Cross Africa from A to Z in a P for Porsche

Most “Safari” spec Porsches may never go further off-road than a country club car park, but those built by KALMAR are set for an incredible African adventure in 2025.

The Danish company, which specialises in converting air and water-cooled 911s, Cayennes and Caymans to hardcore off-road specification, has announced plans for a 19-day, 5,500-km (3,417-mile) drive that takes in Angola and Zimbabwe. The Trans Africa 2025 event will take in desert, savanna, mountains and grasslands as it traverses five countries.

Beginning in Namibia, the route will follow the incredible Skeleton coast north, cross the Leba Pass and head into Angola, which has been described by Lonely Planet as “one of Africa’s last great travel mysteries.” Drivers will then cross the Caprivi Strip, heading into Zambia for a visit to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, before dropping south into Botswana to reach the finish.

“Travellers expecting a rigid itinerary or an easy ride will be disappointed,” says KALMAR. “Some days will offer precision navigational driving whilst others will be more akin to classic rally stages. Guests will sometimes travel in convoy, other times being free to explore alone with support close by from KALMAR’s highly skilled team.”

It looks set to be an arduous adventure, although the nightly accommodation should be rather more relaxing, with luxury lodges and villas hired exclusively for the 14 participants.

“Trans-Africa 2025 will be the adventure trip of a lifetime,” adds company boss and expedition leader Jan Kalmar. “It allows guests to explore new frontiers, get close to wildlife, and under the skin of the real Africa – all through the windscreen of an iconic Porsche sports car. The experience provides unparalleled freedom and leaves enthusiastic drivers with a genuine sense of achievement.”

It will also leave them with empty pockets thanks to the €66,900 entry fee, but at least that does include the use of one of KALMAR’s rally-prepped Porsches.

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