FROM THE NETHERLANDS TO SOUTH AFRICA: DRIVING FOR WILD TOMORROW
How far would you go for something you believe in? For three friends from the Netherlands - Allard, Fabian, and Huibert - the answer is 16,000 kilometers. On November 21st, these adventurers will set out in a once-in-a-lifetime journey: driving from the Netherlands all the way to South Africa to raise funds and awareness for Wild Tomorrow’s work protecting wildlife and restoring habitats. Their epic journey, aptly named “Driving for Wild Tomorrow”, will take them through 20 countries in just 40 days, ending right where Wild Tomorrow’s conservation magic happens in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa – just in time to ring in the New Year!
Their fundraising goal is €35,000, and we are beyond grateful for their passion, commitment, and determination to support Wild Tomorrow’s mission. Read more about Driving for Wild Tomorrow below.
Huibert, Fabian, & Allard…the three gentlemen behind Driving for Wild Tomorrow!
THE JOURNEY WITH A PURPOSE
For Allard, Fabian, and Huibert, this isn’t just an adventurous road trip...it’s a statement. As they put it, “Along the way, we want to show that with teamwork, determination, and courage, dreams can become a reality!”
The trio’s shared passion for adventure and love for nature inspired them to give their trip deeper meaning. After traveling through South Africa, they saw firsthand how fragile nature and wildlife truly are – and how much hope non-profit organizations like Wild Tomorrow bring.
This journey also marks the relocation of their faithful Land Rover Defender, Fons, from the Netherlands to its new home in South Africa. But rather than simply shipping the vehicle, they decided to make the miles matter...raising awareness and funds for wildlife conservation every kilometer of the way!
Their drive across continents is not just about endurance but about making a difference.
MEET THE TEAM
At the heart of this adventure are three lifelong friends...and one legendary Land Rover!
Allard Yntema: His love affair with Africa began in 2001, leading to countless trips that deepened his connection to the continent. In 2020, his family set off on a year-long adventure through Southern Africa – a dream that was cut short by the pandemic but never forgotten. In 2024, that dream came closer when he and his family bought a holiday home in South Africa. Now, Allard is fulfilling another lifelong dream: driving overland from the Netherlands to South Africa with two fellow Africa enthusiasts!
Fabian Nellestijn: A love of spontaneity and adventure, he jumped on the chance to join his brother-in-law Allard and their friend Huibert on what he calls “the most beautiful journey of my life”. The idea was born on a warm evening in South Africa in 2024, inspired by a desire to go off-road...both literally and figuratively...and to give something back to the earth. Fabian is excited to meet new people, discover new cultures, and raise vital funds for Wild Tomorrow along the way.
Huibert Venderbos: A lifelong map lover and explorer at heart, Huibert has always been drawn to discovering the world’s hidden corners and natural beauty. His passion for Africa began with a trip to Tanzania in 2002 and deepened after visiting South Africa in 2016, where he was (as he puts it) “bitten by the bush bug”. So when Allard shared his dream of driving a Land Rover to South Africa, Huibert didn’t hesitate to say yes. For him, Driving for Wild Tomorrow is the perfect blend of adventure and purpose.
And let us not forget…Fons: A Land Rover with a history. Named after its previous owner, this 24-year-old Defender has thousands of international kilometers under its belt – and tire tracks left in several countries. Fons is not a vehicle — Fons is a journey on wheels. From mud roads to mountain passes, the story truly begins when the beaten track ends. And now, Fons is back on the road, ready to do what he does best: swallow dust, eat mud, and make memories.
Fons getting ready for the big trip.
THE ROAD AHEAD
Covering 16,000 kilometers across 20 countries won’t be easy. From unpredictable border crossings to car troubles, long driving hours, and nights spent in unfamiliar places – every day will bring new challenges. But for these three, that’s part of the adventure!
They laugh about the essential they’re bringing:
GOOD COFFEE: their real fuel!
A MULTITOOL AND DUCT TAPE: because on the road, you need to be able to fix anything and everything.
A CAMERA: to capture unforgettable moments.
HUMOR: not a physical item, but one they can’t travel without.
The route from the Netherlands to South Africa!
“It’s the unknown that excites us most. The unexpected encounters, the changing landscapes, the little and big adventures along the way. Of course, reaching South Africa will be a highlight – but it’s really the journey itself that we’re most excited about!”
FOLLOW THE JOURNEY
Their adventure kicks off November 21st, and if all goes as planned, they’ll arrive in South Africa by December 31st. Follow their incredible expedition across 20 countries on:
And most importantly, help them reach their fundraising goal of €35,000 to protect wildlife and wild spaces by donating today!
FROM THE WILD TOMORROW TEAM
We are deeply inspired by Allard, Fabian, and Huibert’s courage, creativity, and commitment to nature. Their journey reminds us that protecting the planet begins with individual action...and that when we work together, even the longest road can lead to something extraordinary.
We’ll be cheering them on every kilometer of the way!