UK to SA ~ Land Rover Defender

Who	Martin & Debbie ~ email ~ website
Profession	IT Consultant
Born 1971	Nationality British
Previous travel experience	Four months travelling through Southern Africa in a 1968 Series II Land Rover. Certainly gave me the bug for a full overland trip.

Best day	Arriving in the 'nirvana' of Namibia after a tough 10 days driving through Angola.
Worst/ hardest day	Mud slippery mud... the wet road from Kenya into Uganda via Mt Elgon. Due to the camber, and the drop down the valley the road was dangerous white knuckle stuff! Not even one photo taken due to severe concentration needed on driving.
Favourite place	The Mauritanian desert - good travel companions, fantastic desert exploration and the sight of desert jackals.
Biggest headache	Endless roadblocks in Nigeria. Every KM some 'official' dude popped out of the bush asking us for paperwork.
Wish I hadn't	Wish I hadn't made meeting commitments with UK friends which ment we rushed from A to B! Better to have travelled without time commitments.
Most pleasant surprise	The country of Burkina Faso. People were friendly, the roads were good to explore and the borders easy!
Any illness	Nope - not even a dodgy stomach
Other trips planned	Hopefully UK to Oz
One overlanding tip	Be bold to take the alternative road...

Type of Vehicle	Land Rover Defender Tdi
Age/ mileage on departure	1991 150 000miles
Modifications	Usual overland kit - roof tent, fridge, 2nd fuel tank, dual batteries. No engine mods
Most useful accessory	Water filter shower system. Kept us free of bugs!
Mods you wish you'd done	Fitted new suspension prior to starting the trip
Tyres used	Michelin XZL
Number of punctures

Vehicle's weak point	Weak engine for desert driving
Vehicle's strong point	Easy to buy overland bits for it.
Vehicle problems	Starter motor; front wheel hub; nothing major
Same vehicle again?	yes
One driving tip	Drive Slow!