Traveling by road in Africa

Nika Bolokov

Hi All,

I will be undertaking a trip through central southern Africa by road in a few months.

Has anyone here ever undertaken such an adventure before? if you have I would be grateful for any tips you many have !!:D

Civilian_Target

I've done Western Africa in a Renault 4.
Have you been to Africa before? What kind of car are you bringing? Where are you going?
Avoiding the rainy season is a good plan.

• Don't drive at night.
• Make sure the car is in good condition, and that you have the basic materials required to repair it
• Bring some international drivers licenses, there's no limit to the number you can order. That way, if a bent official tries to get money out of you by holding your drivers license... well then he can keep it!
• Have an open spirit. You're going to need the local's help to get where you're going, so don't fear them, better to get along

Nika Bolokov

Thanks for your reply. No I have never been to Africa before but ive been to some fairly off the beaten track places in Asia and some fairly dodgy ones in the Middle East.

Nairobi to Cape Town, will have to source a fairly robust vehicle. Great tip on the drivers license, Thanks !

Stinicker

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/50799-Democratic-Republic-of-Congo-Lubumbashi-to-Kinshasa

This is an epic trip if ever, it is a long read and as good as any book, they had some hair raising moments but it was a truly epic real modern day adventure by those two!

Civilian_Target

Oh, OK, that should be easy then - you're in safe Africa, although a 'robust vehicle' might place some distance between you and the locals.

If it's a manual, higher gears are your friend, less likely to get stuck Enjoy it, there ought to be some spectacular stuff out there!

Nika Bolokov

Cheers. By robust I mean working engine, 4 good tyres, non cracked exhaust and a minimum of welding holding it together

Great link above re: Congo

two wheels good

You'll find a wealth of info here.