Ireland to Cape Town

[BlackTarPirate]

Hello all.
I posted some question on the 4x4 page as my trip involves a 7.5tonne truck.
But some of the questions I hope I might be able to find some answers here.
As the 4x4 has gone quiet compared to when I was last on here 10 years ago!
So, we are planning to Drive from Ireland to Tankwa National Park next year. It was supposed to be this year but to some of the teams' personal lives, we have had to delay for a year. Which gives more time for prep and less pressure. Even though we are itching to go. There are 8 in total travelling in the truck with a couple of us having overland experience being in our 40's but a lot of the crew this will be their 1st time on the road. Let alone an overland expedition. Should turn out quite interesting! I would be one of the older lunatics of the crew.
It started out as an adventure for a group of friends but has now manifested into a possible documentary following the team down. Some are musicians so we will be throwing small gigs along the way for the locals as well. The plan is to do it in 11-12 weeks as that is the time most can take out o their lives. But a couple of us will stay on the road and decide where to go next when with a smaller crew.

The main Questions I have are regarding routes and borders, surprise surprise.

So, I have already done holland to Senegal but that was 18 years ago. That would be the level of my knowledge of the intended route.
Would you advise getting a carnet de passage or not. I have been getting mixed messages on the value of this. What would be your good people's recommendations?

How are the borders down the west coast? Are there any problematic ones at the moment or ones you would not recommend our size vehicle to try?
We are not looking to go off-piste much as our vehicle is only a rear wheel drive and we shall have a trailer on the back carrying generator and sound equipment. Would there any areas we would really want to avoid?

Well, that's it I think as the moment. I look forward to whatever knowledge people share.
Thanks in advance
BTP

[brian p]

As far as i know a lot of countries in Africa require a Carnet but i could be wrong.Looking at a lot of blogs they seem to stick to western routes,possibly more roads along with less bureaucracy as opposed the east.Hope it all goes well for you,that ship is gonna cost you on diesel lol