Don’t Take Planning For A 4×4 Africa Adventure Casually
The words 4×4 Africa, invokes rather passionate ideas and photos of great rivers, hills, flatlands, tigers, lions and more. Well that may be true, BUT you must understand this is simply not a matter of simply getting into a motor vehicle and setting off into the Africa bush.
To prepare a 4×4 Africa trip, in reality takes considerable setting up and preparation, which in truth may take many months or even a year before you put the 4 wheel drive in gear Africa is not a straightforward terrain to overcome and there are a great number of locations to be stopped at. Governmental, logistical, language barriers and health issues are to be looked at and planned around. You need time to do this, as there is the “Africa time” to take into consideration. (This fundamentally means that nothing in Africa comes about “fast”).
Politically you will find the issues of visas to be prepared apart from determining the viability of travelling through a country every now and then. In general Africans are friendly people but sometimes their Governing bodies and their officers can be tough, especially in periods of unrest. It is not unusual for palms to be greased in several parts of Africa. Bear this in mind when you budget. Ensure that you know where your country’s Embassy or Consulate is positioned, who to contact and the precise contact detail, even after hour contact detail could be worth addressing.
Currency exchange issues need to be taken seriously. It isn’t just a matter of taking a bundle of Dollars or Euros or Pounds and go 4×4 Africa. Make really sure of banking facilities and currency regulations before you set sails into the blue yonder. Medical issues are key -many African countries require specific inoculations before you will be accepted, Make sure you carry a substantial emergency first aid kit. Visit a travel clinic in connection with this to put together a proper kit for the regions you will be travelling. Remember that drinkable water is definitely a concern. You’ll want to carry water purification equipment and chemicals with you at all times.
Logistically you should be organized. Don’t travel without a Gps unit and preferably a spare GPS, a compass (you need to take an instruction course in these subjects) and DECENT roadmaps. Africa is full of surprises even concerning roads. You should plan for gasoline and to be sure where and when you can obtain fuel on the way. Spares can be vital and you need to consult your 4×4 dealer on a list of suggested spare parts. Be sure to have at least two spare wheels, a tyre repair kit, a decent 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 meals ahead – in the middle of Africa take-away outlets are hard to find. Of course 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 check with the professionals on ALL of your travel plans.
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