Member Since: 16 Aug 2005
Location: Warwickshire
Posts: 4506
Help needed for Summer expedition - Overland in Africa
I've a family friend planning an expedition to South Africa in the forthcoming summer months who is looking for help regarding vehicle choices and equipment - I've tried to help so far but wondered if anybody here could assist further?
His plan is to "drive from Cape Town up through SA to Mozambique to Malawi then on to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia – before back down the east coast of SA."
He's got around £5-10k to spend on a vehicle which he wants to buy when he gets there. For that budget I've recommended a Defender 110.
Is there anybody on here local to Cape Town who's e-mail address etc. I could pass on to him as he is looking for advice regarding purchasing a vehicle in CT.
Further, has anybody got an expedition kit list or a resource of that kind which I could pass on to him?
Finally, he's interested in this particular vehicle below but would appreciate any feedback on whether or not it looks up to the job (obviously mechanics cannot be evaluated online but a rough outline..)
Any help will be much appreciated, thanks.2007 Porsche Boxster (987) 2.7
2008 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE G4 Challenge (1 of 68)
2023 Defender 90 D250 X-Dynamic HSE
22nd Jun 2008 10:20 pm
Jonty
Member Since: 13 Oct 2007
Location: On the beach
Posts: 417
I'll probably get flamed for saying this, but for that money i'd recommend a good 70-series Landcruiser (may even get an 80) over a Defender......
23rd Jun 2008 12:40 am
CY
Member Since: 16 Aug 2005
Location: Warwickshire
Posts: 4506
Is there anybody in Cape Town who would be happy to be put in to contact with Matt?
He's simply looking for advice over buying the vehicle there.
They are also the manufacturers of off-road trailers and could possible let you have a fully kitted out unit for short term rental. He is familiar with most SA routes & has done a 4x4 trip London - Cape Town.
Member Since: 23 Feb 2007
Location: Cape Town
Posts: 246
CY's friend
The route descibed can be travelled on major tarred/ gravel roads with very little required in terms of offroading capability or skills.
The actual route and excursions, the number of persons and level of comfort required will determine the vehicle of choice. How many persons (how much loading space). Do you want to tow? What type of accommodation is planned? Camping, lodges or both? (Hewitt sells trailers and loading systems).
Many possibilities exist to rent vehicles in SA. If you buy, consider decent 4x4 insurance cover including for medical emergency, recovery and extraction of the injured. At the budget level, a Defender 110 will serve the purpose. A reliable fully outfitted Defender/ double cab truck (bakkie in SA) may be hard to find in the stated budget range. What is the asking price of the advertised Defender?
Your friend may have to to consider the level of the expedition and his requirements first.
There are many books with kit lists and many good overlanding sites: see http://www.overland.co.za/ for example.
13th Jul 2008 12:29 pm
10forcash
Member Since: 09 Jun 2005
Location: Ubique
Posts: 16534
Jonty wrote:
I'll probably get flamed for saying this, but for that money i'd recommend a good 70-series Landcruiser (may even get an 80) over a Defender......
I'd agree with that - more comfortable over those sort of distances too
13th Jul 2008 2:23 pm
AP Moller
Member Since: 23 Feb 2007
Location: Cape Town
Posts: 246
or he can upgrade his budget or rent a D3 for a proper experience.
No flames 10forcash, but not even a penny for your thoughts.
13th Jul 2008 6:14 pm
10forcash
Member Since: 09 Jun 2005
Location: Ubique
Posts: 16534
AP Moller wrote:
or he can upgrade his budget or rent a D3 for a proper experience.
Yup i'd agee with that - a trip i'd like to do myself one day 8)
13th Jul 2008 7:54 pm
AP Moller
Member Since: 23 Feb 2007
Location: Cape Town
Posts: 246
10forcash wrote:
a trip i'd like to do myself one day
Only a continent away 8)
Doing Moz in 2009
13th Jul 2008 8:34 pm
DiscoStu
Member Since: 09 Apr 2006
Location: London
Posts: 11412
Member Since: 16 Aug 2005
Location: Warwickshire
Posts: 4506
Just in case anyone is interested, this is what Matt ended up with:
Matt on his blog wrote:
After registration we are now the proud owners of a Land Rover Defender 110 - it’s green and fully kitted for over landing. In case you are wondering what that means, it hass long range fuel tanks (120 litres), dual battery system, ARB Bull bars, Old Man Emu suspension with double shocks at the rear, 40 litre water tank, roof rack, roof tent, roof mounted spare fuel can holders, outback drawer system, 2 spare wheels, high lift jack, engine mounted compressor, a fridge / freezer and most importantly 2 ladders so we can climb onto the roof rack. It also has a spade - don’t know whether it’s for the Landy, or for digging a bush toilet! There is also no lipstick mirror on the passenger side sun visor marking it truly as a man’s vehicle.
Since driving it I have noticed that I automatically have right of way over pedestrians, other vehicles and that people don’t cut me up. I have also automatically joined the unofficial ‘Landy owners club’ as every other Landy owner now lifts their hand off the steering wheel in acknowledgement.
He's keeping a travel blog and appears to be having a super time 2007 Porsche Boxster (987) 2.7
2008 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE G4 Challenge (1 of 68)
2023 Defender 90 D250 X-Dynamic HSE
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