Tips and Advice

While things tend to change quickly in West Africa, we’d like to think we have accumulated some reliable first-hand knowledge that could come in handy. 

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Crossing the Border Between Mauritania and Senegal

Crossing the Border Between Mauritania and Senegal

Few borders have more notoriety amongst overlanders in Africa than the crossing between Senegal and Mauritania. While the Rosso crossing shows up in more horror stories, the Diama crossing is not exactly adored by travelers either. But hey, borders must be crossed,...

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Sim Cards and Data in West Africa

Sim Cards and Data in West Africa

Some years ago it was a piece of cake to snap up a sim card right on the border, load it with credit and be on your way. Many countries have since required telecom operators to register sim cards with the purchaser. You typically need to present your passport and an...

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Do you Need a Carnet de Passage to Overland West Africa?

Do you Need a Carnet de Passage to Overland West Africa?

As we mentioned on our West Africa travel basics page, traveling overland in your own vehicle affords a certain freedom and flexibility that other forms of transport do now allow. The tradeoff is that you have to deal with the authorities. Border crossings in...

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A Comprehensive Guide to Visas in West Africa

A Comprehensive Guide to Visas in West Africa

For overland travelers planning on visiting multiple countries in West Africa, organizing visas is often the biggest logistical headache. Visa policies are asymmetric and often vary from embassy to embassy. In one country, the Ghanaian embassy may not grant you a visa...

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Taking the Ferry from Barra to Banjul in The Gambia

Taking the Ferry from Barra to Banjul in The Gambia

Since the inauguration of the bridge in Farafenni, many travelers cross the Gambia River in a matter of minutes. This efficient crossing is excellent if you are headed to or from the Casamance. But if you are looking for the most direct route to and from Banjul, or...

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