2004 Pajero 3.2 DiD SWB
In 2006 I designed and built an inexpensive racking system (with slide out tables) to take 8 ammo boxes plus the 38 liter Engel fridge. On the roof I have the Howling Moon rooftop tent plus four jerry cans and one gas cylinder.
Since then my wife and I have undertaken many trips to African countries, traveling mainly on dirt roads and tracks, not on the main roads where possible. In 2008 we took a 2.5 month trip to seven Southern African countries (16500 km) and included most of the national parks and great lakes in Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi and Mozambique. No problem with the Pajero, not even a flat tyre. We have all the memories on 7 DVD discs.
The Pajero has now done about 180000 km with no repairs yet, only body damage repaired. In September we will be going to Botswana, Zimbabwe (Hwange, Lake Kariba and Mana Pools), Zambia (incl. South & North Luangwa and Kapishya Hot Springs), Malawi (Nyika Platau and the upper part of Lake Malawi), Tanzania (incl. Ruaha NP and Selous) and Mozambique (from north to south along the coast), this time with two friends, they in a Toyota. The trip will be about 12000km and should take us two months.
Has anyone been through the border between Zambia and Malawi at Katumbi (near Nyika Platau NP)? There appears to be a border control on the Malawi side but not on the Zambian side. We would also like to include a visit to Ibo island on the Mozambique coast. Any tips for inexpensive accommodation on the island and how best to get there (flying from Pemba is expensive!). Any idea what the weather (and roads) would be like in mid Oct to mid Nov in northern Mozambique. We will be crossing the new Unity bridge over the Ruvuma river from Tanzania to Mozambique. Any idea if there are border controls at the bridge on both sides?
Enjoy your Pajero
Hannes Smith
