How is the Safari Challenge related to Trans World Motorsport?
Mike Summerfield from TWM has been involved with the Classic Safari since its first edition in 2003 and is currently Deputy Clerk of the Course. This is such an amazing event through incredible countryside that it seemed logical to give this new event our support. Ron Jackson also from TWM will be Clerk of the Course of the Safari Challenge 2009.

How does the event work?
You will drive most of the route that the Classic Safari runs with the exception that we might take one or two short cuts to enable a sensible finish time each day. There will be at least 2, perhaps 3, regularities each day which will usually be run at a higher, but safe, speed that we usually do.

It seems quite expensive?
In relation to some other events it does, however East Africa is quite an expensive place to run an event. Almost all the event hotels are high quality and attract high rates. Also, because of the nature of the event, various safety operations are required. For instance there will be 2 helicopters available in case of an incident as well as a large ground based operation.

Is the event safe?
With just a few simple provisos it's just as safe as anywhere we have taken you before. Obviously, as in other large towns and cities you have been to before, it's a good idea to take sensible precautions if you are out and about, particularly at night. I actually feel safer in Kenya than I do in my local large city in England!

Do we need any special vehicle preparation?
Yes!! But nothing too major. Many of you have asked in the past for us to give you something more challenging - well this is it!! Some of the roads are quite rough in places and the weather can have a dramatic impact on the route. Scenario: Lovely dry road - 15 minutes of heavy rain - mud holes and ruts appear - 30 minutes of sun - the mud holes and ruts solidify and become hard!! Good suspension is essential and we would recommend that you carry spare shock absorbers. In the dry, dust can be a huge problem so a good filter system on the engine is vital. Remember many modern 4 x 4's are an unusual sight in East Africa so bring along with you any spares that you think you might need. Finding a belt for a Porsche Cayenne in the middle of the bundu (bush) could be somewhat difficult.

Where does the event run in relation to the Classic Rally ?
On most days, if not all, you will run behind the Classic Rally. This will mean a sensible start time and, by inserting some short cuts, we will get you to the end of the day at a sensible time. On some of the days you might get the bonus of a Coffee/Tea stop at somewhere unusual. There should be some good opportunities to see the main Classic Rally too.

What are the hotels like?
The start and finish venue at Mombasa North Beach is at the Whitesands Hotel. This is an excellent resort type venue with every facility you can imagine. The beach is huge, beautiful and stunning!! A lot of the other event accommodation is in absolutely first class Safari Lodges where, as well as good food and drink, you get the opportunity to see a lot of big game. On the day off in Amboseli last time we saw, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and many others without doing anything more than go for a short drive.

How is the route defined?
The route is shown via a Tulip Road Book. This is not as detailed as the ones you have been used to on TWE / TWM events but you won't get lost!! There are also GPS coordinates in the book at appropriate places so you can orientate yourself! The event supplies a master route map which is detailed enough to navigate major and some more minor roads. Detailed large scale maps are difficult to find and are often inaccurate.