Safari Adventure - Africa!

Preparation:

“No, I’m not changing it again! Stop being a pain in the ass!” was Simon’s reaction to yet another itinerary change I suggested. After months of consideration we were finally down to brass tacks, with maps, books and computer mapping software. Simon had spent hours on the computer putting together a route (nifty software this - shows estimated distance and drive time) and I kept popping up with changes to visit somewhere new and exciting. We worked on different rules; he believes “you can’t do it all”, while I go for “never pass up an opportunity!”

At last we agreed that it was done, no more changes, and our course was set. Now we started spending some real money. Well, Simon did anyway. I watched and made sympathetic clucking sounds as his credit card begged for mercy.

The Toyota Hilux 4x4 Twincab was about to become “The NaBotsmobile”! First, a new Old Man Emu suspension, then an extended range fuel-tank, rounded off by new tyres. The bull bars and bumpers were modified to take a highlift jack and the 5 ton winch was rolled out and tested. Finally, the entire back seat was removed and a special platform was bolted in to allow for a system of drawers accessible from both sides of the vehicle. It looked very good. Simon is extremely handy, while I know the difference between a wrench and a spanner.

We discovered that camping in Botswana is literally “in the wild”, the camp grounds are not enclosed, allowing the wild animals to roam freely and, on a whim, to visit you in your tent. Being included in the food chain didn’t appeal, so we invested in a roof top tent, which required special brackets fitted to the roof. Then Simon decided we needed more storage space (such a brilliant man!) and a canopy was especially made for the bin of the truck. Modifications over, it was time for testing!