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UK to SA

A trip in aid of Combat Stress and Tusk

"It's encouraging to see that, with the world in such political turmoil, the adventurous streak is not lost to the few that choose to pursue it. I fully support the UK to SA expedition and wish them the best of luck both on and off the beaten track. Combat Stress and Tusk are truly worthwhile causes and I hope Ed and Humphrey will raise a great deal for the charities' projects. Bon Voyage" Sir Ranulph Fiennes.
About us
Rounded Edge

UK to SA

In BriefIn early November a core team of 2 will be driving from the UK to SA. We aim to take from 4 to 5 months completing the trip and cover over 15,000 miles through more than 20 countries. We are doing the trip for two charities :- Combat Stress- TuskFeel free to have a look through our site and please contact us if you have any questions. We hope to catch up with some of you en route!For a few snaps of us on previous excursions check out the gallery section in the top menu.
The TeamThe core team :EdBorn and brought up in Wiltshire, Ed has just graduated from the University of Edinburgh. Ed has had a lifelong fascination with East Africa and a 6 month stint in his year out was more than enough to prompt a return trip.Ed joins the army via Sandhurst in May 2012 . With strong connections with the Army , Ed has chosen to do the trip for Combat stress. More information on the charities can be found in the Charities section in the Banner menu above. HumphreyCurrently at Manchester University, Humphrey lives in Greenwich Conneticut. Humph is taking a year out to pursue the trip. Having spent many a month in Kenya and Tanzania, Humphrey relishes any opportunity to explore the area more fully. Also thinking of the army as a future career, Combat Stress is an apt choice of charity. We've also chosen to help out with TUSK, particularly as they are currently opening up the US arm of the organisation. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter using the links in the Contact Us page.
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Simple Simple The Charities
Rounded Edge

UK to SA

Combat StressCombat Stress is a charity close to our Hearts. Having so much family and so many friends currently and previously serving in the Armed Forces and with Ed joining the army in 2012 and Humphrey debating the idea we thought this a great opportunity to gain as much support for our troops as possible. Combat Stress specialises in the care of veteran's mental health throughout the UK. The charity raises money to provide support and care for sufferers of psychological conditions related to thier service career. The Charity currently has over 4600 individuals on its books, many of whom have served in Iraq or Afghanistan. The enemy within appeal is a three-year fundraising campaign is designed to help treat the escalating number of psychologically injured Veterans who are turning to us for help, by:Establishing 14 Community Outreach teams nationwide Enhancing clinical treatment at our three short-stay treatment centresPlease sponsor us so that we too may contribute to our troops rehabilitation.
TuskTusk, formed in 1990, has developed into a truly inspirational charity. Protecting wildlife , promoting a sustainable and developed community. Tusk links education with conservation and community programs to benefit the area in its entirity. Currently operating in 17 countries across Africa, Tusk has helped to protect 36 endangered species over a whopping 75 Million Acres ! it's projects employ well over 1000 people and benefit more than 500.000 others. To date, over 150, 000 students and children have been a part of the Pan African Conservation Education (PACE) and over 72,000 pupils are at schools and education centres supported by Tusk.

All UK donations are going towards Combat Stress and all US donations towards Tusk.

For more info on what the charities are up to now, just click on thier logos at the side of this page.

Simple Simple Sponsors
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Micheldever Tyres have really saved the day in our eleventh hour. Despite our last minute contact, they have provided us with a set of 6 brand new General Grabber All-terrain tyres that'll surely get us through the length of Africa. Micheldever's drive-through tyre service is a spectacle and all tyres were changed in 5 minutes. A true testement to their skill. Many thanks. www.micheldever.co.uk

The super strong, custom made ground sheets for our tents have been provided by Raven . They're made out of extremely hardy Cordura. Thanks to Rick Layland for helping us out and giving us a good night's sleep.

A huge thank you to HPAM Consulting who have kindly agreed to provide us with a new high tech Garmin GPS unit and Satellite Phone. We'll be able to track, plan and upload our progress and use mapping software to develop a great picture of where we've been

HPAM

Consulting

We are grateful to Cosatt Ltd . who are sponsoring us a laptop for the trip onto which we can load the mapping and GPS software and update our progress. We also have from them a HD video camera; look forward to some video in the Gallery section! www.cosatt.com

Frome Signs have been enormously generous and provided us with graphics for the car, including large UKtoSA logos for the spare wheel cover and the bonnet. They can provide a whole host of signs for any need. A massive thank you. www.fromesignco.co.uk/

Barrington International are kindly providing us with various Personal Protective Equipment for the trip. www.barringtoninternational.co.uk

Simple Simple If you'd like to help us out in any way, please drop us a line via the contact us page and We'll send you a letter saying why we think it may benefit us, yourselves and the charities.
Support

It is truly humbling to have support from such iconic and well respected and inspirational figures. Though what we are planning is but a drop in the ocean of adventures and experiences that these men have undertaken or that lie in wait of others travellers, we hope to show how easy it can be to find new horizons."It's encouraging to see that, with the world in such political turmoil, the adventurous streak is not lost to the few that choose to pursue it. I fully support the UK to SA expedition and wish them the best of luck both on and off the beaten track. Combat Stress and Tusk are truly worthwhile causes and I hope Ed and Humphrey will raise a great deal for the charities' projects. Bon Voyage" Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE. Explorer, Author, Soldier. “This is the best kind of journey. Not only because it's an adventure most people only dream of, but because it has been conceived, funded and planned by the same people who are actually going to make it, and who have refused to be daunted by the obstacles. The journey itself will benefit others too, through the medium of two important charities. A real journey begins where theories about travelling end, and divides those who talk about such things from those who really follow through. It also holds a magnifying glass to the very fabric of life. Every uncertainty, difficulty and victory is etched more sharply into one's experience by the challenge of each passing mile - in this case, more than 15,000 of them. In short, a journey such as this changes one's life. For this reason I admire Ed and Humphrey all the more, and wish them many difficulties - knowing they have the resources to meet them – as well as every success. I am also jealous of their enterprise, daring and generosity of spirit.” Jason Elliot. Novelist and Travel Writer. www.jasonelliot.com"We are delighted that Edward and Humphrey have chosen to use their expedition to raise valuable funds for Tusk's conservation and community work in Africa. As they progress down through the Continent, they will have the opportunity to see for themselves a number of Tusk sponsored projects and we very much hope that friends and contacts will generously support their initiative. We wish them every success!" Charlie Mayhew OBE. Chief Executive, Tusk Trust." I'm delighted to encourage Ed and Humphrey in their efforts to raise funds for Combat Stress and Tusk. Support for both of these charities is very worthwhile and I do hope, even in these difficult days, people may find it possible to help. I wish Ed and Humphrey every success on their 15000 mile journey. Even today their route will be a challenging undertaking" Colonel John Blashford-Snell OBE. Explorer, Author, Soldier" [This] looks like a great challenge and good fun. I am delighted that you have chosen Combat Stress as your charity. It is less well known than others but is increasingly important. Too many soldiers do not get early enough treatment or advice about the psychological effects of operations and they and their families suffer unnecessarily as a result. I shall keep an eye on your progress through your website. It will be a memorable experience for you both and you will learn a great deal about yourselves and probably too much about each other. Good luck for the rest of the trip, I guess the real test starts from Alexandria onwards. With my very best wishes." General Sir Jack Deverell KCB OBE, Former Commander-in-chief Allied Forces Northern Europe" We are very grateful to Ed & Humphrey for choosing to support Combat Stress. Not only will this raise money, but I hope it will increase awareness of the charity. We provide effective treatment and support to Veterans of the UK Armed Forces who are suffering from mental ill health. Combat Stress has a current caseload of more than 4,600 individuals – including 211 Afghanistan and 583 Iraq Veterans and last year we had over 1,400 new referrals. As a result of Ed & Humphrey’s efforts, we will be able help the brave, motivated Veterans to get their lives back. A tremendous thank you to both of you and the very best of luck. " Andrew Cameron, Chief Executive of Combat Stress.

Simple Simple The Route

UK to SA

Our Provisional Route took us from the UK through Europe and into Africa at Egypt via Syria and Jordan. The ever changing political and natural situation in the Middle East, Northern and Eastern Africa has change this a little! Keep posted for developments. News update... Syria has stepped up a gear and we don't have time to be turned away at the border. Damage limitation in place - a RoRo service from Athens to Alexandria is now being organised. We're gutted.

Country List and Proposed ItineryTo be updated as our itinerary takes shape. Once we're back in blighty we'll add a full country profile for each country we've visted.UKGreece - Pireaus to Alexandria RoRo service.Egypt - Alexandria, Cairo, AswanSudan - Wadi Haifa, Khartoum, Ethiopia - Addis AbabbaKenya - Moyale, (Turkhana), Nanyuki, Nairobi, (coast), Naivasha, Eldoret, Kisumu, Uganda - Jinja, KampalaRwandaBurundiTanzaniaMalawiMozambiqueZimbabwe - Mutare, Harare, Vic FallsZambiaBotswana - Okovango and MakgadikgadiNamibia - The Skeleton Coast, WindhoekSouth Africa - Cape Town

Where in the world are we now?? click on the logo below to follow our route via our Spot device

Simple Simple The Car
CarWe've recently Bought a 1994 Toyota Surf. It's a 3.0L diesel (same engine as a few of the Toyota Landcruisers) with a similar body to a Hilux. It's a great bit of comfy, powerful kit with enough space for out kit. The swing away wheel carrier on the back and space for the second spare under the vehicle allows more space for our personal kit inside the wagon. We've named our faithful steed Rocinante after Don Qixote's mount. We think it is particularly apt for our generally shabby preparations but gung ho outlook on the trip. Lets hope she performs as "well" and the good Knight's did.
The AdjustmentsTo keep costs down we'll not install long range fuel tanks. in favour of 5 good old Jerry cansRoof Rack and ladder. After much thougth and deliberation we've decided against a roof rack. The reasons? 1- Price2- We don't want to drill into the roof just yet and the roof bars that attach to the door frame are not as secure3- Wind resistance = worse MPG4- Higher centre of gravity5- The more space, the more we take, the more weight. See above point. BUT this does mean that we no longer have our home-made canvas awning or a larger space for a highlift jack or waffle boards. Perhaps a decision that'll come back to haunt us.Custom storage space We've made this from ply-wood, painted black and carpetted inside to reduce noise by adding a little padding. Its got a quick access shelf, a box with lid, space for 2 long plastic storage units and a rubber, grooved top for Jerry cans to sit on (which can be rachetted down). We're pretty pleased with itRaised Diff BreathersUsing bits and bobs from a plumbing supplierA-Frame with two spots. Mirrored window filmFor heat and security. Our Surf has a slight tint to the back windows anyway - we're going to add a tint to the rear window. Dual BatteriesStandard for the Surf. TyresMicheldever Tyres have kindly sponsored us 6 brand new General Grabber All-Terrain tyres. We have a swing aware spare on the back and one under the boot, leaving space for all of our kit. SuspensionWith all of the kit in, Rocinante looked a little saggy. We're thinking of raising the springs by 2" and adding new firmer rear springs.
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UK to SA

Simple Simple Documents and Red Tape
Rounded Edge

VisasVisas vary in cost and availabilty from country to country.For the "best" advice check out the foreign office link in the at the side . But do keep in mind that if you took everything that they said seriously you'd never leave the UK.We aim to have a combination of pre-arranged visas and visas obtained along the way. Here is a list of what we have decided on an researched so far for each country:Syria In advance, £30 each but make sure you have somewhere to stay in Syria. And now who knows!Egypt In advance, quick and easy, £15 eachSudan In Cairo. No Israeli stamp.Ethiopia In Advance, £20 each - be sure to get the multiple entry visa. Very quick and easy. Kenya We might be coming through a less visited boreder post so in advanceUganda On arrivalRwanda On arrivalBurundi In KampalaTanzania On arrival - they advise to get in advance though. Malawi No visa requiredMozambique On arrivalZambia On arrivalZimbabwe On arrival Botswana No visa requiredNamibia No visa requiredSouth Africa No visa requiredCarnet De Passage This is a effectively a temporary import tax. Although not all countries along the route require this (and some require their own document) you may as well add each country that you plan to travel through. Each country has its own sheet with the vehicle's details. One section is filled-in by customs by arrival and stamped, another is filled-in by customs when you leave the counrty. Make sure the car is stamped on BOTH your arrival AND departure of the country as proof ot exit. Paul Gowen is the man to speak to. He is very very helpful. He's not easy to get hold of so leave a few messages. When you're on his radar you're sorted. Call 01454208304 and leave a message - don't bother with an email - he's a busy man. MedicalFor many of the countries you travel through on this route you will need proof of a yellow fever vaccination. Bar this, not much is compulsory, but it is highly advised to have an immunisation against the following if you haven't already. Remember to check you are up to date with any boosters.Hepatitis AHepatitis BTetanus / Diptheria / PolioTyphoidYellow Fever - valid for 10 years, certificate often required. Malaria - A contentious issue. To take the stuff or not? What to take? It's fair to say that you might as well be protected. But which protection to go for? Malarone is said to be the best with the least side affects but is by far the most expensive. Larium is often a good option but can give bad side effects by mucking with your head. Doxycyclin is a cheaper option but many people can get a reaction from it and become sensitive to the sun - even the swarthy and comparatively olived skinned Ed., I refuse to take it anymore... its a fair price to pay but I'm going for malarone, but only for a portion of the trip. Vitamin B might have to do for the rest to stop the buggers bighting in the first place.International Driving PermitThis provides a translation of your valid driving license in 10 languages. It is authorised by a UN treaty to allow motorists to drive internationally without the need for further tests or applicationsIssued by the RAC or the AA try to allow at least 3 months to get your IDPIt only costs minimal dollar so well worth it.Driving LiscenceThere isn't a lot to say here - Just make sure yours is valid and you've made plenty of copies - that way you can leave one behind if necessary - no bribe or fine!ICMVThe translation of the V5 registration document in the UK. Available from the AA for £8. Guarantee Letter - EthiopiaBe sure to get a letter of guarantee from you embassy in Addis Ababa with details of all passengers and of the car. It's not an officially required document but it'll cost you if you don't have it when trying to cross the border at Metemna. Contact Gelila at Gelilawit.Damena_fco.gov.uk it'll take a few days to come through. Keeping Customs happy...... We've prepared a little document to keep border officials happy. Its a summary of our personal details and vehicle's details and has a section for visa information. It's typed up and looks official. We've also got copies of all of our documents in case we're asked to hand over some key bit of paper work. A laminated driver's licence goes along way. More important than all this... smile, know the languae (at least make an effort), break the ice (Humphrey's bagpipes, a cricket bat or a UKtoSA sticker to sweeten the deal - if only polaroid film was as cheap as it used to be)

There have been many websites along the way that have been invaluable. Here are the pick of the bunch. Click on the links below.

Simple Simple Gear Rounded Edge

NavigationMichelin maps - 746 and 745TurkeySyriaJordanEgyptSudanEthiopiaKenyaUgada,Rwanda,BurundiTanzaniaMalawi,MozZambiaZimbabweBotswanaNamibiaSouth AfricaGarmin GPS60Garmin Nuvi with T4AInmarsat IsatPhoneProLaptopCompassMap CaseCampingBottle for fuelBucket with very secure lid Camping Pots and pansCards x3Chairs x3Chopping boardColeman StoveCutlery x4Fire LightersGrillGround Sheet x2Ground Tent x2HammockHead torch x2Insolmats x2Lighters x3Multi Plug x2Multi ToolPegsPen Knife Plastic washing up bowlBatteriesTableTelescope + binosTin opnenerTorches x4Wire BrushWooden spoonMosi netMosi sprayLED 3 light stripTinned foodBog RollStrainer Kettle, TinClothingT-shirtsShirtsShortsJeansTrackiesChinos for embassies Swimming TrunksTowelJumpersHi-tech"Smart" shoesTrainers - get fit for SandhurstArmy boots (walking boots) - to wear inJacketTusk Cap - representin' biatchKikoyWife-beatersMedicalIboprufenNeedlesBroad spectrum antibioticsAntihistaminesMedical KitImmodiumSavlon etc. Jonnies - ever hopefulMalaroneMiscCountry Guide, AssortedAccordian - to be delivered to the Bishop of Wau Bradt Africa OverlandBungees Straps and RatchetsCombat stress banner and flagBooks

U K t o s a

ToolsAllen KeysAbrasive pad for tube repairAxeCable TiesCopper greaseCrowbarD rings, 5 tonne x4Duct tapeFire extinguisher FunnelGasket, Bostick Glue, MultipurposeGlue, SuperGrease Gun + GreaseHammerHammer, RubberHose repair tapeInner tubeInsulation TapeJack, BottleJack, High Lift Jack, PlateJubilee clipsJumper CablesJunior hacksaw + bladesKnifeLED lighting + velcroMagnet, TelescopicMetal fileMultimeterPadlocksPliers, CirclipPliers, NormalPliers, Oil FilterPliers, Sharp NoseRatchet StrapsSaw , WoodScrewdriversSiphon tubeLong breaker bar Socket, wheel nutsSockets and RatchetSpade, foldingSpanner, AdjustableSpannersStanley Knife + BladesParacordTape MeasureTow Rope, elastic 4m, 3000kg BreakingTyre LeaversTyre Pressure GaugeTyre Pump, Electric Tyre Pump, FootTyre Puncture repair kitWarning TriangleSecurity wheel nut toolSecurity wheel nuts x5Wheel, Winch etc. for spare Wheels & Tyres, spareWorkshop manualsCoil Spring CompressorTool Box and bagSpares20 litre Jerry cans (tin) x520 litre water cans (plastic) x25 lite water container x2Fan belt pair x2Accessories plugBits and bobs box - fuses, boltsBrake and clutch fluidCoolantDiesel fuel system cleanerDrain plugs (sump & gearbox)Filter, Air x3Filter, Fuel x2Filter, Oil x2Front brake padsFuel capGasket paperGear box / diff OilGreaseEngine OilPaint brushes + petrol for cleaningRad capRadweld x22" raised Springs2" raised ShocksWaffle Boards WD40Wheel nuts, SpareJerry can seals, spare x2Wiper Blades x2Car Battery Charger

There a few sites that have seen us through our kit list a preparations. We're lucky enough to get a Halfords Distcount so that certainly helps!

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UK to SA

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Here are some snaps from previous trips. We hope to update the site with current photos as we travel,

but this is dependent of the speed of and ease of access to the internet. Just click on the photos to expand.

Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya
Lelwak School
Samburu
Rumps
Samburu
Zuhra
Mt Kenya
Wee silhouette
Rutting Oryx
Samburu Boy
Collecting supplies
Sunrise Fishing
Zanzibar
Baobab Sunset
Lookout
Lake Nakuru
The Bush
el Capitain
Crazy
Rafting the Nile
Equator crossing
Up country sunset
Taking a breather
Island Hopping
Lake Nakuru
Oryx
Celctic cross
Zanzibar
Zanzibar
Valley
Tree tunnel
African transport
Overloaded car
Previous safari expedition
River crossing
Herbal remedies
Bagpipes
Herd of giraffe
Dow
Giraffe
Art
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Table Mountian
Cape Town
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Victoria Falls
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