Convoy through Nigeria?
 

A bit of advice and a heads up to see if anyone is interested.
We are currently in Mali, but will be heading though Nigeria in about 5-6 weeks. We have heard that you need to hqve an armed gaurd with you to pass though- This was from qn other traveler as well qs the Aus Gov.

So the Questions are:
IS this true?
If So does any one know the costs?
and is there anyone going to be in the area qround then that would be interested in forming a convoy to split the costs?

Finnally is there any other options like shipping around it from say Ghana?

Cheers all
Xander and Mrs.X

Two up on an Africa Twin - if this effects your willing ness to join up:

p.s. sorry for the x-posting

Haha, Nigeria isn't Bad!! I have been backpacking and overlanding five times now... :welcome:

The Armed gaurd is not for safety, as much as the CONSTANT road blocks, and if you are not sure, you WILL be scammed!! Dirt cheap wages, just ask a policeman and They will probably jump at the oppurtunity for a £40 wage and £40 bus back!?!? :thumbup1:

Other option is go in from North (Niger) this is a very easy border post and you get to see the best bits (Wiki Warm springs and Yankari game reserve) without the evil of the South (OIL OIL OIL) :nono:

Nigeria doesn't require a convoy. Its pretty safe and v.friendly. I crossed on my own (suzuki dr650 06/09) from benin/nicki and the guy at the border cooked me lunch and gave me drinks for free. If you head to Abuja you can stay at the sheraton hotel for free. Its also a good oppurtunity to get the angolan visa if you need it although its pricey at $100 5-day transit.

Alternatively you can get it in Kinshasa or matadi for $30.

No help from me, I'm afraid. Just wanted to say I love your blog! I grew up in Nigeria many, many moons ago, so I'm really looking forward to hearing your impressions of it now.

All I can say is that (and this is obviously a generalisation), Nigerians are a lovely, friendly people, but corruption was, and I presume still is, a way of life.

Take care, Debs

Thanks
 

Hi Guys,
Thanks for the responces, it is great to get some on gound info. Would love more about staying for free qt the shereton. Could you also tell me where you got your Nigeria and Cameroon visas from?

Thqnks Debs for reading the blog, just let you know we are now in mali, resting up after a 5 day trek in Dogon Country!!!! Awsome!
cheers
Xander and MrsX

You don't need an armed guard or convoy to go through Nigeria.
Even if you have an armed guard, he would be the first to run if the sh**t hits the fan. They are not willing to die for $50.

I am heading to Nigeria myself, if things go as planned I should be there in 6-7weeks. We can meet up and ride some of Nigeria.
Where are you planning on entering Nigeria?? I am planning on crossing from the north and riding south to Lagos.

Will be going via Mauri-Mali-Burkina-Niger and then into Nigeria.

Regulator

He Mate we are heading in from Benin but at about the sametime as you so keep us in formed and maybe we can hook up. cheers
Xander

Hey sorry for the late reply hope its not too late. Shereton hotel abuja is friendly for overlanders, just have a quick word with the manager and he should let you camp out the back for free, use of pool and facilities also free.

I crossed into nigeria from nikki and across to abuja with no problems. I think southern nigeria is where you get the hassle. Nigerian visa was obtained in Ghana, next day processing for $110 altho I've heard the price varies. Cameroon visa I got in Dakar so no use there I'm afraid.

Safe travels, mike