The Africa I have come to experience, the Africa I marvel at time and again is one I have witnessed from both the entry to a humble tent and the veranda of an exquisite hotel room. Every time she remains unchanged, but for years I have wondered how to best reconcile the comfort of a hotel with the simplicity of the tent. I like my comfort, but without the need for hustle and bustle.

My many years in and around Southern Africa have left me wondering how to travel from one spot to another, avoiding unnecessary activities and spending more quality time for rest and relaxation. After all, in this fast-paced world, minutes and seconds begin to count. In my travels, speaking to other adventurers both on the road and on online platforms, I discovered I was not the only one wrestling to find a solution.

Research and getting acquainted with the many different options available, I came to the conclusion that teardrop campers offer the best solution. They do not require much effort in setting up camp, and whether it’s one night or several, everything happens literally in seconds. I am safe from the elements, I can treat myself to an ultra-comfortable mattress that does not need inflating or folding away and I can have a fully equipped mini kitchen. What more could I need? I realised, this is how I want to travel!

I admit, I’m a fussy guy. I wanted something modern, built with leading technology and materials that have up until now, been reserved for building modern motor cars. That’s why, one day, in 2019, I sat down at the drawing board and committed my vision to paper. I was proud of my project but it wasn’t enough. I knew I didn’t only want this for myself but to share it other like-minded travellers who want what I want from life. I needed my vision to become real and so I began to build…

This is how Naledi, my star, was born!