Veteran RVers and road trip enthusiasts know all about the abundance of RV camping options in the United States. With millions of acres of camp-able land spread across our nation’s many state parks, national parks, and national forests, RVers are never hard-pressed to find a spot to park their rig at night.
But even with all of that terrain to explore, RVers can grow weary of exploring their home country and might want to take their travels abroad. So where should a wander-lusty camper set their sights when looking for their next great RV adventure?
Boasting spectacular vistas, abundant and diverse flora and fauna, and many stunning national parks, the continent of Africa is a great place to head for an exciting RV camping trip.
But which countries in Africa allow RV camping?
Is RV camping legal in every country in Africa? And are there any safety or security concerns to be aware of before setting off on an RV expedition of your own?
In this article I am going to touch on these burning questions and let you know which countries in Africa are best for RV camping.
The 4 Best African Countries for RV Camping
While RV camping is legal in many countries in Africa, several countries rise above the rest due to their popularity and ease of access.
Namibia
Located in the southwest corner of the African continent, Namibia is a sub-Saharan country that borders Batswana to the east, South Africa to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Namibia has an arid climate and is home to the Namib Desert- a large swath of dune-covered desert that is theorized to be one of the oldest deserts on the planet.
Several companies in Namibia offer RVs for rent to travelers wanting to experience Namibia’s natural wonders. A widely available and popular rig to rent for RVing in Namibia is a 4×4 truck with a rooftop tent. While these rigs might not technically be considered RVs, they embody the RV spirit and are rentable at quite reasonable prices.
Namibia is a relatively safe country and there are very few security risks to keep in mind while in the country. Just remember to lock the doors to your car and rig to avoid trailer theft and theft of personal items. Very few areas in Namibia allow RV camping outside of designated campgrounds- sorry boondockers. If you do want to camp outside of a designated camp, you’ll have to ask for permission from the landowner.
South Africa
Encompassing the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa is a diverse country known for many beautiful national parks, and a handful of UNESCO World Heritage sites. South Africa has varied climatic zones, with extreme deserts in the north and subtropical zones along the Indian Ocean coastline.
South Africa has hundreds of RV parks across the country, each one offering unique landscapes to explore and enjoy. Like in Namibia, RV campers must stay in designated campsites and reserve a spot in advance. Locals advise campers to not boondock on the side of roads, as doing so greatly increases the chances of theft and/or assault.
Many people visit South Africa every year to see the many species of animals that are endemic to the region. Visitors to the national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and game reserves in South Africa have a chance to see leopards, rhinoceros, cheetahs, impalas, hyenas, hippopotamus, and many other beautiful animals.
Zimbabwe
Sandwiched between Botswana and Mozambique, Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa known for its natural beauty and extensive biodiversity. Zimbabwe has a subtropical climate, with some areas of the country being extremely arid and hot, while other regions remain temperate and more likely to experience heavy rainfall.
In the northern parts of the country, tourists and campers are drawn to the magnificent Victoria Falls, which at one time was one of the largest waterfalls in the world. RVers looking to see local wildlife head towards Hwange National Park, a beautiful park known for elephant and lion populations.
As with the other countries included on this list, RV camping in Zimbabwe is perfectly legal at designated RV camping sites. It is suggested to reserve a campsite and a rental RV well in advance to ensure you have a rig and a site. RVers should drive slowly and cautiously on back roads in Zimbabwe, as they are known for being in poor condition. It is advisable to fuel up whenever possible, as gas stations tend to be infrequent.
Botswana
If you haven’t noticed the trend yet, most of the countries popular for RV camping in Africa are in the southern parts of the continent. The same is true for the last country on this list, Botswana.
Botswana, officially known as the Republic of Botswana, lies between Namibia and Zimbabwe, and borders South Africa to the south. The climate in Botswana is fairly congruous across the country. Travelers can expect dry hot summers, and dry, cooler winters, with wintertime being the sunniest season across majority of the country.
RVers hoping to explore and safari in Botswana are advised to rent a 4×4 rig with a rooftop tent for the duration of the adventure. A 4×4 truck is the most capable and reliable rig to navigate the rough roads leading in and out of some of the more remote campgrounds in Botswana.
RV campers in Botswana (and all of the countries on this list) could potentially benefit from brushing up on their mechanical skills before setting off to remote campsites in the country. Break downs happen and being able to change a flat tire or top off the oil in your rig could save the day.
Conclusion
RV camping is a budget-friendly and deeply immersive way to explore the wild beauty of the Africa’s southern countries. As with traveling to any foreign country, travelers are advised to look up local etiquette and customs to avoid offending local peoples and traditions.
By practicing common safe-travel protocols, campers can expect RV camping in Africa to be a safe and exciting experience- one they’ll be talking about for years to come.
