12 September 2016
A self drive through Africa is not for sisses! It looks fantastic but please think about a few things first.
- Satellite phone: As you will not have cell phone coverage in the majority of area’s and national parks of Africa, we recommend you get a satellite phone. In case you get stuck it would be handy to get help.
- Water and food: Make ssure you always stock up for 2 extra days on drinking water and food. Some campsites in the National parks do not have any water supplies so you need to be entirely self sufficient. Be aware to never take any fruits into your roof top tent as anymals smell this and you might get unexpected visitors at night!
- Never leave your car in a National Park: you are never allowed to leave your car in a National Park unless it’s a picknick area. Even when you need a toilet, there might be a lion behind the bushes…
- Border Crossings: Plan your journey well. Border crossings take a lot longer than in the Western World. You are not allowed to drive at night so either leave at 6 a.m. on long days or plan an extra stop over.
- Never drive at night: there are wild animals everywhere in Africa. Spring boks might get blind by your lights or elephants pop out from nowhere. Make sure you reach your accommodation before dark.
- Check your vehicle: when collecting your vehicle make sure you check the vehicle well. Check the tire profiles, the camping equipment and your GPS or satellite phone.
- 4WD lessons: make sure you know how to drive a 4WD before you come the Africa. When collecting your car you might be tired from the flight and you will not get all instructions correctly. Either watch a Youtube instruction film or get a course. You also learn when to let the air out of your tires for better grip.
- 24/7 Road Assistance: African Travels and our local partners will make sure we will assist 24/7 in case of an emergency. However, if you need a replacement car it might take uo to 48 hrs! Be flexible for the unexpected. Its not Europe and things take longer…
- Respect the animals: when driving in a National Park make sure you respect the animals. read their language! They will not attack you from nowhere, only if you do not respect their space and territory.
- Fuel up: a 4WD uses a lot more fuel than any other vehicle. Make sure you fill up at any fuelstation you see as the next one might be 400 km ahead of you.
Does this sounds tempting? Contact us today for a quotation. If it will be your first time to Africa you might want to consider a small group tour or private safari.
