6 Must-Know Tips for Driving Across Africa’s Desert Regions
Africa’s desert regions are some of the most captivating landscapes on the planet, allowing travelers to explore vast stretches of sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and remote oases. From the Sahara in the north to the Namib Desert in the south, the challenges and rewards of driving through these areas are unique and unforgettable.
However, traversing these desolate regions requires careful preparation, a robust vehicle, and a deep respect for the environment. Here are six essential tips for driving across Africa’s desert regions to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and successful journey.
1. Choose the Right Vehicle
When going on a desert journey, the first step is selecting the right vehicle. Not all vehicles are built to handle the extreme conditions of desert landscapes, so choosing one that can withstand the challenges ahead is essential.
A 4×4 (four-wheel drive) vehicle is highly recommended, as it provides better traction on loose sand and rocky terrain and ensures better stability when driving through desert dunes and uneven surfaces.
What to look for:
High ground clearance to avoid getting stuck in deep sand or rocks.
A strong suspension system will absorb the shocks of bumpy and uneven terrain.
Durability to handle extreme heat and rugged environments.
Adequate storage space for extra fuel, water, and emergency supplies.
Reliable tires designed for desert driving, typically all-terrain or sand-specific tires.
Ensure your vehicle is thoroughly serviced before embarking on your trip, with attention given to the engine, tires, air conditioning, and brakes. An overland vehicle with off-road capabilities, like a Toyota Land Cruiser or Land Rover Defender, is popular for desert travel in Africa.
Why this is important: The desert’s unforgiving terrain demands a vehicle that can handle extreme heat and the rough surfaces, ensuring your safety and smooth travel.
2. Prepare for Extreme Heat and Harsh Conditions
Deserts are known for their extreme temperatures, which can soar well above 40°C (104°F) during the day and drop drastically at night. These temperature swings can put a strain on both the vehicle and the driver. Proper preparation for heat and harsh environmental conditions is crucial for a safe trip.
Vehicle Preparation:
Cooling system: Ensure the vehicle’s radiator and cooling system work optimally to prevent overheating.
Air conditioning: If your vehicle has air conditioning, make sure it is functioning properly, as it will be your primary source of comfort in extreme heat.
Extra fluids: Carry sufficient coolant, engine oil, and windshield washer fluid to maintain your vehicle during long stretches without access to repair services.
Personal Preparation:
Clothing: Wear light, breathable clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun. Even though it’s hot during the day, it can get cold at night, so bring a jacket or layers for the evening.
Hydration: The desert’s heat can quickly lead to dehydration, so always carry plenty of water. Having at least 5 liters of water per person per day is recommended. Always keep water in your vehicle, and consider investing in a quality water filtration system for longer trips.
Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the harsh sun by using a high-SPF sunscreen and reapplying regularly.
Why this is important: The desert’s extreme heat can cause rapid exhaustion, dehydration, and vehicle malfunction if you’re not adequately prepared. Staying cool, hydrated, and protected will help you maintain energy and focus during the drive.
3. Plan Your Route and Know the Terrain
The vastness and remoteness of desert regions can make navigation a challenging task. Roads may be nonexistent, and traditional maps may not be helpful in the most isolated areas. Thorough planning is essential to avoid getting lost and ensure your safety.
What to do:
GPS and offline maps: Before starting your journey, download offline maps, such as Google Maps or specialized desert navigation apps, to use in areas with no cell service. A satellite GPS system can also be a lifesaver if you are off the beaten track.
Research the terrain: Each desert region presents its own unique challenges, whether it’s the soft, shifting sand dunes of the Sahara or the rocky outcrops of the Namib. Knowing what to expect will help you plan the best route.
Track distances and fuel: Distances in the desert can be deceiving, and it’s crucial to know where the nearest gas stations or fuel depots are located. Always carry extra fuel to account for any detours or unexpected delays.
Why this is important: Accurate route planning minimizes the risk of getting stranded or lost in remote areas and ensures that you are prepared for any potential hazards along the way.
4. Pack Emergency Supplies and Be Self-Sufficient
Given the desert’s harsh conditions and the remote nature of many desert roads, it is crucial to be self-sufficient. In the event of a breakdown, flat tire, or other unforeseen circumstances, you need to have the right tools and supplies to handle emergencies.
Trust me, you don’t want to get hurt, even when it is a small wound, and not have disinfectant available in the African regions that have tropical diseases!
Essential items to carry:
Spare tire and tire repair kit: Desert driving can often result in punctured tires due to sharp rocks or thorny vegetation, so having a spare tire and a repair kit is essential.
First aid kit: Accidents can happen, and you’ll need to be prepared with a well-stocked first aid kit to handle injuries or medical emergencies.
Tool kit: Carry essential tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers to perform basic vehicle repairs.
Jumpstart kit: In case your battery runs low, it’s a good idea to carry a jump start kit.
Why this is important: In remote desert areas, help is often far away, and having the necessary tools and supplies to handle emergencies will increase your chances of staying safe.
5. Drive During Cooler Hours
The intense heat of the desert can make driving during the middle of the day a challenge, both for the driver and the vehicle. To reduce the strain of driving in extreme temperatures, it is recommended to schedule most of your driving during the cooler hours of the day.
Best driving times:
Early morning: Start your journey early in the morning to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and quieter roads. The coolness of dawn is perfect for navigating desert terrain, as both the vehicle and driver will be less affected by the heat.
Late afternoon: Driving in the late afternoon or early evening can help you avoid the scorching midday heat. The desert’s temperatures begin to cool down as the sun sets, making for a more comfortable and safe drive.
Why this is important: Driving during cooler hours reduces the risk of overheating and makes the journey more comfortable, safer, and less exhausting.
Final Conclusion
Driving across Africa’s desert regions can be one of the most rewarding and exhilarating experiences, but it requires careful preparation and awareness.
If you have any questions or thoughts, drop them in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow me on social media.
Wishing you safe and exciting travels across Africa!
Who am I? Well, the least you can say is that I am quite crazy about Africa, its nature, its climate, its culture, and more.
As a young woman in my twenties, I had already traveled to several African countries by traveling along in an overlander on my own and mostly camping ( or glamping ) and just fell in love with the diversity of it all.
So much, so that at the age of 26, I went back to university to study biology, which, unfortunately, I couldn’t finish because of health reasons (yes, I got sick from a tropical disease, oh cynicism). But this did not stop my dream of traveling back to Africa several times, and I still do.
My dream was back then to leave Europe and go study animal behavior, especially the elephants (sure, that’s every girl’s dream haha), but I am also very much intrigued by hyenas and other “ugly African animals“.
So, I “kind of” have a little bit of a scientific approach to my articles, when I write about African birds, for example. And most of all: the passion.
But life goes on, you move from one side of the country to the other, you get sick again and top it off with lower back problems, and before you know it, you are over 50 hahaha!
Now, I still travel to Africa, but take it a bit “easier” than the good old camping days, and stay in comfortable, yet affordable accommodations, together with my husband Wouter.
These are some of the countries I have traveled to: Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Tunisia, and a little bit of Lesotho LOL .
While clearly not being African territory, but Spanish, I also visited Gran Canaria and Tenerife, and location-wise, I consider them “African”, because of their climate and nature, sue me :-p
The last trip I took was to South Africa in the year 2023, and it sure got the fevers for Africa back! From the Barberton mountains to the Drakensberg and the Southcoast, one month wasn’t enough at all to see the whole country, so we’ll be back! At ease and with a little bit more luxury than in my younger days haha!
