Portugal : 9th May to the 25th May 2007

Portugal: To most people Portugal is the Algarve. This new adventure from Impala Adventures will take you through an ever changing landscape from the high mountains in the North on the border with Spain to the sun and beaches of the Algarve itself. You will find yourself crossing rivers which may have been swollen by rain as in May there is always the possibility of a thunderstorm sometime during the day. Wild flowers cover the Mountains and valleys at this time of year and you will first see the Atlantic from these flower covered heights. Along the Atlantic coast you can stop and enjoy lunch looking out to the Atlantic Ocean from a sandy beach or high up on top of a weather beaten cliff.

The route, mostly off road runs south from the Mountains through the cork forests to the Atlantic Coast near Lisbon before running down to the Algarve with its sandy beaches and cliffs of ancient reefs.

Almost every town in Portugal has a castle from times past when Europe was a more violent place than it is today and you will have a few opportunities to visit these as well as many other cultural aspects of Portugal.

Imagine a greenlane event here in England and Wales and make the Mountains bigger and the cliffs higher with

longer lanes and you will get some idea of the type of adventure we are offering.

The Route.

Day One: Santander to Lago de Sanabria.

Just South of Santander is a Hotel beside the main road. We will meet here for morning coffee and a briefing for this adventure before you head of into the Picos da Europa Natural Reserve and an amazing track along a high mountain valley. Mountain roads will lead you deep into this impressive mountain range and sometime during the afternoon you will find yourself beside the Glacial Lake, Lago de Sanabria set in a magnificent landscape surrounded by the silence of the mountains.

Day Two: Lago de Sanabria to Mogadouro.

After breakfast you will continue the journey South into the Natural reserve of Montesinho where you will see rocks the size of houses rounded by the ice from the last ice age glaciers. There will be time to visit the castle at Breganca, before camping at Mogadouro. Today the river Duro hove's into view. This river crosse's Portugal on its way to the Atlantic Ocean. Vineyards line its steep banks and I am sure that a glass or two of its excellent wine will be sampled!!

Day Three: Mogadouro to Castelo Bom.

Today we leave the "Tras-os-Montes(The Land behind the Mountains) as we start to follow the Duro river in the Parc Naturel de Duro. The tracks that we will be using are soil and rock which could be muddy if a thunderstorm occurs, making for some interesting climbs. Our route takes us along a Roman path on this high plateau and we will emerge near the town of Figuena de Castelo Rodrigo before crossing farmland to the fortress town of Almeida. The campsite for the night is near a riverbank close to the medievil Castelo Bom

Day Four: Castelo Bom to Idanha-a-Nova.

After a short drive on tarmac to Sabugal with its superbly preserved castle our route takes us round a dam to the town of Malcata where you will have the opportunity to see European Lynx in a nearby reserve. This part of Portugal has the highest peaks and it is these that we will view from the mountain and forest tracks, one track actually crosses a hogs back. The cork forests will also start to appear close to the Idanha dam, where we will be camping.

Day Five: Idanha-a-Nova to Portalegre.

The beginning of the day is a gentle drive through another spectacular natural parc before arriving at a bridge over the biggest river in the Iberian Peninsula, the Tagus. The river narrows to 30m from 500m here and is called the Rodao Gates. We follow the river to Nisa before the route runs along tracks between stone walls as we cross farmland towards the small village of Marvao ontop of an escarpment. These mountain tracks are very close to the Spanish border. The campsite for the night overlooks the town of Portalegre which is close to the highest peak in the North of Portugal.

Day Six: Portalegre to Evora.

The highlights today are some fast tracks used on the Baja Off Road Championship winding through farmland and sprinkled with river crossings. The Templar Knights had a stronghold at the town of Avis which we pass on our way to the cork forests growing in sand. The Medievil Templar Knights town of Evora is our goal where the delights of a hotel and bar await.

Day Seven: Evora to Alcacer-do-Sal.

After a leisurely breakfast we continue southwest. One of the tracks runs very close to the water at a dam so mud will be a problem and there is the possibility of getting stuck but of course the Impala support will be on hand to help. The route runs close to the sado river between pine trees. The sand gradually becomes softer and there will b e a point where the tyre pressures on your car will have to be lowered to prevent you becoming bogged down.

Day Eight: Alcacer-do-Sal to Ilha do Pessegueiro.

It is only a short Tarmac drive from the night before's stop to STAGE ONE of the 2007 Lisboa Dakar. You will be driving some of this stage, twenty miles in fact of sand tracks winding their way through pine forests. The tracks left by the Dakar cars and lorries should still be there. You will get your first glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean today from the Grandola Mountains as you travel high up along the tracks in the cork forests. The beach at S Torpes awaits after a demanding navigational exercise through forests of Eucalyptus.

Day Nine: Ilha do Pessogueiro to Ingrina.

After a night spent at a campsite in front of Portugal's most romantic Island(Peach Island),The views from the sand tracks out into the Atlantic are very impressive indeed and when the tracks run to the top of the cliffs you will be spellbound completely by the majesty of it all. All day is spent following the Atlantic south. We will visit Cape St Vincent(named after a famous English Admiral) at the very end of Europe and by evening you will be safely in a campsite at Ingrina beside the surf of the Ocean itself.

Day Ten: Ingrina to Silves

We have a treat for you today....................STAGE TWO of the Dakar stage near Lisbon. The roadbook will take you through stage one of the 2007 Dakar. After the excitement of the stage the highest point of the Algarve is reached at Monchique after a few water crossings. As we travel down the mountain we will enjoy a series of hairpins near Devil's Gorge. After this exciting drive you will be ready to relax in the bar of our hotel in the town of Silves

Day Eleven: Silves to Cacela.

Rolling hills covered in wild flowers are the backdrop for our route from Silves. The air is full of their fragrance as we travel east along the mountain range of Caldeirao. People are few and far between here. Towards the end of the day we will travel down a riverbed full of bird life to eventually arrive at the Odeleite Dam. The campsite for the night overlooks the sea near the border with Spain.

Day Twelve: Cacela to Serpa.

Today is spent following the river Guadiana in the east of Portugal. The track weaves its way along the river bank and it is possible that if there has been a few thunderstorms in the mountains that we will have to take some of the crossings of the streams that run into the river further inland. There is a famous gorge where the river pours over rocks called the "wolves Jump" that we will visit. The campsite for the night will be in the town of Serpa.

Day Thirteen: Serpa to Elvas.

Olive groves line our route as we make our way to the largest dam lake in Europe. Our destination is the medievil town of Monsaraz perched ontop of a hill. The views from here are amazing as they look out over part of the dam and the surrounding countryside .Before the hotel in Elvasa track and a very narrow country road leads us to the stop at Juromenha alongside the Guadiana river. The hotel used to be a convent, which I believe is now empty of nuns so that over dinner we can enjoy some of the moments from our journey through Portugal and a glass or two of wine before heading north to England the next day.

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Conditions to expect

Portugal at this time of year is hot. In the mountains of the North overcast days can be cool and there is always the possibility of very heavy thunderstorms which can lead to local flooding.

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The Impala 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:

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 markings into ‘Partial’ and ‘Total’. The partial is the amount of kilometer from the preceding tulip or GPS co-ordinate. The total is the amount of kilometer traveled so far that day or since the kilometer 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. This is quite normal and is o

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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
·

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Driving and Rules for Portugal

1. Always Stick to the speed limits. It is very important to carry all of your vehicle documents as well as your driving licence.

2. On the off road tracks it is often very slippery and you should always use four wheel drive with a locked center diff. Extreme Caution is often needed on bends and brows of hills. Always drive at a speed where you can stop easily in the distance that you can actually see ahead.

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Training Days

The training day's, as well as being fun, give you the chance to get to know us and your fellow travelers. During these very comprehensive training day's you will have the opportunity to have your vehicle looked over by the Impala team, who are experts in expedition vehicle preparation, and can give you all the advice you need.

The weekends include training in:

· Navigation
· Driving
· Maintenance

and will include advice on: camping and health.

There is one for each Impala trip that we run, contact us for dates.

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Equipment for Portugal

Your Car

Preparation

· Full service – with oil changes of engine, gear box and axle oils
· Guards for differentials, steering and fuel tanks
· Half shafts and differentials must be checked for wear
· Fuel capacity of 320 kilometers (200 miles)

Spare parts needed for car: -

All these should fit into 2 x 2ft square boxes

· Rags or blue roll
· Alternator
· Belts and hoses
· 1wheel bearing and seals
· Relays (diesel or petrol cars)
· Windscreen cleaner
· Air pump tyre inflator
· Tyre gauge
· 1 inner tube
· 1 spare tyre
· Grease & grease gun
· Water pump
· Track rod ends
· Seals:-
   - Gearbox
   - Axle
   - Front engine cover
· Electrical parts needed for petrol cars:-
   - Plugs
   - Leads
   - C.B. points
   - Distributor cap
   - Coil
   - Rotor arm
   - Condenser
· Oil:-
   - 5 liters engine
   - 5 liters gearbox
   - 1 liter brake fluid
   - 2 liters power steering fluid

Tools:- You will need to have a selection of tools that will enable you to change wheels and tyres as well as manage simple repairs to your car. We have a comprehensive tool kit on Impala cars so do not bring too many as we will be on hand to help with repair.

Tyres:- The ability to blow up tyres and repair punctures is very important and you will need to have some Tyre Leavers and a puncture repair kit for tubeless and tubes as well as an air pump.

Recovery Equipment

· 1 x 2 meter rope for towing
· 2x 2 meter aluminum sand/bridging ladders
· 1 x shovel

Daily Maintenance

· Keep engine oil level at or close to high
· Look for oil leaks
· Hand check wheel nuts for looseness
· Clean windscreen

Weekly Maintenance

· Check wheel bearings for any free play, investigate any movement
· Look at the tightness of all drive belts.
· Hand check suspension bolts. Do not check with a spanner as this stretches the threads and they will come            undone.

Safety points to remember

· If wheel has been changed, hand check nuts after 2 hours driving then at the end of that days driving.
· Remember you know your car and will be aware of any changes to its handling or performance.
· Your car will need a major service on your return to home.

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Camping Equipment

Camping is an integral part of an adventure with Impala so the list below has been compiled to ensure that you have a comfortable camp. The list is for two people.

· Tents:- A two man tent is only big enough for one person.
· Sand and normal tent pegs will be needed.
· Sleeping bags will need to cope with low temperatures.
· Good quality sleeping mats
· Small camping stove and three or four canisters.
· Kettle
· 2 camping saucepans
· 2 plates, bowls and mugs.
· 2 sets of knives, forks, spoons & teaspoons
· Fridge

· Water Siphon and purification tablets or system.

· Chairs, table and an awning or camouflage net for shade and shelter from rain.

· Tin Opener
· Scissors
· Sharp knife
· Wooden Spoon
· Small chopping board
· Washing up bowl, clothes and washing liquid.

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Suggested Clothing

In the heat of Portugal heavy clothing will not be needed, but be prepared for cold temperatures at night though, so bring a woolly jumper or something similar. Rain is also a possibility so a light raincoat should be taken.

Almost everybody brings too many clothes and as you will see the suggested list looks pretty sparse but it is all that you will need.

A suggested list is:

For a 15 day safari to Portugal:

· 5-6 cotton t shirts
· 3-4 pairs of utility trousers (or similar)
· 3-4 pairs of mid-length shorts
· 1 fleece
· 1 warm jumper
· 1 hat (for warmth at night and protection from the sun in daytime)
· 1 pair of sunglasses
· warm socks (for nighttime)
· sturdy sandals
· walking boots/sturdy shoes
· nightwear (warm but comfortable)
· light waterproof clothing

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Suggested Food Supplies

Try to take food that does not need a lot of preparation i.e. ready made meals to heat in a saucepan, dried fruit and tinned produce. Try to buy items that have combustible packaging; i.e. paper, card or plastic. Couscous is a good substitute for rice which takes a lot of boiling (therefore using up resources).

Fresh vegetables, fruit and bread can be bought on most day's.

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Health Advice for Portugal

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. Not washing hands after going to the toilet is often the most common reason for a stomach upset.

Water

1. Use only bottled water, making sure the top is secured.

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.

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

First Aid Advice

Every car should have a basic first aid kit. We at Impala are first aid trained specifically for motor vehicle accidents and on some trips a doctor is often a support member.

A typical medical kit should include:

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

Suggested Vaccinations for Portugal

Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid

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.

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

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

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How to Get to Portugal

There are two basic routes to Portugal. You can take a ferry from Portsmouth (P and O) or from Plymouth (Brittany Ferries) to Santander/Bilbao or cross the channel into France and drive down to Santander. Impala Adventures are agents for Brittany Ferries so it is possible for us to arrange a ferry fro you. Just ring Louise on 07939014747 or Neil on 07930910870 to discuss prices and availability of ferries.

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For a car with two people £1190.00

look what we include:

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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Impala Rules and Regulations

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