Offroad Driving Holiday Russia

Next Dates: 15th August to 11th September 2008

Grade: 4

For 2008 we have a Russian Adventure that has been developed over the last five years. The new route has more off road driving, including a lake crossing.

This adventure to Russia begins some 200 miles North of the Arctic Circle. The land here has an incredible beauty, the land of the midnight sun where I beleive the spirt of the place is wilder than the spirit of Africa. You will explore the forests and lakes of the Russian Lapland near the mining town of Monchegorsk before driving on the beach beside the White Sea in the Kola Peninsular.

The off roading is extreme and you will need a very well prepared car. Our adventure through the Russian Lapland is on “winter roads”, so called because local people only travel on them when they are covered in ice and therefore smooth. Our adventure uses them in August and at this time of year they are made up of rocks, mud and broken bridges which provides an excellent challenge for you and your car. Water is everywhere and your car must be able to wade through rivers of bonnet height.

Our journey starts in Newcastle where we catch the DFDS ferry to Bergen in Norway. The crossing takes twenty four hours so there is plenty of time to enjoy the sea. The last few hours of the crossing actually sails amongst the rocks of the Norwegian coast. We then travel East over the mountains into Sweden before turning North to Finland, a journey of 1500 miles through forests and lakes. This will take us four days with each night being spent at excellent campsites. In the North of Finland we spend a day at Lapinleuku a wooden wilderness hotel on the shores of Lake Inari. This lake has a shoreline 1000 Km and a thousand islands. Here you will enjoy traditional Lapland food, Reindeer meat with potato and berries.

New for 2008 are three hotels and two lodges. the lodges are deep in the wilderness of Russia. We are now able to use two superb lodges built by a friend of mine Frank who runs an adventure company from the town of Monchegorsk.

During our wild camping nights inthe forest and beside the White Sea you will enjoy the heat and comfort of a real flame at every campsite because wood is so plentiful. The heat is welcoming and its smoke a deterrent to the mosquitoes. We never know how many of these tundra insects will be around as it depends upon the severity of the winter and the warmth and wetness of the spring, but they are slow and big so easily killed. Daylight for eighteen hours is wonderful and the evenings never stop so you need to make yourself turn in for the night to prevent becoming overtired.

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The Route

The adventure starts as soon as the Princess of Scandinavia is boarded at North Shields Newcastle. On board there are excellent restaurants, cocktail bars and a night club so you can relax and enjoy the 24 hour crossing of the North Sea before the 1500 Kilometer journey North to the Finnish town of Ivalo. We have given you four days to travel this distance and you get plenty of time to enjoy the experience. It is possible to get your car delivered to Ivalo and you can fly in to the airport.

Day 1.   After four days driving from Bergen to the town of Ivalo in Northern Finland we will meet at a bar in the town before moving onto the wilderness lodge. Ivalo is the last place where you can provision and re-fuel before moving on to the wilderness lodge beside Lake Inari, Lapinleuku. This traditionally built wooden lodge is warm and the views from the hill onto the lake are breathtaking. It is possible and I would recommend that you take one of the rowing boats out onto this lake.Timo the owner has welcomed us here for the last four years and is an excellent host.

Day 2.  Today after a traditional Finnish breakfast of porridge and Blueberries we head to the border crossing between Finland and Russia at Raja Joosepi. The formalities only take an hour because we have used this border post for a while and the customs officials look forward to our return. Two hours after we have left the border post and we are past the last checkpoint, deep in Russia camping in amongst the winter stunted forests.

Day 3 - 6.  The first track is 150 miles long and after a easy river crossing becomes steadily more challenging. The rivers become more numerous and the rocks bigger. In some places we have to build the road by laying trees down across the bog, put our ladders down and drive across. There is even a lake headland to drive around in the water!!. Winching and teamwork become ever more important and our days journey is run in hours not distance. Each year the evenings camp is often in a new place. The Russian four wheel drive club at Murmansk did not believe that we could drive this route and were much perturbed when they found out that we had succeeded.

Day 6 or 7.   Eventually we arrive at the main road between Moscow and Murmansk, bursting out of the bushes and onto tarmac. The steel mining town of Monchegorsk which was built in the 1960’s is only a mile or two away and it is here at a Statoil garage that we re-fuel before moving onto a Russian hotel. At first sight the buildings in Russia look very derilict but here it is different than at home. The govenment owns the Outside of the buildings, the inside is leased or owned by individuals so it is inside where the money is spent. You will be suprised by the contrast. There will also be time to check your car for damage and a little essential maintenance.

Day 7 or 8.   After breakfast we will travel South to Kandalaksha. This city on the edge of the White Sea has an excellent market full of local food. Here you will have a lot of fun talking to the real Russians as you walk through the market. Kandalaksha is the gateway to the Kola Peninsular and by late afternoon we will have arrived at our first camp next to the White Sea. This camp is on a headland of white sand beside the mouth of a small river. The driving is somewhat easier now but can still be very challenging.

Day 7/8 to 12.  Our journey to the wooden village of Kuzomun is along old rarely used tracks where sometimes we drive into the sea to travel past a bog. Bridges are often gone or in disrepair so we drive through the rivers or use bridging ladders to ease our way. Each nights camp or lodge is beside the sea and some of the evenings sunsets are spellbinding. The Kola peninsular is bursting with wildlife. You will see eagles, hawks, geese and ducks and whooper swans. The call of cranes will fill the morning and evening and if you are lucky you may even glimpse these elusive birds. Northern Grey Seals often bask on the beach or on rocks jutting out from the sea and Bears roam these woods but are very shy of us and we will only see tracks unless we are very lucky.
On our way back we roar along the beach at speeds of up to 60mph and depending upon the state of the tide will drive out to sea to visit a beached trawler. Our last camp in the peninsular will be once more near the mouth of the small river near Kandalaksha where we can bask in the twenty hours of daylight this far above the Arctic Circle.

Day 13.   Thirty Kilometers from the Russian/Finnish Border is a small village of dilapidated wooden houses called Kiralady. Here a friend of Impala is building a Hotel, last year it had not been finished so we slept in some rooms above the café and enjoyed a traditional Ukrainian meal of potatoes, meat and salad with pancakes, sugar and lemon as desert. This year we will not know if it has been finished until our arrival at Kiralady.

Day 14.  Back into Finland and the long journey south to Bergen. On your way we have highlighted campsites near lakes of unsurpassed beauty for us all to meet up after each day’s journey. Take time to explore Sweden and Norway before you leave. Beside the sea of the beaten track are many beautiful villages and lunch beside one of the many lakes is utterly relaxing. Our last night in Norway at a hotel in or near Bergen itself. The ferry leaves for England the next morning.

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The Roadbook

In order to give our clients an exciting adventure without the constraints imposed by a convoy system, we use roadbook's set out in the following manner. In Russia because of the nature of the off roading we will spend a lot of the time as agroup. You will be given a roadbook as a safety precaution, just incase you become detached from the rest of the group.

It is very important that you use all parts of the roadbook in conjunction with any maps that you will be required to buy for a particular safari. Every morning you will be given a briefing on the days route outlining any caution as well as fuel, food and cultural stops. We will also advise you of the crucial waypoints that must not be missed.

1. Notes. This section has important information such as ‘enter river bed’. We also put symbols here to indicate a food, fuel or photo stop.

2. GPS. The actual position that corresponds to the tulip diagram in latitude and longitude.

3. Tulips. These diagrams indicate the direction to travel, the arrow indicating the track or road to take. Any track or road with a double line across it means that you should not travel that route.

4. Kilometers. We split kilometer/mile markings into ‘Partial’ and ‘Total’. The partial is the amount of km/miles from the preceding tulip or GPS co-ordinate. The total is the amount of km/miles traveled so far that day or since the km/miles were zeroed.

It is important to use all of this information together as you will experience slight discrepancies in both the final GPS numbers and kilometers/miles. This is quite normal and is often no more than the difference in your cornering lines or where exactly you zeroed the unit.

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Navigational Equipment

You will need to purchase the following navigational equipment. If you are uncertain as to what to get just ask us and we will gladly advise you.

· GPS
· Compass
· TPC maps or Ordinary Maps depending upon Adventure.

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Rules for Russia

1. Slow down early for Custom, Military and at Police Checkpoints. They are only wanting to make sure that our passports are in order and there is no malice. The false information that governments spread around the “Cold War” is unfounded.

2. Drive well within your ability on road and observe all speed limits.

3. When off road let the car in front cross any difficult terrain before you do. One car stuck at a time is preferable.

4. Mosquito bites are best avoided, although you will get bitten a few times. Keep as much of your body covered as is possible and use deterrents sparingly as reactions are common with overuse. The mosquitoes are slow and big so are easily killed. When you have put up your tent spray a repellent inside and keep the tent closed.

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Bush Sense

1. Take a spade with you when going to the toilet as well as matches to burn your toilet paper.

2. Bears are the only dangerous wildlife but you are very unlikely to see any as they are frightened of humans. If you do come across one stay in your car or if on foot walk slowly away, pretending that you have not seen it.

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Your Car

You must make a list of all items in the car. This may be required at customs; if you do not have one to hand the delays at customs can be horrendous.

Preparation

· Full service – with oil changes of engine, gear box and axle oils
· Guards for differentials, steering and fuel tanks and gearbox.
· Half shafts and differentials must be checked for wear
· New clutch unless unit is less than two years old
· Fuel capacity of 1000 kilometers (600 miles)

Spare parts needed for car: -

All these should fit into 2 x 2ft square boxes

· Rags or blue roll
· Alternator
· Complete clutch
· 2 wheel bearings and seals
· Relays (diesel or petrol cars)
· Windscreen cleaner
· Air pump tyre inflator
· Tyre gauge
· 2 inner tubes
· 2 spare tyres
· Grease & grease gun
· Water pump
· Clutch unit
· 2 Track rod ends
Seals:-
· Gearbox
· Pinion
· Front engine cover
Oil:-
· 5 liters engine
· 5 liters gearbox
· 1 liter brake fluid
· 2 liters power steering fluid

Electrical parts needed for petrol cars:-
· Plugs
· Leads
· C.B. points
· Distributor cap
· Coil
· Rotor arm
· Condenser
· ECU
· Puncture repair for tubeless and tubes - do not buy the disposal ones as they are not reliable

Recovery Equipment

· 2 x 2 meter rope for towing
· 2 x 2 meter sand ladders
· 1 x shovel
· 6 meter rope/strop

Daily Maintenance

· Keep engine oil level at half way mark
· Look for oil leaks
· Hand check wheel nuts for looseness
· Clean windscreen

Weekly Maintenance

· Wheel bearings for any free play
· Investigate any movement
· Tightness of belts
· Hand check suspension bolts

Points to remember:
1. If wheel has been changed, hand check nuts after 2 hours driving.
2. Remember you know your car – if in doubt check.
3. Your car will need a service on your return.

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Camping Equipment

· 2 man tent
· Sand and normal tent pegs
· 4 season sleeping bags (-15)
· Sleeping mats
· Small camping stove and gas (depending on size of canister – approx. 3 med.)
· Kettle
· 2 camping saucepans
· 2 plates/2 bowls/2 mugs
· 2 sets of knives, forks, spoons & teaspoons

Suggested Cooking Utensils

· Tin Opener
· Scissors
· Sharp knife
· Wooden Spoon
· Small chopping board
· Washing up bowl etc.
· Food for 2 weeks
· Fridge
· Water Siphon
· Chairs
· Table

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Suggested Food and Clothing

Russia can be dry or wet so it is very important to be prepared for rain and cold. When the sun shines the temperature is around 25 degrees centigrade. A suggested list is:

For a 15 day safari to Russia:

· 5-6 cotton t shirts
· 3-4 pairs of utility trousers (or similar)
· 2 fleece/warm jumpers
· 1 set of waterproofs
· 1 hat (for warmth at night and protection from the sun in daytime)
· 1 pair of sunglasses
· warm socks
· walking boots/sturdy shoes/Wellington boots
· nightwear (warm but comfortable)

You should have enough food with you for two weeks for every person in your party. Good food to take is that which does not take a lot of preparation i.e. ready made meals to heat in a saucepan, tins of fruit, chili, potatoes etc. Try to buy items that have combustible packaging; i.e. paper, card or plastic. Please note that tin is not combustible and does not decompose easily. Couscous is a good substitute for rice which takes a lot of boiling (therefore using up resources). Fresh vegetables, fruit and bread can only be bought on 2 days in Russia.

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Health Information

We take a serious view on Health and Hygiene during our adventures and as long as a few basic rules are followed you will have an enjoyable, illness free time with Impala Adventures.

Water

1. Use only bottled water, making sure the top is secured. At Café's and Restaurants

2. Any opened bottles must not be used for drinking after 1 day. Use yesterday’s opened water for washing.

3. Try to keep the water cool. This can be achieved by covering with a blanket low down in the vehicle.

Water is often put on tables in what appears to be sealed bottles but in fact it is often tap water which has been put into water bottles.

4. Drink at least 2 lifters of water a day. YOU CAN VERY EASILY BECOME DEHYDRATED.

5. Take some water purification tablets to treat local water.

Suggested Vaccinations for Russia:

All vaccinations can be obtained at your local surgery. You should check with your doctor up to 7 months before you leave as some courses are for 6 month period.
· Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG).
· Hepatitis B if you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, stay longer than 6 months, or be exposed through medical treatment.
· Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting developing countries in this region.
· As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles, and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11–12 years who did not complete the series as infants.

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First Aid Advice

A typical medical kit should include:

· Painkillers
· Plasters
· Sun block
· Insect repellent
· Tweezers
· Thermometer
· Tissues (pre-moisturised are best)
· Eyewash
· Moisturising cream
· Lip-salve
· Multi-vitamins
· Lacto-calamine cream
· Mentholated balm for aching muscles
· General antibiotics
· Scissors

We suggest that you take Medical Insurance cover whilst you adventure with us.

We have also found a travel insurance which may suite your needs further afield:
Ace Europe who offer worldwide Annual Travel which covers you for 17 - 30 Days and costs approx. £48 per person / £84 - 2 Adults & 2 children.

In case of an emergency we will have a satellite phone with us at all times.

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Rules and Regulations

It is the parents’ responsibility to make sure that their children understand and follow the rules and regulations set out below.

1. Never leave your tent open unattended as it will fill with mosquitoes which will lead to you being seriously bitten.

2. DO NOT LITTER. Rubbish should not be left at campsites or thrown from cars. Please take all rubbish with you until it can be disposed of safely, or burn it on a campfire (please note that tin cans, beer cans etc DO NOT burn).

3. Diff guards, Transmission guards and petrol tank guards must be fitted to your vehicle.

4. NEVER APPROACH BEARS.

Remember if you bitten or attacked you must report the incident to a member of the Impala Team.

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Prices

Price for a vehicle and 2 passengers = £3200

Look what we include:

Does not include: Medical and Vehicle Insurance.

Booking

Right click on one of the below links and select "Save Target As" to save a booking form to your computer:

Offroad Safari Booking Form (as Word Doc for PC)

Offroad Safari Booking Form (as pdf)

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