Sally Parkinson, a 67-year-old former sales and marketing executive, is driving a battle-hardened Land Rover Defender known as the “Kalahari Snail” across sub-Saharan Africa on a solo expedition to raise awareness and funds for wildlife conservation and community projects, according to TimesLIVE.
From Spain to the Savanna: The Spark of Adventure
After living in Spain for 23 years, Parkinson decided to relocate following changes at home. According to TimesLIVE, her daughter left home and her dogs passed away, prompting her to visit an old friend in South Africa. A subsequent trip to Namibia in 2023 and a nature documentary on the Okavango Delta stoked a deeper sense of adventure.
“I volunteered for six weeks in Botswana and South Africa, getting really close to the wildlife, I met a Belgian couple living in Mozambique who bought an old Land Rover in South Africa and began travelling around — and thought, I’d like to do that,” Parkinson told TimesLIVE.
Pro Tip: Planning Long-Haul Overland Trips
Parkinson noted that she hadn’t prepared really well and is very last-minute, undertaking her journey in stages.
Partnering with Conservation Foundations
Parkinson integrated a philanthropic mission into her travels. She met someone on a plane who introduced her to Sandra Rubins, who works with the Natural Selection Foundation, as reported by TimesLIVE.
The foundation aims to make a difference in African communities, across areas of conservation, childhood development and regenerative tourism. By driving through sub-Saharan Africa, Parkinson aims to raise awareness and funds for wildlife conservation and local community projects.
The Route: Past, Present, and Future Waypoints
Parkinson’s expedition has been undertaken in stages.
- Botswana
- Zambia
- Malawi
- Tanzania
After sharing a pin location near Idodi in Tanzania, Parkinson’s immediate travel plans include heading to Zanzibar, then Kenya. From there, she’ll head back to Tanzania and park the Kalahari Snail there before going back to Spain in September. In December, she’ll fly back with her daughter, drive into Uganda, see the apes and chimps, then send her daughter back from Rwanda. Then she’ll carry on down through Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, Namibia and South Africa. After returning to South Africa, the locations left would be eSwatini, Lesotho and Mozambique, alongside wanting to drive through the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe.
Did You Know?
The Land Rover Defender used by Parkinson has been dubbed the “Kalahari Snail.” Although she didn’t really know the history of her Land Rover, “he” has turned out to be a good companion so far.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sally Parkinson?
Sally Parkinson is a 67-year-old who was a sales and marketing executive living in Spain for 23 years before travelling across sub-Saharan Africa.
What is the purpose of the journey?
According to TimesLIVE, Parkinson is raising awareness and funds for wildlife conservation and local community projects.
Where can I follow her expedition?
Observers can follow her journey on social media under the handle of Sally’s Wheels.
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