Five months ago, a trusted Swiss Troopy rolled off the ship in Cape Town. Inside were Michael and Jasmin, a couple from Switzerland, turning a dream into a long, open-ended expedition across Africa.
Since landing, they’ve roamed across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Lesotho — tracing a long and winding path through the heart of southern Africa. Now, they’re setting out for Mozambique via eSwatini and the Kruger National Park, continuing the slow, steady journey north toward home.
A few weeks ago, a message popped up in our Troopys in Africa WhatsApp group — the couple were passing through Durban and needed a short pit stop. Their faithful 30-year-old 70-series Land Cruiser had developed a few hiccups, and I invited them to stay in our cottage for a few days while sorting things out.
They arrived with a few local craft beers (a solid icebreaker 😄), and before long we were deep in conversation about their travels, their Troopy setup, and the stories from the road with Landcruising.ch
Somewhere between the second and third beer, I told them about the Beer Passport™ — our little initiative to connect local brewers, travellers, and communities through a shared mission.
Because, as I like to say:
“A journey becomes an expedition once it has a mission.”
The Beer Passport Expedition 🍻
I asked Michael and Jasmin if they’d consider carrying a few Beer Passports and personalised brewery stamps with them — and delivering them to local brewers along the way north.
Without hesitation, they said yes.
And just like that, a new expedition was born — one that connects the Troopy community with the growing network of independent brewers across Africa.
Their route will take them through the following countries with craft breweries:
Mozambique → Malawi → Tanzania → Burundi → Kenya → Uganda → Angola → Nigeria → Ghana
Each stop will bring new stories, new friendships, and hopefully a few new breweries joining the Beer Passport network.
(A meeting of adventurers — Kingsley Holgate, Africa’s most travelled man, shares stories and encouragement as the Beer Passport Mission takes shape.)
Over those few days, between Land Cruiser talk and tales of the open road, we shared many laughs — and, of course, a few good beers. It’s always special when you meet kindred spirits who understand the meaning of travel, community, and purpose.
We were lucky that adventurer Kingsley Holgate happened to give a talk in our village that week. Together with Jasmin and Michael, we met up with him and chatted about their upcoming journey.
Like Kingsley, they now had a mission. It was no longer simply a long trip. Their first stop will be Mafalala Brewery in Maputo — and from there, the Beer Passport journey across Africa officially begins.
It’s an honour to see two fellow Troopy travellers take this mission forward.
From Durban to Zurich — via Africa’s most fascinating breweries — this is what the Beer Troopy spirit is all about: connection, curiosity, and a shared love of the open road.
Safe travels, Michael & Jasmin — we’ll be following your route closely and raising a cold one in your honour.
📍 Follow Their Journey
You can read their blog posts about their visit to KwaZulu-Natal here: