Travelling to West Africa

[DoctorJellybean]

Hi folks

I need some advice about my grandiose plans :p lol.

First off, I'm a holder of a South African passport, but have permanent residency here in the UK (been here for past 20 years).

I'm planning to visit The Gambia later this year. Flights are cheap enough, but as I'll have an awful lot of luggage, etc, I'm considering travelling by car. Yep, this mad South African wants to do it the hard way :rolleyes:

The route is as follow:
UK - France - Spain - Morocco - Mauritania - Senegal - Gambia (approx 3700 miles)

Now I'm wondering how safe such a trip might be. Any pitfalls? Also, I'm not sure about the idea of travelling alone, so perhaps it would be best if I get some passengers. Where can I get these lol?

Hmmm, maybe it's safer to take a trip thru Soweto :eek:

[Michelle Coates]

Hi Dr Jellybean :-) hope your enjoying the weekend! Wow sounds like your planning a hell of trip there - I can only comment that I've travelled most of Gambia and some parts of Senagal - mainly by local transport (its dirt cheap man!) with local Gambian friends - to parts where there is no white tourism in sight! As a lone female traveller I can say I have never felt threatened although I have had Gambian friends in tow right? hell not sure what you want to know - I've been to Gambia 5 times and Senagal 2 - plus Mali, including Cowlack, Dacka, Corrie Island, (Senagal) George town, St Jame's Island, 'local beaches' (Gambia) and loved it! I would say that travelling by local transport if the best - the roads are crap (so think on before you decide to take your own vehicle?? ) and your stuck in like sardines like with chickens under your feet - but plenty of breaks - as the bus is always overheating - and you do tend to see more when a passenger and it gives you more of an opportunity to spend time with the locals. Just be careful if travelling to Mali! - and please be careful with your credit cards/money - trust no one! especially beach boys!! Is all I can say - can say more - about different places above if your interested email me and we can chat. Depends what you decide to do - I will say that in my experience there are so many places to visit - you may not want to waste?? time driving??

I'm new on here and I've just noted that I can't get back to your original message ! Most annoying! Do have loads a pics too if you reply - dont know how to send on here?? Good luck whatever ..

Chat soon, Michelle.

[Michelle Coates]

Hi, why the loads of luggage? Do you not intend to wash clothes? Despare not - there are plenty of needy people out in Gambia who will for a fraction of the price! ? Loads of places to vist - and local transport is maybe the best way to mix with locals and see the place - if you dont mind chickens under your feet and being packed in like a sardine! the roads are full of pot holes mmmmm.. is this your own vehicle you intend to take?? I wondered?? mmmm..

Experienced a trip in Gambia to George Town - not a one white person in site .. mmm? especially with an overloaded car full of luggage? Also travelled through Senagal - via Cowlack - to Dakka - to Corrie Island (yummy place wicked!)

Safety - keep your cards well on ya and your wallet! Trust no one - especially the local beach boys - if you do this there are locals beach boys inc.. who are excellent unofficial tour guides. Especially if your planning to do local transport as a lone traveller -I am sure you can do this at a fraction of the cost!
Another tip re: safety: try and blend in - okay its hard to do if you are white - but meaning dont go flashin your money about and designer gear - goes without saying really?? To find out more please email - I have loadsa pics as have been there half doz times (Im now doing the E. Africa circuit 3rd time now by Over Lander truck - camping :)

good Luck, Michelle