I got a U (unclassified - or useless!) in my french o'level but still managed to communicate reasonably well on the same route as you the times I have done it. sometimes though it helps to play the stupid englishman waving your arms about and speaking louder (eg, when pulled up for some erroneous traffic offence!) Even if I spoke the language well I would avoid letting on in some cases.
Ultimately if someone wants to communicate with you, and vice versa, you can manage suprisingly well. English is spoken in many of the tourist areas but I would avoid those as you also get more hassle. On most borders a smattering of french will help. also take a phrase book or dictionary for when you really get stuck, although I have never had to use mine.
Are you travelling with the PDC, now known as the banjul challenge I think. if not are you aware of restrictions on right hand drive vehicles going in to Gambia? not a problem if you are on a bike obviously, but definately if you are in a car.
check out
eBay.co.uk Shop - Captain Moggy's Surplus Store: Books: Me, dad, and the Plymouth to Dakar new book
for my book on doing this route in a beaten up pink suzuki SJ on the PDC
Andy
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1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Last edited by moggy 1968; 11 Mar 2007 at 12:43.
Reason: schpelling!!
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