed the rally team into their home and hearts for a traditional Zimbabwean lunch that none of us will ever forget.

From the singing and welcome dances to the warm smiles, incredible food, and attention to every small detail, this was Zimbabwean hospitality at its absolute finest.

It was a moment that moved many in the group to tears.

As one guest beautifully put it: “The best memento anyone could ask for from travel.”

For me personally, this day will remain one of the most memorable and meaningful of the entire rally — a celebration of culture, connection, family, food, and the incredible power of bringing people together through travel.

Tomorrow, the road leads us into South Africa and back into the bush once more.

Routes Rediscovered. Specialists in authentic African adventure and overlanding travel.



Destination Rally

The road to Harare. It was bumpy. It was long. And at times, it was completely exhausting.But that is adventure rally li...
22/05/2026

The road to Harare. It was bumpy. It was long. And at times, it was completely exhausting.

But that is adventure rally life.

An early morning departure out of Livingstone saw the rally heading north along the Great North Road before turning off onto one of the most spectacular gravel routes of the journey, descending the escarpment toward Siavonga and offering guests a glimpse into the beauty of rural Zambia.

For most, the incredible scenery helped soften the memory of the long stretches of pothole-ridden tar that followed. Although I won’t lie, the picnic stop under a giant baobab tree along the way was a very welcome break.

By late afternoon, we reached Kariba Dam and crossed into Zimbabwe, where we were welcomed by the fantastic Isaac from Zimbabwe Tourism, alongside the chiefs and officials from the Kariba Border Post.

The level of friendliness, efficiency, and willingness to help and go the extra mile was genuinely unbelievable.

But that is Zimbabwe.

And that is precisely why it remains my favourite country.

A huge thank you to everyone who assisted us along the way, it was truly appreciated.

That evening, the rally overnighted in Kariba, although for some crews it was well after sunset before they finally rolled in. Then came the final push toward Harare along a road that sadly continues to deteriorate year after year.

Thankfully, salvation arrived in the form of Sue from Saucy Sue’s, who personally made sure guests were fuelled with coffee, burgers, and biltong before tackling the final section into the capital.

And finally… Highlands House. A little calm after another unforgettable stretch of African road.

Tomorrow, we go again...

Routes Rediscovered. Specialists in authentic African adventure and overlanding travel.



Destination Rally

21/05/2026

Coming face-to-face with Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or "The Smoke That Thunders", is an unforgettable experience!
..and once the mighty Victoria Falls decides you are getting soaked, resistance is completely futile.

Standing alongside one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World while millions of litres of water thunder into the gorge below is wild, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable.

The roar. The spray. The sheer power of it all.

This is Africa at its most spectacular!

Routes Rediscovered. Specialists in authentic African adventure and overlanding travel.



Destination Rally

20/05/2026

An early start out of Etosha gifted us one of those breathtaking Namibian sunrises that makes the long road feel like a privilege.

Quiet roads. Soft light. Engines humming. The kind of morning that reminds you exactly why we do this.

But the sunrise was not the only surprise of the day.

Along the national highway, not far from where I had seen cheetah on a previous journey, six of the most beautiful wild dogs appeared, hunting along the side of the road.

Day made.

Of course, there were still 400 kilometres to cover and 22 classic cars to process through a border, but for a sighting like that, we’ll take it.

As tradition dictates, the Ngoma border crossing also called for the obligatory selfie at the famous baobab before we rolled onward into Botswana and toward the Chobe.

And Chobe delivered in every possible way.

At Chobe Game Lodge, we were treated to a beautiful herd of sable, elephants drinking, baboons, snorting hippos, chilled-out crocodiles, the unmistakable call of the African fish eagle, and even an opera performance for good measure. Naturally, a few gin and tonics were also prescribed for “mosquito management”.

The evening ended in true African style with a fantastic boma dinner and the energy of a local marimba band.

Next up, however, was the Zambian border crossing. Always an unnecessarily stressful part of the journey. The less said, the better.

After a few hours of paperwork, patience, and deep breathing, we treated ourselves to a stop at a local shebeen to give Jack, one of our mechanics from New Zealand, his first proper taste of the experience after a very thirst-inducing day.

Walking through the doors of the Royal Livingstone later that evening was a very welcome sight indeed.

The rally rolls on.

Routes Rediscovered. Specialists in authentic African adventure and overlanding travel.



Chobe Game Lodge
The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara
Destination Rally

18/05/2026

The road to Botswana.

Some rally days are filled with endless adventures, unexpected discoveries, and stories around every corner. Other days are a lot more transit in nature. The next few days always feel a lot like this for me.

Whilst a journey along the former Caprivi Strip has lots to offer, when travelling in old timers this can be a little more tricky, as most roads as soon as you turn off the main drag are deep sand.

After leaving the Damara region, the rally still had two nights to enjoy the magic of Etosha before the long push east. With the Wi-Fi down, the cars attended to, and a little time on hand, the team somehow found themselves in a highly competitive, and highly amusing, game of tennis.

Then it was time for what Etosha does best.

A safari through one of Africa’s great wildlife landscapes, followed by an unforgettable sunset Bushman interpretation walk and a mind-blowing dinner at the Sky Boma. A perfect reminder that even the “transit” days can still deliver something extraordinary.

From there, the rally turned toward the Caprivi for an overnight stop.

From there, the road leads us into Botswana and onward to the Chobe, where a night of luxury, and one of the best sunset cruises in Africa was waiting for us.

The rally rolls on.

Routes Rediscovered. Specialists in authentic African adventure and overlanding travel.



Destination Rally

Address

99 Kloof Nek Road, Gardens
Cape Town
8001

Telephone

+27716769075

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Routes Rediscovered posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Routes Rediscovered:

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Category