By: Yifat Yeger
Photographer: Gerry Abramovich

The Isuzu Challenge is synonymous with Arik Baraz. The man who has been
producing the Isuzu Challenge for six years, leading 4×4 expeditions to
the remotest and most challenging places in the world. As manager of
Geotours, the 4×4 and adventure tourism department of the Geographical
Tours Company, this is his job – to create the challenge.

“We began in 1998 in Namibia and Botswana,” says Baraz. “Even then we
believed that such a well publicized journey, that draws attention from
the world’s media, should use its power to provide real support to the
destination it takes place in.

“In Namibia we focused on the prevention of illegal hunting and ever since
we have continued in this tradition – to find an ecological goal on each
expedition in which to contribute to.”

Q: After six expeditions, is there one experience that stands out from all
the rest?

A: Actually, each expedition is different from the next – each having its
own unique qualities be it the dense jungles of Guatemala or the snow
covered mountains of the Indian Himalayas. However in this specific
expedition to Australia we have the unique challenge of the huge wide-open
spaces that we travel across. I believe that this feeling of never-ending space is something that can be
felt only in Australia.

Q: What is the most difficult part of putting together this type of
expedition?

A: There are three difficult parts involved in this kind of production:
The first is choosing the destination – this is where we make the most
difficult decisions. The second is the organizational process of the
expedition, planning the route, coordinating all of the relevant
organizations involved, and tying up all the loose ends by the departure
date. This process takes months of round-the-clock work.

However, the hardest part is probably during the actual expedition when I
have to organise each day so that it flows perfectly with a minimum amount
of mishaps. Each day is a complete challenge that needs to be organized
in the best way possible.

Q: Is extensive knowledge of 4×4 driving required to participate in the
Isuzu Challenge?

Yes and no. The Isuzu Challenge is not a challenge expedition but an
expedition in nature that incorporates challenges within it. Some people
taking part are very experienced in 4×4 driving and the others, we train.
For parts that involve particularly tricky driving, the combination
between the experienced drivers and the ones who are less experienced is
down to making a winning combination – drawing on existing skills and
helping less experienced drivers develop.
The participants face the challenges together because it is first and
foremost a team expedition and, even during the more difficult missions,
you can always find people who will lead the group to the finish.

Q: What is the most enjoyable part of this type of expedition?

A: The experience begins by going into a new country – getting to know its
geography, culture and its special qualities. Then the atmosphere
generated by 60 people experiencing different challenges and adventures.
Most participants are not professional rally drivers but everyday people
looking for an unusual experience. This is where the challenging journey
and personal experiences combine because beyond the driving and the views,
people leave these expeditions as friends for life. After a journey such
as this, people’s outlook on life is changed. It is simply an experience
that has an impact on a person’s life. People leave these journeys
different than how they began them.

Q: How do you see the continuation of Isuzu Challenge and where are you
headed next year?

A: The feedback we receive is what causes us to constantly search for more
and more special destinations. Regarding next year’s expedition we are
still undecided on where it will be. One option is one of the African
states or Asia where two prior expeditions were held. The good part is
that the world is big and offers many more challenges.