Driving Documentation for Africa

This is the most horrifying piece of paper I have ever had to get my hands on. A Carnet de Passage in its simplest form is a passport for your vehicle. The document itself costs around £70. OK, that makes sense. Why, you may ask, is that so horrifying?
As a guarantee that you will not do a sneaky deal and sell your vehicle without telling the authorities, the AA has set up a refundable deposit system. The deposit amounts to several times (SEVERAL TIMES!) the value of your vehicle. Aaaagh! Do we stop our dream now? If you cannot afford to guarantee the deposit as a lump sum, there are ways around it:

Single Indemnity Insurance. This will save you paying the full deposit initially, but if your car is sold, stolen or written off, you are still liable to pay the relevant country's duty on the car.
Double Indemnity Insurance. This covers both the deposit and the duty if anything happens to the vehicle. Further gorey but necessary details from Campbell Irvine Insurance Brokers, London, UK.

International Driving Licence
Not recognized in all African countries but a necessary document all the same. The application is available from Automobile Association.

International Certificate for Motor Vehicles (ICMV)
With certain documents it seems as though you may be doubling up information, however if you are crossing several borders within Africa, it is essential that you cover all possibilities.
The ICMV is issued with the Carnet although a separate payment is required.

Registration Documents/Ownership Papers
Make sure you check and double check details like chassis and engine numbers so everything tallies with information on all Driving Documents.

Other Offical Documentation

Visas
Contact the relevant Embassies for the latest entry requirements. You can also visit the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website for up to date travel advice etc...

Insurance Papers
Insurance certificates and emergency numbers.

Personal Documents
Valid Passports, Relevant Vaccination Records, Declaration of finances (recent bank statements to show you are financially capable of completing your trip), Inventory of equipment in your vehicle.

Photocopies
Make two copies of everything. Take one set with you in neat plastic folders to save them from grubby paws. Leave the second set with someone at home in case of theft or loss.

Vehicle Preparations ¦ Shipping Options ¦ Sponsorship & Publicity ¦ Reference and Research Materials Used ¦ Equipment