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Preparation Overview Trip Changes Broken Bits Vehicle Mechanical Electrical Security Protection Storage Recovery Paint Work Equipment Camping Kitchen Medical Navigation Kit List Documentation Carnet Driving Permits Shipping Handy Hints and Tips Finance Insurance Training Courses Information Embassies Country Information The Home left Behind Islam Camp Life Visa's Preparation - Courses Overview It doesn't matter how much money is spent on the vehicle and equipment if you still are unsure what to do with it all. Therefore spending some money on training is generally much more valuable than getting that extra gadget or box of equipment. 4x4 Driving Techniques Driving off road in a Land Rover is not that hard because the vehicles are so capable, however doing it badly is not good for the vehicle. Therefore before taking Gweneveer off road properly we wanted to make sure we weren’t going to break her, or worse getting stuck and making ourselves look like we have all the gear and no idea. This led me to spend a day with Whitecliff Off Road Driving Experience, based in the Forest of Dean on their ‘Owner Driver Course’. This I was amazed to find out meant that I had the entire quarry to myself, along with having Richard (owner and instructor) all to myself. This meant that the entire day was tailored exactly to what I was after, even to the point of asking a shed load of questions about all sorts of things. The training covered all aspects of off road driving and because it was only me being taught I could repeat things until I was completely happy. The training methods were perfect and the enthusiasm for what he does was shown by the fact we were still there after 6pm on a Friday chatting about all things 4x4. First Aid Along with all the medical supplies we are taking I have decided to attend a first aid course, which was designed for outdoor activities and overland travelling. The course was run by React First. The course was run over two days in Banbury, at a cost of £120. The extra time and money was certainly worth it, as I now feel confident that if anything should happen while we are away, we would be able to deal with it. Having an idea of what to do was the main reason for doing the course, so it has proved successful, as well as giving our families the confidence that we can look after ourselves no matter what Africa throws at us. In saying that I think I am going to have to try and pursued Steve to let me practice on him (especially full bandaging!), so that he can learn some of the skills. The course taught all aspects, from the basics such as the recovery position, heart attacks, how to stop bleeding, to dealing with open wounds and broken limbs. Also some great rural skills like to how make splints out for objects you find lying around, plus how to use gaffer tape to support a twisted ankle. It did involve everybody’s favourite training method, role playing! However these were great for hands on practice of different scenarios, covering a variety of issues and illnesses. I would strongly recommend using React First LLP, as they run specific courses like the one I went on for individuals who volunteer around the world and complete expeditions. The group I was with were great and their knowledge and experience of Africa provided me with loads of new information and ideas for our trip. Overland Preparation Run as part of the Land Rover Owner International – Adventure Club and run by Vince Cobley, we attended the first of their Overland Preparation seminars at the Protrax centre in Leicestershire. The day covered a variety of overland topics from documentation, equipment and conditions. Thrown in was a slot covering driving techniques by Ben Cobley, which was very well done, using different vehicles and conditions to show how exactly what and how symptoms effect the vehicle. Simply knowing what it does is completely different to actually seeing it in action. It would have been nicer to have more example vehicles available, though you do get extra tips from other like minded folk. Although by the time we went, a lot of our research had been done, it proved very reassuring that the ideas we had were also recommended. Most of the seminar was based on shorter, North Africa based over landing trips, which meant some areas were not even mentioned, such as water purification. All in all it was a very worthwhile day and a lot of tips and ideas were gained.