In their last ever journey together, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May take us on an unforgettable ride through the heart of Africa in The Grand Tour: One For The Road, which launches globally on Prime Video this Friday, 13 September.
What starts as a seemingly idyllic road trip through Zimbabwe and Botswana soon becomes an epic adventure filled with wildlife, rough terrain, questionable cars, and, of course, their signature banter and mischief. For fans of the trio, this is one journey not to be missed.
In a fitting final act of adventure and camaraderie, the world’s most entertaining trio of middle-aged men couldn’t resist breaking away from the expected and, instead of a mundane motorway jaunt, took to southern Africa in three classic cars: Clarkson’s notoriously temperamental 1982 Lancia Montecarlo, Hammond’s beloved 1974 Ford Capri, and May’s trusty 1974 Triumph Stag. As Clarkson dryly put it, “The lightbulb just clicked on. I’ve always wanted to go to Zimbabwe, so we thought, why not for the final adventure?”
Throughout the journey, Alexander Mavros, co-founder of Mavros Safaris, played an integral role in bringing the episode to life. “Jeremy and I were at the Bahrain Grand Prix when he mentioned the last episode. I suggested Zimbabwe instead of Zambia – more exciting, more exhilarating,” he explains. “Soon after, Jeremy came out on a recce with his girlfriend, and they fell in love with Zimbabwe.” An epic 17-day filming adventure followed, with Mavros and his team managing everything from logistics to guides. Mavros himself was part of the convoy, leading the charge across Zimbabwe’s untamed landscapes.
Enamoured with Clarkson’s Patrick Mavros bangle – the Zimbabwean luxury jewellery and objets d’art brand founded by Alexander’s father, Patrick, and a genuine family business that sees all four sons involved – May and Hammond got themselves decked out in Patrick Mavros wristwear too while in Zim, further bonding the trio over a piece of true African craftsmanship.
GOING OUT WITHOUT A BANG
The backdrop of lush Zimbabwean mountains, dry plains, and wildlife encounters – including elephants and giraffes – provided ample opportunity for the trio to indulge in their signature antics, swapping banter and bickering at every turn, while their vehicles, hardly known for reliability, made the journey even more precarious. With typical mischief, Clarkson admitted his choice of the Lancia because “everybody knows Lancias are the most unreliable cars ever made”. Naturally, this meant even a simple task like managing the retractable roof on his car became a fraught affair.
However, it wasn’t just the mechanics that added to the fun. As they crossed crocodile-infested waters on car-carrying boats, Hammond reflected on the moment’s significance. “This show changed my life, my daughters’ lives, everything. It’s the biggest thing that ever happened to me. We wanted to say ‘thank you’ to the audience in a way that felt sincere. [Our executive producer, Andy] Wilman didn’t want to end it with explosions – he did something measured, and it’s fabulously done.”
TWO DECADES OF CHAOS
As the three made their way to the iconic Victoria Falls, dodging car-breaking roads by cleverly taking a detour down a railway line, they reflected on two decades of chaos, friendship, and unforgettable experiences. With his characteristic wryness, May remarked, “We said, ‘We must stop while we’re still vaguely ahead.’ I have mixed emotions, but it’s been a privilege.” Ever the sentimental one, Hammond wasn’t shy about the tears shed, saying, “We’ve been through good times and bad. We’re a dysfunctional family, so yes, there were a lot of tears, especially from me.”
As the journey wound down into Botsw ana, revisiting Kubu Island – a spot brimming with nostalgia for the trio – there was a bittersweet air. After all, Botswana was where they filmed their very first special years ago. Clarkson couldn’t help but marvel at the full-circle moment. “Botswana was our favourite special, and ending it here just made sense.”
With the sun setting on The Grand Tour, their final scene was a nod to the past, the journey that got them here, and a heartfelt goodbye to the adventure that had become their lives. Clarkson, Hammond, and May may be hanging up their Grand Tour hats, but as they’ve proven time and again, there’s always room for one last laugh, one more road trip, and maybe even another argument about whose car really was the best.
Don’t miss the chance to say farewell to The Grand Tour with One For The Road, premiering globally on Prime Video on Friday, 13 September 2024.
Report & Images: SUPPLIED
