Considering Taking my Defender on holiday to Southern Africa

[FalconWood]

Hi. I have been considering taking my Land Rover Defender on holiday ti drive SA, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia abs back to in SA. I am aware of aware of the dangers of such travel around these parts having lived there many years. BUT I can’t find a definitive answer as to whether I can take my own vehicle and whether there are costs (besides shipping it there and back obviously) and legal issues locally in those countries driving a UK vrwg vehicle on holiday. Has anyone here done this or is aware of the reality of getting the car on the road over there. I want to bring it home at the end of the trip too. Many thanks in advance.

[elanfan]

Surely much cheaper to buy one locally and sell when you want to comeback?

[caziques]

I suspect you would need a "carnet", which allows you to temporarily import a vehicle without paying any duties etc.

You must make sure the exit stamps are also completed.

The only real pain in the arse country in Africa I am aware of for vehicles is Egypt. One place I will never go back to.

[FalconWood]

Problem with buying a cheaper car there is not really knowing what your getting from a reliability etc. also there are rules as to citizenship etc etc. Thought it would be easier and safer to take mine but I was partly aware of the carnet law. It’s not like driving across Europe is it!??!!

[gazapc]

Although mainly for motorbikes, Horizons Unlimited has some good info and also some 4x4 subforums.
https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/

I'm sure you will find your answers already there, although the situation is probably more complex with residual covid restrictions in place.

[FalconWood]

gazapc said:

Although mainly for motorbikes, Horizons Unlimited has some good info and also some 4x4 subforums.
https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/

I'm sure you will find your answers already there, although the situation is probably more complex with residual covid restrictions in place.

Thank you for that link - a really helpful website 👍

[Bill]

The HUBB is a great asset.

IIRC the southern African states are a single block so you only need one entry/exit stamp on the Carnet. You might get away without it.

The big issue is shipping. We brought ours home from SA and it was £1500 or so 18 years ago for a 20ft container. Then there's insurance which is tricky and expensive as a surprising number of containers get lost at sea, plus the theft risk/time taken. IIRC (again, soz) there was a RoRo service to Namibia at that time.

The HUBB will know...

[Ziplobb]

I have never doen this or know nothing However every African I know, my next door neighbour just moved back from SA, 3 o4 customers from Zimb including a couple of bushmen . They all owner Jap 4x4s and would never have a LR

[bolidemichael]

Isn't that because Land Cruisers are 'happier' to run on watered down/lower quality fuel than Land Rovers? That's what I was told when discussing options with a S.African in the know.