Embarking on an overland adventure through the heart of Africa demands both preparation and resilience, a fact well-understood by Nico van der Merwe, a dedicated overlanding enthusiast. In August 2023, Nico chose to upgrade his Land Cruiser 76 series with a comprehensive RAW 4x4 suspension upgrade, facilitated by the experts at BOC Off-Road, to prepare for his ambitious journey across seven African countries. This essential enhancement was aimed at ensuring his vehicle could withstand the demanding terrains and unpredictable challenges of a multi-country expedition. As Nico set off from Cape Town, South Africa, his journey not only tested the limits of his vehicle but also showcased the exceptional support and service provided by BOC Off-Road Industries and RAW 4x4 Africa.
31 August 2023, Raw 4x4 Suspension upgrade at BOC Off-Road Industries, Malmesbury.
Nico's Epic Overland Journey
Starting Point: Cape Town
Nico kicked off his remarkable overland adventure on March 26, 2024, departing from Cape Town, South Africa and aiming his 76 Series Land Cruiser towards the Kruger National Park. With his Land Cruiser freshly upgraded with a RAW 4x4 suspension and all the necessities ready and installed for a major African trip, he was ready to tackle the diverse and often unforgiving terrains that lay ahead. Cape Town served as the perfect launching pad for his expedition. Nico's initial route took him through the iconic landscapes of South Africa, setting a high note for the journey that followed. This starting point marked the beginning of a journey that would test both man and machine.
Custom Drawer system built by BOC in the rear of the 76 Land Cruiser.
First Hurdle: Mozambique.
Nico made it to the Kruger National Park after a few days of driving and got settled for his first major stop. After Nico and his wife had enjoyed their time in The Kruger National Park, he made his way to Mozambique.
U-Bolt replacement at Tete, Mozambique.
After they had crossed the border into Mozambique and driving a few 100kms, Nico’s journey hit its first significant challenge. Traversing the rugged terrain, the U-bolts on the rear of his Land Cruiser snapped, a common issue that Land Cruiser owners experience often, due to the design of the Land Cruiser rear suspension where the leaf springs runs underneath the rear differential, leaving the U-Bolts exposed to the elements. This setback could have derailed his entire trip, but the swift assistance from BOC Off-Road made all the difference. Upon contacting BOC Off-Road Industries, immediate guidance was provided and he then located the nearest mechanical workshop who assisted him in replacing the broken U-bolts with new ones, allowing him to continue his journey without any further delays.
Chipinda Pools Camp at Gonarezhou National Park Zimbabwe.
Continued Challenges: Zambia
After Mozambique, their journey then continued through Zimbabwe, back through Mozambique entering Malawi and cutting back towards Zambia.
Lake Malawi Fishing at Elephant Marsh Malawi
Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe Crossing lake Kariba on a ferry
In Zambia on Friday afternoon the 21st of June, they then encountered another significant obstacle: the rear bottom shock bushes of his Land Cruiser failed. Sometimes these things happen BUT how it is resolved is what makes the main difference in the end. This issue posed a serious threat to the safety and progress of his expedition though. Nico reached out to BOC Off-Road for assistance. Understanding the urgency, BOC Off-Road connected Nico directly with Dries from RAW 4x4 Africa, leveraging their extensive network across the continent, having a warehouse in Lusaka that carried stock of the RAW 4x4 product. The team from G.U.D. Zambia worked over time that Friday afternoon into the night to find a solution that will set Nico and his wife back on track. This posed some serious challenges as Nico was in Liuwa Plain at the time, a long way from Lusaka where the stock was but was able to find temporary replacement bushes from a mechanical workshop in the area. RAW 4x4 Africa, specifically Pharaoh from G.U.D. Zambia quickly sprang into action, arranging for 2 replacement rear shocks as well as a full kit of U-bolts and polyurethane bushes to give Nico to carry with them as spare parts for the rest of their journey home. Pharaoh embarked on a very long and hard 500km plus journey on the Saturday and Sunday to meet up with Nico and his wife in Mongu, the next significant town on their journey out of Zambia and towards Namibia.
This rapid response ensured Nico could continue his African overland trip with minimal disruption. The collaborative effort between BOC Off-Road and RAW 4x4 Africa showcased their dedication to customer support and the reliability of their service network.
"This customer is so happy!!! Says it's the best service he has ever gotten and he says he will speak highly of our brand and the excellent customer service everywhere he goes!!!" - Pharaoh of RAW 4x4 Africa in Zambia
Nico and Pharaoh in Mongu.
All set with spares for the rest of the trip.
Final Support in Malmesbury
After Nico's replacements had been handed over to him by RAW 4x4 Africa, he then slowly started to make his way down back to Cape Town, through Namibia and Botswana and he finally arrived back home on the 27th of July. After a long 4 month trip through Africa and being back home he made his way to BOC in Malmesbury, where he received final support from BOC Off-Road Industries and RAW 4x4 Africa.
After traversing seven countries and facing multiple mechanical challenges, his Land Cruiser required a thorough inspection and additional repairs. At BOC Off-Road’s workshop, the team replaced the temporary solution U-bolts, the rear shock top and bottom bushes with brand new polyurethane bushes, ensuring Nico's vehicle was restored to peak condition. This service highlighted BOC Off-Road’s and RAW 4x4 Africa's commitment to their clients, providing comprehensive support from start to finish. The hands-on assistance reinforced the importance of having a dependable partner throughout an overland adventure.
Nico's U-Bolts being replaced by the
BOC Team.
RAW 4x4 Africa's contributions and BOC Off-Road’s expertise ensured that Nico could complete his expedition successfully. This final support in Malmesbury epitomised the exceptional service and dedication that BOC Off-Road and RAW 4x4 Africa offer to every client, regardless of the challenges faced along the way.
"Dries, RAW 4x4 Africa and Pharaoh, thank you very much for the exceptional client service. And for making it possible for me to be able to continue my trip with an easy heart." - Nico van de Merwe
Dries and Leyton of RAW 4x4 Africa
getting their hands dirty
Lastly, we as BOC Off-Road want to thank Nico for his ongoing support of BOC Off-Road Industries, as well as thank RAW 4x4 Africa for their always quick and quality assistance whenever and wherever needed. At BOC Off-Road Industries we always align ourselves with brands and companies that have the same outlook and goals that we do; always to go the extra mile, delivering high quality service and always putting the client first.
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Happy Trails,
BOC Team.
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