I have not heard of the USA requiring any kind of bond, I have crossed by a land border twice without any such issue and it has been mentioned here a couple of times that if you ship into Hamburg they ask for one so the solution is do not ship to Hamburg and enter Germany by a land border.
Hopefully other will have the latest on Africa, I had one for southern and east Africa and it made border crossings quick and hassle free but I understand many coutries are possible without.
Also consider the length of your trip which sounds like it could be more than 12 months, if so do not get a carnet until you need one to save the hassle and expense of renewing it.
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