Hello, Im new to this forum.

Im planning a trip to cape town from september to october and maybe into november if I need more time.

Im just 21 years old, and will probably bring another friend on the journey.

As Ive only been on a couple of eurotrips (3-4000km top) I have some questions!

The car I will use is an old Mercedes W124 250 Diesel. Manual 5 speed gearbox. The car will get a big service (brakes, suspention, engine check, skidplates, lift, and lots more).

Question #1: I know theese cars are reliable, but I have not seen roads in africa before. I will most likely use main "highways". I will attach a photo of the route I think I will take, but any sugestions of other routs will be appretiated! Will the roads on this route be okay to drive for my car, or is a 4x4 absolutely required?

Question #2: Will I need visa's to just travel through countries? I have both norwegian and usa passport/citizenship. If so, do I need to apply for theese before I travel, or can I get them on the border?

Question #3: I have seen alot of people that gets pulled over by the police/toll to charge fees/taxes/bribes that dont exist. What is the best way to avoid this? Im not rich, so dont want to use all my money traveling to pay off the police..

Question #4: Is there alot of known civil wars/terror along this route? What areas should I stay away from? Where is it safe to sleep?(will sleep in the back of the car, fitted it as a camper).

This are my questions so far, but will probably have lots more later on. Hope I posted this in the right forum.

And The reason for the trip being so short: I want to adventure while Im young. Cant afford to quit my job, so dont have much more spare time to use. I have dreamt of this trip a while now, so I want to realize it. If I feel its too short, I can always return later for an extended trip!

(If the image dont come up, I just had google maps from Hirtshals to Cape Town)
Thanks. - Richard

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Picture of the route
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Picture of the car (Have bought Higher springs for more ground clearance, and will use smaller rims with bigger tyres)