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Expedition outline -
Gallery
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Expedition Outline
The fourth largest island in the
world, Madagascar holds a profound
fascination for all lovers of
nature’s variety. Madagascar broke
away from continental Africa 65
million years ago, isolating its
flora and fauna, so that now its
wildlife is predominantly unique.
All the island’s mammals, 225 of its
257 reptile species and almost 80
per cent of its plants are endemic;
that is, to be found nowhere else on
Earth.
Simon hopes to be the
first person to circumnavigate
Madagascar by sea kayak. This
is set to be his greatest
challenge yet. The
expedition has been split into two
legs due to visa and work
restraints.
Climate, surf and wildlife are some
of the main obstacles that they will
face along the way. The
experience Simon has gained on
his previous expeditions, will be
vital.
Although the east coast will be a
challenge with its surf there will
be a lot of paddling along beautiful
coral reefs and deserted sandy
beaches. Sections of the
expedition will take them into very
remote areas with very little fresh
water. For these sections he
will have to rely on carrying enough food
and water to
be self sufficient.
Expedition members
 Simon
Osborne with
Jeff Allen runs
Sea Kayaking Cornwall. He
is also an experienced river, sea
and surf kayaker. In 2002 he
completed a circumnavigation of
Great Britain and in 2004 he
completed a solo circumnavigation of
Ireland. Both expeditions
raised money for the Leukaemia
Research Fund in memory of his brother
Mark.
 Phil
Clegg
joined Simon on stage 1 of the
expedition. He works as an
instructor for
Sea Kayaking UK in Holyhead. He is an
experienced river, sea and surf
kayaker throughout the UK and
abroad. In 2005 he was part of
a 3 man team that circumnavigated
Great Britain in 80 days, knocking 6
days of the record.
In 2006 he kayaked along the east
coast of
Greenland as part of a team.
This is one of the most
inhospitable coastlines in the world
and is exposed to considerable risk
from strong and unpredictable wind
and weather conditions.
Expedition outline -
Gallery
- Updates - Sponsors - Contact - Madagascar home |
