There’s a moment when a dream shifts from a far-off “maybe” to a concrete plan. For Fred and Tatjana of Gravel & Salt, that moment was sealed with a handshake over espresso martinis in Düsseldorf, Germany. What followed was a monumental ten-month circumnavigation from Cape Town to Nairobi and back, a journey that had them traveling Africa in a Defender. A trip that tested their resolve, their 24-year-old Defender, and ultimately, expanded their definition of home.
We sat down with the couple to delve into the story behind the world-class imagery and tasty sense of adventure they share with their growing community.
The Catalyst
The idea was Tatjana’s, a longing for a pause from the corporate world. The execution required Fred’s lifelong passion for the Defender gathering dust in the garage. “Tatjana proposed the trip and wanted to seal the idea with a handshake,” they recall. “Fred is not as open to making such big decisions, so the espresso martinis were working in Tatjana’s favor.”
Financing the leap was the prime hurdle. “After we made the decision, financing the trip and covering the costs we still had at home were our biggest insecurities,” they admit. The solution was methodical: planning, reviewing expenses, and cutting out financial noise. The real turning point, however, was tangible. “It started with the moment the container doors were sealed—we couldn’t believe we were actually taking the trip. Until then, it was just an idea in our heads.”
Life on the Move
Transitioning to full-time travel presented its own learning curve. “Fred had a smoother start… He immediately flipped the switch and enjoyed the freedom, time, and adventure,” they note. For Tatjana, unlearning a performance-driven mindset was key. “Coming from a corporate background where performance is measured by output, it was difficult to accept that there is ‘only’ daily life and a lot of time.”
Their skillsets merged perfectly on the road. Fred’s photography documented the journey, while his networking prowess constantly connected them with fellow travelers. Tatjana’s organizational skills kept the trip flowing, and her diplomacy shone. “Tatjana once got us out of a tricky situation with nothing more than a cinnamon bun,” Fred laughs.
A Defender Named Home
The vehicle for this adventure wasn’t a new, purpose-built rig. It was Fred’s longtime companion, a Defender he’d owned for 24 years. Preparing it for duo travel meant practical upgrades. “The biggest adjustment was probably our water storage. With two people, you need a few more liters per day,” they explain.
The goal was to create a mobile home. “Decide what you really need and pack that,” is their advice. “And most importantly: make it as cozy as you need it. There will be days when you want to spend time inside.” To their delight, the Defender seemed reborn in Africa. “We noticed that our Defender worked much better in Africa than in Europe. He seems to like the continent and delivered consistently throughout the trip.” So much so, they’ve left it in Cape Town for the next chapter.
Gear That Made the Difference
When asked about essential gear, their answer is immediate and honest. “The 270-Degree Shadow Awning and the Gen 3-R Rooftop Tent were massive game changers,” they state. “The awning expanded our safe space by an additional four square meters… For Tatjana specifically, the rooftop tent, including the Gen 3-R Backrest, was a great investment.” It provided a private retreat and made daily setup a solo task.
Culinary Adventures in the Bush
“Gravel & Salt” isn’t just a clever name—it’s their ethos. “Salt” represents Fred’s passion for cooking, which became a centerpiece of camp life. A standout memory was reinventing a local dish. They describe creating “Skilpadjies ‘Berlin Style’,” a fusion of a South African classic with a German liver, onion, and apple recipe. “We found two things especially luxurious… cooking over fire, and enjoying every meal in nature, with a stunning view in the middle of nowhere.”
The Essence of Gravel & Salt
Their mission crystallized through the feedback they received. “One especially touching piece of feedback… was: ‘Thanks for letting me be part of your journey online,’” they share. This connection is what they curate through their shop, offering products like their popular door panel created with Camp Cover. “We simply focused on products that make a traveler’s day easier—something we personally missed on the road.”
Looking Down the Road
So, what comes after an adventure of a lifetime? You keep going. “Our goal is to keep traveling… Our next trip is planned for March/April, heading into the Central Kalahari,” they reveal. The journey has permanently altered their compass. “This journey definitely changed our view of ‘home,’ as it was mobile for at least ten months. We’re no longer strongly tied to Germany as the definition of home—the line has blurred.”
And if that faithful Defender could speak after 24 years with Fred and this epic journey with both? Fred and Tatjana smile, imagining its verdict: “Finally, some wellness.”
Follow Gravel & Salt on Instagram @gravelandsalt and check out their website and online shop.
