Somerset to Cape Town - advice please!

[rbblends]

Hi all
I've recently come across HUBB as I am at the very beginning of planning a trip from my home in Somerset to Cape Town.
I've done some big road trips before but I've never been to Africa.
Any advice on the best route down (east vs west coast), timing (to avoid rainy seasons), useful resources, visas, camping rules and must-see's would be hugely appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Rupe

[Surfy]

Welcome @ Hubb! You will find a lot of useful stuff here at Hubb

Weather Planner:
https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hu...-planner-69535

Websites of all Travellers on the Transafrica over the west since 2010 (with a website):
Trans-Africa: Gerade Unterwegs...

I have done the transafrica over the west myself. But therefore I didnt the east side, I cant give you an advise which one is better.

Probably someone who did the roundtrip, can give you a better advice here.

Surfy

[baluchiman]

Originally Posted by Surfy

Welcome @ Hubb! You will find a lot of useful stuff here at Hubb

Weather Planner:
https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hu...-planner-69535

Websites of all Travellers on the Transafrica over the west since 2010 (with a website):
Trans-Africa: Gerade Unterwegs...

I have done the transafrica over the west myself. But therefore I didnt the east side, I cant give you an advise which one is better.

Probably someone who did the roundtrip, can give you a better advice here.

Surfy

Surfy, you really are a valuable asset to this forum. Thanks.

[TheWarden]

Chris Scotts sahara-overland.com for the northern part along with his books

Another vital read is Tom Sheppards Vehicle Dependent Expedition Guide

On the interwebs the Overlanding Association provide a great resource at https://overlandingassociation.org/ and their regional Facebook groups are by far the most useful up-to date source of information globally. There are 2 groups for Africa - Overlanding Africa (make sure its the Overlanding Association group and not the copy cat group with the same name) and their Overlanding West Africa and Morocco Group

These days more travellers are documenting their trips on social media rather than blogs

[Alanymarce]

Q: Best route down (east vs west coast)

A: By" down" I assume you mean south. Few have travelled both routes all the way. I know the western route in Central Africa and Southern Africa, although I haven't linked them, and know the eastern route from Kenya south, as well as Egypt. It's a question the answer to which depends on your interests and capabilities. People tend to consider the eastern route more interesting and easier, and I think that there are more "must sees" in Eastern Africa than in West and Central Africa, although it depends, as noted, on your interests.

Q: Timing (to avoid rainy seasons)

A: Look at www.climatestotravel.com for everywhere on your route - it's not possible to generalise. When we last travelled long-distance in Africa we avoided the deserts in summer, the south coast in winter, and tried (mostly successfully) to avoid the various wet seasons. You need to build a base case for your estimated travel rate and then adjust for the seasons.

Q: Useful resources

A: T4A, iOverlander, maps.me, www.4x4community.co.za; also look for blogs published by other travellers. Security questions are also addressed (albeit in a cautious form) by FCO.

Q: Visas

A: Depends on the passport(s) you hold - check for every country - the FCO Website is good for visa requirements, and if you search for "visa-free travel" on google you'll find a good reference in wikipedia.

Q: Camping rules

A: the answer is a wide range - Namibia, Botswana, RSA all have good campsites, Kenya and Tanzania also have good campsites although they are often more expensive. In Central Africa and North Africa you're on your own...

Q: "Must-sees"

A: depends on your interests - however the obvious list would probably include:

- the pyramids in Egypt, Maasai Mara or Serengeti in East Africa, Gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda (RSA is more of a security concern at present), Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe, Kruger NP, Okavango, Etosha, Sossusvlei, the Garden Route, the Congo River rapids...

[EWilliams62]

Since I believe you've received plenty of tips already, here are some interesting facts and recommendations about Cape Town and Somerset!

Triggerfish Brewery is a quirky and out-of-the-way location near the beach.

Bright Street features several lovely tiny restaurants, stores, and galleries, as well as Henry's, which is close for a wonderful supper.

The meal at Idiom Wine Estate is delicious, and the views are breathtaking!

The greatest coffee shop in town is Merkava Coffee Roasters and Coffee Shop.

Burgers with Fred and Max

The new Railway Market on the Grabouw side is amazing!

Brunch and lunch in pajamas and jam!