I managed the route from Niafunke to Konna on 24th Dec (just over a month ago). It is a gem but difficult to follow; just narrow winding cart tracks between lakes and small villages.

I was lucky after crossing by ferry from Niafunke to eventually meet up with a local man on a motorbike who was going in the direction on Konna. He was able to guide me across the first half of the route and find me a guide for the second. The route included four short ferry crossings undertaken of barks (ferries large enough for a couple of cars propelled by punting).

The tracks between the lakes are ill defined, getting washed over in the wet season. There were hardly any signs that vehicles use the route and I saw none, apart from two motor bikes, between Niafunke and Konna. At the time I travelled the tracks between the lakes were dry except in one spot where it was necessary to ford standing water. This was knee deep and about 50 meters across with a fairly soft bottom. My guide did not know this water was there until we reached it and he had asked around to check on conditions before we set off. He described this standing water as 'new water'. I get the impression that the route varies depending on water levels and, maybe, irrigation patterns.

I would not have set off on this route had I known about the need to drive across a shallow lake but the experience was exciting; front, rear and central diffs engaged, a good run up, and accelerator to the floor, great plumes of water spouting over the car and even managed to get a fair amount of splashing on the under side of the bonnet. It was touch and go. Getting stuck at this point would have been easy and because there were no other vehicles around recovery would have been a hassle.

When starting this route from the Niafunke end it is easy to go wrong as soon as the ferry is left. There is a great big new piste being made which heads south after the ferry crossing. I was told not to take this by the ferry driver but couldn't resist it or find the tiny little track I should have been on. Currently this piste comes to an abrupt stop after about 20 Km at a village next to an impassable lake. I had to backtrack and then ask around for the directions. The track needed was pointed out to me; indistinct and difficult to believe it went anywhere.

I try as much as I can not to use guides but this route is difficult without as it winds about all over the place and changes depending on how much water is around.

I have the way point for the turn off from tarmac to Konna for anyone thinking of doing the route in south/north direction.

If you have plenty of time, are going in the dry season and can find a guide I would recommend this route because it is picturesque.

Regards Tony