Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 Nov 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Oxford
Posts: 22
Boat from Benin to Cameroon or Gabon

Hello,
I'm in Ougadougou heading down to Porto Nuevo in a few days with a minibus and 9 people(driven from UK). Plan to sell the bus in Benin - does anyone know if it's possible to get a cargo boat (or any kind of boat) from Benin around Nigeria to either Cameroon or Gabon or is this not realistic....or is it possible to get through Nigeria on public transport with only a 2 day transit visa???
Any info would be welcome regarding costs and time etc.. or whether the cargo boat option is a fantasy....
Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Nov 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 16
Nigeria

You might be able to get a fast boat (ie smaller speedboat) but it is doubtful and probably not a great idea - not sure why you would skip travelling in Nigeria (crazy drivers but great country) to brave the waterways of the delta where you probably run a greater risk of danger.

Plenty of fast boats or the overnight ferry from Calabar to points in Cameroon, but I would say that traveling by water through the delta and past Bonny Island, Brass Island, etc. is a really bad idea.

I traveled by motorcycle a month ago from Calabar to Lagos via Benin City avoiding Port Harcourt and had no problems. I spoke with expats and even locals who have been all over the country many times who wouldn't go to Part Harcourt on travel on the delta waterways right now - and these are some seriously hard-nosed Nigerians and Nigerian-experienced expats, both black and white.

The ferry from Tiko, Cameoron to Calabar was boarded and robbed by pirates the week before I took it, and even with a Nigerian navy escort, pirates attempted an assault in the morning (but were scared off by a few warning shots.)

I'd say stick to the roads - I'd take busted Peugot 504's at F1 speeds any day over heavy artillery and hijacking.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Nov 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 16
Visa

Also - why wouldnt you just get a normal visa? Shouldn't be a problem at any Nigerian embassy along the way - a 2-day transit for Nigeria is way too short to get in and out or do much of anything.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Special christmas spot Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon orrin sub-Saharan Africa 3 8 Dec 2007 07:28
Boat from Benin to Cameroun jelvis sub-Saharan Africa 0 16 May 2005 18:01
Boat from Benin to Cameroun jelvis Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 0 16 May 2005 17:59
Crossing Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon and Angola janita sub-Saharan Africa 1 10 Feb 2005 22:37
Crossing Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon and Angola janita Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 17 Jan 2005 22:49

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:35.