..sure thing, would you be able to also leave on a little short notice..let's say like 2 hours ahead?

Take me with you...


...damn i saw this thread too late!!

..no worries, we didn't leave as yet. Please join us for our prelimenary test/tryout.

The quest for a 6-Piece (KFC)

..back on track. I would like to get the ball rolling and start a serious discussion about driving to Gambia. For the likes whom are genuinly interested in driving to Gambia I suggest we plan a sitdown and discuss our ideas and expectations.

Well, for me it is now a no go, as I have decamp from der Schweiz and am back in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

I did make it all the way down to Turkey. My advise is to drive through Bulgaria as little as possible. That countries roads suck more than any others I was on, big time. The Turkish roads were a joy after driving across Bulgaria.

Layers...

...thanks for the advice. Enjoy "The Lou"....and if you ever undecide we're still going to be here arguing on who gets shotgun.

Alright people....I really hate to bump this thread so much....but how hard can it be to get some people together and drive to Gambia. I'm serious, I'd like to leave Q1 next year and I'd assume the trip will take roughly 3 weeks or so. Anybody up for it?

You did read the news on terrorism exploding in the Magreb? The AQMI, one of the most "solidly funded and organized terrorist group in the world today" is very active - and kidnapping is besides drug dealing the main source of income...

http://www.time.com/time/world/artic...020830,00.html

...you're always so negative.
That's why we'll take WOlli with us...he's going to be our onboard negotiator...and if they really are going to kidnap us, he'ss plaster them with his Wikipedia links and facts that they will let us go voluntarily.
So, can I count you in?

Let's say that I am currently looking into some adventure ideas myself:
Making a "sabbatical" - experiences, ideas, dreams?

Africa is an option, but to be honest: Mauretania is a bit on the very risky side for years and the Sahel has just turned into something close to a war zone... I guess a trip to the "Nuclear highlights of Iran" sounds safer...

Well, I'm open to other destinations...but I wouldn't worry too much about the turmoil....we'll get a 92 S600...stick a decent turbo inside and I promise you, not even jesus could catch us with that thing.

But as I said before, gas stations are not that frequent in the African bush

Love your enthusiasm, just not sure if you are really aware of what you are taking on. N. Mali is a vast, terrifically dangerous place, as is Mauritania (the Tuareg are still battling the authorities on and off).
I would seriously recommend you go in a convoy of two to three vehicles, one carrying a whole pile of spares etc. I travelled many hundreds of miles in Africa (the MAMBA experience), but there was always a skilled African mechanic on board, and an experienced African co-driver. In the Central African Republic, we had six heavily armed soldiers in the tray of each of our pick-ups, popping off rounds at every corner.
You also need to look into the time this journey will take. On dirt roads, with the best will in the world, you will be lucky to cover more than 200 km in a day. That doesn't include breakdowns / accidents / getting lost etc.
If you are serious about wanting to take a long journey through Africa (and you're making me all wistful for my Africa days talking about this), I would recommend the following alternative: Fly into Accra in Ghana, and make the journey NW on bush-taxis, local trucks etc. That will give you the real Africa experience while passing through fascinating and pretty safe countries Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, southern Mali (stop in Kenieba to buy gold nuggets), Senegal and eventually Gambia. A couple of geologist mates of mine did this in the other direction, taking their girlfriends with them, from Dakar to Accra, and loved it.
Checklist: Loads of vacinations, visas, Malarone, Imodium, cigarettes and flashy looking cheap pens to give away as bribes......

Go for it!

Jim

I'm in for Amsterdam... anytime of the year...! just need a week's buffer time..

Jim, I'm as serious as it gets about this....and I wouldn't downplay safety at all, but I lived in Kingston, which makes war time Iraq look like the Swiss Alps in terms of crime.....but seriously, all you need is lots of gas, lots of water...some spare tires and somebody who can fix a mid 80s - mid 90s Benz...oh, and maybe a copy of Barry Manilow's greatest hits (I'm kidding, I'm kidding).
I must say, it would need to include some previous meeting of all the participants...maybe go for a beer together..and hit curry night.....etc....lol, jokes aside, it definitely needs some planning and more than a mapquest printout..but that's why I need people to participate...I'm not looking for the brightest bunch (otherwise I wouldn't search on the EF)....but I certain to find skilled people that have done this before...or mechanics...heck, I'd take a nanny if all fails...anyhoo, who's coming?


ps: loved your checklist

2nd one from the top,I reco.

I start this on the 16th of Oct.on to San Diego,with my 2 oldest one

I did Bowling Green, KY to Windsor, ON in 8 1/2hours.

I west Africa, you should get either a Peugeot (504 / 505), a Landcruiser, or a Landrover D90 / D120. Diesel if possible. These are really the only cars you see outside of the major towns. I would personally go for a D120 with a winch.

Cheers

Jim

....so I take it you're coming?