As we’ll be driving through Guinea on our way to Finland and ’cause we’ve already been hearing from so many other travelers about the ”super bad roads” of Guinea, this was a fun read. Thanks!
We’ve been on some VERY bad roads, too, i.e. in the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana in the rainy season (it’s really awful 😂), so let’s see how these will be.
I read so many negative stories about Guinea-Conakry while planning my trip. It was probably the most relaxing (maybe SL beats it...) country I visited in West Africa.
Wonderful. I tracked you on the map because I will go there too. First I was not sure which Guinea you speak of. While the official English name is indeed Guinea, I dont think this name is used locally. Everyone I met in the region was calling it „Guinea Conacry” to distinguish fron”Guinea Bissau”. But I never went, I only spoke to emigrants in Senegal so could be wrong. Then, how much time it took you from Guinea Bissau border to Labe? And Most importantly, how do you feel with the Guinea Conacry police - have you passed many checkpoints and when you did, what happened? A fellow traveler reported far more police trouble in Guinea Conacry than Senegal, would you confirm?
hi Pablo. After the newsletter email was sent I updated the subhead to say (The Republic of) Guinea. The newsletter is aimed at a general audience so I'm using the official name, although have referred in an earlier post to the 'Guinea-Conakry' version. From the border to Labe it took us about 2.5 days (the 4 days I referred to also includes the shit roads on the Guinea Bissau side). We go slowly and take rests, so it's probably doable in a shorter time.
We had zero issues with the police. I can't think of a single incident. There were checkpoints but they were either friendly when we stopped, or just waved us on. We did not drive right into Conakry city. We only got as close as Coyah, then opted to take a shared taxi to the airport to get the ridiculous visa 'confirmation' sticker. So it's possible the police near the city are worse. iOverlander might be useful for info on that.
Wow just wow! Such a good read and amazing pictures! One question comes to mind as our van isn’t a 4x4: is it doable without one? We lifted it by 4cm but it’s not as impressive as yours. By the look of some of your photos, people drive there in normal sedans? How do they get past all these horrible roads? 😅
hi guys, it's like I was saying before on the Guinea Bissau post. People do it in all sorts of cars and with the little extra ground clearance it will help. It's doable, you just have to take it very slowly and carefully, and you should take rainy season very, very seriously. I would avoid this area outside of the dry season. What van do you have?
It is worse, I must say. But improvements are being made all the time. I can’t say whether anything is planned for the route from the Guinea Bissau border (one of the worst bits) but other roads are being tarmac-ed by the Chinese. Check with current travellers again before you do it, but either way I think you could manage it with care.
Wow, wow wow! Another epic update, what incredible stories. The colour of the roads there is something else! Great pictures and great writing as always, these brighten up my inbox every time. Looking forward to seeing you in person soon and hearing some tales first hand. Safe travels both. X
Luis nailed how I felt reading about your adventure! Can’t wait to hear more! And soooo hope our paths cross again but in air conditioning or at least a cool beeeze😂 Love y’all!
I simply love following you guys. It gives me equal parts jealousy, I want to do this and hell no I’m never doing this. Love you guys.
Thanks Luis! ‘Let the Dears do it, so you don’t have to’. Sounds like an advert for something doesn’t it?!
Are you back in Mexico? Wish we could coincide at some point. Miss you guys xx
Stumbled on your Substack a couple of days' ago and am loving it.
Thank you! 😎. Stay with us.. we’ll be here for a while 🚚
On those roads yes. Not seen roads so orange nor so bumpy since Cambodia 2002
Exhausted just reading that! Well done both 👏🏻🍻
What an enjoyable read. Can't wait for the Next instalment. Stay safe. xxx
As we’ll be driving through Guinea on our way to Finland and ’cause we’ve already been hearing from so many other travelers about the ”super bad roads” of Guinea, this was a fun read. Thanks!
We’ve been on some VERY bad roads, too, i.e. in the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana in the rainy season (it’s really awful 😂), so let’s see how these will be.
Cheers from Brazzaville! 🇨🇬
you'll be fine! You've got enough road years behind you to take Guinea in your stride. :)
I read so many negative stories about Guinea-Conakry while planning my trip. It was probably the most relaxing (maybe SL beats it...) country I visited in West Africa.
I know what you mean. Some of it was hard travelling but we got so little hassle, it was lovely. Also really enjoying SL now!
I think I mentioned it in my SL Sketchbook, but Kabala Hill View Guest House was really good. Kabala in general was a breath of less-humid air.
Enjoyed this!
Thank you! 😎
Wonderful. I tracked you on the map because I will go there too. First I was not sure which Guinea you speak of. While the official English name is indeed Guinea, I dont think this name is used locally. Everyone I met in the region was calling it „Guinea Conacry” to distinguish fron”Guinea Bissau”. But I never went, I only spoke to emigrants in Senegal so could be wrong. Then, how much time it took you from Guinea Bissau border to Labe? And Most importantly, how do you feel with the Guinea Conacry police - have you passed many checkpoints and when you did, what happened? A fellow traveler reported far more police trouble in Guinea Conacry than Senegal, would you confirm?
hi Pablo. After the newsletter email was sent I updated the subhead to say (The Republic of) Guinea. The newsletter is aimed at a general audience so I'm using the official name, although have referred in an earlier post to the 'Guinea-Conakry' version. From the border to Labe it took us about 2.5 days (the 4 days I referred to also includes the shit roads on the Guinea Bissau side). We go slowly and take rests, so it's probably doable in a shorter time.
We had zero issues with the police. I can't think of a single incident. There were checkpoints but they were either friendly when we stopped, or just waved us on. We did not drive right into Conakry city. We only got as close as Coyah, then opted to take a shared taxi to the airport to get the ridiculous visa 'confirmation' sticker. So it's possible the police near the city are worse. iOverlander might be useful for info on that.
Wow just wow! Such a good read and amazing pictures! One question comes to mind as our van isn’t a 4x4: is it doable without one? We lifted it by 4cm but it’s not as impressive as yours. By the look of some of your photos, people drive there in normal sedans? How do they get past all these horrible roads? 😅
Thank you!
hi guys, it's like I was saying before on the Guinea Bissau post. People do it in all sorts of cars and with the little extra ground clearance it will help. It's doable, you just have to take it very slowly and carefully, and you should take rainy season very, very seriously. I would avoid this area outside of the dry season. What van do you have?
I remember haha but Guinea looks even worse, is that the case? We have a 2009 Mercedes sprinter, 2 wheels drive, equipped with AT tires now :)
It is worse, I must say. But improvements are being made all the time. I can’t say whether anything is planned for the route from the Guinea Bissau border (one of the worst bits) but other roads are being tarmac-ed by the Chinese. Check with current travellers again before you do it, but either way I think you could manage it with care.
Thank you! Stay safe :)
Wow, wow wow! Another epic update, what incredible stories. The colour of the roads there is something else! Great pictures and great writing as always, these brighten up my inbox every time. Looking forward to seeing you in person soon and hearing some tales first hand. Safe travels both. X
Thanks so much Andy. :) Brighton will seem like another world, haha! see you there.
Luis nailed how I felt reading about your adventure! Can’t wait to hear more! And soooo hope our paths cross again but in air conditioning or at least a cool beeeze😂 Love y’all!
Haha! Thanks. A cool breeze and a cocktail will be enough for us. Until then… xx
Gosh, I'm exhausted just reading that! Loving your adventure.x
Have a little rest, you’ll be fine 😁
Keep writing! This is so much fun to follow. Thank you.
Thanks Anne. I’ll do my best 😎
I feel breathless and sweaty just reading this. But also, as ever, you’ve put another country on my mental map. Bravo!
Ha! Sorry to keep lengthening your list… 😃
Just epic. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Great to hear from you and see your fabulous pictures and read about your adventures! Stay safe and sane out there!