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Skipping Nigeria: Boat from Ghana to Cameroon? Skipping Nigeria: Boat from Ghana to Cameroon?
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  #1  
Old 9 Sep 2010
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Skipping Nigeria: Boat from Ghana to Cameroon?
Hi, I'm currently 6 months into a 2 yr trip around LatAm and Africa. In Brazil at the moment and plan to arrive in Dakar in February 2011 (Grimaldi boat from Buenos Aires). I'll be heading down the west coast towards South Africa.

Is it possible to skip Nigeria by taking a boat from Accra, Ghana to Douala, Cameroon? I know there's a ferry from southern Nigeria (Port Harcourt) to Douala. So, wondering if boat service is pretty well established along that coast?

Also, dont really want to spend so much on visas for Benin and Togo and Nigeria's visa for Indians costs $250!! If the boat costs that much, it'll be worth it



thanks,
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Old 9 Sep 2010
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I have never heard any hint of regular, scheduled boat service on that route, but I sure don't know everything. There are lots of fishing boats, pirogues, tramp freighters and such serving locals all along the West Africa coast....and some rumors of piracy which might be worth considering. On a bike your options will be limited, but with patience anything is possible. As you probably know, the main port is Tema--a big, soul-less place just east of Accra.

With my US passport, Togo and Benin were both easy and cheap a couple of years back. Don't know how this might apply, or if everything's changed (as, for example, Burkina Faso and Cote d'Ivoire have gotten much more expensive recently).

There is always the route up north via Niger and Chad.....

Mark
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Old 9 Sep 2010
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I would also guess that finding a regularly scheduled ferry or boat to skip Nigeria would be pretty tough.

The only Cameroon to Nigeria ferry that I know of is a short overnight hop from Limbe to Calabar that shuttles back and forth and I didn't see anything in any of those ports that would lead me to believe that there was any regularly scheduled service to more distant coastal cities or countries. I think that's the ferry you mean when you mention a Harcourt to Douala ferry.

Having seen the quality of the boats in the region, negotiating a ride on a freighter would be a grand adventure, but would require a lot of luck, time and an strong ability to accept a broad definition of the term "seaworthy".
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Old 12 Sep 2010
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Thumbs up Nigeria - wonderful country...
If you are planning on skipping Nigeria because of it's reputation, then I would strongly advise you to think twice.

We have driven through recently & found it to be one of the friendliest countries in West Africa with no police hassle at all - the main thing is to stick to the middle & north of the country. Everyone else we have spoken to (at least 7 other overlanders) had the same experience. So, please think again if it's only that you don't like the thought of Nigeria.

Have a look at our web site for our route & info on the country.

Taniya
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Old 10 Oct 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf View Post
I have never heard any hint of regular, scheduled boat service on that route, but I sure don't know everything. There are lots of fishing boats, pirogues, tramp freighters and such serving locals all along the West Africa coast....and some rumors of piracy which might be worth considering. On a bike your options will be limited, but with patience anything is possible. As you probably know, the main port is Tema--a big, soul-less place just east of Accra.

With my US passport, Togo and Benin were both easy and cheap a couple of years back. Don't know how this might apply, or if everything's changed (as, for example, Burkina Faso and Cote d'Ivoire have gotten much more expensive recently).

There is always the route up north via Niger and Chad.....

Mark
Hmm, yes, piracy - would make it quite an adventure
I did think about Niger and Chad. Looks properly off the beaten path.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MountainMan View Post
I would also guess that finding a regularly scheduled ferry or boat to skip Nigeria would be pretty tough.

The only Cameroon to Nigeria ferry that I know of is a short overnight hop from Limbe to Calabar that shuttles back and forth and I didn't see anything in any of those ports that would lead me to believe that there was any regularly scheduled service to more distant coastal cities or countries. I think that's the ferry you mean when you mention a Harcourt to Douala ferry.

Having seen the quality of the boats in the region, negotiating a ride on a freighter would be a grand adventure, but would require a lot of luck, time and an strong ability to accept a broad definition of the term "seaworthy".
Thanks for the reply. Yes, that's the ferry I know of.

Quote:
Originally Posted by taniyamorris View Post
If you are planning on skipping Nigeria because of it's reputation, then I would strongly advise you to think twice.

We have driven through recently & found it to be one of the friendliest countries in West Africa with no police hassle at all - the main thing is to stick to the middle & north of the country. Everyone else we have spoken to (at least 7 other overlanders) had the same experience. So, please think again if it's only that you don't like the thought of Nigeria.

Have a look at our web site for our route & info on the country.

Taniya
Hi Taniya, thanks for your reply. Actually yes, the only reason was all the hassles that I've read from ride reports, but I would like to ride through if it's safe enough. And yes, Ive realized while traveling now that 'danger' is highly relative.
With the boat option not being too likely, Ill probably end up riding through. Thanks for the tips and the info on your website
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