29.11.2001

Position

N 009 00 588 E 038 45 157 Addis.

Journey

None. No movement. Picked up truck from the garage.

Weather

Good. Addis Weather

Terrain

As usual: the hotel. Sudanese Visa issued. Still no news from P/N Altercation with second vehicle driver. Re-consider travel with them.

Expenditure

Food: 258.62 Birr Truck: 1220.05 Birr (total, repairs, labour and spare parts) Other: Email and phones Raf: 200.15Brr
Total: 1678.82 Birr = $ 197.27 Of which 1220.05 Birr = $ 143.36 And 458.77 Birr = $ 53.90

28.11.2001

Position

N 009 00 588 E 038 45 157 Addis.

Journey

None.

Weather

Good

Terrain

Hotel. Met 2 Dutch people who were looking for us. Expedition now considering travelling with this vehicle for limited time periods. P/N went up North, still not seen or spoken. No passports yet. Truck not ready yet.

Expenditure

Food:412. 15 Birr Other: taxis: 50 Birr Photos Raf + Cisca : 350 + 50 = 400 Birr Phone Cisca: 75 Birr Email everyone: 250 + 175 = 425 Birr
Total: 1362.15 Birr = $ 160. 06 Of which is food Birr 412.15 = $ 39 and Email is Birr 425 = $ 49. 94

27.11.2001

Position

N 009 00 588 E 038 45 157 Addis. No movement.

Journey

None. Brought truck to the garage. Necessary repairs after the east.

Weather

As always good, nice and fresh in the morning, chilly in the evening.

Terrain

Hotel and garage. Went to visit the Military Attache at British Embassy. (Invited) Saw Thesigers' House and the British Embassy Compounds. No news from P/N. Passports have been sent today from Dar by Ben.

Expenditure

Food: 241.95 Other: Letter embassy UK: 455 Birr Food: 350.95 Birr Truck: 400 Birr Other: Cinema: 8 Birr Museum: 40 Birr Taxis: 90 Birr
Total: 888.95 = $ 104.45

26.11.2001

Position

N 09 00 588 E 038 45 157 Addis Ababa, Debre Damo Hotel

Journey

No Movement. Sightseeing Addis.

Weather

Good, dry and sunny

Terrain

Hotel.. Found reliable garage. (Mitchell Cotts) Went to British Embassy for letter of Introduction for Sudan visa. Went to the Sudan Embassy, applied for visa

Expenditure

Food: 241.95 Other: Letter embassy UK: 455 Birr Sudanese Visa Fee: 2 x 61 = 122 $ Email Raf: 60 Birr Taxis: 60 Birr Maps (Cisca) 21 Birr
Total: 1876.17 Birr = $ 220.46 Of which $ 122 is Sudanese Visa.

25.11.2001

Position

N 09 00 588 E 038 45 157

Journey

No Movement.

Weather

Good, dry, morning and evening chilly

Expenditure

Food: 257 Birr Other: Film / photos raf: 221.50 Birr Taxis: 50 Birr Cinema: 16 Birr Email / fax / phone raf: 116 Birr
Total: 650.50 Birr = $ 76.43

24.11.2001

Position

From N 08 52 692 E 04 05 746 to N 09 00 588 E 038 45 157 Altitude 2388m.
Addis Ababa, different hotel: Debre Damo Hotel.

Journey

From Awash to Addis. 223 km.

Weather

Good, hot and dry. Busy roads into Addis, Saturday.

Terrain

Good roads, roads with acceptable tarmac. Left after noon, arrived in Addis round 18:00 hrs.

Expenditure

Food (incl. Addis Hilton) : 743 Birr Petrol: 177 Birr Accomodation Awash: 60 Birr Other: Email Raf: 175 Birr Taxis: 40 birr
Total: 1188 Birr = $ 139.6

23.11.2001

Position

N 08 52 692 E 040 05 746 Awash

Journey

From hotel to Mt. Fantale + Crater, then to Lodge inside the Park. 106 km.

Weather

Warm, early morning temp. is rising. 30 + degrees.

Terrain

Tarmac good till park gate. Entrance. There a scout was engaged. On to Different gate, enter north Park, . Sand and dust road, first a level stretch. Good, until base Mt. Fantale Murram rd. Road up Mt. Fantale very rough, but easy for a Landrover 110 if driven slowly. Beautiful scenery, up to the rim of the crater. Internal cupboard in truck falls apart. Ascended up to 2100 m. Cisca's Birthday.

Expenditure

Food: 229 Birr Petrol: 307.50 Birr Truck 1 Birr !!!! Accomodation: 70 Birr Other: Scout: 50 + 20 = 70 Birr
Total: 677.50 Birr = $ 79.61

22.11.2001

Position

N 08 52 692 E 040 05 746 Awash. No movement.

Journey

Awah national park PM Game drive: 52 km.

Weather

Very good, hot around noon. Cooling off only slightly in the evening.

Terrain

Very good tarmac leading up to the Park's entrance. In park: sand track's and deeper sand. Many fields blackened by fire. Afternoon light, sunset, moon over the fields.

Expenditure

Food: 127 Birr Truck: 50 Birr Accomodation: 80 Birr Other: Park entrance: 165 Birr (x3 + 15) Telephone to Ben: 97 Birr
Total: 519 Birr = $ 60.98

21.11.2001

Position

From N 09 18 551 E 042 07 896 to N 08 52 692 E 040 05 746 Altitude 1000 m. above sea level,
Awash. Hotel Buffet De La Gare.

Journey

From Harar to Awash 393 km. Arrival early evening, round 20:00 hrs.

Weather

Good, sunny, dry.

Terrain

Mixed gravel and tarmac out of Harar. Easier driving by daylight. Lot of roadworks . dust. Battery holder box broke, fixed this with a ratchet strap. News that war between Ethiopia and Eritrea might be eminent = border movement. First (but 2nd. hand) news from P/N: (via telephone from Swahili Divers Tanzania) they are now in Addis. Sudan visa still not issued in Dar es Salaam. Raf instructed Swahili Divers to send passports to Addis regardless.

Expenditure

Food: 220.65 Birr Petrol: 177 Birr Accomodation Harar: 390 Birr
Total: 787.65 Birr = $ 92.55

20.11.2001

Position

N 09 18 551 E 042 07 896 Harar Altitude: 1880 No Movement

Journey

None. No movement.

Weather

Good, sunny and dry. 22 degrees.

Terrain

Same Hotel. Moved rooms, cheaper. Apparently full. Fixed minor things on the truck. Sightseeing Harar. Trying faxes again. No news form Sudan Embassy.

Expenditure

Food: 155.45 Birr Truck 30 Birr Other: Laundry: 13.50 Hyenas x 2 : 50 Birr
Total: 248.95 Birr = $ 29.25

19.11.2001

Position

N 09 18 551 E 042 07 896 Harar Altitude: 1880 No Movement

Journey

None. No movement.

Weather

Good, sunny and dry.

Terrain

Hotel Harar. Sightseeing . Sending post, trying to phone and send faxes. Bought tube and foam for car.

Expenditure

Food: 100.25 Birr Truck 8 Birr Accomodation: 200 Birr Other: Tailors C + R : 202 Birr Post Office R + St. : 70 Birr
Total: 580.25 Birr = $ 68.18

18.11.2001

Position

From N 09 00 538 E 038 45 151 to N 09 18 546 E 042 07 893 Altitude 1880,
Harar, eastern Ethiopia.

Journey

From Addis Abeba to Harar, 536 km. Arrival late in the evening, around 22:30 hrs.

Weather

Good, hot: 30 degrees. Rising, hotter as we descend into the lower areas around Awash.

Terrain

Tarmac good until Awash. Excellent tarmac interspersed with sand sections and gravel detours due to road works. Quality in general good. After Awash town, taking the turnoff to Harar, following the Djibouti railway line for some time. Then turning south, and climbing into the mountains. After turnoff at Awash no more tarmac is seen. Scenery exceptionally beautiful, road rising into the mountains leading over the ridges then dropping into the area of Harar. Police very friendly, petrol available in Meisie. Last two hours in dark, later found out that this is not be recommended due to (supposed) terrorism in the area. At arrival, Ramadzan in Harar seems to mean nothing.

Expenditure

Food: 102.10 Birr Petrol: 240 Birr Accomodation: 200 Birr
Total: 542.10 Birr = $ 63.70

17.11.2001

Position

N 09 00 538 E 038 45 151 Addis Ababa

Journey

To / From the hotel to the garage, +/- 10 km

Weather

Sunny, dry and warm, cooling off in the evening

Terrain

Buffet De La Gare. No movement, except for the garage. Took half a day to change 3 tyres and fix the shock absorbers. Time to file reports and write articles/updates. No news from Penny and Narinder, or their arrival date in Addis. News from Sam, will join us tomorrow 18 11 2001. No news -via Swahili Divers- from the Sudan Embassy in Dar.

Expenditure

Food (.Incl. dinner C / R ): 159.80 Birr Truck: 2040 Birr (3 x 680 Birr) Other: Envelopes and printing: 50 Birr
Total: 2249.80 Birr = $ 264 Of which truck is 2040 Birr = $ 239 And food is 159.80 Birr = $ 18.77

16.11.2001

Position

N 09 00 538 E 038 45 151 Addis Ababa

Journey

No movement. 0 km./Addis.

Weather

Sunny, dry, fresher because of altitude. Chilly in the evenings.

Terrain

Buffet De La Gare. No movement for vehicle. Bought Vehicle spares, inc shock absorbers. Phone Swahili Divers Tanzania to find out about Sudan visa.

Expenditure

Food/ drinks Hilton: 552. 05 Birr Truck: 650 Birr (2 x 325 for shock absorbers) Other: Photos Raf: 112 Birr Telephone to Ben/ Raf: 180 Birr TNT fee passport Cisca: 314 Birr Taxi, cathedral etc. 25 Birr
Total: 1655. 05 Birr = $ 194 Of which truck is 650 Birr = $ 76, Food is 552.05 Birr = $ 64 and others is $ 48

15.11.2001

Position

From 07 03 066 E 038 27 563 to N 09 00 538 E 38 45 151 Altitude 2388,
Addis Ababa, capital city of Ethiopia, Buffet De La Gare, centre

Journey

From Awasa to Addis Ababa 305 km.

Weather

Good, sunny all day. Cooler when reaching Addis in the afternoon: distinctly higher altitude.

Terrain

Still no shock absorbers. Left Awasa round noon. Good tarmac to Addis. One jerrycan used for petrol, no station when needed. Difficulty overtaking. Many trucks. Climbing up into the Entoto Hills around Addis.

Expenditure

Food and drinks (including Hilton): 477. 90 Birr Accommodation Awasa (14/11) paid: 156.30 Birr Other: Email Raf: 280 Birr Total: 739.20 Birr = $ 86.86

14.11.2001

Position

From N 06 09 636 E 038 11 939 to N 07 03 066 E 038 27 563 Altitude 1000m. above sea level, town of Awasa, at the Lake Awasa

Journey

From Yirga Chenef to Awasa, 208 km.

Weather

Some rainfall, little bit cloudy.

Terrain

Journey on tarmac, reasonably good. Less potholes. No shock absorbers. Slows down. Looking at the Stellae near the village of Wenago, involving first to go to Dila, then back south to Wenago, then back to Dila / Awasa. Eroded mud pasth uphill to the stellae fields. Complete village accompanies us, vehicle felt safe with them.

Expenditure

Food: 80.90 Birr Petrol: 290 Birr Other 'Entrance fee' 3 x 30 Birr = 90 Birr Guide fee : 25 Birr
Total: 485. 90 Birr = $ 57.09

Conclusion

Avoid Stellae - not worth it - do not drive up road unless in good 4x4.

13.11.2001

Position

From N 03 32 680 E 039 02 905 to N 06 09 636 E 038 11 939
Altitude 1904 m. above sea level, town of Yirga Chenef

Journey

From Moyale, border town, to Yirga Chenef. 391.4 km.

Weather

Wet, torrential rains here and there, limiting visibility considerably. Cold outside, and with nightfall colder. Average 20 degrees.

Terrain

Mountainous. Grey soil first, then brown, then deep red. Always hills, and trees as far as the eye could see. Vegetation changed to tropical hill / forest,, followed by pine plantations. Always green in background. The houses are round, big and fenced: inside are real gardens and flowers. Effort made, until here not seen. First 341 Km's very good. Speed upto 110 k/ph, but the engine capacity limits speed when going uphill. Late afternoon: front shock-absorbers broke. Last 50 km. To Yirga Chenef tarmac with very big potholes, bad road. Speed reduced and decide to stay in Yurga Chenet instead of Dila. Very few vehicles on the road, apart from some busses and cargo trucks. People seem very pleased to see us, genuinely, surprised, and not used to seeing much traffic. Ethiopian armed forces prolific. Look very experienced, and hardedn. Equipped with with dragunov rifles, kalashnikov rifles along with many magazines/Bayonets and grenades. Complete contrast to Kenyan Army.

Expenditure

Food: 104 Birr Accomodation: 120 Birr
Total 224 Birr = $ 26.32

12.11.2001

Position

From N 02 19 704 E 37 59 272 to N 03 32 680 E 039 02 905
Altitude 1159 Moyale Ethiopia

Journey

From Marsabit to Moyale 269

Weather

30 degrees, overcast at the end. Sunny afternoon in Moyale.

Terrain

Stony valleys after leaving Marsabit. 80m/ph to avoid 'Shifta'.(Bandits) Kenya Police nowhere to be seen. No convoy to be seen. Drop onto rock strewn volcanic plateau, very flat first 100 km. Very deep ruts, speed 80 km/ph, very unstable. After 100 k. Murram road, much better. (Speed 100kmph.) Arrive at point parallel to Eth.iopian border,than drive last 50- 80 km. In lush green terrain. Road bad, but cirrugations less. Climb up into Moyale.

Expenditure

Food: 210 Ksh. And 111 Birr. Petrol : 251Birr. Acco. 85 Birr. Other: Convoy 200 Ksh. Askari 30 Ksh
Total Ksh: 440 = 5.70 $ Birr 447 = $ 52 ($57.70)

Conclusion

Kenya Police Convoy, unreliable. Recommend being first in convoy, and then driving reasonably fast. When Shift problem eases, recommend driving much slower. Vibration of road is destroying Land Rover.

11.11.2001

Position

From N 00 34 062 E 37 32 090 to N 02 19 709 E 37 59 272
Altitude 1392, Marsabit. Arrival mid afternoon.

Journey

From Samburu Campsite, via Archers' Post to Marsabit 260 km.

Weather

In Marsabit good, 25 - 30 C. sunny, dry and hot on the way.

Terrain

Around and after leaving Archers' Post greenish and trees. Passing through desert area on the way up to the highlands surrounding Marsabit. Tracks to Marsabit very bad, and huge corrugation. Still average speed 80 - 90 km/ph to reach " floating speed". Supposed to meet N + P (and B) at Archers' Post, at 0800. No sighting. Left at 10:37, to push on and reach Marsabit still today. Suffered one puncture rear left due to rocks - Turkish Lassa Tyre. Changing tyre under full attention of local Samburu people. Interesting people. Beautiful red ochre clay all over the girls. Seen lots of British Army Bedford trucks and Landrovers. Kenya Wildlife service and Kenya Police not particularly alert.

Vehicle Status

Exhaust rewelded. Bought 2nd hand tyre.

Expenditure

Food: 955 Ksh Truck 3300 Ksh Accomodation 650 Ksh;
Total 4904 Ksh. = $ 63.70

10.11.2001

Position

From N 00 21 052 E 037 35 00 to N 00 34 062 E 37 32 090
Altitude... Samburu wildlife lodge public campsite

Journey

From Isiolo to Samburu Campsite 115 km.

Weather

Sunny and dry, to hot

Terrain

The road is very bad, no tarmac at all. Corrugation. In Samburu National Park sand, but good roads. Met up with George and Rene, "Save the Elephants". Tracking the " American Indians" elephants family. Very rough terrain in the south of the park, including vulcanic rock fields and invisible cutlines.

Vehicle Status

Operational

Expenditure

Food and drinks Bomen Hotel at 9/11: 195 + .. Accomodation 2300 Ksh. Park entrance: $64

09.11.2001

Position

S 01 18 018 E 036 48 707 to N 00 21 052 E 037 35 00 Isiolo, Samburu Country
Altitude 1138 above sea level. Bomen Hotel Isiolo, arrival in the early evening.

Journey

Nairobi to Isiolo 321 km

Weather

Scattered showers, but sunny most of the day.

Terrain

Good tarmac from Nairobi to Nanyuki. After Nanyuki very bad tarmac with some very dangerous patches. To the left the Aberdare range and rolling fields, to the right Mt. Kenya. The highest point was 2200 m. Crossed the equator. Sign saying " equator" is NOT on the equator !!!

Vehicle Status

Operational

Expenditure

Food: 3355 Ksh. Petrol: 7.630 Ksh. Accomodation Nairobi: 900 Ksh. Other Lamp: 7.995 Ksh. Stamps, diverse, mail / fax and films: 1227 Ksh.
Total 21.107 Ksh. = $ 274.11

08.11.2001

Position

S01' 18 018" E 036' 48 707" Altitude approx 1750m above Mean sea level.
Town named Nairobi.

Journey

Nil Kms covered 46

Weather

Wet. Torrential downpours, overcast

Terrain

excellent tarmac. Speed 100-120 KMPH (flat out)

Vehicle Status

Operational

Expenditure

Food 2,692 Film purchases 2,650

Conclusion

OPERATIONAL.

07.11.2001

Position

S 01 26 464 E 035' 12 469" to S 01 18 018 E 036 48 707 Altitude approx 1750m above Mean sea level. Nairobi

Journey

TALEK to NBO 268.4

Weather

Sunny dry good 1/8th stratus 21'c

Terrain

To Narok good, earth tracks, 40 kmph by choice. Narok to NBO 1st section terrible destroyed tarmac second section good Speed100kmph. Arrived NBO at 1300hrs went straight to Chequeered flag to repair starter motor.

Vehicle Status

Replaced starter motor, made plans for vehicle improvements and re-orhanisation of vehicle.

Expenditure

Starter motor 14,000 Vehicle spares 3,100 Taxi 250 Food 2,193 Petrol 3,316 Beers 800 Water 100 Labour at the chequered flag 1,416 Telephoning to Barclaycard to confirm use in Kenya 2,100 Shopping 1,960 E-mail use 375 Total 26,194

Conclusion

Need to leave Nairobi

06.11.2001

Position

S 01 26 464 E 035' 12 469" to S 01' 26 277" E 035' 12 481" (Camp site changed) Altitude approx 1570 m above Mean sea level.
TALEK gate of Masai Maara national park

Journey

TALEK TO Tanzania BORDER to TALEK Km's 72.7

Weather

Cool and overcast AM 4/8th Stratus afternoon 1/8th. Temp 20'c +

Terrain

Journeyed south 20km towards Tanzanian border. Windy, dry, 4/8th cumulous in Am. 0/8 pm Road to talek river is earth tracks. Max speed 50kmph mostly 30kmph by choice. 80-100 kmph possible in emergency. ("Very muddy in dips" EEODS.) Rolling hills Masai plains, Ololo Escarpment visible in west. Open Savannah in North. Rolling hills in South.

Vehicle Status

Repaired neutral battery connection discovered in previous evening's inspection. ran today no coolant cap. System ran well and engine was cool. Engine ran smoothly in pseudo rough terrain. E/C very surprised that 2283 engine provides enough torque in ardous terrain with laden vehicle.

Expenditure

Accommodation 900 Food (intrepid lodge) 2,040 Vehicle fee 500 Total ksh 3,440 Total US Dollars 64 (park entry fee)

Conclusion

River camo excellent but expensive. Showers hot! Fence in service. OPERATIONAL.

05.11.2001

Position

S 01' 08 622" E 035 52 107 to S 01 26 464 E 035' 12 469" Altitude approx 1570 m above Mean sea level.
TALEK gate of Masai Maara national park

Journey

NAROK to TALEK Km's 119.9

Weather

Cool and overcast AM 4/8th Stratus afternoon 1/8th. Temp 20'c +

Terrain

Narok to Maara turn off very good tarmac Rest of journey to Sekonani gate reasonable earth tracks. Speed 60KMPH average on earth. After entry into the park, earth became very soft and black, closer to water courses this proved to be black cotton. Conditions here very slippery speed 50KMPH max on tracks, down to crawling 1st gear in potholes. Masai Maara uncharacteristically green, long grass on rolling hills, minimal dust, cooler in day and subsequently more animals moving, more flowers, more water pools, less vehicles, and careful driving needed.

Vehicle Status

Welded new channel to window winder and re-fitted. Vhanged wipers over, put in 1 litre engine oil. Real oil seal (engine) suspected. Small. Sealed roof and top of windscreen. Brake lights not working. Otherwise vehicle servicable.

Expenditure

Accomodation 900 Vehicle welding 500 Telephone card 1,000 Total 2,400

Conclusion

Need to leave earlier in the day and finish driving operations at least 2 hours before sunset. In spite of sunset being the most beautiful part of the day. OPERATIONAL.

03.11.2001

Position

S01' 18 018" E 036' 48 707" Altitude approx 1750m above Mean sea level.
Town named Nairobi.

Weather

Wet. Torrential downpours, overcast. 22'c

Journey

Nil 7Kms(?)

Terrain

Excellent tarmac. Speed 100-120 KMPH (flat out)

Vehicle Status

Seal roof hatch and removes and cleans wing mirror, Rear wheels direction of rotation corrected. Windscreen, gutter and drain cleared. Stereo panel screwed down. R/H seat belt straightened out.

Expenditure

Food 2,096 Accomodation so far 2,025 Petrol 13,000 Total 17,121

Conclusion

OPERATIONAL

02.11.2001

Position

S01' 18 018" E 036' 48 707" Altitude approx 1750m above Mean sea level.
Town named Nairobi.

Weather

Wet. Torrential downpours, overcast.

Journey

Nil 7Kms(?)

Terrain

Excellent tarmac. Speed 100-120 KMPH (flat out)

Vehicle Status

Front propellor shaft changed.
Timing re-set for altitude and points gapped by professionals.
Spot Lamps fitted and not wired.
Starter motor cleaned, transfer box oil checked 0.5 litre ATF added.
Handbrake re-adjusted. Handbreak drum tightened. Repairs conducted at Chequered Flag garage at Westlands in NBO. Excellent establishment. Reccommended.

Expenditure

Food 736 Vehicle repairs 15,316 Dinner for crew 7,100 Total 23,152.

Conclusion

OPERATIONAL

01.11.2001

Position

S 01 18 018 W 036 48 707
Nairobi upper hill campsite to Embakasi Aerodrome & return

Journey

Kms driven 43

Terrain

City with good tarmac. Speed 80-110 kmh

Expenditure

Taxi 850 ksh food 2,700 ksh, Landrover spares 2,000 ksh E-mail 198 ksh coffee 200 Beers/gin (for Stuart) 600 ksh.