Our Story
Our Story Begins In 2002
A friend invited me to join him & 5 others on an overland trip to Botswana and Namibia and I reluctantly agreed to join the trip.
I hesitated because of my experience during my mandatory army training year of camping & sleeping in tents (and I then promised myself that I would never sleep in a tent again). I bought myself a 4×4 double cab vehicle, sleeping bag, rooftop tent, cooler and plenty of plastic boxes to store cutlery, clothes, food and drinks in.
I absolutely enjoyed the 3 week trip driving on "off the beaten track" locations, experiencing the fabulous unspoiled nature which city dwellers are not even aware of and enjoyed the fellowship of the rest of the group.
BUT, I hated the unorganised setup. At about the 3rd day, I would find my teaspoon, GPS, underpants and tooth brush all mixed up in the same box. On that moment the AHA dream was born.
The AHA dream was to have an accommodation unit on the back of my double cab bakkie (with all the relevant comforts of my house), without converting my bakkie permanently to a camper.
Was it an impossible dream?
I did a lot of research and was amazed to see how many quality outdoor products are available in South Africa, but not one could offer me what I wanted in one affordable package. So I designed my own.
During 2002 I took my first camper (prototype photos below) to Sodwana where we went scuba diving and when I opened the unit on the beach I drew a lot of attention from people around me. I had to open and close it approximately 50 times as the people came and went that day. Every so often when I opened the unit, people would utter “AHA” in amazement.
That day I decided to “start a business building campers” as I had so many requests to do so.
Dawie Maas
Owner & Founder: AHA Outdoor Systems
The Creation (Commencement)
On the 1st of March 2003, we formally established the company and named it AHA Outdoor Systems.
Our earliest product, the AHA-45, was named this way for its quick setup time of merely 45 seconds for sleeping or camping.
The Journey (Challenges)
Our initial models encountered challenges such as dust and water leaks. Fortunately, outdoor enthusiasts are generally patient and amiable, providing invaluable support feedback, and cooperation that helped us resolve these issues and improve the product based on customer feedback.
We went on to manufacture 987 AHA-45 campers before the new AHA-15 was born, similarly named for setting up in only 15 seconds.
The Present
Today, there are more than two thousand AHA campers on South African and international roads. We have customers in more than 10 countries, spread across at least 4 continents. Our customers travel to many other countries, and 6 continents have seen the AHA slide-on bakkie camper range.
Additionally, our product line has expanded to include the AHA A/T Trailer (AHA Transformer mounted on a versatile, custom built, off-road/on-road trailer), the AHA Luggage Trailer, and a wide range of accessories.
The First AHA Camper Prototype
Our Journey Through the Years
Since 2002, AHA Outdoor Systems has been at the forefront of modular camping solutions, transforming the way adventurers explore the world.
2002
First Prototype Built
Dawie Maas builds the first AHA prototype, developing a modular camping concept designed to adapt to different vehicles and evolving outdoor lifestyles.
2003
AHA Outdoor Systems Founded
Dawie Maas establishes AHA Outdoor Systems with a vision to create adaptable camping solutions that cater to diverse needs.
2008
First 500 Units Sold
Reaching a major milestone, AHA Outdoor Systems celebrates the sale of its 500th AHA Transformer, marking its growing popularity.
2015
Introduction of A/T Trailer
We unveil the A/T Trailer, offering unparalleled flexibility for campers who value independence and accessibility.
2023
20 Years of Innovation
Celebrating two decades of success, AHA Outdoor Systems continues to lead with cutting-edge designs and customer-focused solutions.