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Writer's pictureCharline Ribotta

Expenses For The Preparation Of The Solo Overland Expedition

Updated: Jul 26, 2023


In a recent post, I revealed the budget allowed for the solo overland expedition. Again, I couldn’t find any accurate info about this while preparing the adventure. More people travel but not many share the investment process / financial strategies to get there.


And that’s the purpose of these posts: to give you some concrete numbers in case you wish to prepare yours.


I’m not going to call them ‘expenses’ anymore but INVESTMENTS -which is different. And the main ones are as followed:


19,000€: price of Rafiki (second hand Toyota Hilux; I’m the 3rd owner and bought it with 99,000 km);


7,527€: Rafiki gears & equipment (I was contacted by @frontrunnerza who wanted to sponsor me the rooftop tent + 5 ammo boxes + hi-lift jack + recovery boards + roof rack. Euro4x4parts also wanted to be part of the adventure and gave me a discount for the fuel pre-filter + skid plates -3 parts- + fridge -21L-);


5,096€: gears order + gears’ fitment + full service check before departure -at the nearest workshop;


A total of 31,623€ for a Rafiki all geared up and ready to hit the roads of Europe, Türkiye and Africa.


Why I call these expenses investments? Simply because I preferred to buy a reliable 4x4 with low mileage < 100,000km, properly serviced and mechanically well geared (good quality AT tyres + skid plates + suspension kit + snorkel) >>>to minimize mechanical risks during the adventure.


And of course, to buy a 4x4 where spare parts are found anywhere I would go in Africa.

This was my strategy for 31,623€ and I spent 0€ on mechanical issues since 18 months!!

One other expense (and not investment) is to take into account: the price of the Carnet de Passage (Rafiki’s passport). It costs 11,000€ for Rafiki (model, make, year, mileage, equipment). I did a loan with my bank in France because the CPD is totally refundable once the vehicle got back to its home country.


If any questions, please feel free.



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