Hello AJ,
Sorry about the late reply - I've only just joined the forum.
What a fantastic thing to do. We were there last year in a hired 110 and plan to go next year for three months with our old 90. We drove L'pool to CT and back then lived in RSA for 15 years.
Looks like you have got some good advice so far - i was going to fit an electric fan but will now rethink as the corrugations are pretty bad (especially in Namibia). A snorkel is essential as the dust level is high. Did you get your link to fit the TD5 90 tank? Perhaps you could let me have it as I would like to compare it with a link that I have - the more info the better. If you didn't get it mine is
http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php?showtopic=26848 . I bought a tank inc. pump on ebay for £20 and a bracket for £10. I haven't started yet but it looks pretty straight forward even though you have to remodel the exhaust. I'm planning to try to fit a 20 litre water tank in the gap in front of the N/S rear wheel and another 20 lit plastic jerry in a rack to the left of the back door (put the number plate and light onto the jerry can rack). Bottled water is available everywhere but most tap water is drinkable in Bots and better for the environment (ask the locals). I also plan to carry an additional 20l diesel and 20l water in jerry cans -inside when full, but up top when empty. Second spare is essential and a few innertubes -I'll put the extra one on the bonnet and make a lid so we can keep ropes, straps etc in it. We too will be alone so plan to add a winch and ground anchor - its mostly sand. The winch needs to be waterproof as there are lots of river crossings. Also an exhaust jack is good for sandy places. Duel battery and split charge system (ebay £27) for the fridge (Minus 40 are cheaper and get a good write up in Aus) is a must. 85 l/m compressors are easy to get on ebay and a good idea as reducing tyre pressure is helpful in deep sand. Roof tent is the way to go, we got some good photos of hyena and Civet cat prowling around the remains of the campfire 10 mins after we went to bed also views are great and you're a bit further away from mossies. More importantly they are quick to put up and down and the bedding stays inside making extra space in the back. All the locals and hire companies use them. Look for a light weight one. The military canvas ones are a bit overdone. Over hang it a bit at the back to maximise the remaining space at the front for light stuff, to put the chairs on when in transit and to collect wood for the nights fire. An awning is also nice to have for lunch in the midday sun - a piece of tent material and two poles is cheap and easy. I plan to put a board across the wheel arches with fridge etc on top and plastic boxes below (I saw a home made drawer system at the W/E which cost nowt as the runners came off ebay). I'm also considering fitting air con as October is suicide month and its damn hot before the rains start and impossible to get around afterwards, it's nice to have a bit of respite. We found the Garmin satnav a real help when off road with maps from "Tracks 4 Africa" which even has recommended wild camp sites. Don't camp anywhere else as this isn't acceptable and spoils it for everyone else. If necessary speak to the local village and pay them the going rate. I am also looking at fitting the soleniod from central locking to the rear door and passenger's side operated from a switch on the dash. Modus operandi is to approach the drivers door asking for help (e.g. "can you read this for me") whilst opo opens rear door or side door and grabs whatever is to hand. As someone said this isn't a problem in Bots and Nam but common in RSA. Lighting for camping should be fluorescent or LED as it uses a lot less electricity. Many South African overlanders also fit extra electronic equipment to measure temperature of exhaust gas. This is to prevent engine damage if something goes wrong with air or water flow. Also fit a water level warning (I haven't decided how to do this yet. Dust is a real problem so check all seals and close up any holes. It takes ages to get out of your teeth. Oh, a bucket shower is nice to have but some camp sites do have water and heaters made from gas cylinders. Its nice to spend the odd night at a lodge but be carefull they can be painfully expensive. It's also nice to have a potjie pot (cast iron - buy it there) as you can make fantastic stews over an open fire, the locals also make bread in it (recipie on the www). Make a round braai (bbq) grill with four legs that pushes onto the rear spare wheel and stands over the fire ashes, you will use it every night and all the dirt stays outside your truck.
Try luangwablondes (RSA) for lists of stuff to take and overland.co.za as THE forum for overlanders in that part of the world.
That's all I can think of off the top of my head but contact me on or offline to talk about places that we enjoyed etc. Incidentally there was more game in the Kwai Community area than in the parks and there are less restrictions. I'm sure you already know that you need to book parks a year in advance and can no longer pay at the gates!
Please let me know how you get on with shipping your 90.
Good luck, Terry H.
Beware - once you get Africa into your blood its there for good!
