To make a mammoth task like the Toyota Enviro Outreach work, all involved have to believe in what they are doing. That is exactly why it is working. And we have a history to prove that. It is all about networking. Look at it as many people and organisations with big hearts taking hands to build a safety net.
First and foremost there is Toyota South Africa. Without the ten reliable vehicles (seven Hiluxes and three Fortuners) made available, this expedition would have remained an idea on paper. Lead the way is what they say and definitely what they prove to do. Africa’s roads are not for sissies, but Toyota tames them. And brings you back home.
However, a Toyota without wheels made for Africa will go nowhere slowly. It can’t run on rubbish, it needs the right rubber. Goodyear Wrangler is that kind of rubber. Not only do they have the technology (and the belief in what we do to supply their product to us) but they also put in a great effort to help make 4x4 riding responsible and environmentally friendly by supporting the Goodyear 4x4 Academy at Klipbokkop Mountain Resort.
We all know that a Toyota runs at 100%, but 4x4 Megaworld got into the game and technically enhanced the vehicles to ensure that we run at 110%. For instance, to ensure we have enough power from the vehicles Varta supplied the extra batteries and 4x4 Megaworld installed the dual battery systems.
Furthermore, a Toyota without any kit in it won’t do the trick. The vehicles themselves are not the problem; it is the poor people inside that need the support systems. From tents to lights to plugs to inverters and more. That’s where Campworld offered an open hand to ensure we are all happy campers.
Even though there is ample packing space on the back of a Hilux and in a Fortuner, with all the comfort goodies and essentials we would have had a potential loading problem. Until Campworld reached out again by supplying four Jurgens CI XT140 off-road trailers that make packing a pleasure.
Okay, we are looking good to get going, but Africa is big. And sometimes a single road split off into a few different ones. Getting lost is not part of the plan and to keep us on track, Garmin came to the party. It’s amazing what a Garmin GPS can show you via satellite.
Talking about satellites brings us to this blog you are reading right now. Internet is not the most common commodity in Africa. Introducing the Inmarsat Sabre 1 Wideye from MBV Satcom, enabling us to talk to the outside world.
An expedition like this cannot run on an empty stomach. Pioneer Foods helped in this department and although this project is a lot of hard work it is not work, work, work and never enjoying the African bush. And what is better than to sit at sundown in your camp, after a hard day’s driving, with a glass of wine? That’s where Swartland Wines made a difference, but really, a glass of white is no good at African bush temperature. Introducing National Luna that supplied the refrigerators to ensure a well-chilled sauvignon blanc while the sun sets. Or something else met eish, ja.
Thanks to all these great people we are ensured of the best chance to make the Toyota Enviro Outreach a great success. Talking about ensuring makes one think of insuring as well. This brings us to Cross Country, the real insurers you need when venturing into Africa. Because should you need them, you only give them your GPS coordinates from your Garmin and they will come to you. Wherever you are in Africa.
This is a message from the heart to all our sponsors.
From all of us on the Toyota Enviro Outreach.
Hakuna Matata.
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