Ambition:
A long-standing dream to travel in Africa. A passion to learn more about the people and cultures of East Africa.

Aim:
To travel independently through Africa, visiting sustainable disability and conservation projects.

Save The Elephants

Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage

Projects Supported by IMPACT Foundation

IMPACT East Africa

Route:
Over 4500 miles of challenging terrain incorporating the above projects.

Africa on a Shoestring: Lonely Planet Publications: Victoria, Australia; 2001

David Else: Malawi, Mozambique & Zambia: Lonely Planet Publications: 1997

Richard Trillo: Kenya, The Rough Guide: 6th Edition: The Rough Guides Publications: 2000.

Hugh Finlay & Geoff Crowther: Kenya: Lonely Planet Publications: 1991

John Reader: Africa: National Geographic Publications: 2001

Illustrated Road Atlas of Africa, 1st Edition: Map Studio: Struik New Holland Publishing, S. Africa.

The Times Comprehensive Atlas of the World, 10th Edition, Times Books: London, U.K.

Kenya: Lonely Planet Publications, 1997

Medical:
Preparation for the extreme temperatures and climate, terrain, language barriers and personal health

Wheelchair - Gerald Simmonds, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
Quickie GPV rigid frame

National Spinal Injuries Centre, StokeMandeville
Portobello Medical Centre
The Hospital for Tropical Diseases

AMREF African Medical Research Foundation

Funding:

Through the support of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust.

Team:
Al Moncrieff-Smith FRGS,  Terena Bailey, Matt Boddy, Suresh Paul FRGS

Transport:
Flights booked, notifying airports and airlines of wheelchair needs
4WD vehicle (Land Rover 110) booked from the U.K., equipped to carry our specially adapted equipment

British Airways

Livingstone 4x4 hire

Equipment:
Camping, with dual-entry tent, high density therm-a-rest mattress, and low profile camp stretcher
Water activity, designed by 'Design for the Life' at Brunel University
Equal Adventure
Digital recording equipment.

Host Country Contacts:
Time spent contacting in advance local organisations running sustainable projects.
Save The Elephants
Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage
IMPACT Foundation
IMPACT East Africa
AMREF

Advice:
Checking with overseas consulates
Liaising with expeditioners familiar with travel in Africa
Information from the Expedition Advisory Centre at the Royal Geographical Society
Medical information from Stoke Mandeville hospital, GPs and other wheelchair travellers.
Consulting with residents, village representatives and NGO's in Kenya, Tanzania,Zambia

Feedback:

D uring the expedition we collated our findings and information learnt service to provide a framework for future travellers and also for the multimedia presentation.

Events:
Shortly after our return a homecoming event was organised at the Royal Geographical Society on October 30th as a means to thank supporters of the project and to raise money and awareness for the IMPACT Foundation.
In order to share the experiences learned and promote travel opportunities for other wheelchair users a series of targeted talks including video, photos and written reports from the expedition has taken place over the last seven months.