An epic adventure for Rhino Conservation

In July 2028, I along with Nols Head Game driver at Umzolozolo will embark on an ambitious journey to drive from South Africa to the UK in a Land Rover Defender 90. This expedition aims to raise vital funds for rhino conservation at Nambiti Game Reserve, whom are dedicated to protecting these magnificent creatures.

The plight of rhinos is dire, primarily due to the soaring demand for rhino horn. This horn is sought after in traditional Asian medicine and is often viewed as a status symbol. Unfortunately, this demand fuels rampant poaching, pushing several rhino species to the brink of extinction.

Protecting rhinos is essential not only for their survival but also for the preservation of the ecosystems they inhabit. Rhinos are considered “ecosystem engineers,” playing a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity.

Furthermore, safeguarding these animals supports eco-tourism, which benefits local communities economically. It also helps combat the organised criminal networks that contribute to wildlife trafficking.

Through this journey, we hope to raise awareness and inspire others to join the fight for rhino conservation. Together, we can make a difference in preserving these incredible animals for future generations.

We am currently in the very early stages of planning an ambitious overland journey from Nambiti Game Reserve in South Africa to the UK. This adventure will require meticulous organisation and careful preparation.

The route plan

First on our agenda is mapping out the route, ensuring I select scenic and safe paths through various countries.

Currently the initial plan is to:

Start at Nambiti Game Reserve

Travel through Botswana, Namibia, Angola, DRC, Gabon, Nigeria Niger, Algeria, Spain, France and then home to Norwich which is the most direct route and around 8,000 miles

Coming through the Sahara might be a too bigger challenge heat wise and also a bit boring, so I am more in favour of going west into Ghana, Guinea, Mauritania, Western Sahara, Morocco, Portugal then on to Spain and France which around 10,000 miles.

Thanks to the support and help from Jonathan at The Map Centre I have purchased the road maps for the 8000 mile journey to plot my route.

On my list to organise.

Vehicle

I need to purchase and prepare an old Land Rover Defender 90, a reliable vehicle known for its durability in tough terrains.  Doing this remotely is going to be a challenge but with Nols and my friends I am hoping this can be done remotely, but it will be a good excuse to pop over to SA.  Once we have the Land Rover.  I am hoping Nols can drive it around and identify any issues with the second hand Land Rover.

Connectivity

To keep friends, family and sponsors updated, I plan to set up a Sky Link system for live streaming our journey.

Live streaming the journey involves several crucial steps to ensure a smooth experience.  We will need multiple cameras, a reliable internet connection, and effective power management and some software to enable the stream
Essential Equipment
**Cameras:** We aim to have at least two wide-angle cameras. Recommended options include the Logitech Brio for webcams and GoPro Hero 9+ for action shots. For tracking features, we are also considering the OBSBot Tail Air.

**Mounts:** Secure the cameras using suction mounts on our windshield, dash, or side windows.

**Internet Connection:** A dedicated Skylink mobile web connection  is essential for consistent, high-quality streaming, especially in remote areas.

**Power Supply:** We require 12V inverters to power our laptops and cameras, as multiple devices will quickly drain batteries.

#### Setting Up the Camera Feeds

**Mounting:** Position one camera facing forward, another towards the driver, and optionally, one facing rearward.

**Connections:** Connect webcams through USB, ensuring they are on separate USB controllers to prevent bandwidth issues.

**Wireless Option:** We can also utilize IP cameras or transform mobile phones into webcams that connect to your laptop over Wi-Fi.

I hope to run a trial in 2027 when I take part in the 2027 Rat run from the UK to Benidorm in an old banger to raise much needed fund for my scout group

Travel Visas

Additionally, arranging the necessary visas for each country along my route is crucial and will require thorough research.

Insurance

I must also organise both car and life insurance to ensure comprehensive coverage during my travels. I have to say my beautiful wife is not best pleased about this epic adventure, but hey what is the worst that can happen?

Once I have purchased the Land Rover Defender 90, given that Nols is a South African resident, I’m hoping she can assist me in securing insurance for the vehicle and adding me as a named driver on her policy.  The Landrover will be purchased by me but registered in Nols name.

As we prepare for our journey, we’ll need to organise a green card to ensure we’re legally covered while traveling through various countries. This process may involve obtaining multiple insurance policies, as different regions often have their own requirements.
Once we have everything sorted ensuring our adventure is legal we will share the process.

Fundraising

Another important step is to establish a fundraising page to raise money for the rhino conservation program at Nambiti.

Export and Import

As I am purchasing a Land Rover in South Africa and i will be importing it into the UK, so I will need to manage the export and import paperwork. for the Land Rover Defender 90 to facilitate a smooth transition across borders.

Each of these tasks will demand careful attention and significant time, but I am excited to embark on this journey.

There are many unknowns and lots to plow through, but I hope to share my experience via this blog, what went right, what went wrong, what we could have done differently so if you have the desire and adventure to take on a similar journey then you will have not to spend all the hours I am on getting everything prepared.

As we prepare the journey I will share the plan (what we think I need) and then the reality (what we actually had to do)