This Fabulous Trek
Some few days ago, I found myself doing what I do best surfing the images for new truck pictures, articles and people. From website to website and forum to forum, I took in everything everyone had to say about any new car model, any new explore or daring adventure. One thing lead to another and I stumbled onto www.thisfabtrek.com.
The thing that actually led me there was the vehicle that Manfred Schweda is using for his treks. Its very difficult to pass on the opportunity to see a 6x6 Foley conversion Land Rover 130 SW in its moment of glory in the dunes or on the sea shores of Mauritania. And because having a three axle 130SW just wasnt enough, Manfred has been trekking across the world for nearly 6 years now, traveling through more than 25 countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. I managed to find the strength to stop reading his adventures (of which this interview will only present a few) and got in contact with him to hear of stories, adventures and dreams first hand.
So, after talking for a while, finding out were both Land Rover people and Africa lovers, we found the common ground to sketch up an interview with the kind of man whose life many people dream of having...
Ever since I got on your site, Ive been dying to ask you: Where are you now?
I am in Cairo, been here nearly 2 months, figuring out which way best to take back. You know there are problems with Israeli stamps and stuff and Syria. This might give it an extra twist.
So, what did you do in life, before figuring out theres more to it than 9 to 5 jobs and purchasing things?
Studied for the major part of 8 years, then worked in banking for 12 years, Vienna, Berlin, London, Frankfurt, traded financial derivatives.
How did you get from business to traveling around as you do?
It is something you carry around for many years, it never leaves you, it may go in waiting position while you embark on another interesting thing, in my case was becoming a financial markets trader. And it is back the minute this other venture has its down days, weeks and months. In my case this occurred when the bank I was working for in London, closed down its operations there, and dismissed 300 in one day.
Was it a difficult choice to make, leaving everything behind and embarking on this great adventure of yours?
This is a continuation to the question before; ever since I had lost my job, even though I completely reintegrated into the banking environment, when ever this job was going down, it was like pulling out the other drawer and working on plan B. Figuring out, what car, what countries/continents, what equipment, what do? Music, photography, write, a blog. I was determined to go, talked for years, when I finally resigned; it did not even come as a surprise.
What did you have in mind when you set out? Was it just going to be one trip and then figure out whats next or did you decide youll be an overlander from the start?
It was always planned as a long overland journey, as slowly as possible; take it one day after the other. There was never a return date set. I gave everything away. I do not own anything that is not in my car. Still no end in sight, take what comes. Keep wandering.
Tell me a bit about your passion for cars. I saw that, on the website, theres a pretty extensive list of all the cars that have served as your expedition vehicles one way or another throughout time.
I am not really such a car freak. I also never entered discussions about Land Rovers vs. Land Cruisers. In fact I would like to drive a Toyota on one of my next journeys, also a Mercedes station wagon. Both might allow me to maybe cross distances a bit quicker than in these old vans. What was important to me is carrying a bit of equipment like cameras, and stuff. Also just parking up somewhere in a town outside a pub, or in the desert crawl in the back and sleep, is a kind of freedom. A motor bike, riding it is fun, I own a license to drive one, but I would have to reduce myself to a minimum, also pay for hotels, another one every night.
I understand youre currently using the lovely 6x6 conversion Defender as well as a Mercedes van to get you from place to place. How did you end up with those two?
The Land Rover was the initial buy for the trip, long, more space inside, 6 wheels for additional weight, if you have 6 wheels you also need 6x6 if you go off road. I mean I saw the 6-wheeled Defender and fell in love.
18 months ago (4 years into the trip) I figured I wanted to have a break from Africa, been there over 3 years, needed a change, wanted to see monuments, temples, churches, mosques; get my head deep into history. The Balkans, Middle East, Iran to India was the new plan. Well Iran and India are far now, maybe another trip. Taking the Landy back to Europe was not possible, would not get an MOT anywhere. So it was simple, just buy another MB van. Preparing a trip today takes really just buying another car.
The old MB 207, 307 are good vehicles, run, run, run and can be repaired everywhere around the world. In Africa they use them as bush taxis; they go incredibly well on bad roads.
I read that you have twin sons. How does family life and your life on the road get along?
Two incredible twin sons, I hope to spend all summer travelling with my children, theyre 3 years now, should not be a problem.
Do you explore mostly alone or with your family?
Maybe I leave my very private life to myself. Lets leave it this way.
I saw some of the maps you put up of places youve been. Its impressive to say the least. What was your favorite place, if you have one?
Google Maps API, a nice invention. What can I say, I am still getting goose bumps when I think of some stuff I have done or been to, people I have met. The Liberian jungle; rolled the Land Rover in the middle of the Mauritanian desert; Guinea and Mali, again and again and again. Or the tour with the babies in Italy (the twins just 3 months old), or the recent Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Egypt tour; it goes by so quickly. I am glad I am writing stuff down so I dont forget.
How about problems? Did you encounter visa issues and where and what technical problems did you have along the way with the Defender?
Visa, and car papers, insurance and Carnet whatever, every country has a set of different rules and procedures; just adapt. Defender car repairs are too numerous to start with. Every time I come back to Mali I work with my mechanic for some 2-4 weeks to get him ready again. Countless roadside repairs, some stuff I can do these days, like changing wheel bearings, brake pads. I mean on a Liberian jungle trip when waves of mud come over the bonnet and inside by the side window, everything goes.
In a discussion with another group of explorers, I found out that the favorite off roaders for North Africa are Land Cruisers, while the Southern half of the continent prefers Land Rovers. Have you been in a situation where you couldnt find parts for your car?
I never got to the South unfortunately. I think Africa has changed dramatically over the last 20 years. Economically it grew by a rate above average. It has of course a lot of catching up to do. In any center like Bamako, Accra, Lome or Dakar you can find all and everything these days, used or new. Finding a good mechanic is rather the problem. I had many butchers and many good ones.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to set off on a journey such as yours?
If you feel this is what you want to do, if you feel it so strongly it does not let you sleep at night then go before you get too afraid. Set a date and go! Dont wait till your financial situation is super sound. This might just never happen. Flying into the unknown of life, imagine.
How do you feel that these adventures have changed you?
Well, I am still searching; still flying the unknown. The excitement is still up, up like 6 years ago. I am content with the process; I love my children. Something will again come my way and prompt change. I am prepared.
Radu Tudoroiu
Radu Tudoroiu is a photographer and an editor for 4x4 Off Roads and other publications as well as an off-road enthusiast. Radu lives in Romania.
