Hello to all,

I have a question about overlanding Africa: can it be done on a 2wd...i have a 1990 BMW in immaculate condition, with fat tyres and soon to have bash plate and possible bigger suspension for extra ground clearance...what ya think...i propose to go down the west side then possibly shooting across to Kenya then down to Cape town..would it be easier East side?

Is it true that getting across the sahara is the most tricky? Im thinking magor roads as much as possible for damage limitation...

Carnets!!!bloody things..is it based on the worth of the vehicle or how much you paid for it?

Is there anyway of getting your Carnet bond back if you dont bring back the Carnet? Does anyone know anything about purchasing a fake one?

Much obliged for any feedback...

Hello Person without a Name but with a preference for double postings

it is possible to drive from Europe to South Africa by 2wd. It is no Problem to go to West Africa by “normal car”. If you take the atlantic route crossing the sahara is no problem at all.
These chaps startet in Gambia http://overland.naomba.com/, it is remarkable that they used a Datsun, I do not think it was a good idea. In my opinion using a BMW I not a good idea either.
Because it is not really the question if something is going to break, it is only the question if you are going to be able to fix and find spare parts for it.
Therfore I would opt for a car that a available locally. What is “always” available in North, East and West Africa ist Toyota and Mercedes Parts, I do not not about the situation in the countries between West Africa and Sout Africa.

Besides I recommend to by some decent maps and some book (e.g. Chris Scotts “sahara overland”) and read a bit in this forum an the sub saharan forum because after that you will probably not write “.i propose to go down the west side then possibly shooting across to Kenya”. In short it is not realy easy to travel from west to east Africa, I know of 2wd ( Citroen 2 CV etc.) driving through Chad and Sudan or Kongo, but it is not easy.

Greetings
Hans

Thanks Han for the wise words, i have checked out the website you mentioned and its truly incredible what they did and how they did it..food for thought..i take the advice and will be putting into the vague plan...thanks again..its Adam and yes im new to this forum stuff..i think i got 4 on this somewhere...