Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
How long should we allow ? Tangier to Accra (Ghana) How long should we allow ? Tangier to Accra (Ghana)
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Jun 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Liskeard, Cornwall, UK
Posts: 4
How long should we allow ? Tangier to Accra (Ghana)
How long is a piece of string?

Having read through “Sahara Overland” but awaiting delivery of maps we are now in the initial stages of planning our trip from Tangier to Accra (Ghana).

Following recommendations it seems that the best route for us “first timers” is the Atlantic Route. From our research it looks as though the route we propose is:
Tangier, Marrakech, (through the Atlas mountains … I always said I would come back), Quarzazate, Zagora, Tagounite, Mhamid, Forum Zguid, Tata, Assa, Tan Tan, Dakhla, into Mauritania: Nouadhibou, Nouakchott, Tidjikja, Nema into Mali on to Bukina Faso and down to Ghana (a country we know well).

My question is, to get the best out of a trip like this how long should we allow?

Also, has anybody any idea about shipping costs/practicalities of a LR110 or LCR from Ghana or West Africa back to the UK?

Many thanks for any given

Ian
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Jun 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
As you say, how long is a piece of string, however as a guide we did it in about 5 - 6 weeks and that seemed okay. This including 6 days in Rabat getting visas, across Atlas, out to Zagora, down through Western sahara, 3 days on coastal route in Mauritania plus a further 2 days in Nouachoutt. Then out to Nema, down to Bamako, 2 days in Bamako then down to Abidjan where we had Christmas and I got Malaria so we were there for a week. Then 2 days across to Accra. Wasn't rushed, however we didn't go and see the much in Mali and we came back up through Ghana after this so that was another week.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Jun 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 921
For shipping out, your cheapest option is from Banjul, with 'Socar' www.socar.com, back to Holland.

Not done it, but did a lot of research for an up-coming trip.

Sam.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Jun 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: London, UK
Posts: 4
Ian

We have just finished the route you are describing and I am writing this post to you from Accra. We took just over 5 weeks to do the trip described below. In my opinion we did it too fast, but we had a time deadline to be here. Awesome trip, loads of photos and stories.

10 days in Morocco - We came over the Atlas, south of Marrakesh and then down to Dahkla (there is no convoy now)
3 days in Mauritania - the beach drive is fabulous.
8 days in Senegal I would suggest missing Dakar and spend more time in St Louis.
10 days in Mali - Segou is awesome, Djenne horrible, Mopti fun. Dogon country is ok, but we drove down the escarpment and approached it from the east. It was great to see it from this perspective.
We didn't go to Timbuktu as we weren't sure of the road. But we met some people who had just done it and said it was about 8 hours from Mopti and the road is OK.
2 days BF
8 days Ghana - Mole is nice. Kakum disappointing, Cape Coast great. Kumasi looks fun, but we didn't stop. Accra is interesting and very developed.

Send me a mail to samanthabrown@go-legend.net if you want any more info.

Regards

Sam

Quote:
Originally posted by ianrichards:
How long is a piece of string?

Having read through “Sahara Overland” but awaiting delivery of maps we are now in the initial stages of planning our trip from Tangier to Accra (Ghana).

Following recommendations it seems that the best route for us “first timers” is the Atlantic Route. From our research it looks as though the route we propose is:
Tangier, Marrakech, (through the Atlas mountains … I always said I would come back), Quarzazate, Zagora, Tagounite, Mhamid, Forum Zguid, Tata, Assa, Tan Tan, Dakhla, into Mauritania: Nouadhibou, Nouakchott, Tidjikja, Nema into Mali on to Bukina Faso and down to Ghana (a country we know well).

My question is, to get the best out of a trip like this how long should we allow?

Also, has anybody any idea about shipping costs/practicalities of a LR110 or LCR from Ghana or West Africa back to the UK?

Many thanks for any given

Ian
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:49.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top