Hey Everyone,

My name is Dan Grec, I previously drove a TJ 40,000 miles from the top of Alaska to the bottom of Argentina. (JeepForum Thread here, summary and details of the trip on my website here)

It's been a long time in the making, and I'm bursting with excitement to announce my next Overland adventure:

Two years circumnavigating the African continent in my 2007 JKUR with custom diesel conversion, camper setup and more.



The Jeep build and all the details for preparation will be covered exclusively at JPFreek Adventure Magazine.

Checkout today's issue for the trip announcement and details of the build: http://currentissue.jpfreek.com/publ...i=261662&p=116

Also I've got an announcement on my website with my personal feelings and thoughts: http://theroadchoseme.com/new-jeep-new-adventure-africa

I'll be posting regular updates on the build and the trip here, just like last time

I hope you'll join me for the ride.

-Dan

I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but have you ever been to Africa? Of the handful (and ethnic cross-section) of African nations that I've visited, there's not one where I'd care to return unless I was paid an obscene amount of money. Some natural beauty aside ... no thank you.

Bluntly put, if you're a Westerner (by all outward appearances), then your route may not be possible while keeping a high priority on safety. Most of us know about the regional dangers within Somalia, Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, etc. The media tends to air those, but there are countless more conflict areas that are akin to war zones. Thrill seeking is one thing, but exposing your self to the level of danger posed within many of these tribal regions and "countries" is a whole different level.

Best of luck to you either way. Sure, I could get mugged, kidnapped, or beaten in Austria, Italy, or even Finland; however, far ... far ... far less probable. I'm sure some will disagree.

DangFoo, white people driving around Africa in overlanders isn't exactly anything new-check over at Expedition Portal or similar. Obviously, it's not without risk, but neither is crossing the street.

And speaking from personal experience (AKA, he's a friend of mine whom I'm insanely jealous of), Dan isn't the kind of person to jump into this without doing the homework.

Anyways. Still insanely jealous of your trip man, and can't wait to see that JK once it's finished.

I've been to Africa for work and ventured around; was just giving my opinion.

Two close friends are South African and they wouldn't drive out into many parts by their own admission. I have no idea what color is the OP and made no such reference. The point was about Westerners that venture into places such as Sudan. Even Nigeria suffers from conflict and it's considered among the more modern African nations.

I personally won't go back to the Continent, but we all have a different sense of enjoyment, adventure, and ambitions in life, so I don't intend any disrespect.

Side note: English is not my 1st language and I often come across as blunt/direct.

Thanks very much for the input. I always seek out data points from people that have actually been where I'm going, as they have first-hand experience. It was a struggle for Mexico (and Colombia) to wade through the embellished stories from people that were regurgitating whatever Fox news told them to.

Thanks for adding real data, I appreciate it and I'm all ears.

I'm aware that I will be exposing myself to more risk than if I stay sitting at my desk in developed Canada.
The real question is how much more risk, and how much am I personally willing to accept.

I've been following a lot of blogs and threads on the HUBB of people that are on the ground, Overlanding through West Africa right now.

There certainly are a few problem spots, and there will be places I will get through as quickly as possible in daylight, but on the whole, based on the reports I'm reading from the ground right now, West Africa is currently stable enough for me personally to accept the risk.

I will continue to read and learn as my entry into Africa approaches. More data is always better.

Thanks again,

-Dan


EDIT: a word

I was jealous of your last trip and am of this one as well! Wouldn't undertake either myself (IE, is there a ferry between Tunis and Alexandria?) but I have no doubt you've satisfied any concerns of your own with regards to security situations in various areas, and I wish you luck! Look forward to reading about it!

Dan, I look forward to following you on this journey just as I did on your last. Kudos for living life and not working to live.

I'm sure he worked in order to live like this. He probably worked A LOT. It's far from free. I'd be adventuring too if I could afford it, but I'm still in a much more basic "work to live" part of life where I have to cherish the occasional 3-day weekend and one would be forgiven for thinking that I live to work.

The politics of the regions traveled in Africa are one of the most interesting things to me--dangerous at times sure, but worth the risk to experience.


Sent from my phone.

I'm personally really looking forward to following this adventure. Partially because I love adventure, and partially because I'm excited to see what his machine of choice can do!

Good luck man! If you ever need any help or advice from the homefront, I'm sure there are plenty of people here willing to pitch in their $.02

I'm in for the ride from the comfort of my armchair and thanks for the opportunity.
Safe travels.

ppphhfffftttttt.

the media lies. you can get mugged, beaten or shot by police right here at home.

better to live well than die without trying.

grecy, all the best and I will definitely be following this. the world needs more like you. Love to hear you speak about your experiences. I've been to India and can honestly say it is one of the few countries I would chose to live in if I left Canada.

The media is prone to distortion, but you glossed over the fact that I have been throughout Africa. I moved to North America in my youth. I'm excited for him as it appears he has studied and planned. My post was meant as cautious consideration. Your whole notion of "pfffffffffttt" is what gets people into trouble; the wreckless "I can get hit crossing the street analogy." Not directed at you, but such analogies are idiotic.

On your side note, I have good friends from India and they alternately describe it as a cess pool in many regards. As such, we can summize that each person finds value and comfort in different settings.

At the very least, I offer that Africa is at a base level of organization and infrastructure on the whole. Obviously this comes as no revelation to most, but I'd rather lend my feedback in that it might just offer the OP that added sense of cautionary alert.

It sounds likes cool adventure, but you may have an overly idyllic view of what you'll encounter in Africa. My question is...... After putting yourself needlessly at risk in foreign war torn lands.... what if you are kidnapped for ransom, or get lost, or injured out in the bush somewhere, or contract some horrible African disease? Will you expect to be rescued and who will pay for it?

I would go through Tanzania and not just skirt the border. The Ngorongoro area is spectacular and worth seeing, IMO.

Thanks, I'm glad to have you along

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Absolutely. Let me know if there is anything specific you want me to write about, take photos of or film.
(I'm filming this one )

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It can't be said better than that.

Thanks for the encouragement

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My route right now is very provisional (depending on Ebola, visas, borders and political situations) but mostly dependent on advice from other people - Thanks for the advice! I will absolutely spend a good chunk of time in Tanzania.

-Dan