PikiPiki Overland - We wanted to travel for six months - and haven't been back yet
In 2010, South Africans Michnus and Elsebie packed their motorcycles for an African tour. After Ethiopia, they simply stopped making plans. Since then, the road has been their home.
We talk to people who live their lives differently - consciously, courageously, sometimes radically. Not to impress. But to inspire, to question and to show: There is another way. And that's okay.
This is not about empty phrases. Not about gloss. It's about real answers - to the questions you ask around the campfire when no one is making small talk anymore. Because when you're on the road, you have a lot to tell. And often more to give than you think.
"We don't travel to break records or collect stamps - we travel to live stories."
PikiPiki - that's what motorcycles are called in East Africa. For Michnus and Elsebie from South Africa, the name says it all. They have been on the road on two wheels almost continuously since 2010. What began as a six-month tour of Africa turned into a life on the road - curious, slow, far.
They talk about freedom and friendship, about learning on the road - and why it's better to overpack in time and serenity than in luggage.
About you and your journey
Tell us briefly about yourselves: Who are you? How long have you been traveling? What have you done so far? Where are you living right now? And what's next for you?
We are Michnus and Elsebie, proud South African GenX'ers with a knack for ignoring our own advice. We're happiest on motorcycles, taking questionable photos, drinking good beer and sharing stories with weird and wonderful people we meet along the way.
In 2010, we set off on what was supposed to be a six-month tour through Africa. We only got as far as Ethiopia - but the moto-travel bug got us so hooked that we basically never stopped. We sold ballast (sorry mom, sorry pets), threw caution overboard and hit the road permanently. Since then, motorcycling has been our lifestyle.
Why do we do it? Not to break records or fill passports like trading cards. We travel slowly, curiously and with our eyes wide open. We chase dirt roads and cultures that make us question our own. We love the challenge of Adventure Enduro and live for the friendships and stories that come with it.
Right now, "home" is where the bikes are parked. And what's next? As long as our bones, health and bank balance cooperate, we'll keep exploring this crazy little planet.
We're from East London on the South Coast of South Africa, but live in Cape Town when we're not on the road.
"You grow up thinking that your own upbringing is the standard for everyone. But the more you see, the clearer it becomes: There are a thousand different ways to lead a good life."
Do you remember the moment when you first thought: I want out. I want more out of life?
Our first trip was in 1994, shortly after our wedding. My brother-in-law wanted to travel to Namibia again and show my sister places he knew from the days of the Cold War. We were in our early 20s, fresh out of university, broke and just starting our careers.
We scraped together vacation days and savings to make a 30-day tour possible - with an old Land Rover and a 4x4 Toyota pickup through Namibia's most remote regions. Navigation with paper maps from the Dept. of Land Affairs, no GPS, refueling stops days apart, and the only people we met were Himba communities.
We had zero idea about 4×4 driving or overlanding, but the freedom, the people and the challenges hooked us for life. From then on, we traveled southern Africa for years. And as motorcycles became more affordable in South Africa, we drove further and longer.
What does your everyday life on the road look like - or does it no longer exist?
There is no such thing as a typical day. We plan a certain area, do our research and then off we go. But everything is very relaxed: If we find a cool place, we stay. If something interests us, we take our time and don't rush.
Yes, after all these years, we deliberately avoid the typical.
What has been the best place you've stayed so far - and why?
An incredibly difficult question. There is light and shade in most countries - but some have simply crept deeper into our hearts. For different reasons. Namibia, Botswana, Chile, Argentina, Mexico and Portugal are among our favorites.
But places like Patagonia have really touched us deeply. The people, the landscapes, the nature - all in a different league. But also the vastness, the boundlessness, the opportunity to simply drive, camp and explore. And the relaxed attitude, where rules tend to be recommendations - very different from the USA or the EU.
Were there moments when you wanted to give up everything?
We got stranded in Bolivia during Covid and had to spend a full year there because of the lockdown rules. Extending visas became a huge problem and they almost confiscated our bikes because of their absurd regulations. Nevertheless, the decision to continue helped us get through the experience.
If you could give your former "self" one sentence before leaving - what would it be?
Pack light - but overpack time and money. Both disappear faster than a cold beer at bush camp.
The question everyone asks:
How do you finance this life? And how do you deal with the uncertainty that comes with it?
Over the years, we have invested in small apartments that we rent out and that provide us with an income. We also have a small business - TurkanaGear, Soft Luggage for motorcycles - which is not always directly dependent on us. It's not much, but if you live frugally, it's enough to keep you going for a long time. Passive income is the key - that's the whole game.
We never bought bullshit, worked, saved, never bought new cars or pointless stuff. More importantly, we resisted the urge for instant gratification.
What drives you when things get really tough? "Mostly beer ... and the fear of going hungry. Seriously, when the going gets tough, there's no cavalry - it's just us."
Travel as a life principle:
What does traveling mean to you - beyond postcard motifs and bucket lists?
For us, traveling is an endless course in problem solving. Something always goes wrong: motorcycles break down, borders close, plans fall apart. Solving this on the road keeps your mind sharp and your patience tested.
It also forces you to encounter people and cultures who see the world completely differently - in religion, politics, money, everything. That is humbling. You quickly realize that your own perspective is not the center of the universe.
Perhaps the biggest learning is that traveling is not monotonous. It's not the same day in an endless loop. Every day is different, every problem new, every encounter a reminder that the world is bigger and more exciting than our comfort zone.
Has traveling changed your view of the world?
Travel changes you because it quietly rewires how you see the world. You grow up believing that the way you were raised is the way things "should" be. But the more you see, the clearer it becomes: There are a thousand different ways to live a good life.
This makes you less quick to judge, more curious - and sometimes more confused, but in a good way. At the core, people everywhere want the same thing: connection, dignity, laughter, love - and a cold beer.
Have there been any encounters that have particularly shaped or changed you? One that you will never forget?
There are two extremes: the kindness of strangers - and the complete assholes with badges who can make people's lives hell. We have encountered both. Many people showed us incredible kindness and helped us when we had problems.
We experienced both at the border post in Bolivia when we had to leave for Covid. So many people helped us, while the border officials were indifferent. The way they treated poor Bolivians also left a lasting impression.
What role does "home" play for you - and where would you say "I'm staying here" today?
Our tent, an Airbnb or a hotel - wherever feels good. Especially if a city or place is relaxed and laid back. We can very easily feel at home, even if we only stay for a week or a month. We've had countless great times in small beach towns or mountain villages in Peru.
Is there anything you've let go of while traveling - and don't miss?
Possessions. All the baggage and bullshit you accumulate at home over the years. We've learned to make do with less and use what we have. It's liberating not to own tons of stuff that just takes up space.
"For us, traveling is an ongoing course in problem solving. Something always goes wrong - and that's what keeps your mind alert."
Sense & Traces:
What do you want to leave behind - not in the sand, but with the people you meet?
Honestly? We just hope we'll be remembered as the odd South African who turned up on motorcycles, shared a beer or a laugh - and didn't behave like idiots.
We're not here to impress with kilometers or statistics. If people remember that we respected their culture, listened to their stories and treated them well, that's enough for us. We'd rather leave good memories and kindness than any kind of "bragging rights".
What drives you when things get really tough?
Mostly beer ... and the fear of staying hungry. Joking aside, when the going gets tough, there's no cavalry coming - just us. We got ourselves into the situation, so we have to take responsibility and solve it ourselves.
That's part of overland travel: Solving problems along the way, staying calm when you feel like screaming at the sky, and hanging in there until it's sorted out. You learn quickly: the only way out is to keep going - hopefully without too many broken bones or blood.
What else do you dream of - personally, honestly?
Traveling, especially on motorcycles, is a kind of addiction. The more you travel, the more you want to. There are still so many places we would like to see. But we don't make it an absolute goal that has to be achieved at all costs. We'd rather explore one country properly than rush through nine.
And to go back to Antarctica one day - that would be bloody great if we could ever afford it again.
"If people remember us as the crazy South Africans who showed up on bikes, showed respect, listened and didn't take the piss out of anyone - that's good enough for us. We'd rather leave kindness than bragging."
When more happens on the road:
Have you come across projects, initiatives or people who are making a difference? Or have you started something yourselves that goes beyond your own adventure?
There are major problems with unemployment and social issues in South Africa, which is why we are focusing our efforts primarily there - as far as we can.
Along the way, we have met many people who are doing good with heart and dedication. This "Chip-In" page is dedicated to them. We don't take any fees or commissions, nor do we collect any money. It's all about presenting projects and people that we know personally and trust. If you want to help, get in touch with them directly.
Is there something you would like to share? A project that is close to your heart? A place we should take a look at? Or a channel we can follow you on?
There are two women traveling the world solo. In today's social media "look at me" world, their great stories almost get lost. But they have some really cool experiences to tell:
Our main focus today is on our luggage brand, which we founded 15 years ago and have greatly expanded over the last 7 years. We wanted to make products that are damn good - for motorcycle travelers, but also for adventurers and 4x4 overlanders. Not just good stuff, but really durable, functional equipment.
Take a look - and if you like something: order it, test it, use it. That's what we do it for: Turkana Gear