Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
Ouagadougou to Gao Ouagadougou to Gao
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Nov 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: London, UK
Posts: 3
Ouagadougou to Gao
I will be arriving in Ouagadougou on a late night flight from Paris on 25 December, needing to be in Gao (Mali) by the evening of 28 December. The guidebooks suggest there are buses (via Mopti) but (a) does anyone know what time and where from in Ouaga (b) do I need to book in advance and if so any suggestions as to how I might do so (c) any other thoughts? (in theory the journey should involve two one-day bus trips, therefore allowing me a day to see somewhere - preferably in Burkina Faso but any suggestions welcome!)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Nov 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 249
There are no real timetables for African buses which is just as well because they would never be on time anyway.

There is plenty of transport in both directions try getting to the bus station early in the morning (6.00) to be sure of getting away. You could spend a day being hassled to death in Mopti or chance getting off at Hombori for a few hours (nice area).
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Nov 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: belgium
Posts: 34
hey louise
you'll get all the info in ouaga or lp guide i suppose. Indeed mopti (and hombori) are worth a stopover. try to avoid nightbusses; the drivers tend to fall asleep in their overloaded and overspeeding roadtrains....
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Nov 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Posts: 38
Quote:
Originally posted by Louise:
(a) does anyone know what time and where from in Ouaga
(b) do I need to book in advance?
(c) any other thoughts? (in theory the journey should involve two one-day bus trips, therefore allowing me a day to see somewhere - preferably in Burkina Faso but any suggestions welcome!)
LOL! That was a good joke! =)
No, there are no timetables in Ouaga, but in general long range buses and minibuses depart very eraly in the morning, to accomplish as much as possible in one day.

Off course, best way to find out is when you arrive in the evening, from the taxi drivers and your hotel receptionist. They will know for sure, don't worry!
But if the bus departs at 6 am, you should be there at 5 am, to get a decent seat, I'm not exaggerating. Otherwise, you might be placed on a wooden stool in the trunk of a Hiace. Seriously.
You might have a spare day, but when it comes to local transport nothing is sure, it might vanish due to vehicule failure on the way, customs trouble etc. When I took the bus to Togo, one passenger tried to smuggle a gun - result: the whole Hiace got 5 hours delay, and twice the trouble at each checkpoint!

So better travel all the distance, and take the day off once you arrive. You'll need it to rest your shaken bones.

Jan
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:09.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top