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 Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree2Likes
  • 2 Post By Wanted

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Apr 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 137
Is this West Africa route possible right now? [pic]

Hey,

I'm heading into Africa from Spain in about 5 days (it doesn't end in Ghana, but have to fly back to Europe very briefly). From Senegal to Ghana I could just cut through Mali, but the point of this trip is to see as much as I can and not rush too much. The main question I have, is if this route is possible right now, as I've heard that Liberia/Guinea borders are closed with Ivory Coast. The reason for going up into Mali is not only that the borders to Ivory Coast are closed, but I can get a visa for Nigeria in Bamako too (apparently).


(If the link goes dead, the route is following the coast From Morocco, all the way to Liberia before going north to Mali, and back down through Ivory Coast to Ghana)

Those are the only borders I know that are closed on this route, my visa plan is:
(British, Aus, NZ passport)

PLEASE NOTE:I have updated this list 2 posts down
Morocco: No visa
Mauritania: Get in Rabat, Morocco - or get at border
Senegal: (I've heard no visa required for 90 days)
The Gambia: (I've heard no visa required for 90 days)
Guinea Bissau: Get in Ziguinchor, Senegal
Guinea: Get in Dakar, Senegal or in The Gambia (no idea)
Sierra Leone: Get in Conakry, Guinea
Liberia: Get in Conakry, Guinea
Guinea again: Hopefully could get multiple entry first time
Mali: Get in Dakar, Senegal
Ivory Coast: Get in Dakar, Senegal
Ghana: Get in Rabat, Morocco

Another way to look at it would be which visas to get in each country;
Morocco: Get visa for Mauritania, Ghana
Senegal: Get visa for Guinea, Mali, Ivory Coast, Guinea Bissau
Guinea: Get visa for Sierra Leone & Liberia
Mali: Get visa for Nigeria

I am doing this without a Carnet de Passage, if anyone has any information or recommendations on better places to obtain a visa for this route, please tell me, also if anyone has any new information about which borders are open or closed.

I need to fly back from Ghana to Spain after 2.5 months for 1 month in Europe, before heading back to Africa. I have a British, Australian and New Zealand passport, so hopefully that makes it easier to leave Ghana while leaving my bike there. They're kidding themselves if they think I'd ditch my KTM 1190 there anyway. I was planning to get 2 Ghana visas (one in British passport, one in Australian passport) with different entry dates, unless I can get a visa longer than 1 month that will allow multiple entry.

If I don't get any replies then wish me luck lol

Last edited by Wanted; 15 Apr 2016 at 22:14.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Apr 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Taos Ski valley, New Mexico, USA
Posts: 45
I'll be on this route in 6 months.I learned quite a bit from your plan. Good luck!

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Apr 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 137
Quote:
Originally Posted by pasomonte View Post
I'll be on this route in 6 months.I learned quite a bit from your plan. Good luck!

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
Well been researching online all night more info for each visa, this is what I've discovered so far; (I don't know exactly how accurate this information is right at this second, but I've tried to take only from blogs in the last year)

Morocco: At border, free
Mauritania: Get in Rabat, Morocco - or get at border 120 euro // same day
Senegal: At border, free
The Gambia: At border, free
Guinea Bissau: Get in Ziguinchor, Senegal 30 euro // 15 min
Guinea: Get in Guinea Bissau, multiple entry 1 month 46 euro
Sierra Leone: Get in Conakry, Guinea 100usd or Dakar 80 euro (2 month) // same day
Liberia: Get in Conakry, Guinea (price?) /// Dakar 135 euro same day 3 months or 88 euro in Sierra Leone
Mali: Get in Nouakchott, Mauritania 17 euro // 4 hours - Get in Dakar, Senegal 38 euro
Burkina Faso: Get in Bamako, Mali 37 euro (if decide to go)
Ivory Coast: Get in Dakar, Senegal 45 euro // 2 days
Ghana: Get in Rabat, Morocco 50 euro // 1 day
Togo: Get in Accra, Ghana - or at border 16 euro (valid 7 days) // instant
Benin: Get in Dakar, Senegal 55 euro (1 month visa) or Accra, Ghana - 76 euro (N5 37.005 W0 11.195 for 11 euro 14 days???
Nigeria: Get in Bamako, Mali 50 euro (if ivory coast border opens get in Bissau and ignore Mali?)
Cameroon: Get in Calabar, Nigeria 68 euro // same day
Gabon: Get in Lomé, Togo 75 euro // next day
Congo Brazzaville: Get in Lomé, Togo 90 euro // instant
DRC: Cotonou, Benin 22 euro (8 day transit) // instant
Angola: Accra, Ghana 140 euro // 2 days or Pointe Noire or Matadi
Namibia
SA

Need to figure out how to get a Nigerian visa for my girlfriend between Ghana and Nigeria, as she is flying down to meet me and come with
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Apr 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: UK
Posts: 52
Hi - I'm currently in Dakhla (dropping off a couple of friends who joined for Morocco) on my way the route you're going. I'm a bit behind on blog updates having bashed around the desert for a few days, but am taking a few days here to pause before hitting Mauritania and will be updating. I guess I'll find out about this route (I was hoping to avoid Mali too) before you unless you catch up!

Regarding the Cote d'Ivoire/Togo/Benin/Burkina Faso {and Niger} visas...you can get a combined 'visa Entente' from the Benin consulate in Barcelona for 100 euros which takes as long as it takes you to fill in form and hand over cash. Notes on this bit under my Barcelona blog post [https://www.veganwithoutfrontiers.co...03/barcelona/]

Ghana in Rabat was a no-go for me - first they said only for Morocco residents, then they could try but it would take 10 days. Maybe my wheel-greasing skills are not up to scratch, but I failed in that attempt...I am following a suggestion to try in Dakar.

What are your timescales? I'm due in Luanda by 22nd July for another friend's visit...message me (here or via my blog?) if you're going to nearby? Good luck!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Apr 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 137
Hey, thanks for the message! I'm just waiting for my new panniers to get through Spanish customs (absolute joke), and my friend to send my carte gris (registration papers) from France before I can leave, kind of stuck for the next week. I have to be in Ghana by June 29th to fly back for one month, Then will be making my way down to South Africa with my girlfriend from around the 29th of July until end of September. I'll take a look at that visa, it could be really helpful and a bit cheaper... maybe there is one in Madrid

Please keep me informed ! Cheers

Just on the visa-entente, can it be done online? or do they physically need your passport?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Apr 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: UK
Posts: 52
Hi - I believe there's and internet/post option for the Visa Entente...here's the page:

Consulado de Benin en Barcelona

Good luck!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Apr 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Moossou, Grand Bassam, Cote d'Ivoire
Posts: 285
Get Guinea Conakry visa in Bissau will allow you a multiple entry if you talk sweetly

CI border with Guinea & Liberia looking to be closed for sometime yet ...
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2 May 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 64
VTE also in Burkina , but u need to get into BF first
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 5 May 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 12
Very helpful! Please update as you proceed

Hi,

Very interesting thread! My first message here on the hubb. We are a family of four doing the west african route heading south by 4x4 with start this fall. It would be really helpfull if you could update your progress regarding visa as you travel proceeds. I think you have done a great preperation job so far.
Do you have a blog or anywhere else we can follow your travels?
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 19 Jun 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 102
Madrid

Hi
I,am Presently in Madrid with my Toyota LandCrusier 4x4 and would be keen for any advise on crossing into Marocco and driving to South Africa. Is this do able??
I have driven so far from Singapore to Madrid.

Do you have a website or a blog??
__________________
Regards Ray http://cooksendeavour.com
Instagram: raycooknz
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
africa, carnet, ghana, information, visas


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
Trans Africa via west + central, Jan 2015 gazza171 Travellers Seeking Travellers 1 28 Jul 2015 08:14
West Africa heading North burb Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 19 Apr 2014 14:36
Cross from West Africa to Sudan? -Leonie- sub-Saharan Africa 6 2 Dec 2013 21:49
Crossing from West Africa to East Africa Fearless sub-Saharan Africa 4 11 Jan 2013 14:01
Plotting a route through West / Central Africa Equatorial Matty sub-Saharan Africa 2 6 Nov 2011 09:36

 
 

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.

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!

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 16:55.