Driving in Africa for Beginners (How to Self-Drive Africa Safely)

Driving in Africa for Beginners (How to Self-Drive Africa Safely/General Driving Tips)

South Africa, not East Africa, is usually the place to go for a self-drive safari. An organized trip gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and includes detailed maps and route descriptions with journey times and petrol stations marked. The reliable road system in South Africa makes self-driving a fun family vacation that feels like an adventure. Namibia has good Tarmac roads, which are straight and traffic-free, but 4x4s are usually recommended for game drives. The drive from Windhoek to Sossusvlei and from Sossusvlei to Swakopmund is longer, at five to six hours. So relax and enjoy the journey, but make sure to include some driving-free days as well.

Driving in Africa

SELF DRIVE SAFARI – BEST Way To Discover Africa

General Driving Tips

• Certain nations may necessitate an International Driving License; verify the requirements with your country’s embassy or your car rental agency (carrentaldrives.com)
• Avoid driving at night, as it can be exceedingly perilous in Africa. Roads are frequently inadequately illuminated, in substandard condition, and some drivers have a propensity to operate their vehicles without using their lights.
• In several nations, especially in rural regions, roadways are sometimes inadequately maintained, and it is common to encounter substantial domestic animals like sheep and cattle.
• Africa is vast, with limited police presence in isolated regions; intoxicated driving are prevalent, necessitating vigilance for inebriated pedestrians.
• Familiarize yourself with the legal stipulations for operating a vehicle in the country you are visiting. Legal requirements differ by country; some mandate the constant possession of hazard triangles, reflectors (a white sticker on the bumper), and the use of seat belts, while others do not.
• When traversing Africa, encountering a roadblock is nearly certain; failure to comply with regulations can result in a fine, which can be expensive. Ignorance is not a valid justification.
• When halted at a roadblock, exhibit courtesy and provide responsive answers to inquiries posed by individuals in positions of authority. Activate the vehicle’s interior light at night. Ensure that the individual with whom you are interacting is indeed an official and request their identification card. If they are unable to give it, refrain from paying any fines and request to be transported to the local police station.
• Avoid nocturnal travel in regions characterized by instability and turmoil.
• Ensure your passport is stamped when crossing borders; failure to do so may result in significant issues when departing the nation.

Car Hire

• When renting a vehicle, ensure it is from a respected company that can provide assistance in the regions you plan to travel, should a breakdown occur.
• Ensure that your vehicle rental permits travel to all intended destinations.
• Consistently review and comprehend the coverage provided by your vehicle insurance. I heard a tale of an unhappy individual whose rental car was wrecked by an elephant in a wildlife reserve, and they were not covered by the vehicle insurance given.

Tips for General Road Safety

• Keep your vehicle locked at all times, including when you’re inside, especially in cities and at night. Never leave valuables visible.
• Download Google Maps and Maps Me offline before leaving; smartphone reception can be low in valleys and rural places. Navigation apps are also inaccurate in some places; allow up to 30% more travel time to compensate.
• When crossing a country border, be mindful of which side of the road you should be on. Drivers in 14 African countries drive on the left.
• Superstition and religion might induce people to assume they are safe from harm. Don’t be one of them—thousands of road casualties and their families have learned the hard way.
• If feasible, park in a secure location. In certain locations, self-appointed parking attendants will park and care for your car on the street for a small tip.
• Learn basic CPR procedures or teach others how to execute them. Doing so could save someone’s life when they least expect it, even your own.
• Remember that paved roads might quickly transform into slippery dirt ones.
• Tropical rainstorms and sandstorms can limit visibility to almost nothing with no warning and cause you to lose traction on the road. Turn on your hazard flashers, pull off the road, and wait out the storm. Remember that if you can’t see others, they’re unlikely to see you.
• Maintain your vehicle’s mechanical condition. Check that your brakes, lights, and turn signals are working properly; that your tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread; that you have enough oil, coolant, wiper, brake, and transmission fluids; that your hoses, belts, and windshield wipers are in good condition; and that you are not overloading your vehicle with people or cargo.
• Emergency services are scarce or nonexistent in many locations. Always keep spare tires, fuel, basic tools, a first-aid kit, some food, water, cash, and a fully charged phone on hand. And be prepared to wait a long time for help.
• Resist the desire to pick up hitchhikers or assist those in need; it could be a hoax to rob you.
• Drive with utmost caution around domesticated livestock. If you hit and kill a cow, for example, you will be required to pay compensation to the owner—possibly twice, because the owner may claim the cow was pregnant! If you refuse, the villagers may attack you, thus it is better not to hit the animal in the first place.

Travelling in your own Vehicle

Essential Tips for a Safe and Smooth Self-Drive Adventure in South Africa

• If you intend to drive your own car across Africa, you must be well-prepared and bring enough of spare parts because many African destinations won’t have them.
• Large domestic animals like sheep and cattle are frequently encountered on poorly maintained highways, especially in rural parts of many nations.
• To prevent you from selling your car without paying the customs duty that is payable at the time of sale, certain nations require you to have a Carnet de Passage.
• Because spare components can be large and heavy, it all relies on your available space. The first thing you should think about if you have limited space is what parts you can live without. For example, you can probably mend a broken spring or drive for a long time without a damper, but will you still be able to get to your destination if the fuel pump breaks or you don’t have a spare tire?

Here are some things you should think about:

• Spare Parts
• Various nuts, bolts, washers
• Spark plugs/injectors, condenser, points, rotor arms
• Electrical connectors, various fuses, spare bulbs and wire
• 2 x Fan belts
• Fuel Pump and fuel filter
• 2 spare tyres, 3 spare tubes, tube puncture kit
• Fuel tank sealant
• Superglue, silicon sealant, Epoxy putty
• Electrical tape, Duct tape
• A good supply of Heat resistant Adhesive Tape is a MUST for fixing a whole host of problems from broken exhausts to leaky water pipes as well as tears in upholstery and body work damage.
  Various lengths of cord, both fibre and electrical can have a similar 1001 uses.
• Cable ties, small and large
• Siphoning hose
• break fluid
• oils (engine, gearbox, transfer boxes, etc.)
• Spare 12v battery

Tools

• A comprehensive toolbox containing screwdrivers, Vice grips, Pliers (short and long nose), Socket set, open ended spanners, Saw, blades and knife, Shifting spanners Scissors, ‘Tullen’ cutters, Wire brush or steel file, Blowtorch and cartridge.
• High lift jack
• Jumper cables
• Spade
• Tyre levers
• Sand Mats (if planning on travelling through the Desert)

not forgetting…. a good workshop manual

Tips for Driving More Safely

• Never go in a car without a seatbelt, no matter where you’re sitting. Always keep your head protected when riding a motorcycle. Allow yourself this easy opportunity to remain alive.
• Even on tight turns, dangerous passing by big rigs like buses and trucks is a leading cause of deadly accidents. Avoid trying to go by them unless absolutely necessary; in that case, use your horn to let them know you’re coming.
• Ensure that large vehicles have adequate space around them if at all feasible. You can never tell when drivers may abruptly stop in the middle of the road to unload passengers or cargo, have their brakes fail, or have worn tires rupture.
• Do not get behind the wheel while under the influence of any kind of drug or alcohol. Be cautious of people who may be driving or walking while impaired.
• Be prepared for vehicles to veer off the road, either to make an abrupt left turn or, even worse, to hang a quick U without signaling, plunging into oncoming traffic.
• No matter how hard it is, you should not use your phone while driving. There are already tremendous dangers on the road, and this distraction merely makes them worse.
• Children may be strolling or rushing across the street, so drivers should slow down and be extra careful near schools.
• You can be more visible to other drivers if you keep your headlights on at all times, even when it’s daylight.
• Nighttime driving is not recommended. Uneven lighting makes it difficult to see pedestrians, abandoned cars, and massive potholes. A lot of drivers either don’t have any lights on or have only their high beams turned on. Additionally, animals are more active throughout the night, and it’s annoying that they don’t usually wear reflectors.
• Take it slow. You can’t keep an eye out for dangers and react safely to the unexpected if you’re going too fast.
• Just because you signal your goals doesn’t mean others will or should be aware of them.
• Keep an eye out for individuals of varying ages, sizes, and physical abilities since you never know when they might pop up.
• Keep your cool under all that honking. Always keep in mind that it can be a positive or bad message from other people. Some use it to thank you, warn you of danger, or simply to be seen.
• If you can help it, try not to drive during rush hour or on very congested routes. Give yourself more time if you really must so you don’t have to rush or risk things you don’t need to.
• When escorting important individuals or high-ranking government officials, security forces may ride against traffic flow, leading to accidents, in an effort to combat congestion. When vehicles fail to see their exits, it is not uncommon for them to reverse their direction on a one-way street. Pay close attention to any unexpected incoming traffic.
• Motorists in Africa frequently occupy the center of the road. Make your presence known by honking and flashing your lights before you try to pass them.
• Remain alert at all times. Stay calm and collected. You can never be sure of other people’s intentions. Plus, you can never tell when something unexpected will happen.

Desert Survival Tips

Everything you MUST know for self-driving Namibia

Even if you’re proficient with GPS, it’s still a good idea to bring a solid map and stop frequently to ask locals for your precise location. You can get free advice and information about the road conditions from the locals because they know the area. As a backup plan, bring along some inexpensive writing supplies like books or ballpoint pens to provide to your helpers.

Never go without additional water and fuel. A couple of empty 2-liter Coke bottles will do. You can find them just about anywhere; they’re sturdy, manageable, and compact. Two liters of water per person is required, in addition to twenty liters of additional fuel. Leave it in your car and go on with your day. It is unnecessary if your car has a huge gasoline tank and can go 700 km on a single tank. At each gas station, fill up your tank.

If your vehicle becomes stuck in the sand, release some air from the tires to increase their traction. You won’t require high tyre pressure when driving on sand.

Make a detailed plan, share it with loved ones, and then follow it religiously. If you need to make a modification, let them know right away through Internet, satellite phone, or text message how and when you want to alter the schedule. Schedule dedicated times to get in touch with them. In that case, they are obligated to inform the proper authorities.

Some places are not meant to be driven alone. You should not gamble with this. It is recommended that you get advice prior to your journey if you are uncertain about a certain route. Talk to those who have been there and done that. If you really must visit that region, make your way to the very last “civilization” point and inquire with the natives there. If you can, try to hold off on entering the location until you can get in with another group or vehicle.

Do not exit the vehicle in the event of a breakdown; people are more easily spotted by vehicles than by people. If you are compelled to depart, ensure that you document your status and strategy in a thorough and detailed manner. Provide all relevant information. Put it somewhere anyone can see it, like the dashboard or seat. If you must send someone on a scout, make sure to leave someone by the car and stick to your word about where the scout is supposed to go.

Maintaining a fire is an absolute must; always have enough of damp branches or leaves on hand to provide fuel. No matter how far away you are, smoke will always be noticeable. A someone will be dispatched to investigate after seeing it from a distance; everyone is afraid about wildfires in the veld. Make a lot of thick, black smoke by burning the spare tire after you’ve deflated it.

There is a minimum of twenty liters of water in your vehicle’s engine and under the hood. You can use that to your advantage if you prepare ahead.

Always use caution when venturing outdoors at night; cold kills more people than heat. Even in the middle of summer, the early morning hours can be quite chilly, so don’t let your thick jacket or sweater go even as the weather gets warmer. When the weather gets hot, get out of the car and sit under a nearby rock or tree. If you’re going to be out in the sun without a hat, at least keep an open magazine perched atop your head. Since the brain is located in the skull, it is important to protect it by wrapping a towel or other piece of material around it while you sleep.

Take a look at the bugs and animals. The majority of them require water on a daily basis, and watching them, particularly at sunset and the first three hours following sunrise, can tell you just where to find it. If you are unsure of how to extract water from a beverage, you can use a moist cloth to dab your cheeks. Do a full body wipe after 15 minutes if you do not notice any discomfort or rash. Lots of water will evaporate from your skin. More than that, you can soak your clothes or even roll about in the liquid.

Stay away from alcoholic beverages. A lot of fluid loss will occur as a result of this. Instead, let the alcohol evaporate by heating the liquids, and then consume them. You can go to the extreme measure of leaving the container open for a couple of hours. Never go more than half full in your bladder; urinate only when absolutely necessary. Your body will not become dehydrated as rapidly if you do this.

You should always have a tiny, hard stone on hand. The saliva production by the glands will alleviate the dry mouth symptoms. This is a good technique to trick your thirst.

Succulents, which are native to the desert, are characterized by their thick, wet leaves. Learn what animals eat by observing them. Before you indulge in any chewing, test a small amount of the plant on your cheeks and wait fifteen minutes. Look for any signs of pain or a rash. Chew on a small amount if there isn’t any. Wait another fifteen minutes and then spit it out, not swallowing it. Be patient if you feel pain in your mouth. If there aren’t any, bite into the plant thoroughly and swallow it; then, wait fifteen minutes before the remainder of the party can do the same.

Clean cuts, scrapes, and bruises with urine because it is an effective antiseptic.

At the crack of dawn and after dark, honk your horn or use your car’s hooter. The dogs will be able to hear it from kilometers away since sound travels at a high velocity. The natives will show up to look into it. Hold the hooter or horn for approximately ten seconds and then wait a minute. To the tune of twenty times.

Listen to the radio on any channel you can locate. Despite the low power consumption, maintaining communication with the outside world through the radio is sure to lift your spirits. Take a deep breath and regroup. Collaborate with your companions and have frequent conversations. Pray if everything else fails.

Left & Right Roadside Driving in African Countries

• Algeria drives on the right
• Angola drives on the right
• Benin drives on the right
• Botswana drives on the left
• Burkina Faso drives on the right
• Burundi drives on the right
• Cameroon drives on the right
• Cape Verde drives on the right
• Central African Republic drives on the right
• Chad drives on the right
• Comoros drives on the right
• Congo, Democratic Republic of drives on the right
• Congo, People’s Republic of drives on the right
• Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) drives on the right
• Djibouti drives on the right
• Egypt drives on the right
• Equatorial Guinea drives on the right
• Eritrea drives on the right
• Ethiopia drives on the right
• Gabon (Gabonese Republic) drives on the right
• Gambia drives on the right
• Ghana drives on the right
• Guinea drives on the right
• Guinea-Bissau drives on the right
• Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) drives on the right
• Kenya drives on the left
• Lesotho drives on the left
• Liberia drives on the right
• Libya drives on the right
• Madagascar drives on the right
• Malawi drives on the left
• Mali drives on the right
• Mauritania drives on the right
• Morocco drives on the right
• Mozambique drives on the left
• Namibia drives on the left
• Niger drives on the right
• Nigeria drives on the right
• Réunion drives on the right
• Rwanda drives on the right
• São Tomé and Príncipe drives on the right
• Senegal drives on the right
• Sierra Leone drives on the right
• Somalia drives on the right
• Somaliland drives on the right
• South Africa drives on the left
• South Sudan drives on the right
• Sudan drives on the right
• Swaziland drives on the left
• Tanzania drives on the left
• Togo drives on the right
• Tunisia drives on the right
• Uganda drives on the left
• Western Sahara drives on the right
• Zambia drives on the left
• Zimbabwe drives on the left