The prep-checklist

It’s a romantic idea to think that to go on a six-month road trip through southern Africa, all one needs to do is book a flight, shut the front door, and drive off into the sunset with nothing but adventures, and good times to look forward to.

That might be the case for some folks, but our reality was that it took a wee bit of planning and sorting out of logistics, to make this trip come together. I am sure we have forgotten to think of something but am assuming that will make for a good story down the road.

Here is our pre departure check list in no particular order:

1. 1. Go on an outdoor first aid course so that in the unlikely event we find ourselves in a sticky situation we have half an idea as to what to do.
   2. After said first aid course – buy proper first aid kit which will help assist us.
   3. Get all prescription meds for six months
   4. Get eyes tested and glasses upgraded
   5. Find someone reliable to look after our wee shoe box of a flat in Glasgow. (We are very fortunate with our friend, and that has taken a huge weight off our shoulders)
   6. Get visas for Tanzania & Kenya to start with
   7. Get info on all other visas – these can all be done online now which makes life very easy… in theory.
   8. Visit family and friends for a proper catch up.  Lots happening in the next six months including a new arrival into the Simpson family!
   9. Order of spare parts for Andromeda including new bushes, fixed replacement injector pump, and winch wiring just to name a few.  Getting these across customs might make for an interesting entry into Tanzania – hello greedy tax man!
   10. Get haircuts – it might be a while before we have a chance to look our best whilst on the road – this may result in a great blog post
   11. Having flat packed boxes made by Claire, Cols sister who owns a laser cutting business. The boxes will help keep Andromeda organized!
   12. Making a blog website – yeah that’s right, we made a blog website!
   13. Getting our international driver’s license sorted … eventually … with a bit of help from my sister – Thank you Gaby!
   14. Getting all the toiletries we think we will need for the next half year.
   15. Sort out all the insurances – this was probably the most boring task on our prep-check list which is why it was the last to be completed.
   16. Purchase guide books and maps
   17. Make a plan to be online so that we can still continue running Intent on Safari Ltd as efficiently as possible – it’s a combination of Airlo & e-sims that are going keep us in contact with the world.
   18. Make photocopies of all passports/driving licenses/paperwork to have on hand, as well as scanned copies sitting in our email accounts
   19. Colins passport renewal
   20. Buying the yummy yum yums for cooking. (The crispy chillis from the shop on Crow Road will take a bowl of rice & beans to the next level!)