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Common overlanding mistakes and how to avoid them

Common overlanding mistakes and how to avoid them

- 2024-10-19

We overland because we love to explore, travel and create memorable experiences in magical, faraway places. A sunset on a deserted beach, a surf on a lesser-known break or staring at a sky full of stars on a remote salt pan. These are the rewards, gold nuggets or overland take aways, the “why” we do it, but as we all know, sometimes things don’t always go according to plan. How we deal with the challenging times can make or break a trip. Here are some tips on how to prevent or overcome overlanding diversities.

© Olivia Köhler

Poor Planning and Preparation

This must be the most common overlanding mistake. With so much information available online today, there is no excuse for getting cold, not having the correct paperwork for a border crossing, or complaining that the route is too tough. You could’ve found all of this out beforehand.

Go onto overland forums or Facebook groups and get the latest up-to-date info about road conditions, visa requirements or things to look out for. Time is limited and you want to take a route that will satisfy your overland or adventure needs.

© Josh Geelen

Carry a comprehensive recovery gear kit

Don’t be the one who says they never get stuck because you never know when it’s your turn. Plus, you can be a good Samaritan by assisting another overlander or local in distress if you have a comprehensive recovery kit. If there’s a winch on your vehicle, then good for you, as it’s a great tool in recovery situations. If you don’t, then make sure that your recovery kit includes recovery straps, shackles, gloves, and MAXTRAX recovery boards.

© Brook James

Expect the Unexpected​

No-one expects to wait three days at a remote border post for a visa or for a week while a ferry you need to take to get to your destination is being repaired. These are all part and parcel of overlanding. Why not see if there are any other noteworthy places to visit while you wait for the visa or ferry? Or make use of the time to service or check over your vehicle, get your travel journal up to date, or read a good book. Make sure that you take along everything you need to help pass the time in these unexpected situations.

© Craig Kolesky & EarthRoamer

Emergency fuel/rations/spares​

Vehicles need fuel to keep on moving so always have a spare jerry can of fuel that you only use in emergencies or if you are less than 100 miles away from the end of your trip. Fuel supplies can be erratic at best in some parts of the world, so make sure that you have the basic spares to fix the most common faults on your vehicle. A well-fed and healthy vehicle (and driver) will give you the best chance of reaching your destination. Carry emergency rations for when exploring remote areas with no access to fresh food markets.

​Plan B

We spend weeks, months or even years planning some trips and not all go according to that plan. People have been stopped and told to turn around at the start of a Simpson Desert Crossing because of unseasonal rain and flooding. Driving the traditional Cape Town to Cairo route is currently impossible due to civil unrest in the Sudan. Why not try the west coast route instead? You might not always need one, but it’s good to have a plan B.

All the gear and no idea ​

Do you know how to get the very best out of your gear? Have you done a recovery course, and will you be able to competently use your recovery straps, winch and shackles? Did you read the manual for your new GPS or Starlink satellite system? Know how to get the best out of your gear and test new gear before leaving home. Make sure that you can still navigate and operate if your technology fails.

Often people carry gear with them that they’ve not used in years and years. If this gear is not critical to the trip (a must-have spare part) then it should be culled for the next trip. Don’t be the person who takes too much stuff as the extra weight puts mechanical strain on your vehicle.​​

© Laurens Saggau

Know your vehicle

It’s simple, the better you prepare your vehicle before a trip, the less chance of it letting you down while on the trip. If you’re not mechanically inclined do a basic course or get someone to teach you about your vehicle. If on a long trip do regular checks to identify small issues and sort them out before they become bigger issues. Know your and your vehicle’s limitations and capabilities. ​

Overlanders will all agree that there is no better way to explore the world, reaching the destination is not the be all and end all, what really matters is the many experiences that you have along the way. There might be the odd challenge during your overland journey, but if you’ve done your homework and are well prepared, then you’ll easily overcome it and be back on the road to another unforgettable overlanding journey.

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