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Cameroon-Congo-DRC-Angola-Namibia
We are in Togo headed for Cameroon and considering crossing through Congo and Angola into Namibia (Feb-March).
Any advice/experience on this route re roads, borders, police and military problems is much appreciated. |
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sound advice, stay out of Nigeria if you do not now the country, at least a police checkpoint every odd 20 km, a lot off hassle and 20 Naira is the average price per checkpoint, the roads are in shambles, this is defenitely pothole country, also a lot of tribal, religious and political violence and elections coming up, not a time to go travel up there, check the Lonely planet warning if you decide to go in anyway, then stay all the way up north, it is way better, muslim and sharia law do wonders, then try to get in Cameroun, in Cameroun there are no problems as for the occasional checkpoint, no money involved, they are polite, the north of Cameroun has only one (1)tarmac road ,from Waza,Mora, Maroua, Garoua till N'gaoundere, from there it is track ( expect an average of 300 km a day) all the way to Foumban,(or take the car train to Yaounde from Ngaoundere) from here it is tarmac to Douala and Yaounde, better to cross into Gabon (more friendly than others) from Yaounde go on to Mbalmayo and Sangmelima to the border with Gabon, further I have no info Johan need more, mail me |
Hi Tifua,
I just spent 4 months for work in Congo-Brazaville, including a 4WD-trip (not for work ;-)). Currently the situation in Congo is pretty stable, and as long as you don't go too much in the inlands of Congo you shouldn't have too much trouble. Officials obviously always try to get some money out of you, but they don't insist too much. We only had trouble one time with local officials which ended up in us being chased away in the middle of the night, but apart from that no trouble at all. Pointe Noire is a good place to stay, from there on the road to Cabinda is perfect. Apparently the road north of Pointe Noire coming from Gabon is being upgraded, but I've only seen the first 70km of the new road (which indeed is an almost perfect raod to African standards). If you need some tips on Pointe Noire in Congo, I'll be glad to give you some info. Good luck, Jef |
I'm in Cameroon and thinking of taking this route - did you make it or are you still on route. Any advice? Otherwise if anyone is thinking of this route and needs a travel partner (land Rover) let me know.
simon simon@anglings.com |
The Gabon/Congo border was closed following an Ebola Virus outbreak so we ended up shipping across to Kenya and continued from there.
Friends have recently crossed as far as Brazzaville without too much dificulty (lots of mud and extremely dense forest). No problem getting the Angolan visa (in Brazzaville I think). |
Hi Simon,
My wife and I are currently in Burkina in our Land Rover, intending to travel down to Angola, preferably including DRC (we have yet to decide on whether that particular war risk is one we are prepared to take). Our email address is as per our profile here. michael(at)grovesfamily(dot)net. Our website, not updated recently is www.expeditionoverland.com. Maybe we might join up for a bit? - some felllow travellers are always appreciated! Regards, Michael & Sandy |
Still looking for current info regarding the west coast route to South Africa...
We changed our original plans somewhat and turned south from Burkina down into Ghana, then through Togo and Benin, purchasing those last 3 visas at the borders. We managed to get a 3-day transit visa for Nigeria in Cotonou (we were refused a visa when we applied in Accra). We found Nigeria distinctly unpleasant to travel through - we encountered 65 check-points of various types between the Benin and Cameroon border posts! We didn't pay any money, and in fairness, only one or two were quite insistent. The scariest was close to the Camroon border where a bunch of civilians with Local Council ID cards (ahem!) stopped us and demanded 11,000 Naira (about $100) for some trumped up tax. We'd not have stopped, but theyhad the dreaded nail-planks out on the road. It was a slick operation - almost believable - but we enlisted the aid of the police at a nearby checkpoint, who had a quiet chat with the gang, and told them to leave the tourists alone. We were in such a hurry to leave Nigeria that we took a chance on arriving in Camerroon without visas. After long discussions at the border, the boss man turned a blind eye to our making a dash for Douala without visas or entry stamps. Right now we are camped at Limbe while we try to get visas either in Douala or in Yaounde. Our plan is to continue south into Gabon, and then Congo Brazzaville (we will get visas for both in Yaounde). We would avoid Brazza if we could, but we need Angolan visas. Does anyone have any idea of how long these take, how much they cost, any special requirements, etc? Is it necessary to ship past DRC, and if so, how easy is it? (Land Rover Defender and Land Rover 6x6). We wouldappreciate any up-to-date info on this part of the route, if at all possible! Simon, I have received your email today and look forward to getting in touch with you. If you have a contact number in SA, I can phone you from here. Regards to all, Michael and Sandy |
Hello,
Just came through Gabon/Congo/DRC/Angola, its not as difficult as its made out to be. Did a visa run for Gabon/Congo/DRC in Yaounde and got the Angolan visa in Libreville for 60.000 CFA (!!) without any hassles. Coming into Congo through Franceville and then heading further east until the tarmac going south into Brazzaville. The ferry into Kinshasha the next obstacle, unclear charges just keep your cool... Please note that we were three motorbikes so not sure how that all works with a car.. The Kinshasha side is not too bad, officials not really persisting with bribes. "You no pay?", NO, WE GO... One word of ADVICE for coming into Angola from the north, AVOID - BANZA SOSSA -... First of all its not really passable for 4*4 and more importantly its only a police post at the border no customs/immigrations... Also we were told that this road leads through a minefield... Nonetheless they let us through without a stamp and spend the next 3 days or so "camping" at the police station in Maquela.. Finally we got both an immigration stamp and carnet stamped in Uige... SO, PLEASE TAKE MATADI Once your in Angola its fine, the roads/petrol situation get better the further you go south. If you can avoid the police, please do so... Very time consuming! Most bridges were blown up during the war but repaired in an challenging afrikan way... As bushcamping in Angola is a but extreme we stayed at catholic missions all the way, which was great! In total spend about 100US in about 2 weeks of Angola -did not go to Luanda-, the cheapest country so far... Go for it... Its adventure stuff Grtz Meindert |
Hello,
Just came through Gabon/Congo/DRC/Angola, its not as difficult as its made out to be. Did a visa run for Gabon/Congo/DRC in Yaounde and got the Angolan visa in Libreville for 60.000 CFA (!!) without any hassles. Coming into Congo through Franceville and then heading further east until the tarmac going south into Brazzaville. The ferry into Kinshasha the next obstacle, unclear charges just keep your cool... Please note that we were three motorbikes so not sure how that all works with a car.. The Kinshasha is not too bad, officials not really persisting with bribes. "You no pay?", NO, WE GO... One word of ADVICE for coming into Angola from the north, AVOID - BANZA SOSSA -... First of all its not really passable for 4*4 and more importantly its only a police post at the border no customs/immigrations... Also we were told that this road leads through a minefield... Nonetheless they let us through without a stamp and spend the next 3 days or so "camping" at the police station in Maquela.. Finally we got both an immigration stamp and carnet stamped in Uige... SO, PLEASE TAKE MATADI Once your in Angola is fine, the roads/petrol situation get better the further you go south. Most bridges were blown up during the war but repaired in an challenging afrikan way... I found Angola one of the most rewarding countries on my trip so far, others begin Guinea As bushcamping in Angola is a but extreme we stayed at missions all the way, which was great! In total spend 100US in about 2 weeks of Angola -did not go to Luanda-, the cheapest country so far... Go for it.. Grtz Meindert |
Hi All,
I recently crossed the DRC coming from Rwanda and ending up in Kinshasa, mostly by various river boats and canoes. I can assure that apart from Ituri province (northeastern corner of DRC) the DRC is totally safe to travel in, or let me rather say, the rivers are safe to travel on. There is lots of asking for bribes etc, but not more than, say in Nigeria. It is also an awesome adventure and experience. Therefore my response to you is, why don\t you do what Steven (www.contrast.cx) did about a year ago and go up to the river Bangui, in northern Congo Brazzaville, there load onto one of the logging barges transporting timber down to Brazza, and then take a few weeks, floating down the Ubangui and Congorivers. You need time and patience for this, but it will be a great adventure. Mail me directly if you need more info. hed |
hi all
just got a post card (30/06/2003)from karl just riden down from cameron thru congo and angola how in nambia had a fun time said it was a nice surprise take care nobby |
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Although they came in from Namibia and went out the same way, there are some good suggestions where to go. Seems like they had no major problems! Lot's of photos... http://www.4x4ecochallenge.co.za/200...finals2003.htm Jan |
We are thinking of travelling this route from Cameroon to Namibia. Does anyone know the correct route, what roads etc, the easiest way trhough Gabon,Congo, Angola??Thanks Chasser
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chasser -
our group of four in 2 land rovers may be taking the same route in about 6 weeks. We are currently in morocco. what is your schedule? |
Hi,
have a look at the Homepage of Rene + Sonja: http://www.rsverlag.ch/index.htm They travelled down at the westcoast of Africa last year with their "car", but the homepage is in German!! They have a lot of informations!!!! ------------------ Best wishes - RalEva http://www.Motorradnomaden.de The homepage has a translation service!! [This message has been edited by RalEva (edited 01 February 2004).] |
Me too !!!
I will be driving from Gambia to Gabon , via Mali , Burkina , Ghana , Togo ,Benim , Ningeria , Cameroon ,(and if time and money allows , all the way down to capetown ) . I start my trip in April , So I will be at Nigeria /Cameroon about late April / May . If you see a brown colored , extremely noisy Suzuki Jeep , say hello !. Its me. |
i travelled that stretch in 2002. no problem! if cameroon - gabon is closed you can go into northern congo (brazza).
they're constructing a new road from ouesso to brazza, if it's not finished you can take a boad from ouesso or pokola. details are on my website: http://www.contrast.cx/travel http://www.contrast.cx/diary (choose 2002, then sept) for specific questions and contacts just write: steven@contrast.cx cheers, steven ------------------ online diary and travel info from the road in africa: west coast to cape town east coast to zurich www.contrast.cx |
hello, just came back from tour through SA,namib, angola,DRC, cabinda, pointe noire. so far no problem, just bad roads and here and there bribes. i have a detailed report on roads and visas that i could send as attachemet if somebody would like.
so far so good edafric www.houseboat-berlin.com [This message has been edited by edafric (edited 25 February 2004).] |
Hi, About to embark on same route, probably via Niger to get the Nigeria leg as short as possible.
We're in Togo now, If there's anyone else in the neighbourhood with the same intentions, please post here or email to wlukeh at orange dot fr Ed, your road info could be useful, send it on please. Thanks to all Luke |
We are also thinking of doing the same route and are now in Daklha heading to Nouakchott. We met up with Rob and Natasha (a Dutch couple) who are also planing the same route. We would like to meet up, swap ideas and perhaps travel together for some parts. Get in touch.
------------------ Rob and Grace |
Hi, if you're in Dakhla I think we'll get there a little before you; unless you have a Kleinschmitt behind the wheel; in which case you're too fast for us http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/wink.gif
We'll let you know what happens. |
we are still on route to cross down the west coast;at the mo we are in limbe,tomorrow going up to yaounde to try and get the mountain of visas out the way; we will be in cameroun for anougher two weeks then on to gabon ;so if you are any where in the region drrop us a line ;cheers vicky
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We're in Gambia at the moment and are on the way to SA. Heading across to Mali, B Faso in the next 2 weeks.
Our plan is to head through southern Chad, CAR and southern Sudan into northern Uganda. Not without its problems but may be possible! If not will be heading down the west coast route and keen to link up with others for the DRC/Congo section. We should be in Cameroon in 4-6 weeks... Andy (www.mobilemedics.org.uk) ------------------ Andy Shawyer MobileMedics |
Hi !! I am in Dakar , sorting out the mali visa.. Will fly to gambia (SUKUTA )in a few days , where my (Suzuki 4x4) car should still be awaiting me .
Planning to drive the same route.... Definitely worth meeting for a couple beers... Are you in Camping Sukuta ? Javier |
Hi,
We're now in Ouagadougou, waiting for Niger visa and planning to leave on Tuesday morning. We were in Sukuta for 5 days, good place! We'll be in Chad for about a week as before attempting the CAR/S Sudan route, Let me know where you are, would be good to meet: andrewshawyer@hotmail.com andy |
Our group of four in two 4x4s is heading for Yaounde, cameroon tomorrow. We're planning to head for Gabon on April 2-3. If anyone is interested in meeting up, we'd like some company!
Witt |
We (Bas and Ellie) are on a short break from our overland trip but will continue from Conakry on april 9th. We're planning on doing the west route (Guinee-Mali-Burkina-Ghana-Togo-Benin-Nigeria-Cameroon-Gabon-Congo Br-DRC-Angola-Namibia etc. If anyone is interested in driving together for part of the stretch...we certainly are. Check our website at www.overlanders.net for up to date info on where we are and to get in touch.
Cheers. Bas, Ellie and Simba. www.overlanders.net |
We heard on CNN last night about a coup attempt in DRC. More info is available on the CNN website. We are planning to contact the US and British embassies in Kinshasa tomorrow to try to figure out if the border is still open or not. I will try to post here if we learn anything useful.
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In the same group as Witt. We had a long conversation with the DRC ambassador this morning while getting visas. She didnt think the coup attempt would be a problem for travellers. She thinks it is political infighting and wont escalate. Maybe a rosy view, but she seemed pretty jaded, so I tent to believe her.
The US embassy in Yaounde was useless. We knew more about the situation than they did, so no help there. The British High Comission was a little better informed, but not much. We are heading towards Libreville in the next couple of days, so will update with any more news when we get there. |
We are in Point Noire at the moment and have joined up with Wit and Graham from AfricaOverland.org. We left Gabon having spent four days at the border of Bakoumba, people have not come through within seven years. The Congo side is efficient and friendly, the roads started off pretty muddy but as you continue they get better. All the police checks and army checks went ahead without people asking for Cadeaux or money. People seem to be generally pleased to see tourists again. We will be moving onto Cabinda soon and keep the site posted. Until then www.popadd.com/ksv2africa
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We are in Point Noir at the moment and have learned that the Angolan embassy here won't give us another visa (we're going through the enclave (cabinda) then into drc, then back into angola. We already have one visa) They told us to go through cabinda, then enter the big part of angola at Matadi where we can get a visa at the border. We'll post here with the results. We're leaving Point Noir tomorrow.
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Ended up in Pointe-Noire after trying to reach Brazaville via Dolisie, Madingo, ... .
In Loutété we learned that: there are rebels on the road between Loutété and Braza, and it is not wise to continue (if you want, seek advise in Nkayes with the medicins sans frontieres), the local customs officer is no fun to deal with (make sure to have a passavant, don't tell him you took foto's outside a private environment,...). Apparently, there's a safe road to Braza via Dolisie, Sibiti, Zanaga, Djambala. The stretch between Zanaga and Djambala is not depicted on the Michelin map. If you can, avoid getting a transit visum for Angola in Pointe-Noire. Greetz, Rob |
This route is quite possible. We just completed it and arrived in Namibia from Angola. I can give details and GPS coords to those interested, or check our website at www.africaoverland.org for an account. Main problem is getting an Angolan visa. cheers Graham |
Some info on an alternative way through Congo.
Coming from Makokou-Mekongo, we crossed the Congolian border at Oloba. At both sides of the border there are no customs, but we got our carnet stamped without any problem at the Embassy of Gabon and the customs here in Brazzaville. From Oloba up to Etoumbi via Mbomo is an extremely difficult route, consisting of eroded tracks, mud pools, tricky bridges, overhanging leaves of trees, steep slippery hills, a.s.o. Nevertheless it is passable and there is some Ecofac traffic too. From Etoumbi to Ewo the road is in much better condition and the bridges are scary but fine. After that the road is a piece of cake, but the police may give some hazzle. We managed to get an Ordre Mission from Ecofac; as we visited Parc National Odzala. This proved to be very helpful and we can highly recommend this to anybody travelling through Congo by car/motorbike. As soon as we get our Angolian visa here in Brazza, we hope to continue through Congo Kinshasa-Angola. May we meet you somewhere on the road! Good luck, Ike and Susan |
Hello Ike,
Sounds like an adventerous route, we crossed a litte further south at Franceville > Lekoni. Did you see lots of things in d'ozala (correct spelling?), any action shots of road / etc would be cool... grtz |
Hello,
We planned to do the western route this year but we had a major mechanical problem with our truck so we had to ship it back to Europe! We will try again leaving in December. We have a 18 ton truck, do you think it will be possible to cross the bridges whith that vehicle, is there a particular part of the route that seems difficult to pass? Have a safe trip and enjoy your time Albert |
ok, the thread originates from way back, but obviously there is still a lot of interest in the topic.
i travelled the stretch in 2002 on a motorbike and had no problems. nigeria was surprisingly nice, had no problems ever. if you come from benin take the idiroko border, 100 kilometres north from the coast. avoid the rainy season when entering cameroon from nigeria - unless you love mud. there is a road from yokaduma to pokola in congo which is not indicated on the michelling map. it's in good condition. congo - they said they were building a new road from pokola to brazzaville in sept 2002, could be finished by now. if not take the ATC boat. contact the CIB (logging company) if you have problems. kinshasa was not pleasant. stay at the centre d'accueil protestante on rue kalemie 8. they have rooms for 25 dollars. you can also sleep in your car for 3 dollars per person. it's in the city centre, close to the US embassy. (ask for the way). try to get a reservation, as it's often full: jean-robert: 0 812 502 426 angola was great! best surprise in africa. more info on my website. for specific questions and contacts don't hesitate to write me! cheers, steven ------------------ online diary and travel info from the road in africa: west coast to cape town east coast to zurich www.contrast.cx |
Some news from Brazza.
We are stuck in Brazza for three weeks. The main reason is the Angolean embassy does want to give a visa. Apparantly they have a new consul whick is very though. Even with a phonecall and a letter of recommendation from the friendly French consul, they find new excuses not to do anything. It is a nightmare. Furthermore the water is low, which means the ferry does cross to Kinshasa. In Kinshasa the situation is under control. However the road to Matadi is supposed to be dangerous because of tensions in the south. Therefore if you manage to get there (by expensive Antonov 12 e.g.), they advised us to join a military convoi. As we are fed up waiting here for the ferry and the Angolean embassy; we will try to leave for Pointe Noire via the Zagata road to avoid rebels in the Pool region (see for details Robbert's message). But we first need to prolonge our visa in Congo... Brazzaville is nice and quiet, but if don't like waiting for nothing, I really recommend to get your Angolean visa in Libreville and take the road through Pointe Noire straight away. Furthermore we got informed (by a guy that visited the road works by plane!) that the new road from Ouesso to Brazzaville is not yet finished and not passable. So do not count on this option. Good luck, Ike and Susan ps Parc National d'Odzala is extremely wild and beautiful. Apart from this sceneray, we saw gorillas, chimpansees and a lot of other forest animals, however we did not see as many as we expected. Contact Ecofac in Libreville to arrange a trip. |
The road from Point Noire to Matadi is fine, but if you are going to go through Cabinda you will need either a multiple entry Angolan visa or two visas. You can get Angolan visas in Matadi, but it takes time. Graham www.africaoverland.org |
There is a lot of talk North of Congo about it being impossible to cross the Congo River. We got that info as far South as Point Noire. But at Matadi there is a huge suspension bridge across the river. Cost is about US$2.00 per vehicle. Should be no problem for an 18 ton truck. cheers Graham www.africaoverland.org |
Hello! See that the question above is quite old but.. we are on our way from the Netherlands to South Africa, in Ghana now, and planning to take the west route down (Niger,Chad,Cameroon,Gabon, Congo,Cabinda,DRC,Angola...). From other reports we heard there is a suspension bridge over the Congo River at Matadi. Is there anyone who wants to join for this part? Julian & HJ |
I can't join, unfortunatly, but I can confirm that the Bridge is there, and that, in Pointe-Noir, this could not be confirmed.
I'd like to recommend you no to skip on Nigeria. It's a very pleazant country to travel trough. Rob |
In Cameroon at the moment. Good thread. Got some useful stuff from it. Another question though...Can anyone confirm (recently) the existence of a ferry running from Cabinda (Angola) to Soyo and Luanda (both Angola) thereby missing out the DRC? Strikes me as a good relaxing alternative, and it would also mean one less visa to get. If there is such a ferry, will it take our bikes?
------------------ My website Africa Trip web journal |
Don't know about a ferry, but we joined up with a couple who got on a military transport from Cabinda to Luanda. Cost them ~600 euros. Just showed up at the airbase in Cabinda and found an officer willing to take the money and get them and their Land Cruiser onboard. Easy, but a bit expensive. I can give you their contact info via email if you want to try the same. Cheers Graham Jackson www.africaoverland.org |
Hi again Graham !
Yes we flew from Cabinda to Luanda in a military cargo airplane. It's of course non official. The flight is just one hour long but we had to wait for 4 days the plane big enough to contain our Toyota Land Cruiser. But if i have well understood you've got bikes and i think you will wait less than we did because there are several flights a day in normal cargo planes. We went to the harbour to check for the ferry (beginning of may 2004). It was still working to Soyo and then Luanda. We know that the road from Soyo to Luanda is now safe so you can stop there. We didn't have an exact price but it seems that it was the same price as the plane ! If you want to try the flight (too funny), you just have to go to the airport. The military airbase is on the left. Ask someone on the airport or on the military base and follow your instinct. Prepare some words in Portuguese (and after in Russian because the crew is russian) as the commandant only speaks that language ! Good luck ! Bye Quote:
------------------ ::-::-::-::-::-::-::-::-::-:: http://www.kapsud.net |
After Congo Brazaville, DRC seemed rather sweet to me. As long as you stay in the Bas Congo I don't really see why you would go trough the hassle/expense of the Ferry/plain rather then trough DRC.
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Yep. I enjoyed DRC a lot. Only problem was getting another Angolan visa. In Matadi we waited for 5 days for the visa. some people had been waiting for months. We finally got the visas after we were interviewed on the local news and mentioned the visa problem on the air. The Sisters of Charity in Matadi is a great place to stay though. cheers Graham www.africaoverland.org |
Thanks for the info.
Nadraia, was it really 600 Euros for the flight and therefore the same for the ferry? Do you know if it is possible to get a multiple entry visa for Angola? Cheers Paul |
When we asked we were told it was not possible to get a multi entry visa for Angola. We tried in Libreville and also asked in Matadi and got the same answer. cheers Graham www.africaoverland.org |
Just to give our latest news with regards to Angola. We managed to get a multiple entry visa for Angola in Libreville so it looks like it depends what mood the b*tch at the embassy is in when you get there. We didn't need it in the end as we have just caught the ferry from Cabinda to Luanda (a bit of a cheat but who cares!) and it cost $130 dollars per bike and $60 per person (after a litle negotiation with the agent)
------------------ My website Africa Trip web journal |
Yep, Angolan embassies are kind of Intresting. You'll carress the memories though.
I still don't understand the ferry thing though. Bas Congo and Northern Angola are not that though at all,and you're missing out on some magical landscapes north of Luanda. Rob |
Hi,
In May this year we start our trip from South Africa back to Europe. We plan to travel the west coast, meaning we have to pass Angola and the Congo's somewhere in june/july 2005. We've seen a few reports of travelers who took this route, but we haven't found anyone who did it from south to north. Will this make a difference, has anybody this experience? We hope to get the Angolan visa before we leave, but we wonder if we can get transit visa for Congo-Brazzaville in Cabinda or Luanda. The same for the Gabonese visum, can we get it somewhere on the way? Thanks F. and I. |
F and I,
We did the trip North to South, arriving in Namibia in May of 2004. We got ahold of a report by a guy who drove from Cape Town to Point Noir and recorded very detailed information on visas, road conditions, and drive times. We found his information very accurate, although we can't vouch for the visa information as we were getting them in reverse order. Mail me at wittsparks (AT) yahoo dotcom and I will send you that report. Happy travels, Witt |
Yep, I used the same info.
Got it from edafric, who has posts in this same tread. Maybe it's still laying around somewhere. I'll have a look. |
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PaulJ, Sorry for the delay !
It was exactly 540 euros for flyng from Cabinda to Luanda with our car and we, inside the car. Off course, it depends on your ability to negociate : The first price was 1000 USD ! But of course, most of the fun in Africa is to bargain. Cheers Quote:
</font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE> ------------------ ::-::-::-::-::-::-::-::-::-:: http://www.kapsud.net |
We are in Libraville, Gabon where we took multiple entry visa's for Angola for about 100us. We will ride through Cabinda and than the DRC before entering Angola proper. The piste is said to be difficult but passable. If you are coming from Europe and your tires are gone like ours were you can get new Michelin Deserts at "Wild Rider" in Libreville, Gabon. N 00" 22.263' E 009" 27.513' Tel (241) 72 22 26 or (241) 28 29 59 Email: infojetquad@yahoo.fr and you can call in advance for parts that they will organise for your arrival. Good luck Nick
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Hi there,
About the ferry from cabinda to luanda....is it a passenger ferry or can you get anything bigger than a motobike on to it... Cheers Bo |
Short question: Did you all have a carnet to get into Cameroon, or is it possible to get in without one, as in most Saharan countries? Same question for Gabon.
Thanks! |
Just a quick word for those planning to go to Angola or south-west of Congo-Brazza in the short term (or who are there at the moment):
at the moment there is the beginning of an outbreak of Marburg (something similar to Ebola, with a death-rate of about 93% for the moment) in Angola, slowly spreading towards Cabinda and Pointe Noire. It is unclear how it will evolve, and for the moment some precautions are being taken; don't let it spoil your fun or scare you away, just be even more careful than you already are... For the rest, if someone has specific questions about Congo-Brazzaville, feel free to ask, or even better if you plan to come to Brazzaville, drop a line, you're always welcome. Cheers and happy riding, Jef |
Hi Jef,
a couple of us are in the Nigeria/Cameroon region at the moment and will be heading down the west coast route within the next month. Have been following the Marburg outbreak on the BBC website. The way they are talking it seems like it's under control - is this not really the case? We're intending to travel through Pointe-Noire, Cabinda and cross into Angola via Cabinda. Would be interested to hear updates from the ground - rather than third or so hand on the web! Regards B |
Hi B(en?),
well, it's difficult to decide when it's under control or not. As I said in my message, there is no reason to panic at all, just to be careful and indeed try to get some information. Thw whole thing about Marburg is, that it usually starts in remote areas - and, since people die pretty quickly and the means of transport are very limited, usually it can be contained relatively easy - but this case seems to continue moving slowly northbound. Although I get indeed my information from the field via UN-agencies and NGO's here, sometimes the BBC can be more reliable - communication here is never the strongest point... but we also know that sometimes news is based on only a few quotes from one or another guy... So, all this actually just to say: don't let it stop you from doing what you planned to do, but just keep your eyes and ears open for updates, and use your best judgement... Jef |
Thanks Jef.
I guess for the moment we'll just head down relatively slowly and make our decisions on the ground when we get nearer. Does anyone know if there's a way to ship a vehicle and a bike from point noire to, say, Namibia - if it comes to that and the borders with Angola are closed? Ben [This message has been edited by BenW (edited 09 April 2005).] |
Hi,
what's the weather/main routes like in Cameroon at the moment? In Ghana and considering either down the west route or up to Chad and across (by plane) to Kenya. On bikes. cheers, Doug |
hi Doug... currently staying at Big Milly's near Accra and about to head South. Where are you?
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Hi Dougie,
In Nigeria at the moment - the rains haven't started here yet. They should have started about a month ago, so it's hot and dry here at the moment. We had some rain the other night but it was a one off (so far). I don't know what the weather is doing in Cameroon yet, but it should be the start of the small rains (not the major wet season). We're intending to go down the west coast and have a bike with us too. B |
solms,
staying in Accra itself. been hanging around Champs in the Paloma hotel. Currently trying to get a Nigeria visa. fancy a beer? |
Hey Martin,
Slightly OT, but never mind. On your way to BM's did a young lad invite you to come camp cheap on the beach (in woven palm leaf cubicles)? While you're chilling see if you can look him up; he's called Paul Ansan (or perhaps Hansan) If you find him tear his lungs out for me; last Feb he broke a window and stole the money I had withdrawn to replace my rear spring packs! Once you're sick of the sh1t on the beach, Ryan's Irish Pub is an excellent, secure place to park up and chill in Accra. They welcome overlanders to park in their guarded car park. Have fun Luke |
On the crossing from Congo to Angola. There have been queries about the route from Cabinda. The site http://www.die-motorradnomaden.de/Afrika_aktuell.htm describes the ferry from Cabinda to Soyo, for motorbikes and bicycles. Doesn't say whether it can take four-wheeled vehicles.
This route has the advantage of only needing a single entry visa for Angola and avoids DRC altogether. Note: the site is in German; the translated page is not always clear! |
Once you got as far as Cabinda, there really is no reason to avoid DRC (if you stay west of Kin, I'm not talking about the east off course)
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Although this thread would seem to indicate that driving down through the Congo's and Angola is doable, we are planning to ship our vehicle from Cameroon to Namibia. Does anyone have experience with this? I've posed the question in a new thread so please reply to: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000343.html
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