As Expedition Overland packed their bags and double checked their passports, I had the opportunity to ask them a few key questions about what it takes to set off on an overland expedition. This veteran overlandering family, the Croft's, are headed out for an action packed, two-month long journey through Africa.
Here is what they have to say:
Q: Best tips you have for preparing for an overlanding expedition?
First, make a plan for where you want to go and the expectations of your trip, then map and plan accordingly.
Example: If you are going with another person, talk about the kind of adventure you want to have. If one of you wants to hike and one wants a lot of off-roading, talk about doing those activities so you both have a good experience. If it’s just you, ask yourself what would make this trip a ‘win’ for you regarding the location you want to go. At the same time, allow yourself the freedom to change course if and when something comes up that redirects you.
Second, be self sufficient.
Try not to be overwhelmed by all the gear but remember that people have been doing this for years with very little. The more you go, the more refined your systems will be. To start, It can be broken down into a few categories.
Safety - Med kits, fire extinguisher, sat phone or in-reach, paper maps, gps or app like onX Offroad (know how to use all of these before you leave!)
Recovery - Maxtrax (recovery boards), snatch strap, winch (if you have one), gloves, shovel (again, know how to use these items)
Livability - What do you want/need to be able to live in and out of your vehicle?
Q: What are you excited about for Overlanding in Africa?
I am always excited for the new unknowns and challenges that come with exploring a new place. I am excited to immerse myself in a new culture, meet new people, and learn how others live. I am also very excited to watch our boys learn and experience a new place. I know we will all return a bit different then when we left. In a good way ;)
Q: What unknowns are keeping you up at night right now?
Picking up our trucks from the port. Anytime we ship our vehicles to another country, there are always unknowns and things out of our control. You can do your best to have all the paperwork and everything needed, but at the end of the day, you are sometimes at the mercy of one person behind a desk who decides what they want or need from you that day.
Camping and living in a wild place with many animals, big and small, makes me a bit nervous. We only have bears to worry about in Montana. Where we are going in Africa, we have lions, hippos, leopards, buffalo, elephants, snakes, spiders, and scorpions, to name a few.