A Wild Thought

[Ben Casey]

Hi Guys

I'm planning on going to Africa in Jan (Gambia I think) :) I know the normal way is to fly and then go to a hotel :) But you all know me and I was thinking what if I was to try and get there a different way :) So has anyone any idea on what problems could be faced from weather to anything or would it be dead easy just jump in a car do a bit of driving catch the odd ferry and then be there.

Or would I need a bit more planning LOL So any feed back and tips would be welcome :)

[comanighttrain]

you'd need a few visas... Also very real threat of being carjacked or something....

[rossbird]

Hi Ben

Gambia is a great country, especially during our winter.
Don't think I would want to go overland though, the Sahara would be crazy hot.
I know people who have stopped off in Senegal whilst on cruises. Just depends how long you want to spend travelling, I guess.
Anyway, sounds like a great trip. Hope you enjoy yourself.

[Ben Casey]

you'd need a few visas... Also very real threat of being carjacked or something....

I suppose I better check a map :( But I will probs have to fly so the visa there is sorted. I'm of to have a look into it though I did look in to getting a cargo ship there and that came in about a 1000 quid for a round trip.

[rossbird]

Oh, don't forget to take plenty of pens, the kids love them.
I even paid for a river crossing in pens there once.

[Ben Casey]

Oh, don't forget to take plenty of pens, the kids love them.
I even paid for a river crossing in pens there once.

Ahha someone who has done it so what did you do I have my name down for the VSO at the min I'm just waiting to hear back from them :) but a mate of mine lives down there and said I should visit him, and I once read a book where one of our Generals travelled over land and stuff to saudia I think it was. So I have alweays fancied trying something like that :)

[rossbird]

I'm envious Ben, it's a great place especially for birdwatching.
Some great wild places. There's a camp up river called Tendaba. They have tshirts with the slogan....Tendaba camp, greatest place on earth. 10,000,000 mosquitoes can't be wrong!!!

You've been warned:D

[Ben Casey]

Oh Im used to Mosis LOL They just bite and leave big itchy bumps well they do in the UK I know Africa is a bit worse so I would need Jabs and stuff :) And my mate is in Banjul so I should be ok for accom when I get there :)

[Realearner]

Think a drive is possible with loads of planning, however if driving would go the Landrover route, or a Toyota.
Both kitted with lots of kit. And if possible do it with at least one other that you get on with.
Good luck whatever you do and just enjoy.

[bigzee]

To add to earlier advice I would say take plenty of bargaining items. Before I was born my parents lived in Nigeria for a couple of years, and I think everything that happens in Africa only does so after something has "changed hands" regardless of whether the recipient is just doing his paid job or not. Maybe it's a reflection of the true values of their currencies?

[happybonzo]

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/

Have a look at this before you get too excited about driving down.

Also, I would suggest a read of the Vehicle Dependant Expedition Guide by Tom Sheppard (http://www.desertwinds.co.uk/expedition_guide.html). You do need to be a pretty capable spannerman; at least that's my experience.
Mauritania and most of Mali are going to hell in a handcart at present
Morocco, along the coast, is generally OK but there have been some demonstrations that have been a bit hairy for Europeans
Travel down through Algeria is not possible at present. The main problem used to be robbers but I haven't been down through there for a few years
Since the Iraq / Afghanistan business travel in some countries has become very difficult
I hope that Libya settles down as I've always fancied an overland to Marble Arch and The Wire

[Ben Casey]

Thanks for the links I will have a look like I say it is a wild thought but it will be cool if I can manage it :)

[CanadianMike]

Think a drive is possible with loads of planning, however if driving would go the Landrover route, or a Toyota.

4Runner and a Panasonic Toughbook (or two) with a GPS receiver, a match made in heaven!!!! :D

Ok, I'm biased, is what I have............... ;)

Sounds like a fun adventure though.