Posts by Hdj

Hi there, We rented a Hilux with a bushcamper-style habitation cell from Africamper in May 2023. The vehicle had 100,000 km on the clock and was perfectly maintained. We didn’t run into any issues during the 5,000 km we covered in one month across Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. The same can’t be said for the habitation cell, which was really worn out. We picked up the Hilux in Windhoek and dropped it off in Jo’burg. Reliable rental companies include Asco, Bushlore, and Savanna, but they’re more expensive than Africamper.

We weren’t talking about the same thing. The navigation app is no longer available. All that’s left at T4A is the guide. It’s a map (like a paper map), and the app shows your position on it. It’s definitely not a navigation app that gives you directions, distance, or arrival time. I have this guide—it can be useful, but it’s not very practical. Also, check the Play Store reviews—they’re not exactly glowing. To each their own, I guess! !

The app is no longer available.

As far as I know, there’s no T4A app for Android. It did exist but was abandoned. T4A is only compatible with Garmin GPS devices. That’s why OsmAnd for Android is recommended. Gotta give it a try! !

OSMand: you can download up to 6 maps for free. It works offline.

Bushlore is very well rated. But for October 2025, there won’t be much left !

Same as RJulie. When requesting a refund due to a modification or cancellation, SanParks responds relatively quickly, and refunds are always processed within 3 weeks. Why contact them?

Hi, Crossed via PontDrift in May 2023 to avoid Beitbridge. Really nice track, almost no one around, and trucks aren’t allowed at the border. The formalities are super quick, and the customs officers were happy to see foreigners. It’s definitely a detour, but it’s worth it.

It’ll be winter. It’s going to be really cold and damp. So the mountain trails will be snowy or icy and slippery. In my opinion, you’ll need a 4x4 to get over the 2,800 m pass (if it’s open at that time of year) !

Hi there, In 2018, we did a tour of Southern Africa in our Ford Ranger equipped with a camper cell. We arrived by container in Walvis Bay, then traveled through South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, and returned by container from Walvis Bay. The trip lasted 5 months. We had a Carnet de Passage issued by the Automobile Club de France, with a guaranteed deposit of 25% of the vehicle's value (the amount is declarative). We only presented the CPD upon arrival in Namibia and at the first border crossing. Due to the Southern African Development Community (Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, etc.), there was no need to present and stamp the carnet at every border crossing. Just having the exit stamp from the last country was enough to recover the deposit. We didn’t encounter any problems. Best regards

This brings back great memories of our 2016 trip—5 months in Southern Africa with our Ford Ranger and its camper shell. We fell in love with these regions a bit off the tourist trail: Cederberg, Cradock, Mountain Zebra NP, Graaff-Reinet, Nieu Bethesda, and more... Can’t wait to go back!

Thanks for your feedback.

Ah Shindzela... In 2016, we spent 2 amazing nights there. The ranger was really knowledgeable, and the vibe was super friendly.

We’re planning to go back in June 2025. Is it really different now?

A small clarification, though: German and South African forums advise against entering Kruger via the Numbi Gate. Is this sensible advice or just paranoia following the murder of a German tourist in 2022?

I did it last year. There’s indeed a stretch of 30 to 50 km with potholes, but even driving slowly, it’s faster than taking the N1 to Polokwane.

Thanks Michel, That does sound good, but I’m straying from my route via Lephalale, Marken, Baltimore, and Alldays. I should’ve mentioned in my question that it could be either camping or a lodge. For now, the only accommodation I’ve found is near Marken (Ehlathini Lodge), but we’ve already stayed there and wanted to try somewhere new—especially since it seems the service has gone downhill. And the meals weren’t great to begin with.

I keep seeing issues with booking in Kruger—is it too late if I book mid-to-late November? 🙂

Hi there, We’re heading out around the same time for a month, including 20 days in Kruger. Bookings are getting tough for that period, especially in the bush camps and popular spots like Lower Sabie. In my opinion, you shouldn’t wait too long to reserve.

While I’m at it—does anyone know a good place to stay overnight halfway between Marakele and Mapunggubwe?

Thanks in advance

Hello, I agree with Michel 85200—one night in a private reserve is exceptional. Shindzela is still affordable, and you can see lots of animals off-road. We’re heading back to northern South Africa in June 2025. We’ll spend 20 days in Kruger, including 2 nights again at Shindzela. Best regards

Hi there, Regarding our trip along the Zambezi: organized by Caprivi Houseboat Safari in Katima Mulilo, where we first spent a night at the lodge. Our cruise on the Zambezi started at 2 p.m. and ended the next day at noon back at the lodge. A lodge staff member acted as pilot, guide, and cook. We had dinner on the Namibian bank downstream from Katima (absolutely stunning).

We saw lots of birds (including terns and kingfishers) and a few fishermen, as well as women doing laundry. This 24-hour cruise felt like enough, especially since it was, if I remember correctly, quite expensive (we were the only ones on the boat). I don’t have the exact price because we were traveling for 5 months in our pickup with a camper shell, doing a big loop around Southern Africa. We hadn’t booked anything in advance except for Kruger, KTP, and Botswana. We’d entrusted our bookings in Botswana and for the Caprivi Houseboat to an agency in Kasane, Africa Coeur Safaris (highly recommendable). The quote was all-inclusive.

It’s one of our best memories from that trip.

Have a great day.