When it comes to overlanding, few stories are as inspiring as that of Stuart and Tania Carliell. This mid-50s couple from South Africa has spent the last five years living full-time in their trusty 1995 Land Rover Defender. Affectionately named Mr Jones, it’s equipped with an Alu-Cab Icarus roof conversion and Shadow Awning, and is the perfect blend of functionality, durability and adventure-ready design.
A Rig Built for Adventure
Stuart and Tania’s Defender is custom-built to maximise storage and usability, carrying everything they need for life on the road. From winter and summer clothing to surfboards, hammocks and even a fridge full of meat for their beloved braais, Mr Jones is a marvel of efficiency. “Incredibly, despite all this gear, we still have 1sqm of ‘free’ floor space,” they share.
The Alu-Cab Icarus has been a game-changer for their travels. “The fact that we have been able to make it home and after all these years would still choose the same setup,” says Stuart. The ease of opening and closing the Icarus, combined with the spacious living area it creates, has made it indispensable. Over 1,500 nights on the road, including 785 days in South America, only 40 nights were spent outside their setup.
Breathtaking Locations and Unforgettable Memories
From the Central Kalahari in Botswana to the turquoise waters of Venezuela’s Playa Cuyagua, Stuart and Tania have camped in some of the world’s most remote and stunning locations. One standout memory is swimming in Brazil’s Jalapao fervedoura’s—shallow karst springs where the sandy bottom feels like you’re sinking into the earth.
Their adventures have taken them from the seven lakes of Northern Patagonia to the dunes of Lencois in Brazil, where they celebrated New Year’s Eve 2023. “Wild camping on the Caribbean beaches of Venezuela was a highlight,” they recall, “especially Playa Cuyagua, with its turquoise waters and great surfing.”
A Rig That Turns Heads
While their setup is a common sight in Africa, it’s a different story in South America. “We lost count of how many people were in awe of the setup,” they laugh. From curious passersby to a Rwandan music video producer, Mr Jones has become a conversation starter. “Mr Jones now features in a music video,” they proudly share.
The One Piece of Gear They Can’t Live Without
While the Icarus roof and Shadow awning are essential, there’s one item Stuart and Tania can’t do without: their fridge. “All South Africans need a healthy stock of meat for a braai and cold beer or wine to accompany that,” they joke. When their fridge recently died in Mexico, they quickly realised just how vital it is for their overlanding lifestyle.
A Journey of Connection and Discovery
Stuart and Tania’s travels are more than just a physical journey. They’re a way to connect with different cultures and honour their family’s sense of adventure. “If we could invite anyone to join us, it would be our grandmothers,” they say. “They had a wanderlust they never got to fulfil, and this trip would have intrigued them.”
It’s interesting to note that the couple’s 1500th night inside of Icarus fell on Valentine’s Day this year. We thought it would be rude to ask how they consummated such a milestone…
Follow Their Adventure
For a deeper dive into Stuart and Tania’s overlanding journey, check out their travel diaries at www.hippysquared.com.
Their story is a reminder that with the right gear, a sense of adventure and a trusty rig like Mr Jones, the world is yours to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned overlander or just starting out, Alu-Cab’s vehicle accessories are designed to enhance every journey. Just ask Stuart and Tania.
Adventure awaits. Are you ready?