riding (or other) recent experiences in Guinea

[8340SU]

As anybody being recently in Guinea Conacry? Am I being to optimistic when thinking about riding down there to places like Guinée Forestiere or Fouta Djalon? Cities like Konsandro, Nzebekore, Macenta or Kissidougou are worth the ride to the south of the country. Are there places to camp / stay or one can just camp anywhere? Or do one need to stay in hotels? What about road conditions in this time of the year?

Thanks
Paulo

[TT-Kira]

Originally Posted by 8340SU

As anybody being recently in Guinea Conacry? Am I being to optimistic when thinking about riding down there to places like Guinée Forestiere or Fouta Djalon? Cities like Konsandro, Nzebekore, Macenta or Kissidougou are worth the ride to the south of the country. Are there places to camp / stay or one can just camp anywhere? Or do one need to stay in hotels? What about road conditions in this time of the year?

Thanks
Paulo

I was there earlier this year.

The roads are horrendous; the best road is from Boke to Kamsar (paid for by the Chinese) then the road from Tougnfili to Conakry is OK as is the road from Conakry - Labe & Mamou to Kissidougou & up to Kankan & the Mali border - everything else is piste. The only border crossing on tarred road is the one in from Mali. I wouldn't attempt too much on a bike during the rainy seasons!

The people are WONDERFUL - of all the African countries I've visited, Guinea is a jewel and shouldn't be missed. The accommodation is OK, basic, lacking electricity/water at times but very cheap.

You will probably be able to camp in/on the edge of villages. But there's a lot of cheap accommodation that I'd stick to unless you are forced to spend a night in the bush. The Guineans are incredibly hospitable ...

I've seen a blog with a bit on their biking exploits in Guinea THE HARD WAY HOME

Have fun - you won't regret going!

Kira