Stories

Charline, a 37-year-old solo traveller from France. She has spent more than two years overlanding across Africa and the Middle East in her Toyota Hilux, Rafiki. Her journey blends adventure, resilience, and self-discovery, with every challenge shaping her experience on the road.

We caught up with Charline to hear about her travels, her routines, and what’s next. Big adventure ahead.

>THE PERSON

Who is Charline in 10 words?

I’m a 37-year-old woman, from France, passionate about the beauty of the world that I love to overland on my own.

You already completed a big expedition to Africa and the Middle East, which country surprised you the most and why?

I always fear this question because all countries I had the chance to explore got my eyes mesmerised and my heart surprised by many different things. But if I must choose one, I would say that Saudi Arabia surprised me the most. Not because I was expecting it a certain way, but because of its controversial reputation and the fear some have from this. I didn’t know what to expect at all until I crossed into the Kingdom in January 2024. It’s been the safest country I have travelled so far (Europe included), I’m obviously talking about my personal experience. But as a female traveling solo, this is so important after more than two years on the road. I had my first deep sleeps there! Plus, I discovered a country with off-roading, camping and overlanding aficionados – so we could speak the same language.

You have overcome big challenges during your trips. Planning, motivation, attitude: what’s the right mix to overcome obstacle and setbacks?

First, I would say that it’s important to keep in my mind that challenges are inherent in the adventure. You sign for it when you leave  home. Also, the challenges I had to face shaped the solo expedition in such a beautiful way—forcing me to sharpen my resilience as well as my instincts. I do think challenges are necessary!

Enough amount of ‘fear’ helped me to communicate with my gut and instincts. For instance, when I felt 1% of doubt, you could see me driving away the next minute. Our sixth sense is a real treasure we sadly do not take the time to use and practice anymore—which is also good news if we don’t need it anymore. But I needed it during this adventure solo on the road.

Obviously, our body and mind are not always so accurate and reliable. For instance, I remember when I got diagnosed with malaria (I was roaming Southern Africa at the time). I was feeling weak and mentally vulnerable, and I couldn’t sense danger anymore—which led to not-so-pleasant experiences.

>THE RIG

We know that you have been true to your Rafiki (Toyota Hilux Xcab), what sets this car apart from other 4×4 vehicles?

To me, Rafiki is much more than just a vehicle: it’s the tool to make my dreams come true and the bodyguard to drive me back to where I was born. It’s a Home, a protector, a listener, a passion, a unique and original travel partner. The first thing I wanted to give to this Hilux when I bought it in February 2021 was not a set of AT tires nor skid plates—it was a soul. I needed to name this car to create a safe place for my mind, selfishly. It quickly became ‘Rafiki’—which stands for ‘my friend’, ‘my companion’ in both Swahili and Arabic.

Otherwise, I will always remember when I got told, “But Charline, your rig is underprepared to overland Africa,” or “Your 4×4 is too basic—you won’t make it.” Again, we are all different, with different budgets and callings. The calling I felt to drive back to Africa was more important than building a 5.0 expedition vehicle full of millions of electronic gadgets. I just wanted to take  off. That’s why I chose a Toyota Hilux (most driven across Africa and the Middle East, with easily findable and financially accessible spare parts). And my top priorities at the time to equip Rafiki were good AT tires, skid plates, a robust suspension kit, a snorkel with a cyclonic head, and a diesel pre-filter. The tent and other accessories, I didn’t mind so much.

Your house on wheels got renovated recently, tell us more about your current rig.

Indeed, today is a different story. After 29 months on the road non-stop and solo, I felt the need to upgrade a few things. The thing I missed the most during the expedition was a shelter—a place where I could hide from the rest of the world, because I’m human, I must deal with my emotions and digestive transit (sorry, but it’s factual), and it’s tiring to feel exposed outside non-stop.

I had the chance to be contacted by Genesis Import and Alu-Cab two months after I got back to France. They both wanted to give Rafiki a nice upgrade and me, the shelter I was looking for: a brand-new Mod-Cap camper with all the accessories and options I could need for a future expedition on the road.

I was excited to discover that the interior setup would be tailor-made and manufactured by the team at Tailgate Gear Europe. Firstly, because I love what they do (quality products, beautiful and classic design), and secondly because they were the first people to contact me three years ago, before I started the solo expedition, to build two storage modules in the load bed of Rafiki.

Today’s interior is so good looking and practical—and gives me the readiness and motivation to hit the road again soon!

>THE ADVENTURE

Can you share your camping routines while on the road? Also, any tips or fun facts?

Even though 'routine' is a term I quickly banned from my nomadic lifestyle, I had to stick to a few rituals when camping. For instance, I always parked Rafiki backwards; I needed to be able to grab the steering wheel and drive off if needed, at any time. I liked to camp where there’s absolutely nobody around. I sometimes waited for the sun to go down a bit to drive with the sidelights only—and very slowly—while I looked for a wild spot.

I always carried 10 L of potable water. But I didn’t carry much non-potable water, so I took a “shower” with my jerrycan once every eight days—though I always prioritized brushing my teeth twice a day.

If it was windy or I didn’t feel 100% safe (but had to stay in the area anyway), I’d prepare the bed inside the cab instead—on the passenger seat—and this happened many times. Also, I couldn’t sleep in my first rooftop tent if it was raining a lot—the mattress would get wet.

Otherwise, I don’t cook. I eat to live and not the opposite. I carried a 3 L gas bottle, but barely used it—except on my period, when I needed a hot water bottle for cramps.

And I always wake up with a workout or run into the wild. I cannot start my day without sweating—it helps me regulate my emotions and reactions on the road.

Finally, I had a ritual—whether I slept in the rooftop tent or the cab—to keep a self-defence knife, pepper spray, and an axe under my pillow.

You are an experienced solo female overlander—what advice would you give to aspiring female solo travellers?

For female travellers, I’m not sure there’s anything specific—but for anyone wanting to travel solo: train your gut, use it as much as possible, and trust it. The gut is 90% right—don’t let others influence you. If you don’t feel it, don’t do it. It’s very simple. Nature is actually very simple. Same with your heart’s desires: you want something, try until you get it. If they say you can’t, it means you CAN.

And you’re not solo anymore—tell us about Kena.

Big news indeed: I won’t be traveling solo anymore. I adopted Kena last August when she was eight weeks old. She’s a female Rottweiler, and although she’s been through a lot in her early months, she’s been my biggest comfort since I’m back.  I think she saved me, and I can’t wait for her to discover the beauty of the world the way I get to know it.

Finally, on the road again!

Charline is already well into Expedition 2.0, hitting the road with Rafiki once more. This time driving solo (with Kena) from France across multiple borders all the way to the Arabian Peninsula. After a deeply challenging year back in Europe, reintegrating into a life that didn’t feel right to her, she knew she needed to breathe again, and the only way was to leave. What most people didn’t see was how hard life became, trapped in routines, struggling with the pull of comfort zones, and craving space for her instincts to breathe. Re-launching the expedition wasn’t just a journey, it was a statement of resilience. Charline continues to carve her own path, guided by instinct and an unshakable will to keep moving.

Follow her on IG @charline.overlanding

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