About Us
Join us at Dark Zebra! We are Rose and Thomas, two passionate individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds who have been exploring Africa, Europe, and Asia together since 2014. In 2019, we acquired our Land Rover Defender TD4 110 2.4L SVX from 2008, which quickly became our first overland family vehicle and embarked on an incredible overlanding journey. Starting with a sports car, hotel booking, and a simple tent, we progressed to converting Land Rovers into luxurious mobile homes, designed for both comfort and adventure. Fast forward to 2024, we've ventured into sharing our travel documentary on YouTube, inspiring and empowering you to launch your world explorations. Connect with us to explore our overlanding travels, whether you are drawn to the landscapes of the countries we've visited, planning your global adventure, or embracing the overlander's lifestyle.
Rose
Hello, I'm Rose, a licensed secondary high school teacher from the Philippines. With over 7,641 picturesque islands, my country offers a diverse landscape, from vibrant urban centers to lush forests, stunning beaches, captivating wildlife, and impressive volcanoes.
Growing up surrounded by these natural wonders, my family and I created unforgettable memories, especially over weekends by the sea, savouring the flavours of local cuisine. The Philippines is a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, with a rich tapestry of influences from Indonesian, Malaysian, Chinese, Spanish, Mexican, and American culinary traditions. This cultural fusion is complemented by more than 111 spoken dialects alongside English, reflecting the country's vibrant diversity. It is truly a unique place to call home.
My journey led me to Switzerland, where I earned my master's degree in Health Policy and gained valuable experience in the healthcare industry. While I embraced Swiss culture, I found that my Asian heritage was vital to my identity. This realization inspired me to seize the opportunity to explore the world alongside my partner!​
Thomas
Greetings, I'm Thomas, a Swiss by birth. The breathtaking mountains, stunning lakes, and captivating cities of Switzerland have been my playground since childhood, fostering my love for adventure. From rock climbing to snowboarding, international travel to camping, and windsurfing, these experiences have shaped my outlook on life. Thanks to my parents, who instilled in me a love for adventure from a young age. I spent much time in the Boy Scouts, where I acquired basic survival skills, and soon discovered my preference for having a vehicle. What started as a bicycle in my childhood developed into a Lotus Elise and later a Caterham.
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With over 26 years of experience in the IT industry, managing medium to large teams on a corporate level has taught me the value of finding a balance between comfort and adventure.
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At first, I bought a 6x6 Truck Duro to develop an expedition vehicle until I realized it was far too big to explore the world with. After careful consideration, I boldly decided to acquire a Land Rover Defender TD4 110 in 2019 for travel. This choice represents a sense of freedom and the fulfilment of my adventurous spirit. It has truly been a game-changer for me.
Today, I find myself obsessed with owning more Land Rover Defenders and constantly enjoy the challenge of deciding on the right spare parts, balancing luxury and weight, and choosing between glamping and traditional camping.
