African Journal Index

This Page is the index page for my journal. The index splits the trip into a number of sections for my (and your) convenience. The journal was written at the end of each day and the daily headings include the date and the distance travelled that day. In addition to the journal itself, there is a column for remarks. The journal entry is as it was written, the remarks column is to provide some additional background or comment for the reader who may be unfamiliar with the nature of an overland journey.

	My trip through Europe . A slow trip from Scotland through England and Spain allowing time to get familiar with the vehicle when fully laden. Meet Mike (and his Landrover) in Northern Spain and the rest of the group (Paul, Alan and Anne Claude) met us in Madrid.
	My trip through North Africa - Morocco to Mauritania. This section sees us looking for a route through to West Africa as Algeria is closed to us. Eventually we head South into Western Sahara and manage to form a convoy (the 2nd in 20 years) to get through into Mauritania. In Mauritania, we head South along the beach and take a detour back to Atar, so we can have a two day desert stage.
	My trip through West Africa - Mali to Nigeria. In this section we enter Mali, where I roll the Landrover and nearly kill myself. We continue through this area in the Christmas and New Year period and the trip is governed by visits to capital cities to get visas and visits to the beach for the holidays.
	My trip through Central Africa - Cameroon to Zaire. One of the most demanding sections with Zaire in near turmoil. We again have to find a way through as the normal route from Bangui to Zongo is considered too dangerous due to rioting in Kinshasa. We use a route through Ndu which is very rarely followed. Lots of mud and tricky bridges. We are burned out of camp near Bondo and drive through the night. Finishes with a visit to see the gorilla in Bukima.
	My trip through East Africa - Uganda to Malawi. The start of numerous visits to game parks as we head through East Africa. First manage to do the circuit of the Rwenzoris, Ptolemy's Mountains of the Moon, where we encounter freezing conditions and amazing flora. Replenish supplies in Kenya while visiting the sites, the Masai Mara, the beach at Tiwi and climbing Mt Kenya. Move on to Tanzania for visits to the Ngorogoro crater and Zanzibar. Last proper country is Malawi, the warm heart of Africa and one of my personal favourites. The final country is Mozambique, where we enter the country, run the Tete corridor, are arrested, are interned in jail, are rescued by the UN and exit the country all in one day.
	My trip through Southern Africa - Zimbabwe to RSA. Easier times touring Zimbabwe, ending with a visit to Victoria Falls, before a brief crossing of Botswana and a visit to the Okavango, before moving on to Namibia which in 1993, is just opening up for tourism. Spend a lot of time in Namibia as it is our last chance to see true Africa, visit Etosha and Kaokoland and all tourist sites we can identify. Finally drive down to Cape Town and visit the Garden Route and Cape of Good Hope, while organising the return of the vehicle and self to the UK.

Page last updated on 17th June 1998 (Tidied up)