I'm considering doing a round trip of Africa, starting in Morocco, then following the west coast down to the south, and finally heading back up along the east coast.
However, I have some big questions about the route:
From what I've gathered after a lot of research, the road seems quite doable without a 4x4 as far as Senegal, or even Benin?
It's between Benin and Namibia that it would get really tough, and I'd either need a 4x4 or to ship my vehicle if I'm in a converted H2L2 van (not 4x4)?
Could someone clarify this for me?
Otherwise, it seems like Southern, Northern, and Eastern Africa are accessible without a 4x4?
As for the vehicle, if a 4x4 is essential, I'm torn between:
Kangoo 4x4
Lada Niva 4x4
standard C15
C15 4x4
Renault Trafic 4x4 (H2L2, so still quite large)
or a Subaru Libero 4x4
Or would it even be possible with a simple Twingo? ^
But is that enough, or do I absolutely need a 4x4 like a Toyota, Land Rover, or something similar?
Those are my current questions! If anyone has some answers, that would be amazing!
Hello.
As far as I know, you don’t need a 4x4 to get to Benin or even Cameroon.
I’ve done it three times back in the 70s with just a Peugeot 404 and 504... The "road network" included dirt tracks (back then, we went through Algeria, Mali, and Niger... but we managed with simple sand recovery plates and a bit of mechanical know-how). Through Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal, it’s doable without any issues—except for the police hassles, which you’ll find everywhere in West Africa anyway.
More than whether it’s feasible with a regular car, I’d first question the security risks in certain countries. In Nigeria, I feared for my life multiple times, and I don’t think things have improved since... What about Angola? Liberia? Sierra Leone? Some parts of Guinea?
From Gabon onward, I’m not sure—a 4x4 would definitely be useful, in my opinion, as well as for Congo and Angola...
Also, check whether some countries require a customs clearance certificate. Back then, Nigeria did.
Nothing’s impossible, but weigh the costs and risks carefully!
Travel up the East Coast? It all depends on how far north you want to go... The northern part of East Africa is a bit complicated, even impossible.
For West Africa, if you stick to the main routes and avoid certain countries like Guinea-Bissau, you can get around in a non-4x4 vehicle. The trickiest part might be Guinea, with some pretty rough roads, but they’re still doable even without a 4x4.
The Twingo doesn’t seem like the most suitable vehicle, but other travelers have recently done West Africa in a 4L, so...
That said, if you want to take the time to explore the countries and venture off the main routes a bit, a raised vehicle is preferable for tackling some tracks and seeing the most beautiful spots.
A 4x4 really isn’t mandatory. Many travelers do this route in converted or non-converted vehicles that aren’t 4x4s. It all depends on the season you’ll be in certain countries, though. For example, near Nigeria and Cameroon, crossing borders during the rainy season is more than unpredictable without a 4x4.
Be sure to plan ahead for the DRC, as visas can be complicated, I believe...
Will you be using your vehicle just for getting around, or also as a "base camp" with camping, self-sufficiency, etc.?
If you have any other specific questions, don’t hesitate!
Angola, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea: countries that currently don’t pose any particular problems for crossing if you follow a few simple safety rules, as you would anywhere (don’t drive at night, if you’re camping, let the nearest village know, stay calm and smile in all situations, ...)
Go up the East coast?? It all depends on how far north you want to go... The northern part of East Africa is a bit complicated, even impossible.
From South Africa to Kenya (Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya), it should be doable (regarding border crossings, visas, etc.). Beyond that, in my opinion, it's not possible...
Entering war-torn Sudan? Ethiopia? Somalia? Even crossing Egypt has become complicated. You need to be escorted by the police!
Going up the East coast?? It all depends on how far north you want to go... The northern part of East Africa is a bit complicated, even impossible.
From South Africa to Kenya (Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya), it should be possible (regarding border crossings, visas, etc.). Beyond that, in my opinion, it's not possible...
Entering war-torn Sudan? Ethiopia? Somalia? Even crossing Egypt has become complicated. You have to be escorted by the police!
For anyone who knows Africa even a little, it's "wise" to check with the French embassy about the basic precautions to take for "each" country you cross! Even Côte d'Ivoire isn't very safe (frequent roadblocks, armed groups, thieves)
I know what I’m talking about—I got mugged in Abidjan! (Houphouet Boigny Bridge) Luckily, I was fast back then; the guy with me wasn’t so lucky and took a knife to the stomach... fortunately, he made it out alive without his money or papers...
Reported the assault to the police. The cops’ response: "You should’ve killed one!"
For a little over two years now, I’ve been following Overlanders who travel along the West African coast to head further south in Africa. So far, I haven’t heard of any crew that’s had issues related to insecurity in the sub-region (avoiding certain countries like Burkina or Mali). That doesn’t mean there aren’t any security problems—especially in big cities and nearby areas—but it’s possible to travel safely by following a few simple rules I mentioned in another post above.
I know a thing or two about this—it was in Abidjan that I got mugged! (Pont Houphouët-Boigny) Luckily, I could run fast back then; the guy with me wasn’t so lucky and took a knife to the stomach... fortunately, he made it out alive, minus his money and papers...
Reported the assault to the police. The cops’ response: "You should’ve killed one!"
I’m stunned, Djalma!! You really need to write your memoirs one day 😄
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
LOL! And it wouldn’t have been the "lenient" Ivorian judges who would’ve thrown you in prison for aggressive and racist behavior! When I was there (in Abidjan in the '90s), a more experienced friend (due to his time in the country) told me that for 20 to 30 euros (in CFA francs), you could easily find someone in the market ready to kill anyone!
Yes, Abidjan had its dangers. Some areas were best avoided, like Treichville, especially in the evening.
I stayed in the working-class neighborhood of Adjamé, and I really have great memories of it. The locals were surprised to see a white guy and would come visit me—some even gave me gifts!
I wouldn’t have been mugged if I hadn’t followed a white guy who lived in Abidjan. We were supposed to take a taxi to his place, but when we couldn’t find one, he decided to walk there, insisting I stay on guard. He’d barely finished his sentence when we got jumped by a group of thugs.
I’m writing from Angola, and I can confirm there aren’t any major security issues here.
People tend to help foreigners.
Just use common sense, stay polite and respectful.
Don’t camp in the same spot for a week straight...
Don’t flash wads of cash when exchanging money... etc...
Quickly addressing the "car" question—not the security ones. Back in 2011, I was living in Angola and hosted Couchsurfers who’d made the trip down the West Coast in a J5 4x4.
They’d needed to lift it for a few sections in the Gulf of Guinea countries.
And they’d been towed a couple of times.
So at the time, a 4x4 could make it if you stuck to the most used roads and tracks.
Everyone else I met was in a 4x4.
Personally, I use a Land Cruiser Prado (KDJ95 then KDJ120): it’s high, it’s 4x4, it’s reliable, it’s comfortable, and there are Toyota dealers everywhere.
Still, the most common vehicle in Southern Africa is the Toyota HiLux.
For a budget-friendly option, the Duster can be a good choice:
they’re starting to pop up all over Africa.
It’s great for spare parts, repairs, it’s not too expensive to run, and it’s lightweight.
One question remains:
If you’re driving down in a Twingo, where do you plan to sleep/eat?
Are you planning to "live" in your car, or stay in hotels/restaurants?
And in terms of vehicle, if a 4x4 is essential, I'm hesitating between:
Kangoo 4x4
Lada Niva 4x4
standard C15
C15 4x4
Renault Trafic 4x4 (H2L2 so still quite large)
or a Subaru Libero 4x4
Or would it be possible with a simple Twingo? ^
But is that enough, or do you absolutely need a 4x4 like a Toyota, Land Rover, or something similar?
Hi,
A proper 4x4 like a Land Cruiser or Land Rover is highly recommended for long distances to get out of unexpected situations quickly. It's not about roads being in good condition—it's about handling all kinds of unforeseen events.
I think it's great to dream about amazing travel projects—the more ambitious, the more likely it is to stay just a dream... And that's fine, because it's nice to escape for a bit!
I'm pretty sure this person has no intention of actually making this trip.
New account, a woman who forgets to use feminine agreement, lots of online research but some odd questions...
Almost no connections... They don’t even seem curious about discovering the answers to their own questions... Probably too caught up in their research....F925
Too bad—I would’ve loved to follow a bright pink Twingo with a unicorn drawn on one door and Barbie on the other... Driver in high heels and a bikini at the wheel...
The trip would’ve been self-funded through social media....F602
Qui écoute trop la météo, passe sa vie au bistrot !
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Russia and Mongolia, starting from France.
Crossing the border at Poland/Belarus or Georgia/Russia—other borders seem either closed or complicated.
Tourist visas for 3 months with multiple entries.
Do you have any info on Russian companies that cover a 4x4 vehicle for 3 months, and what prices in rubles or euros you’ve paid?
Which bank did you use for expenses? (EuroMastercard and Visa cards no longer work.)
Regarding Russian SIM cards, a new system called "Gosuslugi" has been introduced. How long did it take you to get one, and what steps did you follow?
Hi,
we’re planning to visit a park again.
Could you point us toward the camps in Gonarezhou Park?
>We’re traveling completely self-sufficiently.
We love wildlife.
Thanks for any tips you can share!
JP
Hi there, we’ll be in Mozambique in early December 2026 and we’d like to travel from Vilanculos to Beira by car or bus to reach Beira airport. After that, we’re planning to visit Gorongosa National Park before flying back to France from Beira. From what we’ve heard, the road to Beira is tricky, especially at this time of year (start of the rainy season). Could anyone share their thoughts or suggest a solution? Thanks so much for your help!
Anne
Hi there,
I’m heading to Lesotho in a few days and I’m struggling to find info on the best route between Katse Dam and Sehlathebe National Park. There’s a fairly "direct" route from Thaba Tseka, but the roads seem rough, and we’re not exactly 4x4 pros. Anyone have any tips to share? Thanks!
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Mozambique in October and are looking for either a 4x4 or 4x2 rental in Maputo, or a driver transfer option to reach:
- Ponta Do Ouro
- Tofo
- Vilankulos
The idea is to be self-sufficient for sightseeing and stops while still being able to access certain lodges or beaches that require a 4x2.
Do you have any contacts, addresses, or ideas to share?
Thanks in advance,
Hello,
We're hitting the road again in 2027 to discover new countries and cultures.
Could anyone give me some tips on driving from Ulaanbaatar to Lake Baikal and the route to take?
Thanks, and safe travels to those who are setting off!
We’re planning a 4x4 trip from Belgium to Central Asia, passing through Georgia, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
For these countries, our national insurance obviously doesn’t cover the vehicle, so we’ll need to get local insurance.
Will it be a problem if the vehicle is registered under person A and the national insurance is under person B? Both A and B will be in the vehicle, and both will be listed as drivers on the insurance.
When we get the local insurance, if we again list A and B as drivers, does the order matter? Could we get stuck at the border for this reason?
Hi,
For those who’ve driven on Iceland’s gravel roads in their own or a rented Duster, could you tell me what tires were fitted on the vehicle?
Were they All Terrain tires or more "standard" ones like all-season tires, for example?
Follow-up question: if they were "standard" tires, did that cause any issues on the gravel roads and rough terrain?
Thanks so much for any info you can share.
Best,
Marc
Hi there,
I'm planning a 4x4 road trip from Darwin to Broome with a rooftop tent in July 2026.
I'd like to know if I need to book overnight stops in advance or if I can just wing it and stop wherever I feel like it?
Some evenings, we'd like to stop and make use of campsite facilities (restaurant, shop, showers, toilets).
What do you recommend?
Do I need a permit?
My rough itinerary looks like this:
Darwin - Kakadu
Kakadu - Nitmiluk
Nitmiluk - Kununurra
Kununurra - Purnululu
Purnululu - El Questro
El Questro - Mt Elizabeth - Bell Gorge - Broome
I’m planning a trip to Iceland for next July-August, with a car and tent, and I’m wondering about booking campsites.
From your experience, is it necessary or even essential to book campsites in advance, or do you always manage to find a spot to pitch your tent?
We’ll also have the option to sleep in the car without pitching the tent.
Does that give us the flexibility to stay outside a campsite for a night here and there?
Hi,
I’m planning a road trip in the Middle Atlas, starting and ending in Fez and heading down to the south of Midelt, the Assoul Massif.... We’ll be traveling with two small 4x4s.
I’m looking for detailed maps of this region that include small roads and tracks.
Last year, we had a fantastic road trip in the Anti-Atlas and High Atlas using Erfahren maps, but unfortunately, they don’t cover the area we’re interested in this year.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Dominique
We’re planning a 13-day family road trip in Morocco this July, with six people in a Toyota Prado 4x4 (renting in Marrakech).
We’ll alternate between bivouacking and small hotels/riads depending on the stops.
Here’s the planned route (in this order):
Marrakech
→ Ouarzazate
→ Draa Valley
→ Zagora
→ Erg Chegaga
→ Lake Iriki
→ Foum Zguid
→ Tata
→ Tafraoute
→ Aït Mansour
→ Tiznit
→ Mirleft
→ Taroudant
→ Back to Marrakech
Our goal:
Atlas Mountains + desert + dunes + plateaus + valleys + a bit of coastline.
We’ll cover about 1,700 km in total.
We’re planning:
Bivouacking in the Chegaga/Iriki area
Flexible for the rest (booking the day before or same day)
Sand gear: traction plates, compressor, tow strap, roof rack
Questions:
Is the Zagora → Chegaga → Iriki → Foum Zguid crossing in July doable on our own (single vehicle, no guide)?
Are there any truly technical or risky sections between Chegaga and Iriki?
Does the overall itinerary seem manageable in 13 days without rushing?
Any suggestions for great bivouac spots or particularly interesting stops along this route?
The points on the route are provisional overnight stops. Some spots will include two nights in the same area.
We’re used to off-road driving, but not yet in the Moroccan desert.
Thanks in advance for your feedback and tips! 😊
Good evening
I could use some advice 🙂
Our trip to Namibia is planned for June/July 2026.
We’re struggling a bit with timing and choosing activities for the part of the trip between Sesriem and Brandberg.
Day 1: Sesriem to Mirabib
Day 2: Mirabib to Swakopmund – visit Swakopmund, overnight in Swakopmund
Day 3: Sandwich Harbour – overnight in Swakopmund
Day 4: Kayaking with the seals + the living dunes – overnight in Swakopmund
Day 5: Moon Landscape, Henties Bay + Cape Cross – overnight at White Lady Lodge in Brandberg
Does this itinerary seem realistic to you? Is Cape Cross really worth the trip? If I had to choose between Cape Cross and kayaking with the seals, which would you recommend?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hélix
My son and I are heading to Georgia this summer to explore the High Caucasus (Svaneti, Kazbek, and Tusheti regions). For this, we’re planning to rent a 4x4.
However, the rental agencies we’ve found prohibit driving on the tracks to Omalo (Tusheti) and/or Ushguli (Svaneti).
Do you know of any agencies in Tbilisi (local and reliable) that allow rented 4x4s to drive on these tracks? If so, which ones?
Hi everyone,
I’m starting to plan an itinerary for September 2027 focused on Zimbabwe and Zambia. I’d love to visit Gonarezhou National Park—I see there are two sectors: the Mwenezi Region in the south and the area around the Runde River in the north. Should I cover both sectors or just focus on the northern region?
For the parks along the Zambezi River, is it better to visit Mana Pools on the Zimbabwe side or Lower Zambezi on the Zambia side?
Thanks in advance for any tips on the parks in these two countries.
Have a great day, everyone.
We’re spending 18 days in New Zealand from 05/04 to 05/21, arriving in QUEENSTOWN and leaving from AUCKLAND.
Any ideas for a road trip that covers the highlights of both islands but only changes hotels every 3–4 nights?
Thanks.
For our trip to Georgia in July, I’d like to rent a 4x4 starting from Tbilisi.
Do you have any rental companies to recommend?
The traditional rentals like Hertz, Avis, etc. seem way overpriced compared to local companies—what do you think? Are they properly insured?
Has anyone here tried Geo Rent Car, Auto 4 Rental, or Sur Price?
Also, I’m looking for info on the condition of the Ushguli–Lentekhi track—is it passable?
Hi everyone,
A well-prepped 4x4, a travel plan across Africa in stages since I’ve got kids to see regularly and work to earn a living.
I’m leaving in November for about a month with the goal of reaching Senegal via Mauritania. I’d love to share this trip with someone who wants to discover Mauritania and a bit of Senegal... and also experience life on board a 4x4 in the desert or bush, sometimes sleeping in the vehicle or in hostels/small hotels for comfort. I want to share this rediscovery because two’s better than one!
Just traveling, exploring, and living! !
I’m planning to explore Argentine and Chilean Patagonia for a month in December 2019.
I’m looking for a rental company (or several) that offers single-cab 4x4 pick-ups with a fitted camper cell for two people. I’m specifically after a vehicle with an indoor shower for extra comfort ;)
So, no vans—at least not from the rental companies I’ve seen so far.
While browsing the forum, I came across the Chilean rental company Holiday Rent. But do you have any recommendations for Argentine rentals?
Because, if I can’t return the vehicle in the same city as pickup, I’d prefer—and it’d likely be cheaper—to at least return it in the same country.
I’m traveling through Argentina and Chile (as well as Paraguay and Uruguay) with a 2019 Toyota Hilux Euro 6. Could anyone tell me if the local diesel is suitable for its engine, or if I need to take any special precautions (like adding an additive, for example) for these countries?
I’d also like to know if driving at high altitudes is possible, and up to what elevation—or if I should worry about the vehicle going into limp mode?
If that happens, what should I do?
Hi there,
Can you tell me if the road between Zagora and M'Gouna is easy or difficult for a 4x4? How much time and how many kilometers should I plan for? I’m traveling in May.
Thanks!
Hi there,
My trip to South Africa is starting to take shape.
However, I'm struggling to figure out the route through Kruger Park. I can't seem to find the information I need about getting around.
Coming from the south, I plan to arrive on Day 1 in the early afternoon at Malelane or Crocodile Bridge.
Do some shopping in Malelane (or Crocodile Bridge main area) and stay overnight outside the park.
Leave on Day 2 at 5 AM for the park. Explore the southern part of the park.
Stay overnight around Skukuza or Lower Sabie. (We don’t want to stay in one of the park’s big camps. We’re looking for a lodge around 200 €.
Head out on Day 3 for a self-drive safari, maybe as far as Orpen.
We’d like to stay in a private reserve on nights 4 and 5.
We’re not sure which one or how to get into a private reserve. Do we need to exit Kruger Park?
On Day 5, we’d like to leave to visit Blyde Canyon (on Day 6).
I’m planning to leave Morocco for the summer but want to leave my 4x4 there to avoid exceeding the famous 6-month limit. I’d like to park it in one of the two Spanish enclaves (Ceuta or Melilla).
Does anyone know of people or companies that handle long-term parking (preferably secure) in either place?
Once the car is parked, what’s the best way to get back to France using public transport?
Is the nearest airport Tanger from Ceuta?...
How do I get there easily, etc. etc.
hello! I’d like to go to Kazakhstan and rent a fitted 4x4 locally so I can drive off-road trails and sleep inside the vehicle... could anyone share some local rental company addresses, please? Thanks! !
I'm about to rent a self-drive 4x4 in Mongolia. Has anyone heard of GOBI.RENT?
Otherwise, do you have any tips for checking this company since there's no info on their website (e.g., registration number on the RCS)?
I’m finalizing my trip starting from Namibia.
When I arrive in Divundu, I’d like to head straight to the Khwai area early in the morning to one of the campsites in the Khwai Development Trust. Is the drive doable with a good 4x4 in a day?
We’ll spend 2 nights in Khwai, then 2 or maybe 3 nights in the Moremi area (Third Bridge/Xakanaxa/Mboma) before heading back to Maun to wrap up our journey.
Is that too much time to spend in each place?
We’d also like to do one or two boat excursions in the delta. Any suggestions for the best options and operators?
Thanks in advance for your tips and advice!
Best,
Patrick
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to explore the western part of Madagascar from May 1st to 5th, specifically to visit the Tsingy. I’ve heard different versions about the road conditions and access to the Tsingy during this time, so I’d love to hear from people who’ve actually made this trip during this time of year.
Have you traveled from Morondava → Tsingy between May 1st and 5th?
Was the journey doable and safe?
Did you have access to the Grands Tsingy, or just the Petits Tsingy?
Thanks so much for your feedback—it’ll really help me get a clearer picture! 😊
Also, if you have any recommendations for reliable and experienced driver-guides, I’d love to hear them.
Thanks again!
Hi!
Not easy to get out of there with a Twingo...😛
