Which is the bedt route from the Mediterranean to Ghana?

[ianrichards]

In the last couple of years we have visited Ghana 4 times working on school linking projects and every time we have met trans-Sahara travellers. Enthralled by thier adventures and our desire to travel, we have decided that our next visit (in about 2006) will be via the overland route. My questions are:
1. What is the best time of the year to travel?
2. I appreciate the "situation" changes all the time, but what is the current prefered route?
3. As we have 2 years to prepare, what would be the most appropriate vehicle? My gut feeling is Land Rover (a British thing I suppose) we I am open to any advice?
Thanks for your help
Ian

[This message has been edited by ianrichards (edited 28 May 2004).]

[Toby2]

There are two main routes down there, either down the west coast - Morrocco - Western Sahara - Mauritania - Mali - etc or down through the centre so Tunesia - Algiera - Niger etc. The West coast route is probably easier and more suited to single vehicle travel / first timers. Its very straightforward and enjoyable.

You could get through in a range of vehicles as there are good roads for most of this route. A Landrover is a good choice most 4x4s will be fine. Try getting a copy of Sahara overland or looking at the details on the Sahara overland website for most of the info.

Are you plannning returning with the vehicle, if so you could go down one way and back the other.

[ianrichards]

Toby
Thanks for that, the advice is much appreciated. Will order the book tomorrow. In the meantime though, any suggestions as to the best time of year to travel?
Thanks
Ian

[marco vet]

We, 4 bikes, did it, a few years ago, from Accra to Belgium. Ghana, Burkina, Niger and Algeria. October half november was a good choice, tough we had some rain in Ghana...slippery mud on the pistes...fun with loaded bikes. Go for it!

[camiel]

Last Feb we got as far as Bamako in two weeks from where it's easy going to Ghana I believe.

This was in a 20 year old Merc 190 without too much fuss. Roads are being built at rapid pace so in 2 years time you'll be happy to get off the tar at all!

Camiel

[Toby2]

We went down in November / December and the weather was great, hot enough but not to hot, missed the rainy season, worked really well.

[Sam Rutherford]

You can go at any time, but you'll find outside of June-August easier in terms of heat. But, if that's the summer holidays, don't let it put you off!

Sam.