Tuk South: A Tuk-Tuk Adventure for Wildlife Conservation
In 2021, four friends from Kenya embarked on a unique expedition to raise funds for wildlife rangers by traveling 23,000 kilometers in two tuktuks from Kenya to Cape Town. The journey, which was projected to take three months, turned into an 18month odyssey of discovery, resilience, and connection.
In 2021, four friends from Kenya embarked on a unique expedition to raise funds for wildlife rangers by traveling 23,000 kilometers in two tuk-tuks from Kenya to Cape Town. The journey, which was projected to take three months, turned into an 18-month odyssey of discovery, resilience, and connection.
The Birth of an Audacious Road Trip
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Robbie Thouless, Ivo Horsey, Jasper Horsey, and Josh Porter reconnected with nature in Kenya. They learned about the plight faced by game rangers in nearby national parks, who were struggling to protect endangered species and smaller game from poachers and desperate communities due to the absence of tourists. The team decided to document their journey to raise awareness about the rangers’ work and support their cause.
Get Cape Town news in your inbox
Stay updated with the latest stories from the Mother City.
Setting the Wheels in Motion
While brainstorming their road trip, the group became aware of the mispronunciation of TikTok as “tuk-tuk.” This chance encounter inspired them to undertake their cross-country road trip using the distinctive three-wheeled vehicles, despite their ill-suited nature for an overland journey.
The Journey Across East Africa
The Tuk South team’s route took them around Mount Kenya, through the foothills of Kilimanjaro, to Tanzania’s active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai, and onwards to the stunning Lake Tanganyika. They continued through Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, and finally South Africa. Throughout their expedition, they created films and videos highlighting conservation, sustainability, and community initiatives while sharing inspiring stories of the lands they traversed.
Overcoming Hardships
The journey was not without challenges. The team slept on the side of the road, went without hot showers for four weeks, faced treacherous storms on Lake Tanganyika, and Ivo contracted malaria in Malawi. However, these hardships only deepened their appreciation for the remarkable moments they experienced.
The Rewards of the Journey
From the awe-inspiring sight of Lake Tanganyika to an encounter with chimpanzees in the wild, the Tuk South team found their journey immensely rewarding. They continue to rely on their trusty tuk-tuk while adjusting to city life, brewing coffee during power outages and reminiscing about their incredible adventure.
The Future of Tuk South
The Tuk South team plans to embark on their next adventure, exploring South America from the southernmost tip of the continent to the North Pole. Their ongoing campaign for wildlife conservation is supported by donations, which will contribute to the protection of our planet’s wildlife.
The spirit of adventure, connection, and conservation continues to drive these intrepid explorers as they forge new paths and inspire others to contribute to the protection of our planet’s wildlife. To support Tuk South’s mission, visit their donation page and contribute to their cause.
Amanda Wilson is a Cape Town-born journalist who covers the city’s evolving food scene for national and international outlets, tracing stories from Bo-Kaap spice shops to Khayelitsha micro-breweries. Raised on her grandmother’s Karoo lamb potjie and weekend hikes up Lion’s Head, she brings equal parts palate and pride to every assignment. Colleagues know her for the quiet warmth that turns interviews into friendships and fact-checks into shared laughter.
View all articles →