Campervan trip Africa

Hi all

I will eventually by some means be travelling Africa but by already having concrete plans to travel Europe in my to be converted Vauxhall Movano I am looking at the possibility of travelling Africa after that.

I have recently made the decision to make and investment and buy a brand new Movano to convert. My thinking being that the van is no the most stealthy vehicle on the world and against my usual live by the sword mentality I will not be travelling lone and could not live with myself had anything happen to my partner. Will a vehicle so new tend to attract criminals, ie car jackers, thieves etc. Has anyone had any experience with corrupt police searching a seizing belongings etc.

I ask for the advice of anyone who may or may not have travelled Africa but has in some way good advice as to which route to travel if it would be advisable at all. I have done my fair research but this research is only generic articles and I prefer to hear it from the horses mouth so to speak.

The plan would be to cross at gibraltar into morocco and plan from there. I would like to visit as many countries as possible and distance time is not an issue however I do intend to keep this trip as safe and as hassle free as humanly possible in Africa (I am well travelled and I know a lot of articles blow safety out of proportion but the is a risk of unwanted happening in africa and that is undeniable). If you could aid in helping me plan this experience it would be much appreciated. I look forward to hearing your replies.

I hope you are all well.

Scott

Why don't you start by reading "Africa Overland " edited by Bradt and/or "Overlander's Handbook " by Trailblazer even if the second one is not only dedicated to Africa ?

Michel

I drove down to Cote d'Ivoire in December, alone, as a single female from France ... I know the route well having done it in bush taxis over the years and it was a relatively easy 10 day drive (I wasn't interested in stopping too much apart from to catch up with a few friends & colleagues en route)

To be honest I think you'll find a) a new van is not going to make your life easy b) an Opel/Vauxhall will make things difficult for parts and c) your worry of 'attacks' is the least of your worries whilst on the road

As for the route, depends on what you want to see, how much you have in your budget, if you're going to have a carnet etc (I didn't have a carnet)

Kira

Thanks for the replies peeps. Will be sure to look into that one Michel thanks.

Kira thanks for the response. What do you mean exactly by a new van won't make your life easy. Do you mean because it will draw attention or that it will not be as reliable as I think it will be. By no way am I looking for an easy ride. I travel a fair mile and know of its challenges and surmise Africa will be up there with one of the hardest.

Also what do you mean that attacks are the least of my worries. If you could elaborate on what sort of stuff I should look out for etc that would be a great help.

1. A new van is full of electronics which don't like dust
2. Getting parts for a new vehicle in remote places like Guinea might mean shipping them in & dealing with customs
3. An Opel/Vauxhall is a rare breed of van in West Africa, again, problems with parts should you need them.
4. Not sure what the clearance is but I would get something a little higher ... like an old Mercedes van, a pick-up with a box on the back or a 4WD with a tent on top
5. In an ideal world, don't buy anything that needs a computer to diagnose what's wrong!

I slept in the back of mine (4 seats made for a comfy bed!) for 90% of the time, the real threats are medical (malaria in particular), roads that are impassable in the rainy season, other road users, travelling at night, getting visas!!! ... being attacked will be low on the list of problems

When are you planning on going & which route? I've travelled all over the sub-region for over 10 years now and it changes, the roads get re-done but within 3-5 years they fall apart again ...

Kira

Thanks for the reply Kira. Why do you say a Mercedes van will be a better option? Are Mercedes parts more readily available in Africa? As far as electrics not liking dust anything post 2000 will have similar ecu technology as newer vans and portly more likely to incur problems. I do see where you are coming from with clearance although I would think that any rough terrain would be reluctantly dodged if possible.

The predicament I am in is that I currently have a car at home so the option is to either use my van(motorhome) as my new daily driver (therefore I would like to invest in something a little newer) or buy a older van and have it as a motorhome only with a small run around for my daily, however I would probably rather not insure two cars/vans.

One way or the other I will 100% be doing a camper conversion, which I will do myself. I will be travelling Europe next September onwards and looking at Africa as a probable route after that.

As far as routes and times are concerned I have no concrete plans at present just clearing the air with some of my initial thoughts on the trip.

Anymore input is greatly appreciated and welcome.

Thanks Again, Scott

Scott

What you need to bear in mind is parts & reliability over there.

Mercedes are two a penny across the continent, you will always find parts (often 2nd hand but will do the job fine), Peugeot, Toyota, Mitsubishi and to some extent Land Rovers etc are also prevalent. An Opel/Vauxhall is a rare breed.

I hope you won't need spare parts but it's certainly worth bearing in mind because the day you're in the middle of the bush miles from a major city with a problem, you won't thank yourself.

Getting clean fuel is a problem in certain areas, what you want is something robust that won't loose power with African conditions.

Have a look on HUBB forum, I'm on there too because to be totally honest with you I can barely change a wheel but ... I drove down in December, I have known the West African region for over 10 years, but relied on public transport in the past, knowing what would get me there & what might not!

Kira
www.facebook.com/FrankiGoesTo (Hope the mods allow this FB page)

I travelled Cape To Cairo solo but mostly hitchhiking and local busses. its an amazing journey.

Check out my video: https://youtu.be/Ewsq_qLx-E8

I hope it gives you the motivation to do it..

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