How to Hire a 4x4 for Overlanding in East & Southern Africa
- BLACK LEOPARD 4X4 HIRE
- May 19
- 3 min read
If you're dreaming of a long, self-drive expedition through East or Southern Africa, you're not alone. Overlanding, travelling by 4x4 across borders, landscapes and cultures is becoming the adventure of choice for independent travellers. But before you hit the road, you’ll need the right vehicle, the right gear and the right setup.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about hiring a 4x4 for overlanding in Africa, including routes, cross-border regulations and the best vehicles for long-haul travel.
What is Overlanding?
Overlanding is all about long-distance, self-sufficient travel by land, usually in a 4x4 vehicle. It’s not just about the destination, it’s about the journey. You camp, drive, explore and adapt as you go.
In Africa, that might mean:
Driving from Nairobi to Cape Town
Exploring the Great Lakes region of East Africa
Navigating Namibia’s Skeleton Coast
Camping under the stars in the Okavango Delta
Best 4x4 Vehicles to Hire for Overlanding
When it comes to overland travel, not all vehicles are created equal. Here are some of the best 4x4s for long-distance African expeditions:
Toyota Land Cruiser 76 Series
A workhorse built for rough terrain and big trips. Powerful, simple to repair and capable of carrying heavy gear, perfect for cross-continental overlanding.
Toyota Hilux
Reliable, spacious and widely known throughout Africa. A go-to for overlanders who want comfort and capability.
Suzuki Jimny
Great for solo travellers or couples doing lodge-to-lodge routes. Light, nimble, and fun, but better suited to shorter trips or light packing.
At Black Leopard 4x4 Hire, all our vehicles are cross-border ready, well-maintained and fully equipped for overlanding, with rooftop tents, fridges, dual battery systems and more.
Cross-Border Car Hire in Africa: What You Need to Know
One of the biggest challenges when planning an overland trip is taking your rental vehicle across borders. Here's what to look for in a hire company:
Carnet de Passage – A vehicle passport for crossing multiple countries
Cross-border insurance – Valid in all destinations
Pre-arranged border clearance documents
Trusted support – A company that knows overlanding and helps plan your route
At Black Leopard, we handle all of the above for you and we offer one-way hires, so you don’t need to loop back to your starting point.
Popular Overlanding Routes (Starting in Kenya)
Nairobi to Cape Town (6–10 weeks)
Route: Kenya → Tanzania → Zambia → Botswana → Namibia → South Africa
Highlights: Serengeti, Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta, Namib Desert
Ideal for: Bucket-list travellers, content creators and overland pros
Great Lakes Loop (2–6 weeks)
Route: Kenya → Uganda → Rwanda → Burundi → Tanzania → Kenya
Highlights: Gorilla trekking, Lake Victoria, chimpanzee tracking, cultural diversity
Northern Kenya and Lake Turkana (2–4 weeks)
A rugged off-grid route perfect for serious explorers
One-Way to Victoria Falls
Start in Nairobi, end at the Falls (or reverse), ideal for 2–4 week overlanders
Equipped vs. Unequipped 4x4 Rentals: What’s Best for You?
Fully Equipped Overlanding Hire
Rooftop tent
Camping gear (chairs, tables, gas cooker)
Fridge/freezer
Dual battery setup
Tools, spare tyres, recovery kit
Best for those who want total freedom and plan to wild camp or stay in remote sites.
Unequipped Hire
Vehicle only (no camping gear)
Best for lodge-to-lodge or urban explorers
If you want a lighter setup and plan to stay in safari lodges or Airbnb-style accommodation, this may be all you need.
Long-Term and One-Way Hire Discounts
Long trips = better value. At Black Leopard 4x4 Hire, we offer discounts for 30+ day hires, and we regularly have one-way expedition specials, such as:
Cape Town to Nairobi (return leg)
Zambia to Kenya vehicle transfers
Zimbabwe-based Prado hires (seasonal)
Why Hire From Black Leopard 4x4?
Based in Nairobi, ready for East & Southern Africa overlanding
Vehicles prepared for border crossings and multi-week expeditions
Custom route support and itinerary planning
Trusted by overlanders, film crews and travel brands
No fluff, just tough, capable vehicles and support that works
Ready to Hit the Road?
Whether you’re planning a month across Africa or a two-week loop through Kenya and Tanzania, we’re here to help you get on the road, with the right vehicle, documents, and support to make it unforgettable.