Frequently Asked Questions - Vehicles and Route

The answer is anything you want, the cheaper and more creative the better. Save money on gas and the car by buying an old small engine banger for virtually nothing.

We are working to find you a honest and reliable used car salesman (an obvious oxymoron) in Berlin who can help sort out some under €1000 cars for you. If you need a car, let us know and we will try to help.

We recognize that many of the teams are coming from overseas and thus may come only a few days beforehand to buy cars in Germany. Thus we will have someone on hand prior to the departure party to handle any of the last minute vehicle registrations.We do urge to let us know four to six weeks ahead of time though if you have obtained your vehicle.

Local mechanics abound and are usually quite cheap. They're used t keeping cars going in this part of the world so as long as you're not coming with a brand new car full of computer gizmos you should be fine. Of course, harnessing local wildlife to pull your car would make a pretty good story.

Well that is up to you.  If you have taken it into a country that requires a carnet than you may be losing the money put up as insurance.  If you can sell the car to a mechanic it is up to you to fill out the appropriate paperwork.  Nomadic Nation is not and can not be held responsible for any fines or fees that come with leaving a vehicle in a foreign country.  We urge you to still make it through whatever means necessary to South Africa and the arrival party in Cape Town.

There are gas stations, although often times they will not be the ones you are used to at home. Petrol/Gas is abundant and fairly easy to find in population centers. In the middle of the desert it's going to be a lot harder. We suggest you bring a couple of jerry cans to stock up on the stuff. Diesel is difficult to find. If you were thinking about saving a bit of coin on the diesel you may want to reconsider.

The answer is yes!! You must have both vehicle and health insurance. Vehicle insurance usually comes with the car. If you are buying it as a foreigner you will receive special export plates that provide you with a "green card" for a month. Throughout Africa you will be asked to purchase insurance on the borders. Be aware this usually only covers the people you hit (i.e. third party). Travel insurance is quite easy to obtain and very inexpensive. If you have any questions please contact us, but take a look around and find out what's best for you. We aren't doctors and do not know exactly what you require.

If you are bringing your car from overseas you need not worry about it. If you are buying a car in Germany we can help you sort out the tedious bureaucratic paperwork.For Africa, you will be registering your vehicle at each border and paying a small temporary import fee.

This is your adventure and we are not telling you were to go. Take any way you want to arrive in Cape Town. We have taken the time to outline a route that is the quickest and cheapest down the continent. We have also scouted out meet up points long the way to share a pint and a few stories with your fellow trekkers. This is about being a building a nation of nomads afterall.