Team Afrikens puts foot this week

So here we are with many, many kilometres ahead of us still untouched, and just getting to this point was a rollercoaster story on its own - from sponsors to toothpaste, but that's a blog long written.

Unlike the more traditional kind of rally, the Put Foot Rally is a rally with a purpose. Even though it's a bit of a jol, the Put Foot Rally takes brand new leather shoes to children in Africa who are not fortunate enough to have a pair of shoes. And, if you've ever walked a gravel road barefoot, you'd understand why a pair of leather kickers will make their walk to school slightly less painful.

Few things more valuable than a good education

Besides that, it also is a good morale booster. I remember when I was a kid how much I hated going to school, but whenever I got a new pair of Bucks I couldn't wait to wear them, even if it meant going to school. So, if I can make one kid's trip to school more enjoyable, I've won. Besides, I would imagine that being more comfortable makes learning a lot easier, and there are very few things more valuable in this world than a good education.

The 8000+ kilometre journey that lays ahead kicks off on Tuesday, 18 June; from there we'll be heading north for our first border crossing into Namibia. From there we'll have roughly two days to make it to Toshari Lodge near Etosha. The route between the border and there, however, is still to be discovered. And, yes, what I mean by 'discovered' is 'we have no clue what roads to take', but we will be avoiding the highway, that's for sure.

If you'd like to come along with us on this adventure you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter. If social media's not your thang, then just read our blog, or wait for the videos on YouTube to start doing the rounds.

I've got to get back to preparing our Land Cruiser 79 (KenTruck) for the long road ahead.

If you'd like to contribute towards new leather kickers you can do so now through our GiveGain account.

Peter Olivier, TallKen
Team AfriKENS