Who We Are?
AN ordinary couple
We are committed lifelong companions who love, honour, respect, support and consistently challenge each other to venture beyond our comfort zones – together we are a force to be reckoned with and can’t wait to explore the world together with you!
Darren
A natural born Boy Scout and Adventurer, this ex Naval Logistics Officer has spent a lifetime on the high seas, now spends his time travelling the world mysterious lands whenever he can. A trained chef, mountain leader, scuba diver and skydiver, he is the first to want to experience different cultures, food, activities and anything that life has to offer.
The main driver and amateur mechanic. Route planner. Logistician and supply chain expert. Communication. Vlogger cameraman and drone operator and chief editor. Technology and gadgets geek! Website manager, contracts, compliance, health & safety expert. Caterer and chef.
“Having travelled around the world at sea for half my life, this overland adventure has everything and more - it’s going to stretch us mentally, physically and emotionally as individuals and as a couple, testing our resilience and fortitude. Truly life changing!”
Becky
A career professional Executive Assistant and business Event Management owner, 'B' is the fun loving, sociable, optimistic, resourceful, highly organised (loves making lists), positive, compassionate, excitable, kind, warm and super friendly one of this duo, plus the one into Yoga and an unbridled love of dogs, guinea pigs and llamas. The support driver and navigator. Photographer, Vlog star and Blogger. Partnerships and brand relationships and sponsorship co-ordinator. Country planning and location researcher. Record keeper and documentation management. Marketing/PR, social media strategies, creative content. “I know more than many the challenges that life can throw at you but I’ve learnt how to heal and come back stronger and how to live the best life and be the best version of yourself. This journey is an opportunity to show people what is possible if you follow your dreams and dig deep both, physically, mentally and emotionally”
Our Mission
247 Overland’s mission is to undertake exciting and extraordinary overland adventures around the world, sharing the planning, preparation and their exploits along the way, to inspire and motivate others live their best life and to take their own adventures however big and small.
Extraordinary Experiences
We will share and publish new content on our site and across our social media every time we have our adventures.
We invite you along on our journey around the world. We will share the highs and lows, the real life stuff and our travel review, advice and guide to the world.
Our Travel Charter
We like to live and breath our adventure and we set ourselves a charter for everywhere we go!
- Stay at a minimum of one night in country
- Get a passport stamp or photo at border sign
- Take a selfie with the locals
- Take a selfie with a notable landmark
- Film a spinning around video somewhere significant
- Taste the national cuisine and obtain recipe
- Listen to and dance to the local music
- Say hello in the native language and meet the local people
AWARD WINNING PREPARATION
Conquering the Desert: Our Journey to Winning Best Off-Road Overlander and Off-Road Camper at the ‘4×4 Adventure Show 2022’
When we entered the 4×4 Adventure Show 2022 at the ‘XQuarry’ which is located in the heart of the UAE desert, we had no idea what to expect. It was our first-ever show, a chance to display our beloved off-road Overlander Bruce the Jeep, and an opportunity to meet like-minded Overlanders, outdoor adventurers and 4×4 enthusiasts. Little did we know that this adventure would lead us to victory, as we clinched the coveted title of “Best Off-Road Overlander/Off-Road Camping Rig.”
The 4×4 Adventure Show 2022 was a paradise for Overlanders, off-road enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Nestled in the desert’s rugged terrain, ‘XQuarry’ provided the perfect backdrop and playground for an unforgettable weekend of adventure. Overlanders, campers, and 4×4 enthusiasts from all over the region and some of our friends from as far away as Germany gathered to celebrate their shared passion for exploration and the great outdoors.
As we proudly displayed our rig among a sea of other impressive vehicles, we were humbled by the camaraderie and the sense of community that pervaded the event. Sharing stories, tips, and experiences with fellow enthusiasts was an invaluable part of the experience.
In the end, our winning is not just about a trophy or bragging rights – it was about the memories we made, the new friends we met, and the boundless spirit of adventure that united us all.
Overlander’s Triumph: 247Overland at the ‘Custom Show Emirates’ (CSE) 2023
Attending the Custom Show Emirates (CSE), the Middle East’s premier automotive customization exhibition, has been a yearly pilgrimage for us, but 2023 was different; it was the year we dared to display our overlander rig. Held at the Expo 2020 exhibition center for the first time, CSE drew nearly 30,000 visitors and participants from 17 countries, making it the ultimate show for car enthusiasts.
Our excitement and nerves were palpable as we prepared for the event. This was challenging when we had only just arrived back from a 2 week overland adventure in Saudi and Jordan. When the day finally arrived, we joined thousands of fellow enthusiasts, sharing our passion for automotive customization.
The big highlight of the event was the chance to meet Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan, the Rainbow Sheikh, whose iconic vehicles and adventures are an inspiration. His presence was a true testament to the diversity and creativity within the automotive community.
Not expecting anything as the competition was very tough and there were many excellent Overland rigs on display, we were awarded third place for the Best Overlander. We were humbled as CSE 2023 was not just an exhibition; it was a celebration of our shared love for automotive.
As we reflect on this remarkable journey, we are indebted to our mentor ‘@vintage_vehicle.ae’ for his extensive guidance and advice and ‘@jimalessa’ from Kuwait a season overlander and advisor.
FIRST MIDDLE EAST – AUTOMADNESS – DUBAI AUTODROME
AutoMadness has set the first steps into the Middle East with it’s first edition in Dubai. At the Dubai Autodrome the European car show organizer 402 organized the first car festival with not only two big show-paddocks for showcasing supercars, custom cars, classic cars, 4×4 and even motorbikes but multiple track programs were run with Roll Racing, a huge off-road track, track driving and the first AutoMadness Drift Championship. Almost 2000 showcars were present and the event attracted almost 17000 visitors over the two days
