Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
West Africa in summer West Africa in summer
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 Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 Oct 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Poland
Posts: 273
West Africa in summer
I think about travel in my car to West Africa (Guinea, Sierra Leone, Ghana) in July and August. I was several times in that area in winter and I know what I can epect there.
But I don't know if rainfall can blocked my travel, I know also that humidity and high tempearture also can be unpleasant.
I can say again that I was many times in places with high tempearture and humidity and it was ok.

I don't need answer: don't go there it will kill you, but I need answers from all of you experienced travelers.

I think that temperature is not a big issue, but rainfall and many mudd roads can be a problem.

I need your help

Regards
__________________
Bartosz
www.wyprawy4x4.com.pl
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Nov 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 678
Hi Bartosz,

July and August will be an issue in terms of rainfall. It can be constant during those 2 months and very heavy at times. Some roads become a muddy mess - but there's usually a way through!

We time our overland group trips to avoid the rainy season, simply because the roads deteriorate (esp Sierra Leone into Liberia and Liberia into Guinea) - and because people hate camping when everything gets wet all the time.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Nov 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Sydney, AU
Posts: 94
Bartosz, I posted a similar question about the rainy seasons in West Africa here in case that helps you.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Nov 2017
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bartosz View Post
but rainfall and many mudd roads can be a problem.
Mud is not a problem but a chalenge. The corrupt police will be a problem. They charge you for money for what ever "reason" they make of. Robbing travelers is the second oldest way to "earn" money on earth




http://afrikamotorrad.de/index.php?report=en_westkueste
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Nov 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 49
To add feedback:

The rainy season extends to September and October in Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana, just so you know. Although the main roads in both countries are mainly paved.

As per Dave's feedback, the rain can make the roads in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea a challenge. The crossing from SL to Liberia is particularly difficult in the mud. However, if you are determined enough, you will always find a way through. Also, when the rain does stop, you generally dry out fairly quickly owing to the heat

Certainly don't listen to all the haters who are saying you are going to die. I've been robbed/mugged/stolen from more in London than I ever was in West Africa. Moreover, the people in this part of the world are amazingly friendly and generous. I can't count the number of times a local kept us on the road/let us stay/feed us/helped us when we had problems.

Also, don't worry too much about the corruption. We honestly didn't encounter it that much and most of the time if your friendly and polite, you won't end up paying anything.

In conclusion, my advice is DO IT! You'll have an amazing time, see some unique sights, learn about some fascinating history and experience some fantastic hospitality.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Nov 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Poland
Posts: 273
Quote:
Originally Posted by anydavenow View Post
Bartosz, I posted a similar question about the rainy seasons in West Africa here in case that helps you.
Thank you anydavenow, this is very usefull info
I also have Michelin 741 and this can help also.
__________________
Bartosz
www.wyprawy4x4.com.pl
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Nov 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Poland
Posts: 273
rory_gibson, ta-rider, anydavenow, Dave The Hat, thank you for your words.
I know that everythink is possible and even if some roads will be unpassable I can choose different or turn back. Everything what we do is adventure and we do it for that.
West Africa is much more better and easier in summer than East Siberia in winter, so I will go there and want to spend great time.
Thank you Friends
__________________
Bartosz
www.wyprawy4x4.com.pl
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2 Nov 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Moossou, Grand Bassam, Cote d'Ivoire
Posts: 285
I refer to July/August in Cote d'Ivoire & Ghana as the 'cold season' there's very little rain (falls in late September/October/November), there's a cold breeze to the air at night and the sea is downright COLD!!!

You shouldn't have too many problems at all, a good friend drove from Accra through to Freetown via CI & Guinea in mid-August, biggest problem were the roads from the CI/Guinea border pretty much through to SL ...
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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Latin American drug cartels find home in West Africa xfiltrate Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 1 27 Sep 2023 05:46
Comprehensive Guide To West Africa - Without Carnet Wanted sub-Saharan Africa 48 17 Jan 2020 22:50
Current Border info From People on the ground for West Africa patdavey78 sub-Saharan Africa 9 26 Oct 2014 12:33
West & central Africa - Route we took & film langebaan sunset sub-Saharan Africa 4 9 Aug 2013 20:26
Europe - West Africa - Cape Town - East Africa - Asia- Europe simonkring Travellers Seeking Travellers 3 19 Nov 2011 00:52

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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 19:23.

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