Do not even attempt to leave SOUTH Africa without a carnet my friend,
Thought I could take that chance one & half years ago when I left SA. On arriving at Namanga border it took around 5hrs and eventually $200 to get myself and my truck thru.
It has worked for me for quite some time now while traveling around East Africa but recently they have clamped down to the degree that now my hand has been forced and I have had to acquire one from SA,,, just for Kenya, believe it or not,
As for Egypt,,,,NO NO NO.
There is no such thing as TIP anymore, Temporary Import permits are not issued anymore in Kenya or Egypt.
They are definitely capable of sending you packing if you arrive without a carnet.... in Kenya anyway.
From what I understand, Egypt is worst.
If you email either of the fixers(cannot remember their names) at Egypt/Sudan border they will clarify the same.
For the record I have been traveling around East and North East Africa for ages now and hence my certainty of facts. Even on first name terms with border some officials.
As for routes out of Africa, there is Egypt-Israel with shipping uncertainties but also very, very expensive...if your a Saffa
Plz let me know if there is anything else you need to know.
Reg