@Eric, thnks.
@Areba, I'd like to share with you some info on vehicles since some on your wish list will need at least a 4X4. Its a bit lengthy so bear with the writeup. While we all want the porsche cayenne, vw toureg, discovery td5, vogue hse for comfortable offroad driving there is a big reality between pricing and following ones travel dreams,aspirations. I bought a short wheel base pajero, a 96 model which was in a reasonable condition. It had done 180,000kms and I was quite happy with this, to the amusement of the seller. When I took the vehicle, the first thing that I got done was a complete suspension, gearbox strip. Nothing was spared because once I had all the parts replaced, they would last the equivalent of the current mileage. On the engine side and because it uses the dreaded 2.5TD engine, I got the radiator-cyclinder head-thermostat-belts-fan unit-waterpump replaced. These things are not cheap so its was a gradual build process. At the same time, I also got 50/50 bridgestone tyres, another gradual process. Why did I get the SWB pajero? When it was shipped in, it had the engine-gearbox-diff guards. It also had an inclinometer which is important for offroad driving. Many times you will find that dry roads have turned into mud-slicks because of rain so you need to go off the normal track. The entry/exit angles cannot be known and one can easily roll the car, roll back or pin the front end into a culvert so the inclinometer will give one a good idea on dip, entry and exit angles. The pajero also came with an extra feature, I can electronically engage a rear diff lock in extremely conditions. There is still much for me to do like add a high-lift jack, winch, a cooler box and a tent but this will be a gradual process. In the meantime, I can comfortablly do off-road though not extreme.
To make your wish list happen, start somewhere and put some effort into detailing the car and you will never go wrong or have a breakdown in the middle of nowhere. Wish you all success with the wish lists and happy driving. :-)
Asante.
On Sat, Dec 25, 2010 at 9:47 PM, Gitonga Eric
<gitonga@egmgem.com> wrote:
Suguta Valley is top on my to go to list as well! Aki, nice writeup about the Magadi trip.