In October 2025, adventurers Seth and Ollie set off from London in a vehicle that most people would struggle to imagine taking to the local supermarket, let alone across an entire continent. Their vehicle of choice was Sheila, a three-wheeled Reliant Robin. Their goal was ambitious. Drive from London to Cape Town in a Reliant Robin, crossing more than 14,000 miles and 22 countries in pursuit of a Guinness World Record. At the same time, they aimed to raise awareness and funds for School in a Bag, supporting children around the world with the resources they need to learn and thrive. Over the next four months, Sheila would carry them through deserts, jungles, remote villages, major cities, border crossings and some of the toughest roads imaginable. Along the way there would be breakdowns, bureaucracy, wildlife encounters and moments where the entire challenge hung in the balance. In March 2026, after travelling through 22 countries, Seth and Ollie rolled into Cape Town and completed one of the most ambitious Reliant Robin journeys ever attempted. Why a Reliant Robin? The London to Cape Town route has long been part of adventure travel folklore. For Seth and Ollie, it was a chance to follow in the footsteps of some of their heroes while adding their own twist to the challenge. "London to Cape Town has been a route adventurers have taken on for the last 100 years. It's also arguably the last untouched wilderness that people in the UK and Canada know little about. We wanted to pay homage to our heroes, such as the Long Way Down series, but also take the most unlikely vehicle possible. We first saw a Reliant Robin during the Mongol Rally in 2018 when driving from London to Mongolia. It was Seth's idea to take things one step further and drive one the length of Africa." The Route Starting in the UK, the pair travelled through France and Spain before crossing into Morocco and beginning their journey through Africa. The original plan was to stay as far west as possible, following what was considered the safest route at the time. From there they continued south through a diverse mix of countries, landscapes and cultures. In total, they crossed 22 countries over four months before reaching Cape Town. When Things Got Tough While the photos and videos show incredible scenery and memorable experiences, the reality of the journey was often far from glamorous. Long days behind the wheel, relentless heat and constant mechanical issues tested both the vehicle and the people inside it. "Personally, the biggest challenge was the mental battle to continue. We were cramped into a tiny space for up to 12 hours a day. When the inevitable breakdowns happened, you were then stuck in that same position trying to solve the problem. When the roads were bad, they were really bad. Deep sand, mud, rivers, fires and potholes you could bury a house in. In a three-wheeled car you don't really get to avoid much of it." Some days combined everything at once. Illness, poor road conditions, no food, limited money, mechanical failures and uncertainty about what lay ahead. The most dramatic setback came in Cameroon. "Our engine quite literally blew up." Moments They Thought It Might Be Over The mechanical challenges were only part of the story. Crossing multiple countries means dealing with changing visa requirements, border regulations and administrative processes. Every major breakdown created another layer of uncertainty. "When our gearbox, engine and axle broke on separate occasions, it wasn't just about finding replacement parts. It was whether we would still be legally allowed to remain in the country by the time everything was repaired. Every time we had a major breakdown, we genuinely thought we might not make it." Memories That Will Last a Lifetime Despite the setbacks, the journey delivered countless unforgettable moments. One of the highlights was taking Sheila off-road through the Ghanaian jungle, proving the little Reliant Robin was far more capable than many people would expect. Although, as Seth and Ollie admit, that may also have contributed to some of the breakdowns. For them, the changing landscapes and wildlife encounters further south were among the most special experiences of the entire trip. "Seeing a bull elephant through the window of a Reliant Robin was one of those images we'd imagined from the very beginning of the adventure. To actually capture that moment was incredible." The People We Met Along the Way While the landscapes, wildlife and sheer scale of the journey left a lasting impression, it was often the people they met that made the biggest impact. Travelling overland through 22 countries offered countless opportunities to experience different cultures, communities and ways of life. From roadside mechanics helping keep Sheila moving to locals sharing advice, stories and directions, the journey was filled with moments of unexpected kindness. For Seth and Ollie, one of the biggest takeaways was how similar people can be, regardless of where they live. "We've learned that 99% of people are kind, interesting and shaped by their own unique experiences and environment." It served as a reminder that while Africa is often portrayed through its challenges, it is also home to remarkable hospitality, vibrant communities and some of the most memorable encounters of the entire adventure. Life on the Road There was no such thing as a typical day. Every morning started with a plan. Every evening usually looked slightly different. "We'd work out where we wanted to get to, usually break down or overheat somewhere along the way, struggle to find an ATM that worked, get stopped by the police for no reason, then fall short of our target. We'd boil some ration packs, get some sleep and do it all again the next day." Supporting School in a Bag Alongside the adventure, Seth and Ollie wanted the challenge to make a positive difference. That led them to partner with School in a Bag, a charity that provides educational resources to children around the world. The charity was a natural fit, not only because it is based relatively close to home in Yeovil, but because many of the countries visited on the journey are places where the organisation actively works. "Free education is something many of us take for granted. School in a Bag helps provide children with the tools they need to learn and succeed, particularly in rural communities. What really stood out to us was that the bags don't just contain educational resources. They also include hygiene and safety items that help support healthier communities." During the journey, the team were able to visit schools supported by the charity and see first-hand the impact these resources have. The Kit That Helped Along the Way Travelling across Africa in a Reliant Robin inevitably means being prepared for almost anything. The Hold My Gear team relied on a range of Lifesystems and Lifeventure equipment throughout the challenge. "The products were a godsend. The insect repellent was probably the standout. We regularly found ourselves in rural jungle environments and high-risk malaria zones, yet neither of us became seriously ill. The Water Filter Bottles were another essential. We frequently filled up from wells and other local water sources, helping us stay hydrated safely in temperatures that were often above 30°C. The first aid kits also saw plenty of use for cuts, scrapes and minor injuries while working on Sheila." What They Took Away From the Experience After four months on the road, countless border crossings and more breakdowns than they care to remember, the journey left a lasting impression. Beyond the miles covered and the challenges overcome, it reinforced just how vast and varied Africa is. From dense jungle and open savannah to bustling cities and remote villages, every week brought a completely different experience. "Africa is every bit as wild and unpredictable as people say, but it's also one of the most beautiful places on Earth and still feels largely untouched." As for what's next, the adventure isn't over yet. The team are currently working on a film and book documenting the journey while already discussing future challenges, including the possibility of bringing Sheila back to London. Final Thoughts At Lifesystems and Lifeventure, we're proud to have supported Seth, Ollie and Sheila on their remarkable journey from London to Cape Town. Their adventure is a reminder that exploration isn't always about having the fastest vehicle, the biggest budget or the most comfortable conditions. Sometimes it's about curiosity, resilience and the willingness to keep moving forward when things don't go to plan. Congratulations to the Hold My Gear team on an incredible achievement, and we look forward to seeing where the next adventure takes them.
