Image via http://www.topgear.com
So you’ve been taken the Euro rail through Europe, backpacked through Asia and Travelled up the East coast of Australian by bus – I bet you think you have travelled the world and feel enlightened. But compared to Gunther Holtorf you’ve achieved nothing!
Don’t know who Gunther Holtorf is? He is, in my opinion, one of the world’s ultimate explorers and travellers.
Back in 1989, Gunther Holtorf and his wife Christine set off on a road trip of a lifetime (literally) in their 1988 Mercedes Benz G-Wagen. Their original plan was to travel from Germany to Africa to complete an 18 month road trip.
But the road trip didn’t end after 18 months. Instead it has lasted 23 years (so far), visiting more than 200 countries and knocking up 500,000 miles – that’s the equivalent of 20 times around the equator!
What’s more amazing is that Gunther has travelled all this way in his the same vehicle – which he has named Otto. Powered by a 3.0 litre diesel engine, which produced around 85 horsepower when new, the 300GD was never fast, but it is very, very strong. The vehicle has lasted amazingly well considering that it is constantly over weight from carrying equipment and all Gunther’s belongings on its roof. Gunther reports that he has never had a break down just a few flat tires – think of the no claims bonus he must have on his car insurance!
One of my favourite quotes for Gunther is “The more you have travelled the more you realise how little you have seen”. It really inspires me to keep exploring new parts of the world.
You can find out more about Gunther’s road trip via the BBC. You can also browse our clip board of stories to find out more about some of the world’s ultimate travellers.
Do you find Gunther Holtorf’s road trip story as inspirational as I do? Leave a comment to share your thoughts.
