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Crossed the Simpson Desert Solo in a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 4x4

18th July 2024, 17:10 by Kanad Kalasur

One big learning from last year was NOT to plan very detailed, but keep it flexible - plan in terms of start/end dates & day wise travel details.

BHPian arjithin recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Some of you may remember my last years attempt to cross the Simpson desert, which got washed out due to heavy rains. (Exploring Central and South Australia in a Pajero Sport & Landcruiser | 6000 km & 10-day road trip). but this year we were fortunate to complete it without any issues. Simpson was very green this year after 2 years of above average rain.

Total distance covered : 4800 km
Total mud roads and tracks covered : 1500 km ( out of 4800)
Total sand tracks covered : 400km ( out of 1500)
No of sand dune : 1100+
No of corrugations & bog holes : Millions
No of days : 8
No of states covered : 5

One big learning from last year was NOT to plan very detailed, but keep it flexible - plan in terms of start/end dates & day wise travel details.

Unfortunately my other travel companion - the Landcruiser 76 series couldn't join this time, that means I will be alone attempting to cross. But a friend of mine who is living in Singapore said he will join me, so I started making arrangements for 2 of us.

First week of June was kept as the start date due to low temperatures in desert, least amount of flies and comparatively firm sand conditions.

My friend booked his tickets for June 7th hoping to start on 8th; but a heavy rain event on June 1st caused the trip to be postponed to June 15th. He didn't book his return ticket until June 12th when we took the final call to start on 15th.

By June 12th we have confirmed reports of crossings after the rain event and weather forecast for next 10 days looked positive

Pajero Sport on top of the biggest dune..the big red (40m high)