Mario Manojlovic
I was born in the last millennium, in 1957 to be precise, in ‘Yugoslavia’ and have been travelling the world since 1977. My travels and sojourns have taken me through numerous countries, including Austria, Germany, Switzerland, the USA and finally Switzerland again. I have also undertaken some remarkable journeys that have taken me to Thailand, Laos and Russia. Since 2021, I can call Portugal my new home and feel very much at home there.

From 2002 to 2021 I also managed the company OFFROAD ADVENTURE based in Switzerland. During this time, I organised and conducted countless off-road and overland tours. These adventure trips took me to various fascinating regions and countries, including Eastern Europe including the Balkans, Turkey, the Caucasus (Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia), Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan), Western Europe (France, Spain and Portugal) and North Africa (Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal and Tunisia).

During my stays in various countries, I not only learnt about the cultures and traditions of these places, but also gained valuable experience and friendships. Each country has its own unique history and beauty, which I have learnt to appreciate as a traveller and adventurer.

My beginnings and early travels
My passion for travelling began in my youth. From an early age, I was fascinated by the idea of exploring faraway countries and meeting new people. As a 15-year-old, I hitchhiked through Yugoslavia with a rucksack for six weeks during the summer holidays. Then, when I was 16 years old, I travelled from Belgrade to Munich and back again, also with a rucksack and a thirst for adventure.

This enthusiasm first took me to Innsbruck in Austria in 1977, where I lived and worked for a few years. The breathtaking Alpine landscapes and the warm hospitality of the Austrians left a lasting impression on me.
From Austria, I moved on to Germany, where I experienced the diversity and dynamism of German cities. I was particularly impressed by the historical sites and the country's rich cultural history.
When the opportunity arose to work in Switzerland, I didn't hesitate for long. I spent two years in Switzerland, which left a deep impression on me.

But the adventure kept calling.
After two years in Switzerland, I packed my bags and moved to the USA. The United States, the land of opportunity, welcomed me with open arms. The vastness of the country, the diversity of cultures and the dynamism of the American lifestyle were overwhelming. I also spent two years in the USA, which opened up new perspectives for me and allowed me to grow both professionally and personally.

The vibrant life in cities such as New York, Boston and Los Angeles and the beauty of national parks such as Yellowstone, Sierra Nevada and Yosemite left lasting impressions.

Back to Switzerland
But after this exciting time in the USA, I was drawn back to Switzerland in 1991. It was like coming home again, a reunion with familiar faces and places. Switzerland once again offered me the opportunity to settle down in a stable and organised environment.

A passion that began in 1980
It was 1980 when my journey into the world of off-road driving began. I still remember the day I bought a 1944 Jeep Willys MB in Yugoslavia. This purchase was not only the beginning of a new leisure activity, but developed into a real passion that had a lasting impact on my life.

Travelling through the wilderness in a Jeep CJ7
My enthusiasm for travelling in an off-road vehicle began in 1986 in the USA. Back then, I took a trip along the Rubicon Trail in a Jeep CJ7. This was the beginning of a lifelong passion for off-road driving that would have a lasting impact on my life.
The Rubicon Trail, one of the most challenging off-road trails in the world, gave me the perfect opportunity to test the beginner driving skills I already had with my Jeep Wylis and explore the limits of what was possible. The rough, rocky trails and constant challenges of the track left a lasting impression on me. From that moment on, I knew that off-road driving would be more than just a hobby for me.
An incurable OFFROAD virus disease began!

The Sahara Rally ‘El Chott’ and the desert virus
At the end of the 1990s, I took part in the Sahara Rally's ‘El Chott’. This was another milestone in my off-road career. The harsh desert climate, the endless sand dunes and the unpredictable conditions made this rally one of the most challenging and exciting experiences of my life. It was during this rally that I caught the incurable desert virus and I knew that I would always return to the desert.

The fascination of off-road driving and overland travelling
After this initial trip, I was fascinated by off-road driving. It wasn't just the driving itself, but also the feeling of freedom, experiencing nature up close and exploring places that are inaccessible to normal vehicles. The opportunity to travel off the beaten track and discover the untouched wilderness was simply irresistible.

The magic of the unknown
I continue to plan new adventures, explore uncharted territories and take on new challenges. The world of off-road driving offers endless possibilities and I look forward to having many more unforgettable experiences.

Switzerland - a centre of my adventures
A significant period of my life began in Switzerland. It was here that I founded my company OFFROAD ADVENTURE in 2002, specialising in off-road and overland tours, as well as camping and off-road vehicle accessories sales. Switzerland offered a central location in Europe, which made it easy to travel in all directions.

Adventures in the Caucasus and Central Asia
Another highlight of my travelling experiences were the tours to the Caucasus and Central Asia. The countries of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia impressed me with their stunning landscapes and rich history. The Caucasus, with its majestic mountains and deep valleys, offered ideal conditions for off-road adventures.
In Central Asia, I was able to experience the fascinating cultures of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The endless steppes, the impressive mountain ranges and the traditional way of life of the nomads gave me valuable insights into these little-travelled regions.

Western Europe and North Africa - contrasts and diversity
Western Europe was also an important part of my travels. France, Italy, Spain and Portugal offered a wealth of cultural treasures and beautiful landscapes. From the sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast to the historic cities of the interior - each region had its own charm and its own stories to tell.
North Africa, on the other hand, fascinated me with its desert landscapes and the impressive history of the Berbers and Tuareg. The Sahara, with its endless dunes and clear starry skies, was a place of tranquillity and adventure at the same time. The magic of this region captivated me again and again.

Portugal - my "new home"
After all these years of travelling and exploring, I found my new home in Portugal in 2021. I was immediately enchanted by the warm hospitality of the Portuguese, the picturesque coastal landscapes and the country's rich cultural heritage. Here I have found a place where I can settle down and share my experiences and stories with others.
In Portugal, I also have the opportunity to experience new adventures and continue my passion for travelling. The country's diverse nature, from the green hills of the north to the golden beaches of the Algarve, offers countless opportunities for exploration and activities.

My vision and future plans for my off-road & overland adventures
Even after all these years, my passion for off-road driving remains undiminished. I continue to plan new adventures, explore uncharted territories and take on new challenges. The world of off-road riding offers endless possibilities and I look forward to sharing many more unforgettable experiences with you.
The world is big and there are still many places waiting to be discovered by me. Whether in the deserts and jungles of Africa, the mountains of Europe or the jungles of Asia - each region offers its own special challenges and charms. I am excited to see what adventures the future holds for me.

Even though I have now found a permanent home, my desire to travel remains unabated. I still plan to visit new countries and get to know new cultures. My goal is to discover the beauty and diversity of our world and to share these experiences with others.
With my company OFFROAD ADVENTURE, I have created the basis for other people to experience the fascination of travelling and the joy of new discoveries. I hope that through my work I can help to promote understanding and connection between people of different cultures.

To summarise, I can say that my life has been immensely enriched by the many journeys and adventures I have had. Each new experience has made me grow as a person and shown me how diverse and unique our world is. I look forward to continuing to explore new places and sharing my stories and experiences with you.