guinea

[chez_vince]

Hye,

I'm heading towards Guinea n my moped, ut wonder about carrying a camping gear...
I've been in Burkina and Mali without problems, always managed to sleep in villages... but how are guinean people? Are they as welcomming as Malian? Also wonder about road quality, as I've heard different things... Any idea about change rate ?
I'm on a very basic moped, no really powerfull, do you think it could be a problem in Fouta Jalon? is it very hilly there?
Thanks for your advises!

http://africanmoped.over-blog.com

[AfricaByBike]

Hi there

We've just come through Guinea and had a fantastic time. The people are very friendly and generous, no problems camping but I'm sure you could stay in villages too. Roads are better than in Senegal, Mauritania or the Gambia, tarmac is good (and more extensive then the IGN map shows) and pistes are on the whole decent. The Fouta is hilly but not too steep. Lots of locals on mopeds, so I'm sure you'll be fine if not too laden!

Unofficial exchange rate is 63000 Guinean Francs for 10000CFA in almost any epicerie (grocery) - ask around and someone always wants to change. Didn't try any banks, but I think these guys will also change Euros or USD (not as readily as CFA though).

You'll have a great time I'm sure.

------------------
UK to Cape Town by bike - http://www.africabybike.org

[Ian]

I was in Guinea about 2 years ago and can only echo what AfricaByBike says.

At that time there was an extensive road building program on the route from Bamako to Conakry - may even be sealed all the way by now.

In the Fouta the main tracks are generally OK - they're used by trucks. Take it easy and you should be fine, at least at this time of year and without much baggage. In the rainy season I think the tracks would be much more difficult.

I went from Kindia to Labe then to Koundara before Senegal - excellent ride. There's hotels in all these towns. The locals were very friendly and there was virtually no hassle. I think staying in a village would be no problem. Try to learn to speak a little Peul, although there's usually someone around who can speak French.

The only problem I had was the 'road' from Koundara to the Senegal frontier - very rough and the heat at this time of year didn't help.

Congratulations on doing this on a Mobylette.