carnets for africa...what's the deal?
 

carnets for Africa
what's the deal-eo with carnets in Africa? I'm hearing conflicting reports about countries relaxing their regulations, etc. Is it absolutely neccesary to travel through Africa with a carnet? Can you get by without one?

Is there anybody out there who is either on the road in the Dark Continent or has just returned and can fill us in on the situation? we really don't want to go throught the hassles and costs of getting one, but also don't want to be screwed at every border.

We're starting from SA in early 2008, our 'planned' route thus far is SA, Lesotho, Swazi, Namib, Botswana, Zim, Zam, Mozam, Malawi, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco.

Thanks for the input.....T&T

Hey Todd & Christina
Are you the same Todd & Christina with the two XT 350s than went last year over my friend Oscar in Viedma ARG and talk few times with me by phone last year (2006)????
Yes, can’t be other possibility…..
We remember you very well
Isn’t nice see you here in this great community of TRAVELLERS!!!!

Algeria to Morocco .. NO. Border closed .. for many many years..

Check Chris Scotts site for ferry crossings .. or buy the book. Shara Overland. TRhink there is one from Tunisia.

Try the local libaray for lonley planets 'Africa on a shoestring' and more relivant 'Africa Overland' brant?

Think you'll need a canet for Egypt .. !

thanks Frank....we'll check into some of those border crossings. I've hear now that Egypt has its 'own' carnet for those trying to enter without one...any inside word on this?

Cheers,
T&T

Hi, im working my way through Africa. So far done SA, Malawi, Moz, Namibia, Losotho, Swaz and Zambia. All i can say is the more info and paperwork u have all the better. Yes it may cost u upfront but in reality what is that cost compared with the total trip and the pain in said bum, when u realy could have done with that paper. Thats me. all the best Brian B.:thumbup1:

cheers Brian...couple of questions. 1—do you have a carnet de passage?
2—in which countries/at which borders have they implicitly asked you for your carnet?
thanks bro...hope you're having a great time!

T&T

I just came back from a trip (July 2007), leaving SA going thru, Swaziland, Mozambique & to Malawi.

I didnt need a Carnet for any of those countries. Hope this info helps.

I also had absolutly no problems at all, with respect to getting through each border.

Hi, ive used and needed my carnet de passage getting my bike out of Australia to South Africa and getting into Namibia. That may have been because i had one and offered it out so as to have things run smoothly. The other countries i listed did not ask nor did i offer, that also may have been because ive learnt to be a bit more demanding rather than submissive. All the best Brian B:thumbup1:

Sa registred vehicles will have no problems travelling as far as Tanzania i've been told. You might also (not sure if all customs officials know though...) get into TZ and Kenya.
Us (British reg) need already carnet in SA

Ethiopia and Sudan and Egypt will def ask for carnet.

Have fun.

Roel
www.popadd.com/overlandy2006

thanks everyone for your input....we'll heed the advice and make a decision from there.

cHeers,
T&T