Clay Croft and his XOverland team have ventured across continents, conquering rugged terrains and embracing the call of the wild. But their latest journey, chronicled in their new series “XOverland Return to Africa,” offered something deeper: a chance to reflect, reconnect, and rediscover the essence of exploration.
“After finishing Season 6: Africa, I couldn’t shake the feeling that our time there was unfinished,” says Clay. “We left our trucks in South Africa, knowing we’d be back – but without a clear idea of when or why.”
Back home in Montana, the pull of Africa grew stronger. Clay realized it was time to seize the opportunity to revisit a land that had left an indelible mark on him. “This expedition was about stepping away from the noise of daily life and rediscovering the essence of exploration among friends. It gave me the chance to tap into that sense of wonder we had as kids, dreaming of far-off lands and daring journeys.”
A Journey Shaped by Africa
The journey began with seven friends, three trucks, and a mission to explore Southern Africa. As Clay explains, the XOverland team wasn’t just revisiting landscapes – they were embracing a chance to pause and reflect. “This journey became so much more than an adventure. It was an opportunity to revisit the past, fully embrace the present, and set a meaningful course for the future.”
Africa’s breathtaking terrain challenged the team at every turn. “From the vast expanse of the Kalahari Desert to the rocky, technical trails of Lesotho’s mountain passes, every day presented new challenges that required focus and teamwork,” says Clay. But the trip wasn’t solely about navigating the land. “Moments like learning to braai from Christoff or spending time with locals grounded us in the richness of African culture. There’s something about being in a place that’s raw and untamed – it humbles you, reminds you of your small place in the world, and fills you with a sense of wonder that’s hard to find anywhere else.”
The Art of Being Present
The XOverland team’s journey wasn’t about racing from one destination to another. Instead, they embraced the art of being present. “One of the most memorable moments came when we paused on a cliff in the Makuya Reserve, overlooking an endless expanse of wilderness. We weren’t rushing to cover ground or chasing a schedule; instead, we let ourselves simply take it all in,” Clay recalls.
Slowing down wasn’t always easy for the team, but those quiet moments became some of the most meaningful. “Just talking, reflecting, and soaking in the view. These moments reminded us why we were there and helped us reconnect in ways we often forget in the rush of everyday life.”
The Backseat Chronicles
Traveling in three trucks meant someone was always relegated to the backseat, so who had the dubious honour?
“We all took our turns in the backseat, and honestly, it wasn’t as bad as it might sound,” says Clay. “Some of the best conversations of the trip happened there, packed into close quarters, talking about life, dreams, and the challenges we were all facing.”
The backseat, according to Clay, became a hub for connection, laughter, and reflection. “It might not have been the most comfortable spot in the truck, but it was where some of the deepest bonds were formed. And it’s the best spot to take a much-needed nap!”
Tackling Africa’s Toughest Trails
The XOverland team relied on their trusted fleet of vehicles to tackle Africa’s varied terrains. “Our trucks – Raven the Toyota Tacoma, Orion the Tundra, Simba the Sequoia, and a brief Hilux appearance outfitted with the Alu-Cab ModCAP camper – were absolutely incredible,” says Clay.
A standout moment occurred in Lesotho. “We encountered rocky, muddy roads up mountain passes and tight, high-elevation trails that really had us trusting our vehicles to carry us to the other side. The Toyotas climbed up the steep roads to one of the best campsites of my life. The next morning, we had to make a quick decision to return as one of our team members was sick. Getting back down the mountain is just as important as going up, and our vehicles brought us back safely without issue.”
It’s moments like these that remind us how much we rely on our vehicles. “They’re not just tools; they’re your lifeline in places like this.”
A New Philosophy of Overlanding
For Clay, overlanding has changed as he’s spent more time behind the wheel. “When I started overlanding, it was all about the technical challenges – conquering tough trails, covering miles and exploring the most remote places. Over the years, though, it’s become just as much about the personal journey as the physical one.”
This trip, Clay explains, perfectly reflects this evolution. “It wasn’t just about where we were going but why we were going. It gave us a chance to step back and reevaluate where we are in life. Overlanding isn’t just about the destinations anymore; it’s about the connections and moments we create along the way.”
Africa’s Lasting Impact
“Africa leaves a mark that doesn’t fade. It gets in your blood, becoming part of who you are. The land, the people, the challenges – they stay with you long after you’ve left,” says Clay.
For Clay and the rest of the XOverland team, returning to Africa was never just about completing a journey. “Each visit deepens that connection. It’s not just about returning to finish something; it’s about embracing the way Africa transforms you, challenges you, and leaves you better than you were before.”
The Role of Alu-Cab Gear
Reliable equipment was crucial to the trip’s success, and Clay credits Alu-Cab for delivering. “Our Alu-Cab gear was essential to the trip’s success. The ModCAP camper on the Hilux, the rooftop tents and all the other equipment stood up to the harshest conditions Africa could throw at us.”
Having complete confidence in their equipment allowed the team to focus fully on their journey. “We could camp comfortably in remote locations, knowing our setup would perform when we needed it most. It gave us the freedom to fully embrace the adventure without worrying about the little things.”
Advice for Aspiring Explorers
We’re proud to have ambassadors like XOverland putting our product through its paces, and for anyone inspired by the team’s journey, Clay offers the following: “The best advice I can give is to just go. You don’t need the perfect plan or the most expensive gear – what matters is taking the leap.”
Africa, he says, will challenge and reward in equal measure. “Respect the land and its people, embrace the unexpected, and allow yourself to step outside your comfort zone. That’s where the real magic of overlanding happens.”