Yes the jungle can be a dangerous place. A huge collection of venomous creatures, disease carrying insects, rapidly flooding rivers, tree falls, the heat and humidity…… in fact it seems at times that everything there doesn’t want you to go home, natures way of saying “This beautiful secret stays here with us, don’t go spreading it around!”.
Can you see the snake in the picture below?
So you’ve got a car and you fancy thrashing the hell out of it, but, you have a big problem with those blue lights flashing in your rear view mirror or you are a very considerate road user.
Well, here is your answer. The Nurburgring. An old Formula One racing track in Germany (not far from the border with Belgium) now open to the public. A one way road toll road, with absolutely no restrictions on speed what-so-ever! Your car must be road legal … and that’s it. Your standard car insurance will cover you driving on it. Read the rest of this entry »
Having your own vehicle is a blessing for many reasons. On a safari or trying to view animals it is pretty damn crucial if photography is your thing. To be on an organised tour is to be rushed into bad photography, having people bashing against your equipment as you all try to get the best position available for the picture and, worst of all for me, when you just want to sit there and appreciate nature at your own pace…. you’re off to see something else as the guide has to keep everyone happy or has a schedule to meet.
So, you want and adventure but you have no money.
A car, no mater how small, will fit you, a friend, some camping gear and some mechanical bits and pieces in it.
Get online and scour places like Ebay, look at the local newspapers as well. What you are looking for is a decent little ‘run around’ or ‘ideal first car’. You should be able to find a car for less than £500, $1000 or 600 Euros.
My little Nissan Micra that got me to Mongolia and back cost me £200.
During our huge drive from South Africa back to England we stopped off in Morocco (quite a detour considering we went through the Middle East and Turkey). Whilst there we headed south into the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga. It is supposedly here that they filmed The Mummy.
Getting there was a good adventure, lots of powering through deep soft sand, then we stayed at a small lodge for the night where arrangements were made for our camel trek. We decided to go for 4 days/3 nights. But now, with hindsight, that was too long. The area of dunes is, well, just dunes. Not really much else to see or do. A camel trek through a more varied terrain would be more suitable for four days. Also, you could combine some hiking with the trek. Climb off the camels and go to the top of the hill for photos whilst base camp is being prepared, for example.
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Tags: Adventure, camels, camping, deserts, four wheel drive
