SIBERIA in Winter Robert Van Den Hoven, January 24, 2026January 24, 2026 NORTHERN RUSSIA IN WINTER (2012) Reaching the North Cape itself in winter is never guaranteed. Lucky we were allowed to follow the snowplow. Arriving in Northern Russia with day time temperatures of minus 30 dropping to minus –40°C, every decision mattered. Turn the engine off too long and it might… Continue Reading
SUDAN, 2010 & 2016 Robert Van Den Hoven, January 17, 2026January 17, 2026 Sudan is vast and rarely visited by overlanders, a country shaped by beauty, hardship, and extraordinary hospitality. Though conflict has made parts of it inaccessible, those who travel there discover a warmth unmatched elsewhere in the region. Sharing tea is a national ritual, and no Sudanese family eats without inviting… Continue Reading
Mali, West Africa Robert Van Den Hoven, January 7, 2026January 7, 2026 Traveling in Mali is not about luxury; it’s about connection. Mali’s past feels alive beneath your feet. Centuries ago, this land was the heart of the Mali Empire—one of the richest and most influential empires in world history. We were incredibly fortunate to meet Ogo and his family, who welcomed… Continue Reading
UGANDA Robert Van Den Hoven, January 3, 2026January 3, 2026 Uganda is a country with many different ethnic groups. It became independent from the United Kingdom on 9 October 1962. Since independence, Uganda has faced many years of violence and political instability. One of the most difficult periods was an eight-year military dictatorship led by Idi Amin. We travelled deep… Continue Reading
Ethiopia 2010 & 2016 Robert Van Den Hoven, December 24, 2025December 27, 2025 Ethiopia is a country of many worlds.Well-known tribes include, Mursi, famous for women wearing large lip plates and body scarification, Hamar pastoralists known for the bull-jumping rite marking male adulthood and whipping of the woman. Karo noted for intricate body painting and scarification, Daasanach living near the Omo delta with distinctive lifestyles, Bodi , Nyangatom, Kwegu and others with varied traditions and subsistence patterns. Many… Continue Reading
Iran Robert Van Den Hoven, December 20, 2025January 10, 2026 What truly makes Iran unforgettable isn’t just its architecture or landscapes—it’s its people. Iranians are renowned for their hospitality. We were invited into homes for tea, offered sweets, and guided through hidden local gems by friendly strangers genuinely curious about our journey and our impressions of Iran. lies at the… Continue Reading
SYRIA Robert Van Den Hoven, December 12, 2025December 12, 2025 In 2010 and early 2011, Syria looked calm from the outside: busy markets, ancient cities, families gathering for long dinners, kids running through old stone streets.But underneath? The country was quietly cracking. One family ruled for decades. Politics were tightly controlled. The security services were everywhere. People learned not to… Continue Reading
4 Years Africa Overland, in 8 minutes. Draft version — not final Robert Van Den Hoven, December 6, 2025December 6, 2025 4 Years Overlanding in Africa (4 years in 8 minutes). We left the comfort zone, followed rough tracks instead of roads, and discovered a continent that changed us forever. They say once you visit Africa, it gets into your blood — and it’s true. We shared life with the Kalahari… Continue Reading
Uzbekistan Robert Van Den Hoven, November 29, 2025November 29, 2025 Uzbekistan the heart of Central Asia, where history, culture, and tradition come alive. Uzbekistan’s cities are treasure troves of architectural marvels, bustling bazaars, and rich cultural heritage. In Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Termez, and Kokand, centuries-old mosques, majestic mausoleums, stand as testaments to the genius of great architects and the… Continue Reading
KYRGYSZTAN Robert Van Den Hoven, November 20, 2025November 28, 2025 Overlanding in Kyrgyzstan isn’t just about the road—it’s about the magic you find off it. Hidden camps, secret tracks, and and villages with locals who welcome you like family. Step into a yurt, hear centuries-old stories, watch women craft felt, men tend horses, and children play traditional games. Every village… Continue Reading