Frequently Asked Questions
Can I undertake the expedition alone?
It's not ideal as if we have problems, there may be some long days on the road and we have found it is too much driving for just one person. It is much better to have at least one other person to share time behind the wheel to ensure your own safety and that of the team and other road users. However, if you're comfortable driving long distances and happy to pay the equivalent entry fee for 2 people, then please do sign up.
Where will we be sleeping?
Accommodation will be primarily hotels, with 1 night at a desert campsite and 1 night wild camping. All camping equipment will be provided (tent & sleeping mat), but you'll need to bring a sleeping bag and possible a pillow.
Are there any rest days on the expedition?
There are no planned rest days, but we would aim to reach our overnight stop by 5pm each evening. As this is a vehicle adventure though, we must retain a flexible approach to the itinerary as desert track conditions can change daily and slow our progress.
How many teams will be on the expedition?
We will need a minimum of 4 teams for the expedition to go ahead, with an upper limit of 12.
What skills do the support crew have on the expedition?
- Expedition Leader - 30 years experience of operating vehicles in the most extreme conditions found on earth. From -60C Siberia to +50C of the Taklamakan Desert, through dense jungles and up to 18,500 feet above sea level high in the Himalayas.
- Expedition Medic - Experienced Doctor or Paramedic specialising in remote wilderness medicine well versed in operating far from help and carrying a comprehensive range of medical equipment and supplies.
- Expedition Mechanic - Military vehicle mechanic, highly skilled in ‘Battle Damage Repairs’ when operating far from help and under extreme pressure.
- Media specialist - Freelance filmmaker & photographer with expedition experience
Mechanic & Media Specialist requires 8 or more teams to take part
What is the ratio of support crew to teams taking part?
We aim for 1 support vehicle and 2 support crew for every 6 teams taking part in the expedition.
Do we drive in a convoy or travel independently?
For the tarmac sections, teams will be free to make their own way between overnight stops, with the support crew following up the rear to recover anyone who has problems. If teams wish to stay close to the support vehicles though, that will be fine.
When entering the Sahara desert we'll be sticking together and travelling in convoy as navigation across barren wilderness can be tricky at times and it's always safer to stay close to each other.
Each team though will be provided with a copy of the route that they can use to navigate from on their smartphone. In order to do this it simply involves downloading a free App onto your phone called Gaia GPS. As modern smartphones are GPS enabled (using satellites), this means you won’t be using up any of your mobile data and will provide accurate route and location information even when you are far from a mobile phone signal.
In addition to the entry fee, what other costs are there?
- Lunch - Budget for around £10 per person per day - cafes during the road sections and self catering in the desert
- Drinks & snacks
- Anything else not mentioned in the 'included' list
What happens if my vehicle breaks down?
Our experienced support crew will be carrying a comprehensive set of tools and we have links with local mechanics throughout the route. If it cannot be fixed, we will endeavour to provide a replacement as soon as possible.