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FAQs

Is the Buffalo Run safe?

In a word, no. A London to Cape Town rally means that you will find yourself in areas which will be extremely remote, in vehicles which are completely unsuitable for the terrain and without back up.

That said, many of the potential risks are the same the whole world over, however, we do advise you to consider things carefully before signing up.

How long should it take me?

How longs a piece of string? Driving from London to Cape Town is a massive ask and the time it takes you will ultimately depend on many factors, however, with luck on your side and with the wind behind you, you’re probably looking around 5 – 6 weeks. With luck against you it could take a whole lot longer.

Who can take part?
Anyone between 18 and 108 who thinks they have what it takes to crack the most adventurous side of Africa… in a crap car. You will need to be self-sufficient, be able to converse with locals, and you need to be prepared to camp – all crews need a tent and sleeping bags.

What currencies and cards are best to take?

If cash, then either Euros or US dollars should do the trick. Only in the cities though will you be able to withdraw money so make sure you have enough to last long distances.

Visa or Mastercard seem to be the most useful credit cards. Don’t bother with Switch or also with traverlers cheques.

What does Totally Un-Supported mean?

This means that there are no back up trucks or mechanics available in the event of breakdowns, accident or other mishaps.

It also means that there are no arrangements in place for medical assistance or in case of illness, accident or other occurrences.

What about Visas?

For EU citizens, most visas can be obtained on the borders; however, it’s your reasonability to sort out your own visas and as there is no set route, only you will know which visas you will require.

We do know of a very nice company who can (for a fee) provide all your visas for you. Should you wish to use them, they will collect your passport a few months before and drop it back to you full of weird and wonderful stamps a couple of weeks before start date.

What documents should I bring with me?

You will definitely need the following paperwork:

• Passport
• Car ownership documents (V5 log book) – preferably in the name of one of the drivers
• Drivers license
• International drivers permit (may or may not need this however only costs about a fiver from the post office)
• Insurance documents and green card insurance (some of the countries will require special insurance which is bought from the borders)
• Visas
• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate – again you may never need to show this however could be useful.

Also useful is a printed sheet of personal info for every person on the team. This will assist you in passing some of the many check points.

Is there anything vital I should carry?

Carry sufficient tools, equipment and spares to resolve any issues that may arise. Also make sure that you have a comprehensive first aid box onboard.

Other than this you will require sleeping bags, tents and cooking/camping equipment.

Do I need car Insurance?

You will most definitely require vehicle insurance. You can generally buy any necessary extra insurance on the borders of most countries although this will only be third party.

Will I require travel insurance?

All teams are required to have relevant travel insurance in place. This will need to insure you against personal accident, medical and repatriation expenses.

Whichever policy you take out please make sure you read the small print and that you are covered in all the countries you intend to travel through.

Should I bring carnets?

It is up to you. Carnets can be expensive and are not necessarily required. Traveling without Carnets though may mean a little longer crossing some borders.

What vaccinations will I require?

These are ultimately your own responsibility and must be obtained before departure.

Ask your doctor or specialist travel clinic about the vaccinations you need and any other health needs. Take any documentation with you as proof of vaccination.
Plan to stay healthy. If you need to carry medicine, check it is legal in the country you are visiting. Take a prescription and a GP’s letter in case you are stopped by Customs or lose your medicine and need to replace it. Order extra prescriptions to cover the entire period of your stay. Nomad Travel Clinic in London (020 8889 7014) will happily supply you with a comprehensive list and will also administer them if you require.

What if I break down?

Then you will need to fix it or find someone to fix it for you. We won’t help you, what would the point be in us doing it for you and depriving you of the uncertainty of if you will actually make it to the next stop?
It’s likely that you will be driving at least parts of the way in small groups, and that the team spirit of other participants will mean that they will no doubt try to help you out in event of breakdowns.

What does our entrance fee get us?

Absolutely heaps. Not only will you be a partaking in a truly ground breaking, highly publicized event , where you will get to see the world and meet a whole bunch of new people doing so, but you will also benefit from the below

• Participation in a special ground-breaking event, a true “first”
• Pre-start party
• Prizes
• Administration & Running the rally
• Sticker set for each car
• End of rally knees up
• A chance to take part in a genuine adventure...

Is this a race?

No! This is under no circumstances a race. The achievement is just trying to make it!

Will I have to sign a disclaimer?

Yes, all participants will have to sign a disclaimer; this is standard practice in this type of rally.

Do I get a team number?

No, your team will be referred to by name. We don’t give you a number as this tends to imply it’s a race, which it is not.

Will I definitely make it to Cape Town?

Of course not. Driving from London to Cape Town means that anything can happen and probably will. That’s the whole point.