jarrod
New Niva Petrol Head
Posts: 45
Registered: Oct 21, 2010 13:36:00 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
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Post by jarrod on Feb 20, 2011 18:46:12 GMT 2
Hi guys, iv decided to plan a trip for december to nambia and botswana. id like some input from members that have been this way before. so far its just myself and 3friends in the lada, what equipment or mods would be suggested that i have done or fitted? i dont what to go overboard and buy a whole lot of hings that ill never use.
thanx jarrod
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Post by Ari Bezuidenhout on Feb 20, 2011 19:13:57 GMT 2
Plan carefully and keep in mind the 42L fuel tank on the Lada is small when you start needing low range etc. So plan around your fuel stops.
Other than that have fun.
Ari
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Post by ronnie on Feb 20, 2011 19:18:08 GMT 2
Hi Jarrod I am envious of your trip. I love Botswana. Namibia, and Zimbabwe. On your vehicle you need a decent pump to re inflate your tyres, preferably 2 spares, a tyre repair kit. A high lift jack is also a requirement to be able to jack up and to recover if you are stuck in deep ruts or whatever. The vehicle must have proper jacking points for the high lift jack. A gas stove is also required as in Botswana you are not now allowed to collect fire wood. Central Kalahari in Botswana has no water in the camp sites so you must take your own. Good torches for night use are imperative as the camp sites are totally unfenced, and lions and hyenas are common visitors. In Botswana you must book long in advance for a peak period like Christmas, and be aware in Botswana for 1 day for 3 people and the vehicle and camping you will be looking at R1000 a day. In Moremi you will probably encounter serious water crossing at best, the worst we will not even mention. Walk the water crossings first but watch for the ever present CROCODILES . Even Central Kalahari and Niax pan we have had bad water to contend with. Do not be put of with this just be aware of what is possible. Namibia is a bit more tame, but places like the game reserves in the Caprive, IE Khadaum are the same as the Botswana ones. One thing I personally think is essential is a 12volt compressor driven fridge / freezer and second battery. You can manage without but I don`t suppose you like warm beer. In Namibia day temps can easily reach 50, so be prepared, and make sure your cooling system is in perfect condition. If you are using the Lada carry at least 40 liters of extra petrol. If you let me know where you wish to go I will assist you with routes and places to stop over. Ronnie
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Post by ronnie on Feb 20, 2011 19:31:54 GMT 2
Hi Jarrod
I have just read your post again, and see you are 4 people. I will probably get shot for saying this but I would not do such a trip with 4 people in the Niva as I do not consider it capable due to the load required to accommodate you all and the equipment. Your Niva will be severely overloaded, and certainly would need heavy duty springs all round. Your load space is also small even with a roof rack. I used to use the Niva with the 2 of us and with the heavy duty springs it was perfect.
Ronnie
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Post by Ari Bezuidenhout on Feb 20, 2011 19:46:16 GMT 2
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jarrod
New Niva Petrol Head
Posts: 45
Registered: Oct 21, 2010 13:36:00 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
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Post by jarrod on Feb 24, 2011 20:30:24 GMT 2
thanx ronnie and ari for all the info.
ronnie, i have a decent fridge/ freezer and duel battery system already, i have a 29meg radio, gps, i was planning on building my roof rack to carry 40liters of water and 40liters of fuel, aswell as fit an extra fuel tank to the lada if possible. the springs and shocks are also on my 2do list. after abit of thought i have also decided that 4people in a lada is abit much, so we will now be going in 2 cars.
Ronnie, do you think a snorkle would be of use on the lada?
by the time i leave on this trip i hope to have my new motor in aswell, im busy planning the swop at the moment, then i will hopfully be using a vw 1.9tdi motor so fuel econmy will be much better and so will power output
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Post by Ari Bezuidenhout on Feb 24, 2011 20:37:46 GMT 2
looks like you are sorted then.
Carry extra fuel filters as african fuel is dirty. An extra tank is possible. I have a 2nd fuel tank in my Lada of 60L at the back under the boot. Then you only use 1 exhaust silencer.
Ari
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Post by ronnie on Feb 24, 2011 20:59:31 GMT 2
Hi Jarrod
You will not have a problem with 2 people, the Niva is then more than capable. As far as a snorkel goes it helps to keep the air intake above all the dust. I don`t expect you will be wading in water to the depth where you would need one as then there are other things then you would need to do. If you are going to Botswana be aware of the meat regulations. In general you can take meat south to north but not in reverse. Pork is not allowed at all. If entering from Zimbabwe even tinned meat will be confiscated. Long life milk is also a problem so hide it. Remember fuel in cans attracts duty in both directions when crossing the border,though not always enforced. Fuel is cheaper in Botswana so fill up there. Buy Pula here so they do not rip you off with the exchange rate. If you are going to the game reserves Savute and Moremi are brilliant and rank with the best in Africa.
Ronnie
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Post by ronnie on Feb 24, 2011 21:08:29 GMT 2
Hi Jarrod
As Ari says take spare filters, though the fuel in Botswana and Namibia is as good as here. In Namibia you can use your South African Garage card for fuel. In Botswana you can use your credit card for fuel at Riley's garage in Maun. Let me know your route when you have it. One other thing which is recommended is a GPS, one preferably able to be loaded with Tracks 4 Africa.
Ronnie
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Post by Charles on Feb 24, 2011 22:51:48 GMT 2
please post pics of the conversion.
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Post by ronnie on Feb 25, 2011 15:44:22 GMT 2
Hi Jarrod
I notice you also have a 29 mhz radio, be aware you need a license in all countries, and the SA license does not cover you elsewhere. I never bothered with a license in Namibia and Botswana but it could be an issue. I don`t think it is a problem getting a license for Botswana and Namibia, and may be easier than being stopped and then putting up with all the nonsense involved. They may also confiscate the radio`s.
Ronnie
Ronnie
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