Does anyone have experience with the SPOT 2 in Africa? Specifically in South Africa, Botswana and Zambia?

I don't think there is any coverage there. Here's the current SPOT coverage map from their web site:

coverage map

I am sure the satellites are flying all over the world. But in order for the mobile units to work, the satellite overhead needs to relay signals and data back to the ground. I am guessing that those countries don't have any receiver facilities for the satellites to use.

it does look like I have picked the three countries least likely to have spot coverage.

Check the Delorme InReach. It uses the Iridium satellite network and claims 100% global coverage. They're comparably priced to the SPOT and, when paired with an iOS or Android phone will do two way text. As a standalone, it'll do three pre-programmed messages and emergency activation. A new model will do two way text without the need for pairing.

George

it turns out that my africa trip got postponed for a month or two, so I have time to go check out the delorme InReach. Thanks for the tip.

I used my SPOT II today in Yosemite. It stopped working at the top of Vernal Falls, when I was at the base of the steep cliffs. It did not resume until 3 hours later on the drive home. I noticed a red light blinking when I was on the Valley floor.

Next time, I'll shut it off and restart it -- maybe that will get it working sooner.

I had a SPOT for a very short period of time. I found that the unreliability of the device caused more angst than help (read: "It stopped tracking! Did she fall off a cliff??!!) After one particularly malfunction-caused hysteria spat, I threw the #$%^%$!! thing in the garbage. Yup -- I threw it in the garbage without removing the battery, disabling it, cancelling it....dumb$T that I can bee in a fit of anger.

Six months pass.

One morning, I receive a bunch of hysterical calls from the same folks who drove me to trash the SPOT, only THIS time, it was sending out mayday texts. Now for certain, I had surely fallen or jumped off a cliff, and the SPOT was confirming it AND getting me back for trashing it. We all surmised (after the hysteria died down) that the device was being crushed in a landfill, and the messages were the last gasp attempt to save us both. It could have been worse; at least it did not call 911.

I have since gone back to leaving plans, maps, return times, etc -- much more reliable.

That's a funny story, Bee. If there had been a findmespot page set up, you could have viewed its location online. Would have been fun to see where it was calling from.

I'm making another run to Yosemite on Friday, so will pay attention to blinking red lights to see where and when it does that.