Do Not Take Planning For A 4×4 Africa Expedition Casually
The phrases 4×4 Africa, conjures up somewhat enchanting notions and pictures of great streams, mountain ranges, flatlands, elephants, lions and the like. Well that could be true, BUT you must understand this is not a matter of just getting into a motor vehicle and setting off into the African bush.
To plan a 4×4 Africa trip, in reality takes extensive planning and preparation, which in truth may take a few months or even a year before you decide to put the 4 wheel drive in gear Africa is not a straightforward terrain to conquer and there are a multitude of countries to be visited. Political, logistical, vocabulary hindrances and health issues are to be taken into consideration and planned around. You need time to do this, as there is the “Africa time” to take into consideration. (This essentially implies that nothing in Africa occurs “fast”).
Politically you can find the issues of visas to be organized apart from ascertaining the viability of venturing through a country on occasion. In general Africans are pleasant people but sometimes their Governments and their officers can be tough, especially in periods of unrest. It is not unusual for palms to be greased in numerous parts of Africa. Bear this in mind when you budget. Make certain you know where your country’s Embassy or Consulate is located, who to contact and the precise contact detail, even after hour contact detail could be of importance.
Forex issues need to be taken seriously. It is not only a matter of taking a bundle of Dollars or Euros or Pounds and go 4×4 Africa. Make very sure of banking facilities and currency polices before you set sails into the blue yonder. Health issues are key -many African countries require specific inoculations before you will be accepted, Make sure you carry a substantial first aid kit. Visit a travel clinic in connection with this to put together a proper kit for the areas you will be travelling. Understand that potable water is ALWAYS an issue. You have to carry water purification equipment and chemicals with you at all times.
Logistically you have to be well prepared. Don’t travel without a Gps unit and preferably an additional GPS, a compass (you need to take an instruction course in these subjects) and DECENT roadmaps. Africa is full of shocks even concerning roads. You have to plan for fuel and to be sure when and where you can obtain fuel in route. Spare parts can be vital and you need to speak to your 4×4 dealer on a list of advised spare parts. Be sure to bring at least two spare wheels, a tyre repair kit, a reliable jack, a good tool kit and even things like super glue and wire.
Don’t forget that you must also eat. You need to plan your meals ahead – in the heart of Africa take-away outlets are in short supply. Needless to say there is not much scope to carry much fresh produce with you so plan for tinned meat and some vegetables. Although veggies, bread and flour should be readily available along the route, beware of meat products. Animals are often slaughtered along the road and sold from shacks without refrigeration.
Lastly seek advice from the experts on ALL of your travel arrangements.
This entry was posted on Monday, October 31st, 2011 at 6:20 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.