The idea came up in a pub, as all best ideas usually do! Reg and Jim were looking in to entering a budget car rally like the Plymouth to Dakar, but it was booked up, with a two year waiting list! We couldn't wait that long!

By this stage Reg and Lisa had decided to leave the UK to try out a new lifestyle in South Africa. So instead of fly there, as most would do, Reg and Jim decided that it was a good idea to drive it instead... They shook on it and, unlike most pub promises, actually followed through on the crazy idea!

And that is when the hard work started. Researching the route, finding websites of those who have done the trip before and very importantly finding the vehicles that would take us there.  Jim bought an old 60 series, 4 litre diesel for £500. A vehicle he had once owned and then bought back - thanks Jay! Reg bought a 2.4 turbo diesel Toyota hi-lux surf for £500 off e-bay, although it did have a cracked head. (Check out the vehicles page for details of the Toyotas)

We have since had many evenings of planning sessions - the route and time scales, equipment, vehicle modifications, costs, visas, vaccinations...

And 9 months down the track we were ready to go!