Meet Akela World, a family of four – Leander, Maria, their son Lennox, and their trusty 1977 Mercedes Benz LA 911 B, affectionately named Akela. Far from being millionaires, they are “time millionaires,” prioritizing experience and adventure over material wealth. This family embodies the spirit of permanent road life, navigating the world, working remotely, homeschooling their child, all while traversing continents in a classic Mercedes.
Initially captivated by their stunning photography and impressive overlanding vehicle online, we delved deeper into Akela World’s inspirational story and future aspirations. An interview with Leander provided fascinating insights into their nomadic lifestyle, their global overland journey, upcoming adventures, and the intricacies of their remarkable rig – the Mercedes Benz 1977 LA 911 B. Leander’s cool demeanor, extensive knowledge, humility, and humor made for an engaging conversation, revealing exciting plans for Akela World that you can follow on their website and social media.
Life on the Road: Daily Adventures in Greece
Currently based in Greece, Leander shared a glimpse into their daily life. Their journey began four and a half years ago in Austria, taking them along the Silk Road to Vladivostok, and onward to Korea, Japan, Borneo, Indonesia, Australia, and the USA. Unexpectedly, they had to ship back to Europe due to Covid-19 restrictions. Adding a new member to their family, a rescued street puppy in Greece, presented logistical challenges for intercontinental travel. While their new canine companion will temporarily reside with Leander’s sister, the family remains committed to their global expeditions.
Alt text: Expansive mountain vista in Tajikistan, showcasing the overlanding terrain accessible with a Mercedes Benz 1977.
From Backpacking to Bus Dreams: The Genesis of Overland Travel
Leander and Maria’s passion for travel spans 17 years, initially exploring the world with backpacks. The shift towards overlanding began around eight years ago when their son Lennox was just one year old. A challenging backpacking trip to Thailand with a toddler and extensive photography gear highlighted the limitations of conventional travel. Seeking freedom from rigid schedules and fleeting experiences in each location, they yearned for extended stays. A desire to explore New Zealand sparked a “stupid idea”: buying a bus and driving there. However, research revealed weight restrictions and impracticalities of a bus, leading them to the robust and iconic Mercedes Benz 1977 truck.
Alt text: Arid desert landscape in Iran, illustrating the diverse environments a 1977 Mercedes Benz can navigate.
The Mercedes-Benz LA 911 B: A Deliberate Choice
The Mercedes Benz 1977 LA 911 B truck emerged as the ideal platform for their mobile lifestyle, offering comfort and practicality for family life and remote work. Leander acknowledges that no vehicle is perfect. While the truck’s size is advantageous in countries like Central Asia and the USA, it presents challenges in Japan, Indonesia, or even Greece, with narrow roads and low-hanging obstacles. Its slower pace, significantly slower than even a VW Bus, requires adjustments to travel expectations, especially concerning visa timelines. Despite these limitations, Leander affirms his love for the truck, deeming it perfect for their needs.
Alt text: Scenic mountain road in Montana, USA, demonstrating the overlanding capabilities of the Mercedes Benz 1977.
Three key factors influenced their decision to acquire this specific truck. Firstly, its predominantly mechanical nature, with minimal electronics, suggested ease of repair in less industrialized regions. However, this assumption proved partly incorrect as skilled mechanics for older vehicles are becoming scarce. Secondly, the perceived global availability of Mercedes Benz 1977 spare parts was a major consideration, though reality revealed a less comprehensive network than anticipated. Ultimately, the truck’s charming aesthetic played a significant role. Its friendly appearance creates positive interactions, contrasting with more militaristic-looking vehicles that might project a less welcoming image.
Alt text: Winding mountain pass in Tajikistan, highlighting the adventurous spirit of travel in a Mercedes Benz 1977.
Akela: A Name Inspired by The Jungle Book
The truck’s name, Akela, originates from Disney’s Jungle Book, where Akela is the wise and respected leader of the wolf pack. Inspired by the story and aiming to instill a sense of worldly curiosity in Lennox, they chose Akela as the name, symbolizing the truck as the leader of their family pack.
Alt text: Vast Australian outback landscape, showcasing the remote travel possibilities with a reliable Mercedes Benz 1977.
The Grueling Truck Build: A Labor of Love
Transforming the Mercedes Benz 1977 into a fully functional overlanding home was an arduous two-year endeavor. Leander, a photographer with limited mechanical experience, faced a steep learning curve. Despite initial naivety and a budget of €30,000, the project became a full-time commitment, seven days a week, involving extensive research and hands-on work. The original camper setup was outdated and required a complete overhaul. Rust removal and critical decisions about the extent of the rebuild added complexity. The lack of readily available resources seven years ago compounded the challenges. The build, ultimately costing triple the initial budget and straining their relationship, became a testament to their perseverance and commitment. Leander acknowledges that with the knowledge gained, a similar build would be significantly more cost-effective today.
Alt text: Quaint Albanian mountain village, illustrating the cultural immersion possible while traveling in a Mercedes Benz 1977.
Global Overlanding Routes and Bureaucratic Hurdles
Akela World’s extensive travel route, detailed on their website akela.world, spans continents and diverse terrains. While challenging roads in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia tested the Mercedes Benz 1977, continuous maintenance and upgrades have enhanced its reliability. Entering Australia presented the most significant hurdle due to stringent bureaucracy and quarantine regulations. Months were spent meticulously cleaning the truck in Bali, even involving Lennox in the process. Concerns about asbestos components, common in older vehicles like the Mercedes Benz 1977, required flying in spare parts from Austria and engaging an asbestos surveyor in Australia. Despite the rigorous process, a friendly border official, more interested in their story than potential issues, facilitated a smooth entry.
Alt text: Rugged mountain road in Kyrgyzstan, emphasizing the robust build of the Mercedes Benz 1977 for challenging terrains.
Alt text: (Left) Pristine Australian beach, showcasing the coastal adventures accessible with a Mercedes Benz 1977. (Right) Adelaide cityscape at dusk, demonstrating the versatility of the Mercedes Benz 1977 for both urban and remote exploration.
Family Modifications and Homeschooling on the Move
Child-specific modifications to the Mercedes Benz 1977 were minimal. The “alcove” sleeping arrangement provides a separate space for Leander and Maria, while Lennox has his own area at the back. Homeschooling Lennox is a core aspect of their journey, deviating from a set curriculum to focus on practical knowledge and global awareness. Learning is integrated into their experiences, connecting history and geography to the places they visit. Leander emphasizes the importance of parental curiosity and learning alongside their child, fostering a deeper understanding of the world. He believes that travel broadens perspectives and cultivates a more open-minded generation.
Alt text: (Left) Side profile of the Akela Mercedes Benz 1977 truck, highlighting its classic design. (Right) Panoramic Greek mountain vista, illustrating the scenic beauty accessible with a Mercedes Benz 1977.
Alt text: Lush Tasmanian forest landscape, showcasing the nature exploration possible with a Mercedes Benz 1977.
Key Modifications and Reliable Features
Essential modifications to their Mercedes Benz 1977 prioritize reliability and self-sufficiency. Goodyear tires, despite their cost, have proven invaluable, enduring global terrains without a single flat. Redundancy is key, with both diesel and wood-burning heaters ensuring warmth in diverse climates. A secondary alternator and solar panels guarantee ample power, a critical aspect of their mobile lifestyle. Simplicity is favored over complex modifications, opting against a turbocharger upgrade to maintain reliability.
Alt text: Close-up of a winding Greek mountain road, suggesting the adventurous journeys undertaken with a Mercedes Benz 1977.
Alt text: Front view of the Akela Mercedes Benz 1977 truck, emphasizing its iconic and friendly design.
Alt text: Starry night sky over the Iranian desert, highlighting the off-grid living enabled by a Mercedes Benz 1977.
Wisdom for Classic Vehicle Overlanders
Leander’s advice for aspiring classic vehicle overlanders is practical: carry spare parts and embrace a slower pace. Accepting the limitations of a classic vehicle like a Mercedes Benz 1977 shifts the travel mindset, fostering a more deliberate and enriching experience. He also argues for the environmental consciousness of older vehicles, highlighting their recycled nature and lower overall footprint compared to modern households, despite higher fuel consumption.
Alt text: Bustling Japanese city street, showcasing the adaptability of a Mercedes Benz 1977 to diverse environments.
Alt text: (Left) Dense Borneo rainforest, illustrating the off-road capabilities of a Mercedes Benz 1977. (Right) Straight road through the Australian outback, emphasizing the long-distance travel readiness of a Mercedes Benz 1977.
Follow Akela World’s Journey
To witness Akela World’s ongoing adventures and gain further inspiration, follow them on:
Website: akela.world
Instagram and Facebook: Akela World
Akela World in Overland Journal: Spring 2021
Mercedes Benz LA 911 B Specifications
Mercedes-Benz LA 911 B Bj1977
Power OM352 130hp
Suspension and Drive Original setup Pneumatic transfer case Rear diff lock 4WD
Wheels and Tires Steel wheels Goodyear Ultra Max 315 80 R22.5
Recovery and Armor Aluminum sand ladders Shovel Strong arms and lots of endurance
Accessories Hobbit wood stove Eberspächer Airtronic D4 heater Dometic Coolmatic CRX 110 Dometic awning perfect roof Dometic SunLight cooking stove Crank Again jumpstart setup 2 x 250-watt solar panels
Fuel Capacity 200 litre + 300 litre fuel tank
Water Capacity 300-litre water tank Water jack fresh 4h water filter
Resources
Dometic.com
Goodyear.eu
Eberspacher.com
famous-water-shop.com
