BootsnAll Travel Community

My wife and I are heading to Southern Africa for about three months Dec to March 07, and have been looking into buying a used car and then selling it after we have finished our travels there. How plausible is it to be self driving from South Africa, through Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique? I am concerned with the conditions of the roads, safety, border crossings, to name a few. Let me know if anyone has some helpful hints or cautions. Maybe I should not be trying to self drive in as many countries as I am looking to do?

Thanks

I have not done the self drive personally as I have been travelling alone and decided it was not advisable. For two however, I think it is doable for the places you plan to visit. All of those countries seem to have enough good roads and petrol stations to make it possible. from what I have heard from others doing the same is that you should be knowledgeable about car repair to a certain extent as getting help (and cell reception) can be a challenge. Border fees and insurance and ownership papers can also be a hassle I understand so make sure you have all that stuff before heading out. Apart from that, I have heard of many great trips being had this way. Good luck!

Yearling,
What did you decide? We are considering the exact same thing right now and are torn between the overland tour vs. the dealer car buyback vs the autotrader private sale options.

Hi Guys,
I lived and worked in South Africa for 4 years and owned various cars and 4x4's, some of which i regretted!
Buying your own 4x4 and driving gives you more flexibility, but depending on where you go, how good your 4x4 skills are, survival skills, planning skills, how many vehicles, etc are will depend on the right choice for you! Theres some really good overland tours available (and some bad companies also)who have decent tours, backup, emergency procedures, etc etc.
My company is the agent for Drifter Overland tours (who are the biggest overlanding company in Southern Africa), feel free to look at our site for examples of tours and then use that as a bench mark to compare to other companies www.yomps.com
Alternative if you have any questions then feel free to email me info@yomps.co.uk

Antony