What Landie suits Africa

Im planning to do Cape to Cairo but having real problems with deciding what Landi to use. I am debating between a Series III or a Defender Tdi. The series been cheaper to buy and I more parts available( what I heard) versus Defender being more economical,powerful and comfortable ride.

Anybody with some experience or opinions help a guy out.

You have answered your own question. Go with the latter. In Africa there will be no difference in availability between the series and defender. Take lots with you.

I appreciate the input. With all the choices out there it can sometimes be intimidating. Last thing you want to do on a trip like that is get caught on the wrong wheels

A friend of mine did a trip with his wife right through Africa which took 18 months. He used a 110, and took half a tonne of spares. Turned out that he didn't use many of them. You must keep the spares well wrapped as the dust gets everywhere.

The biggest issue on this sort of trip is how handy you are with the spanners. If you are not, you are going to need to learn, or take a mechanic as a co-driver. My friend said he was amazed how many people he met on similar travels who didn't even know the basics. That could be a bit hazardous in the middle of nowhere and no AA to call.

Cheers,

Paul.

Try this site out. It makes a good read, especially all the preparation before his trek.

This Fab Trek - my big world journey

Hi Guilio,

I agree with Paul. We drove down from UK to Ghana last year (and stopped) in a 300 Tdi 110 and saw plenty of other 300Tdis on the way (certainly the most popular LR model we saw). But also a number of series 3s do the run. There are probably more parts available for 300Tdi though.

Re mechanics, always helps if you can do it yourself but most mechanics can strip and rebuild a Landy with their eyes shut. Also, I'd advise against taking too many heavy spares with you as you can find most big stuff second hand. All you'll do is add weight. DO bring good quality light spares with you though - belts, gaskets, seals. Easy to carry and worth their weight in gold. If/when you need to replace - the "new" original Landy stuff often for sale (at least in West Africa) is made in Nigeria poor quality rip off. Won't last five minutes.

Have fun with the trip.