About Tread Lite
We believe in the power of travel to affect positive change
Tread Lite is more than just a travel company—it’s a family-run business rooted in a love for exploration and the belief that travel should be personal, purposeful, and unforgettable. Founded by Stuart, who brings over 20 years of experience in the African travel industry, Tread Lite was created to share the beauty of Southern Africa through meaningful, tailor-made journeys.
Our story began with Tread Lite 4×4 Hire, where we focused on self-drive adventures using the iconic Suzuki Jimny. What started as a niche rental offering quickly evolved. As more guests asked for help planning routes, booking stays, and curating their travel experience, we grew into something bigger—a full-service travel company with a passion for making self-drive exploration feel effortless and inspiring.
Today, Tread Lite offers immersive travel across South Africa and beyond, with a fleet of purpose-built vehicles that form the foundation of our self-drive experiences. Whether you’re navigating the backroads in one of our compact 4x4s, cruising scenic routes in a Cross Country SUV, or exploring sustainably in an electric vehicle, we help you travel more like a local—with confidence and comfort.
More About Us
We’re passionate about enhancing every journey through continual innovation—customising vehicles, routes, and travel styles that reflect a minimalist, thoughtful approach. Our interest in electric vehicle travel is a natural extension of that ethos—pioneering more sustainable, low-impact ways to discover Southern Africa without compromising the experience.
As a family business, we bring a warm, personal touch to every journey. With headquarters in Johannesburg and satellite offices in Cape Town, Durban, and the Kruger Airports, for seamless travel with a focused approach on clear communication, thoughtful details, and experiences that align with your unique travel style.
Led by Stuart’s experience and supported by a passionate team, we take pride in sharing the stories, landscapes, and magic of Southern Africa—one adventure at a time.
Let us help you plan your dream Southern Africa vacation….
The Tread Lite Family
We’re a close-knit team united by a shared love for Africa, travel, and creating unforgettable experiences. As a family-run business, every journey we design is personal—shaped by our own adventures and tailored with care to match yours.
Stuart
Chief Explorer
From kitted-out Jimnys to electric road trips, Stuart’s all about finding new ways to explore Southern Africa. Tread Lite is where his travel brain goes to work.
Grant
Money Matters & UK Support
Grant is the calm voice across the pond—managing finances, fielding UK-based questions, and always keen to swap stories from the road.
Roland
Fleet Perfomance & Tech Specialist
Based in Johannesburg, Roland solves the tricky stuff—managing upgrades, diagnostics, and the mechanical magic that keeps our fleet running right.
Sarah
Travel Readiness & Office Coordinator
Sarah manages the admin magic—keeping guest info sharp, documents sorted, and communication flowing before, during, and after each trip.
Elizabeth
Adventure Equipment Lead
Attention to detail is Liz’s superpower. She checks, packs, and inspects every piece of gear so guests get the full Tread Lite experience.
Siyah
Fleet Readiness & Guest Support
Based in Johannesburg, Siyah keeps the Tread Lite fleet in top shape—and often delivers the adventure right to your doorstep.
Russell
Cape Town Fleet & Guest Coordinator
With a kind heart and a detail-focused approach, Russell manages our Cape Town handovers—keeping things smooth, safe, and warmly personal.
Our Travel Beliefs
Immersive Exploration and Responsible Adventure
At Tread Lite, we’re driven by the art of immersive exploration and the principles of responsible adventure. We believe in travel that goes beyond surface-level experiences, delving deep into the heart of each destination.
Empowerment Through Self-Drive Travel
Empowering you to set your own pace and chart your course through Southern Africa’s landscapes is our passion. Self-drive travel with the iconic Suzuki Jimny offers you authentic connections with your surroundings and the people you meet.
Revealing Hidden Gems & Breathtaking Vistas
Years of experience have endowed us with profound insight into the undiscovered treasures scattered across Southern Africa. Our philosophy propels you beyond the typical routes, unveiling extraordinary experiences in the seemingly ordinary.
Transformation Through Meaningful Travel
Travel is more than a physical journey; it’s a transformative passage enriching your perspective and connections. Tread Lite invites you to step into a journey where each stride catalyses exploration, understanding, and respect for the world around us.
Our Partnership with Inspiring African Travel
At Tread Lite, we’re dedicated to crafting authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures across Africa, and our collaboration with Inspiring African Travel perfectly aligns with this mission. Co-founded by our very own Stuart, Inspiring African Travel is a podcast series that takes listeners on immersive journeys across the continent, uncovering hidden gems and sharing inspiring stories from the road. For those looking to fuel their wanderlust with unique African experiences, this podcast is a must-listen.
Tread Lite is also proud to support the Julia Spry-Wilson fundraising year, which raises vital funds for three impactful projects across Africa in her memory. You can learn more about her story and these initiatives as well as how to contribute by visiting the Inspiring African Travel website.
Whether you’re planning your next journey or simply looking for travel inspiration, our partnership with Inspiring African Travel offers plenty of reasons to explore Africa’s hidden treasures.
Follow Inspiring African Travel Online:
Expore Our Travel-Ready Vehicles
Every Tread Lite journey starts with the right setup. Our fleet of purpose-built vehicles is adapted for self-drive travel—whether you’re heading deep into the bush or cruising scenic coastlines. From compact 4x4s to fully electric SUVs, we’ve got the gear to match your adventure style.
