4x4 Driving

I am not the worlds best driver (as I've mentioned before) but we're not going to worry about this now.  We're just going to focus on how cool it will be for us to buy a 4x4 and drive it around Southern Africa!

Woo.. go Africa!

Here's some stuff that I've found so far...

This is a video review of the bestest van in the world.  Don't get too excited about it though, as we can't afford this one.

Travelling about Africa in a big van seems to be quite a popular thing to do, there's quite a few useful things on the web by other people who have done similar things. These guys have done a very similar route to us, although I was struggling to understand their website yesterday.

Here's some Government advice on driving abroad.

Here's some info on driving in Zambia.

Zambia seems to need us to have an international drivers licence.  Here is the AA telling us how to get an International Drivers Permit (IDP) which is great, BUT...

Is an IDP the same as an International Driving Licence (IDL)?
No. An IDL is not a legally recognised document and will not enable you to meet national requirements to carry an IDP.

UPDATE: You can drive using a UK driving licence for up to 90 days. If you intend to stay longer you will need to get an International Driving Permit or a Zambian driving licence.


Vehicles drive on the left side of the road in Zambia — at least most of the time.

Car rental agencies exist in Zambia, but the costs are potentially great. Not only are rental rates high ($100/day), but some of the main roads in Zambia are in very poor condition. Potholes often take up the entire road, and during the rainy season, large sections of the roads wash away. As you move away from city centers (possibly only a kilometer or so away) you will encounter dirt roads. Although they might look solid, the dirt is often loose, and the chances of an accident are huge if you do not keep to a reasonable speed. Although you are not likely to get lost driving in Zambia (there are only a few roads), you are likely to underestimate the destructive power of these roads and damage a rental vehicle, or worse, yourself! 4WD vehicles are recommended at any time and necessary on dirt roads in the rainy season, although some roads will become completely impassable then.

Remember: there are no Roadside Assistance Packages, and very few ambulances, tow-trucks, or emergency vehicles of any kind in Zambia. Given the circumstances, bush mechanics can do an amazingly good job of patching up your vehicle, but patching up humans isn't so easy!