Scott Brady: Crossing Africa in a Grenadier
When it comes to adventure travel Scott Brady has achieved one heck of a lot. Between (and while on) trips Scott is also the CEO of Overland International, the company that brings us the Overland Journal magazine and www.expeditionportal.com, both super useful resources for overlanders. Scott recently took an INEOS Grenadier across Africa and spoke to us about the experience.
© Scott BradyWhat was the INEOS Grenadier like as an overland vehicle and off-roader?
It’s so unexpected in 2024 to have a new car company with the sole intent of making overland vehicles. In many ways, they did things right, like engineering the vehicle with Magna in Graz, the same firm that constructed the G-Wagon. I also believe the design team in the UK really understand the needs of overlanders, which is reflected in features like a factory dual battery system, the boxy shape for interior volume, etc.
© Scott BradyDoes it get a thumbs up from you?
The Grenadier certainly surprised me as I drove over 20,000 kms across Africa in it and rolled up to the Gulf of Aden with no failures and no ‘check engine’ light on the dash. The only part I replaced was the steering damper that was damaged on a trail in Tanzania. I also changed the rear springs from the UK spec stock units to the Africa spec stock units as they have a higher spring rating.
Any advice for shipping a vehicle between continents?
Coming from Europe to North Africa, a ferry will be the best choice. Otherwise, I prefer container shipping a vehicle like the Grenadier. Using a shipping broker and customs broker helps to attach a continuity of responsibility on the vehicle and reduces break-ins. Ensure the contract stipulates a sealed container. When I shipped the Grenadier from the UK to Durban, I elected to use RoRo (this is roll on roll off and it does not involve a sealed container) as the vehicle only contained a few personal effects.
Why a petrol Grenadier?
We chose the petrol option due to the challenge of finding ultra-low sulphur diesel in Ethiopia, Sudan, and West Africa. The diesel variant requires 50ppm diesel and Africa cannot fulfil that.
© Scott BradyTell us about the rack set-up on the Grenadier?
I view a rack as an essential piece of equipment for three reasons. Firstly, the roof rack is a safe place to store extra fuel (within roof load limits). Secondly, it’s a flexible storage area for firewood, trips to the hardware store, etc. Thirdly in an emergency, the roof rack is reserve capacity. For example, if a companion vehicle was to break down, equipment can be moved to the rack to make room for additional occupants. Even during our seven-continent trip we ran roof racks empty, for the above reasons.
How did you check emails, send photos, or call home?
It’s never been easier to see the world and stay in contact with work and family. I look at communications as primary, secondary, and contingent. For my primary coms, I use my iPhone with an international data plan. This works in most places and is an efficient way to handle most email, SMS, and social media. For a secondary, I typically bring along a Starlink converted by Unique Componentry. This makes it 12 volts and easy to mount with the magnetic feet and lower profile. For contingency, I bring a Garmin inReach and many times an Iridium Go Executive, which also provides a backup data connection and two VOIP lines via satellite.
© Scott BradyWhat navigation aids did you use? Tracks4Africa? Local guides?
My navigation tools follow a similar logic, with my primary being the Garmin Tread and Tracks4Africa. The secondary is my iPhone and iPad mini with iOverlander, Gaia GPS, the T4A app. For contingency, I always have paper maps along and I make sure to plot my course a few times per day should there be a GPS system or device failure. And paper maps and compass are just fun to keep those skills sharp. It’s a good test for travel companions too. . . where are we on the map?
© Scott BradyWhat makes Africa so different from the rest of the world?
Africa just resonates with me personally, given the broad diversity of the Sahara, jungles, coastal regions, the Great Rift Valley, and of course the Bushveld. The combination of wilderness, wild mega-fauna, and unique geology makes it the most appealing continent to me. Africa and its people have taught me countless lessons and I still have so much to learn.
© Scott BradyHow does it feel that you weren’t able to do the traditional Cape to Cairo crossing of the continent?
Our goal was to cross the continent, which we were able to achieve by traveling from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Aiden (Indian Ocean), while also traveling from Cape Agulhas in the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere and the Horn of Africa. Someday North Sudan will open again and I will meander my way from Addis Ababa to Alexandria. Maybe a motorcycle for that journey.
Tell us about your interview with the African travel legend Kingsley Holgate.
Two beautiful lessons stood out to me from my time with Kingsley. First, is that it’s never too late. Kingsley didn’t start his expeditions until the age I am today (50 years) and the second lesson is that we must give back to the places that bless us. Africa has blessed me in endless ways, so I work to give back in the ways that the continent needs. I ask the local not for profits and just help exactly as they request. If they need a water tank, we find a way to buy a water tank. It is a promise to Mother Africa and I am honoured to help in the ways she calls.