Driving trip of Southern Africa
Replies: 3 - Last Post: Jan 21, 2013 1:24 PM Last Post By: RudiK
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Driving trip of Southern Africa
I am thinking of doing a driving trip of Southern Africa in the next two years. I have found a car rental in S. Africa that allows their cars to be driven in SA, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. I know the distances are long; however, that isn't a problem for me. I love to drive, and the 18 hour drive from Capetown to Windhoek (even though I would break it up into segments) wouldn't phase me in the least if I had to do it all at once. I've also driven on the left for several months in New Zealand/Thailand/UK, but it would take me some time to get used to it again. I would prefer to go with someone, but I do it alone if no one wants to go.I would spend the least amount of time in Zimbabwe, mainly going there to see Victoria Falls.
My inititial question would be about border crossings and safety. I would probably do this trip clockwise in an upside down U shape.
Something like western South Africa to Namibia, Namibia to Botswana and/or Zimbabwe and back to SA. in Zimbabwe I'd probably just go to Victoria Falls. Would I find these crossing difficult or perhaps intimidating? I've been across many borders in my life in Central Asia, South America and Central America, but none worse than USA/Canada!
Should I be afraid to do this trip this way? Could I do it all by public transport? I wouldn't want to fly though...all via bus, trucks, etc.
I am an American citizen. Thanks!!
1
"Afraid?" Of what?It's difficult to see Namibia by public transportation, and having a rental car is more rewarding in S.A. and Namibia than anywhere else in Africa due to the generally good infrastructure. Many agencies will endorse rental cars for crossing borders--just make sure the car is fully equipped (e.g., working spare, jack, etc.) and be careful about pre-existing damage.
You can more easily find people to join you in the hostels in S.A. than years in advance on Thorntree forums. However, here's hoping it works out for you.
Hope that's helpful.
Mark
3
Borders where you may it a bit of a schlepp are:1) from Botswana to Zambia using the Kazangula ferry.
2) between Zimbabwe and South Africa through Beit Bridge - especially during long week-ends
3) between South Africa and Mozambique through the Lebambo border post - especially during long week-ends.
But it just a question of being patient and writing it off as an African experience. My advice would be to simply ignore all the wanna-be helpers at any border post, especially those three.
Zimbabwe is a heck of a lot more than just the falls. It is well worth a few weeks.
