Rob freely admits he ‘caught fire’, in the middle of an English winter when he was just sixteen. It was his birthday and had just been gifted his freedom – 50cc’s of candy apple red, two-stroke freedom. “More than sparks ignited when I turned the ignition on that little Yamaha” . This new freedom fanned the flames of a desire to travel that is as powerful now as it was then.

Robs ‘adult’ career took him on a long creative journey, both a Graphic Designer and also a Photographer – with an occasional, casual flirtation with journalism and some time as a Web Editor.

This was followed by a complete change of tempo while engaged on various security deployments and executive protection roles, having trained and qualified both in South Africa and the UK.

Rob House

“The one constant that has formed more of my character than my creative or security professions combined, has been a love of exploration and travel. I’ve been fortunate enough to have been able to do this mostly by motorcycle. As a tour leader i’ve been both privileged and lucky enough to have guided specialised tours and solo-travelled extensively throughout Africa, and Europe.”

Rob has often waxed lyrical about ‘feeling Africa’, “It sounds a little odd when you try to explain that there is a resonance in Africa. It’s one that not everyone gets to feel, and fewer recognise as a force. Its like a drumbeat, but not one that you’ll hear, you’ll sense it. If it gets a grip on you, a little piece of your rhythm and soul will always be African.”

“Wait ’till you hear your first lion roar, I can still remember it vividly. The very air vibrates with the low moan. I was camping in Botswana’s delta, sleeping outside under the stars with a group of African porters next to their fire. Who can sleep in moments like this. The stars were bright pinpricks of light and unfamiliar constellations. Hyenas started their manic cackling in the distance but everyone was unfazed, however, when the roar of a lion boomed through the veld, everyone took notice. I still get goosebumps recalling that moment that popped my comfortable 20th century bubble.” Africa is timeless and still filled with tooth and claw, ancient and modern.

“Another of these enduring moments took place in Rwanda when I was lucky enough to be part of a very small group able to hike up to see Mountain Gorillas. It was incredibly humbling. Staring into the patient brown eyes of a mother gorilla who locks on to your gaze while she is feeding a tiny infant is simply unforgettable. Her patience was remarkable as she expertly restrained the bundle of fur knowing these hairless interlopers will be gone soon.”

“I defy you to stand at the top of Victoria Falls and not feel moved, or to watch a blood red sun make peace with the earth as it slowly sinks behind an ancient baobab as the sky turns purple.”

Having run a busy design Studio in Cape town for ten years, he got a golden opportunity to work on South Africa’s premier travel magazine as Art Director. Soon after starting, he pitched the concept of riding a motorcycle from Pretoria to Zanzibar in sixteen days covering close to 5,000 kilometres of backroads, sand, and gravel between South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania. The trip, much to the chagrin of senior journalists and the delight of the editor, became the cover story. Rob added journalist to his repertoire!

Rob’s entry into guiding tours came about through a series of serendipitous events. “After leaving the magazine, I became the web editor for BMW for six months to fill a gap. Through that, I was assigned to cover a story for actors and avid motorcyclists Charlie Boorman and Ewan McGregor who were on their Long Way Down trip through Africa.

“After a couple of follow up interviews while still working with the magazine, Charlie’s PR guys phoned and asked if I’d be interested in becoming the embedded photo-journalist, co-guide and photographer for his first commercial trip from Cape Town to Victoria Falls. That’s how it started. I also worked alongside Ayers Adventures as a Tour Director.”

“Rene and I met soon afterwards through a mutual friend when Rene was looking for someone to help him with the tours, initially just to drive and see how we got on. I had the requisite skills and licenses so in 2017, I worked the first season as his backup driver and we hit it off.” Rob is now in his eighth season with Renedian Adventures.”

“Our job as guides is to try and tick as many boxes as we can for our guests, and for those who are open to it, to show them ‘our’ Africa. We always try to deliver more than they expect and help them explore as much about themselves as Africa, very few people leave untouched by the magic and rhythm.”

Having traveled extensively in Africa, in various capacities, Rob knows the countries, the borders, and how to cross them as comfortably as possible. Not only does he lead groups, but through Renedian, he leads individual customised experiences.

“Come with an open mind and be open to new experiences, after all it’s why you came. Listen to your guide. We know what we’re doing. We live here and no question is too daft.”

Rob and his wife Kathleen have recently swapped the mountains of Cape Town, for the mountains of Scotland and true to fashion, Rob has added Scottish tours to our growing Renedian repertoire.

Photo credits: Rob House