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TRANSAFRICA - WESTERN ROUTE

 

16000km in 100 days



‘PILOT TOUR’ WITH EXPEDITION CHARACTER THROUGH AFRICA


Imagine an exciting journey that takes you 16,000 kilometres across the continent of Africa in 100 days. A small group of a maximum of six off-road vehicles embarks on an expedition from Tangier in Morocco via the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara and the Green Pearl of Africa to the Namib Desert and finally to the Cape of Good Hope.

Travelling time 100 days - distance approx. 16000 km

Itinerary
The expedition begins in Tangier, Morocco, and leads through an impressive variety of landscapes and cultures. The route includes the following countries:
Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Namibia, South Africa

Start of the trip
Monday, 12 January 2026
Tangier, Morocco

End of the trip
Tuesday, 21 April 2026
Cape Town, South Africa

Suitable vehicles
- All 4x4 off-road vehicles with reduction gear.
- Pickup with body max. 2.5m height

Participating vehicles
In order to be able to carry out the African journey smoothly, I need a minimum and a maximum number of participating vehicles.
These requirements are set as follows:
• Minimum number of participating vehicles: 4
• Maximum number of participating vehicles: 5


THE TRIP

As this is a pilot tour, it may be necessary to alter the route. Weather or road conditions, technical breakdowns or other unforeseen events may force us to be flexible and react spontaneously.

Flexible routing
Route flexibility is one of the attractions of this tour. Unpredictable situations require flexibility and team spirit to create unique experiences. Whether it's bypassing an impassable section, repairing a broken down vehicle or taking an unexpected break in a remote village, every change brings us closer to the true heart of Africa.

Preparation and requirements
The expedition requires good preparation and physical fitness as it passes through some of the most rugged and remote regions of the world. Participants should have off-road driving experience and be prepared to travel in extreme conditions.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRIP

Crossing the Atlas Mountains:
The expedition begins by crossing the majestic Atlas Mountains in Morocco, which offer breathtaking views and challenging driving conditions.

Crossing the Sahara:
The journey continues through the endless sand dunes and barren landscapes of the Sahara, the largest desert in the world. This route puts both man and machine to the test.

Senegal in the footsteps of the Paris-Dakar Rally:
The beach drive begins near the town of Saint-Louis, a historic city that was once the capital of French West Africa. The 130-kilometre drive is not only long, but also full of challenges. Drivers must be prepared for changing sand conditions, possible shoals and the unpredictability of the sea. The destination is Lac Rose, a salt lake near the capital Dakar, which is known for its pink colour and traditionally marked the end of the Paris-Dakar Rally.

The green pearl of Africa - Ivory Coast:
The journey continues through the lush, green landscapes of the Ivory Coast, also known as the green pearl of Africa. Dense rainforests and rich biodiversity await us here.

Namib Desert:
Finally, we reach the Namib Desert in Namibia, one of the oldest and driest deserts in the world. The fascinating dune landscapes and the rugged beauty of the desert offer an unforgettable end to the journey.

Cape of Good Hope:
The end point of the expedition is the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, a historically significant place and also a spectacular vantage point.

Adventurers and challenges:
This expedition is for adventurers who are prepared to face the challenges of a long and demanding journey. Participants must be prepared for extreme weather conditions, difficult terrain and unpredictable situations. But the rewards are unforgettable experiences and the opportunity to explore some of the world's most fascinating and diverse regions.
This small group Trans-Africa expedition promises an unrivalled adventure that will push participants to their limits and leave them with unforgettable experiences and memories.

Experiences and encounters:
During the expedition, participants will have the opportunity to have diverse and authentic encounters with the people, cultures and natural landscapes of Africa. This journey offers profound insights into the heart of the African continent.











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PRICE OF THE TRIP AND SERVICES

PILOT TOUR - PILOT PRICES
- 12`500.- CHF per vehicle for two persons per vehicle
- 8`500.- CHF for single driver

Services included in the price
- Expedition preparation meeting in Switzerland (early / mid-September 2025)
- Support vehicle with off-road equipment
- All camping overnight stays
- 5 hotel and lodge nights
- Tour leader Mario Manojlovic with the support of some local agencies
- Satellite phone system Inmarsat
- Medical equipment, basic first-aid kit (with various infusion systems, medication, defibrillator, etc.)
- Satellite tracker for location and status reports for your relatives at home
- Maps for the Africa crossing
- Support with visa issues
- Accompaniment and moderation of all border formalities
- Checklist, equipment and packing list, travel information to prepare for the expedition
- Online & telephone backup office in Switzerland during the trip for logistical issues (spare parts, illness, etc.)
- Post-expedition meeting in Switzerland / alternative in Portugal-Algarve ;-)


Not included in the price
- Catering
- Fuel costs
- Restaurant and bar visits
- Costs for Carnet de Passage / Visa / Vaccinations
- Transport costs and any repair costs for your own off-road vehicle
- Travel insurance (international health insurance is compulsory)
- Everything that is not listed in the service description

Terms of payment
A deposit of 20% of the tour price must be paid within 30 days of receipt of the booking confirmation. The full tour price is due 8 weeks before the start of the tour. The travel documents will only be handed over after payment of the full travel price.


PREPARATORY MEETING

Invitation to the preparation meeting
After the final registration for the expedition, I am pleased to invite you to a preparatory meeting in Switzerland. This meeting will take place at the beginning / middle of September 2025 (exact date and meeting point will be communicated in June) and is an essential part of your travel preparations.

The purpose of the meeting
The preparation meeting offers you the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas with the other participants and receive important information about the expedition. It is the ideal time to clarify any final questions and prepare fully for the adventure ahead.

Exchange and getting to know each other
One of the main aims of this meeting is for the participants to get to know each other. This not only promotes a sense of community, but also enables valuable contacts to be made and shared interests to be exchanged. Personal contact before the expedition strengthens trust and improves team dynamics.

Important information about the trip
During the meeting, you will be presented with all the necessary information about the expedition. This includes details about the itinerary, accommodation, catering and planned activities. You will also receive important information on equipment and how to prepare for the climatic and geographical conditions of the trip.

Clarification of final questions
Naturally, you will have many questions during your preparations that may not yet have been fully answered. The preparation meeting provides the ideal platform to ask these questions and receive answers from the expedition leaders and experts. In this way, uncertainties can be eliminated and misunderstandings avoided.

Why is the meeting so important?
A successful expedition requires intensive preparation and co-operation. The preparation meeting is a crucial step to ensure that all participants are well informed and prepared. It fosters a sense of community and allows potential problems to be recognised and resolved at an early stage.

Community and cooperation
An expedition is always a team adventure. By getting to know each other early on and sharing ideas during the preparation meeting, a strong sense of community is created, which is invaluable during the expedition. Trust and good communication within the group are key to success.


OPTIONS FOR HOMEWARD JOURNEY

Upcoming Trans-Africa East route

Option 1: Shipping the vehicle back to Europe
The first option is to ship the vehicle from South Africa to Europe. This could be a convenient way to bring the vehicle back without having to make long journeys yourself. However, it is advisable to consider the cost and time involved in the transport as well as planning the logistics of collecting the vehicle in Europe.

Option 2: Depositing the vehicle in Namibia
The second option is to drive the vehicle back to Windhoek, Namibia, and deposit it there. You would then fly to Europe and fly back to Windhoek in early November 2026 to pick up the vehicle and take part in a new tour along the Africa East Route.

Advantages of this option:
-The vehicle stays in Africa and is ready for the next tour.
-There is no need for international vehicle transport.

Disadvantages of this option:
-Possible storage costs in Windhoek to store the vehicle.
-two flight costs (to Europe and back to Windhoek).

Further information on the Africa-East Route 2026
Strategies to circumvent political instability in the Middle East
The current political situation in the Middle East poses a significant challenge for travellers routing to Europe via Iran and Turkey. Should the political situation remain uncertain and make transit impossible, there are alternative strategies to ship vehicles safely and efficiently to Europe.

Shipping from Mombasa, Kenya
Mombasa, Kenya's largest port, offers numerous shipping lines that transport vehicles to Europe.

Shipping from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Dar es Salaam is another important port in East Africa that offers connections to European harbours.

Similar to Mombasa, the main destination countries are:
Rotterdam Netherlands - Antwerp Belgium - Hamburg Germany

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