N Cameroon border

[kk2ct]

Hi Folks
Im on a 2002 Dakar, solo, resting up in Bobo in Burkina at the moment, heading south for Cape Town. Plan on crossing to Niger, down through Kano in Nigeria and across through Maiduguri - Mora border to Cameroon then south to Yaounde. I dont have a Cameroon visa. Has anyone any advice on this? Dont want to go down to Lagos to Cam embassy.
Cheers
Hugh

[Robbert]

I had to turn back when I tried 2 and half years ago. The Nigerians stamped us out and the camerounians didn't let us in. Took some persuation for the nigerians to cancel our exit stamp. We drove down to Calabar to get the visa. The man in charge at that time issued visa's to half of the applicants that day. That was sort of ... interesting... .

[seanh]

How's it going Hugh? I'm still in Bamako, heading to the festival at Segou in a couple of days. Let me know about the visa issue, i'll have to sort one out too. Anyway, take it easy, i might see you on the road again.
Sean

[kk2ct]

Hey Sean,
Good to hear from you, lost your email. Sounds like youre having a bit of holiday - is that allowed? Speaking of, have been in Bobo over a week now catching up on things, gonna be hard to leave! Easy place. Recommend highly Casa Africa to anyone if break needed - shade, quiet, the girls are pretty, and best cook in W Africa.
Heading off next few days, latest decision now through Benin, cross border halfway down (forget name) to Nigeria and across to Calabar for Cameroon visa. Northern option seems not without risk of hold ups around Maiduguri, dont have a visa, and its much longer! And its warming up a bit - 39 degs here other day.
Thats the latest anyway.
Anyone else around let me know.
Hugh

[dkmoose]

Hi there Hugh - how is everything going?

I am now in Jos, on my way to Calabar for my Cameroon visa. Do you have your Nigerian visa already? If not, you will need to get it in Accra, Lome or Cotonou if entering from the coast. It is also available in Niamey, if entering from the north. I can recommend Lome, as you can pay in CFAs and actually have stickers.

Cameroon visa availability in Nigeria only in Lagos and Calabar. Should be available in Abuja next year (currently building new embassy). I would recommend going to Abuja for your Angola visa, as there may be problems getting it later.

Maybe see you sometime soon?

Martin

[seanh]

Yep, i'm taking it pretty easy at the moment, i reckon i should be ok to cross the equator in May. I noticed Kudu expeditions don't set off until April for a September arrival in Capetown. They've done it before, so i guess June must be ok in Central Africa, although they're not riding a clapped out R65.
The engine seems to be ok after the spill near Timbuktoo, apparently getting sand in the valves is no problem for El Burroquito.
Anyway, bonne route, and if you decide to slow down i might catch up with you.
Sean

[kk2ct]

Hi Martin
thanks for tip on Angola visa, have been reading of difficulties Libreville and P Noire. Did you get one in Abuja? And pardon my ignorance but is Jos in Nigeria? Any probs there? Where did you stay in Abuja? Prob see you down the road
Hugh

[kk2ct]

So Sean,
Its officially named then! Glad to hear no ill effects from spill. Take it handy and never know may catch up at some stage
Hugh

[dkmoose]

Angolan embassy in Abuja, Nigeria
There are some niceish religeous mission guest houses to stay at in Jos, Nigeria
Visit Yankari/Wikki warm springs from Jos - highly recommended
Get Cameroon visa at Calabar (or Lagos)
Visit the drill ranch at Efi (Cross River state, Nigeria) to see monkeys and chimps and a great group of volunteers.

Martin

[kk2ct]

Thanks for info Martin. I intend getting to Calabar about a week from today, then across to Cameroon. If youre still in the area we can hook up? Anyone else in the area?
Hugh

[dkmoose]

Hi Hugh,

You are at least one week behind me. It will take to minimum of 2 days to get from Calabar to Limbe/Buea, then another day to Yaounde. And you will probably want to spend some R&R time in Limbe after the ride from Calabar (you will understand....).

I can recommend a place in Calabar - Drill Rehab centre. N04°58.935 E008°20.623. It is close to the Cameroon Embassy and staffed by friendly volunteers. I stayed a few nights on their floor for free (but I left a donation) and helped build some of the Drill enclosure expansion/renovation. If you get there, say hello from me.

Martin