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Hi there, Im new to Pradopoint so here is my intro. I'm a Kiwi now living in Arusha Tanzania which is in the northern part of Tanzania East Africa 60km from Mt Kilimanjaro and just a couple hour drive to the world famous African Game Reserves ie Ngorogororo Crater, Terengeri, Serengeti, Lake Manyara etc. These are the altimate in 4x4 traveling.
Arusha, where we live is truly the centre of four wheel drive territory with up to 1500 safari companies servicing the global tourist trade into the parks. Out of approx 100,000 car owners in Arusha I would estimate 65% are 4x4. Mostly Landcruiser hard tops. May are professionally stretched models especially designed for game viewing. The roads here are truly from hell some of them. Landrover has ruled for ever being an ex british colony, and there are still 1000s of them mostly 4 door passenger models, but Im afraid Toyota has taken the day on durability, mechanically sound and moderately priced parts. Most vehicles here even small cars and lite 4x4s are setup with solid bullbars, Aussie ones are sold new here, snorkle, heavy duty shocks and springs, dual spare tyres mounted on the rear. ( this is the land of thorns the size of 4"nails! Most have standard rims but many have gone to high quality tyres if you can afford them.
I have just received out of TZ Customs my 2001 Diesel Prado TZ Auto ( TZ has dual aircon, dual battery, a few other extras ex factory) shipped from Dubai. It was originally imported from Japan secondhand at some point. Bought in Japan second hand to be sold to an agent or private buyer for Africa in Dubai. Dubai is like a clearinghouse for East Africa. Many 1000s of 4x4's are coming into Africa now secondhand .
This vehicle has only done 64,000km. Its like new. I waited 5 months to have it released from Tanzanian customs. All my paperwork was fine and correct but the system here is slow, corrupt and very selective. Ive bought it in on a Tax Exemption status as Im working with an NGO. So the cost of importing etc was pretty moderate.
Im looking forward to putting a good strong bull bar on it, plus snorkle as dust here is the killer. Also Aussie shocks & springs ( what are the best kind, anyone know?).
Has anyone got a 2001 diesel Prado Auto and can suggest a few other tips for off roading. The best roads in Africa are off road in the west!! Ive changed all the oils, filters and put two new batteries in.
Let me know if anyone wants to know anything more about four wheel driving in East Africa. It's a mission and a big continent to explore the multitude of places and scenery.
31 Years ago I drove my own 4x4 ex British 3 tonne Army truck from London to Kenya then did tent Safaris in east Africa for a year. We did 50,000 miles in that ole 67 RL Bedford truck. Africa is now in my blood.
Cheers PradoAfrica
Arusha, where we live is truly the centre of four wheel drive territory with up to 1500 safari companies servicing the global tourist trade into the parks. Out of approx 100,000 car owners in Arusha I would estimate 65% are 4x4. Mostly Landcruiser hard tops. May are professionally stretched models especially designed for game viewing. The roads here are truly from hell some of them. Landrover has ruled for ever being an ex british colony, and there are still 1000s of them mostly 4 door passenger models, but Im afraid Toyota has taken the day on durability, mechanically sound and moderately priced parts. Most vehicles here even small cars and lite 4x4s are setup with solid bullbars, Aussie ones are sold new here, snorkle, heavy duty shocks and springs, dual spare tyres mounted on the rear. ( this is the land of thorns the size of 4"nails! Most have standard rims but many have gone to high quality tyres if you can afford them.
I have just received out of TZ Customs my 2001 Diesel Prado TZ Auto ( TZ has dual aircon, dual battery, a few other extras ex factory) shipped from Dubai. It was originally imported from Japan secondhand at some point. Bought in Japan second hand to be sold to an agent or private buyer for Africa in Dubai. Dubai is like a clearinghouse for East Africa. Many 1000s of 4x4's are coming into Africa now secondhand .
This vehicle has only done 64,000km. Its like new. I waited 5 months to have it released from Tanzanian customs. All my paperwork was fine and correct but the system here is slow, corrupt and very selective. Ive bought it in on a Tax Exemption status as Im working with an NGO. So the cost of importing etc was pretty moderate.
Im looking forward to putting a good strong bull bar on it, plus snorkle as dust here is the killer. Also Aussie shocks & springs ( what are the best kind, anyone know?).
Has anyone got a 2001 diesel Prado Auto and can suggest a few other tips for off roading. The best roads in Africa are off road in the west!! Ive changed all the oils, filters and put two new batteries in.
Let me know if anyone wants to know anything more about four wheel driving in East Africa. It's a mission and a big continent to explore the multitude of places and scenery.
31 Years ago I drove my own 4x4 ex British 3 tonne Army truck from London to Kenya then did tent Safaris in east Africa for a year. We did 50,000 miles in that ole 67 RL Bedford truck. Africa is now in my blood.
Cheers PradoAfrica