My first safari, so pardon the ignorance. Do vehicles have 12 volt systems in Zimbabwe. I want to take some electronics that can be re charged on a 12V automobile system.

Thanks

Yes, the 12VDC negative ground is almost universal, at least in vehicles built in the last twenty years or so. The Toyotas and Nissans you'll most likely find predominant in any African country will have the same 12VDC cigar lighter outlet as any other car or truck you're accustomed to. Using an automobile for recharging electronics (when an auto is available) is by far the most dependable way to do it in most African hunting situations.

You may occasionally run across an old Willys (or Rover or JeeP) like the one our guide used in the bush which has a 6V or positive ground, but they are the execption. Whatever transports you to your hunting area will almost assuredly have a 12VDC system.

Thanks Stonecreek.That is what I wanted to hear.

Why do you want to charge things in the vehicle?

All camps have electric power,and we charge all our cameras in camp.

Saeed,
I've been in two camps without electric power, and several others with generators only running sporatically. The 12V charger from a land cruiser is quite universal.
Bill

quote:

Originally posted by llamapacker:
I've been in two camps without electric power.
Bill

Why's that Packer - did you somehow manage to steal the generators too?

Or are you just perfecting the angle of stealing from those who least suspect it?

Dickwad.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
Why do you want to charge things in the vehicle?

All camps have electric power,and we charge all our cameras in camp.

Yes, but the electric power is usually 240VAC and requires the proper plug adapter to connect, whereas the Toyota's cigar lighter is the same as a Ford.

By the way, if you do happen to have AC electricity AND the right plug adapter, most electronics chargers are designed to work eqaually well on anything between 108VAC and 250VAC, so there is no need to use a transformer to reduce the voltage.