Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
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 11 Dec 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Port Harcourt, RS, Nigeria
Posts: 89
Travelling through Nigeria: Tips and Stuff

Hello,
I live in Nigeria and been following post by travelers on the board here and also find the board useful for trip planning.

I have done a loop from Nigeria (Port Harcourt) to Cameroon - Gabon and back. Also done Nigeria-Niger-Burkina Faso- Ghana-Togo-Benin several times.

In country, I either fly or go by bike and have put above 90,000 km on my '05 GS before the odometer got annoyed and now only shows 9999s...

Ok, intro over.

I read about people taking or planning detours to avoid riding/driving through Nigeria and a couple of other comments.

First of all, yes, Nigeria is dangerous, and entering Nigeria can be a shock. Immediately past the border, things are a little ramped up. More people, most in a hurry, more aggressive officials, more of everything, but you can still pass through with no delay.


Crime:
Most crime is directed at new cars and SUVs, type of vehicles used by a typical overlander is not a likely target. Your major problem will be running into a robbery operation along the highway.

Police:
Especially in the southern part of Nigeria, there are a million and one checkpoints along the roads, bikes usually pass through with minimal stops. If you are stopped, stay by the person that stopped you, say good afternoon or whatever and wait for them to speak or ask questions.

My experience is that most stops are just to look at your bike. You may be asked for your papers on rare occasions, just show your vehicle registration, insurance and driving license (photocopied and stapled together).

Your mission is to travel around and see the country, next destination is the next major town, giving money to officials is at your personal discretion, I do not.

Roads:

There is a large road network, but you need to watch out for other road users and potholes (here defined as proper holes across, along, beside the road)


Ok, got to run now, will keep adding to this over the coming days.
__________________
inyang

Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Last edited by inyang; 25 Jan 2010 at 11:55.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Dec 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Port Harcourt, RS, Nigeria
Posts: 89
contd


Roads:

There is a large road network, but you need to watch out for other road users and potholes (here defined as proper holes across, along, beside the road)


Almost all the towns are linked via tarmac roads. In the south, some roads go off during the rainy season but are still passable even by sportsbike.

Money
You can change money at most bank branches but limited to major towns (read state capitals). Banks have recently started operating bureau de change services in selected branches.

The major banks are

GTBank
UBA
Zenith
Intercontinental Bank
First Bank
and a couple of others

Most have websites. You will get a slightly better rate changing at the 'black market' if you have a guide to handle that for you. Or drive/ride to any of the major hotels in the big towns, moneychangers hand around there. Rates are lower on Saturdays/Sundays (you get less local currency for your dollars/pounds).

Life is easier if you have US dollars or UK pounds to change.

Visas
Should not be a problem getting
I have written letters of invitation for a couple of bikers passing through, I was surprised though when the Nigerian embassy at Cameroun actually called me twice to confirm a letter.
__________________
inyang

Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Jan 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Port Harcourt, RS, Nigeria
Posts: 89
Fuel & Oil

I usually buy from Total stations which have branches all over Nigeria.

Fuel availability is iffy, many travelers report that fuel is only available at major towns, I think what they mean is that stations outside major towns appear not to be selling.
When traveling and there is fuel shortage, I depend on fuel stations outside major towns, they usually stock but sell above the recommended pump prices so most taxis and co. prefer to queue and buy at the major towns.

Check if you can along your route, if you see people at the station, they may stock and sell.
__________________
inyang

Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Jan 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London
Posts: 542
Thanks Inyang

I will be in Nigeria in a few days. Do you know the typical premium you can get by using the black market to exchange currency?

I see the official rate to the US is about N150 at the moment. Do you know roughly what the black market rate is? Just wondering whether it is worth the hassle....
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Jan 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Port Harcourt, RS, Nigeria
Posts: 89
You'll probably get 152N to the dollar, not really worth it. But, the 'black' market is faster and less hassles.
Just do your transaction at one of the big places and you should be ok.

At the big hotels, the receptionist or guards all know the money changers and can call them up for you.

Where are you entering through?

PM me if you need more info or help.
__________________
inyang

Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 26 Jan 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: johannesburg - south africa
Posts: 108
Hi Inyang,

Thanks for the posts - I'll be collecting my visa today and should be inNigeria around mid-April! I'll keep watching this thread.
Heard yesterday that there's trouble around Jos - what's that about and do you think it will continue for long?

Kobus
__________________
"The fates lead him who will; him who won't they drag." - Anon
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Jan 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Port Harcourt, RS, Nigeria
Posts: 89
Jos. That was bad.
Religious riots (well, a polite way of saying one section took out the other).

Lots of destruction including human lives.

Over now
__________________
inyang

Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 26 Jan 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: johannesburg - south africa
Posts: 108
Wars and destruction in the names of Gods... Doesn't seem like it will ever end, does it?

Glad to hear that Jos is quieter now. Thanks for all the info.

Kobus
__________________
"The fates lead him who will; him who won't they drag." - Anon
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10 Feb 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Port Harcourt, RS, Nigeria
Posts: 89
Cybercafe and Phone service

CyberCafes
Cybercafe numbers are dwindling but you can still get them though.

There is a wide variety of internet providers and all the major (4) GSM networks do data.

Most people that need to browse therefore usually use their phones, get a data dongle or use a wireless network router.

Cafes are now almost limited to students registering for exams, checking results, a few businesses that do not need day to day connection and such. But ask around and you should be able to get one.

Phone service
Zain (www.zain.com) has good coverage for West and Central Africa and their sim cards roam seamlessly in the countries they cover. You are not charged as a roaming user so the sim you bought at Burkina Faso should make and receive calls in Gabon at local rates. Their international call rates are also reasonable.

Zain


If you are using a data enabled phone, you can fire off you urgent emails where there is GPRS/3G service (Zain is behind MTN on data coverage though)
__________________
inyang

Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Last edited by inyang; 15 Feb 2010 at 22:42.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 15 Feb 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Port Harcourt, RS, Nigeria
Posts: 89
Breakdown (& recovery)

What happens if you break down?

Well, apart from feeling sorry for yourself, it should not be the end of your journey. This is one area vehicles will have some advantages (in terms of repair/parts) over bikes. You should be able to get virtually any part from a major town for your vehicle.

How to get to the next town.
If you are on one of the big road arteries, there MAY be tow trucks, but lets assume there are no dedicated trucks, you can start by flagging down lorries and pointing at your broken down vehicle, empty lorries/trucks usually help out for a fee and should be able to tow you to the next town.

For a bike, trucks may/can carry you and the bike to the next town for repairs etc.

I have made use of such services twice, first time I got a lift (for the bike) in 45mins, second time I spent half of a day with only two trucks slowing down (interesting thing was some guys told me I would not likely get a lift for the bike that day as most trucks will be returning from the main market on that route fully laden, they were right and that is a route I have passed for years and not noticed any particular day for empty/full trucks)


If it is a minor problem (or you think it is minor-), you can get a mechanic/electrician from a neaby place to assist you. My experience is that the roadside guys can repair a lot of stuff if you explain it to them and keep a sharp eye on proceedings.
__________________
inyang

Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 25 Feb 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: greyton.south africa
Posts: 6
Quote:
Originally Posted by inyang View Post
What happens if you break down?

Well, apart from feeling sorry for yourself, it should not be the end of your journey. This is one area vehicles will have some advantages (in terms of repair/parts) over bikes. You should be able to get virtually any part from a major town for your vehicle.

How to get to the next town.
If you are on one of the big road arteries, there MAY be tow trucks, but lets assume there are no dedicated trucks, you can start by flagging down lorries and pointing at your broken down vehicle, empty lorries/trucks usually help out for a fee and should be able to tow you to the next town.

For a bike, trucks may/can carry you and the bike to the next town for repairs etc.

I have made use of such services twice, first time I got a lift (for the bike) in 45mins, second time I spent half of a day with only two trucks slowing down (interesting thing was some guys told me I would not likely get a lift for the bike that day as most trucks will be returning from the main market on that route fully laden, they were right and that is a route I have passed for years and not noticed any particular day for empty/full trucks)


If it is a minor problem (or you think it is minor-), you can get a mechanic/electrician from a neaby place to assist you. My experience is that the roadside guys can repair a lot of stuff if you explain it to them and keep a sharp eye on proceedings.
inyang will be crossin Nigeria from Niger(zinder) in early sept this year going across from gumel,potiskum,gombe crossing the border at yola into Cameroon any problems going this way?? LES
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 28 Feb 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Port Harcourt, RS, Nigeria
Posts: 89
It's generally easier to ride/drive through Northern Nigeria and things get more hectic the lower you descend, you are skimming through the northern part from your posted route.

Listen to the BBC Africa service and you should be warned about any potential/ongoing problems. Main issue that way is riots in major cities usually (actually always) started by religious fundies. Its quite rare though (even though it looks like a regular occurrence if you read about them).
__________________
inyang

Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 4 Mar 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 17
[quote=inyang;267500]Hello,
First of all, yes, Nigeria is dangerous, and entering Nigeria can be a shock. Immediately past the border, things are a little ramped up. More people, most in a hurry, more aggressive officials, more of everything, but you can still pass through with no delay.
quote]

Crossed from Benin at Tchikandou 5 days ago, was quite, no cars, some scooters, nobody asked for bribe (except from the Benin side, told I have little money which is true, and they said I will not get away with this excuse at Nigerian side, funny was all opposite), friendly officials, no checkpoints all the way to Abuja, petrol is all over the place, road to Kaiama was first 'nice' bush road, and people are the friendliest I met so far in Africa. When riding through small villages children start running towards me screaming loudly YEAEEEEEEEEH! very funny
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 6 Mar 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Port Harcourt, RS, Nigeria
Posts: 89
good to hear
hope you are having fun!
__________________
inyang

Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Reply With Quote
Reply


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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Money saving hints & tips for those saving for travelling. *Touring Ted* TRAVEL Hints and Tips 38 1 Jun 2013 09:30
KLE tips, tricks and other technical stuff Kumuya Kawasaki Tech 190 2 Jul 2012 10:07
Morocco / Ouarzazate tot Nigeria / Lagos travel tips wanted boniyam North Africa 4 25 Jan 2010 22:39
New Tenere tips and stuff stuxtttr Yamaha Tech 33 23 Oct 2008 22:25
Book with Tips and Stuff SandiGS650 TRAVEL Hints and Tips 0 31 Oct 2007 11:43

 
 

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!

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 02:14.