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 22 Nov 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Southern Africa
Posts: 47
Nigerian crossing East to West

Hey travellers

We'll be crossing Nigeria from Cameroon (at Ekok-Mfum) next week, heading for Benin. Any recent advice on routes would be hugely appreciated. Currently, I'm looking at heading up to Abuja and then down towards the coast, skirting Lagos and entering Benin on the main coast road. Any info on the state of the road (for 4 weeks) and availability of fuel (diesel) would be great as we intend crossing as fast as possible. 2 women and a dog don't want to hang about in a place with such a bad rep!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 22 Nov 2012
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 973
Hi well you allready heared about the bad reputation of Nigeria on the same route you are planing to take i got jumped on my bike but with the car you have a better chance just be carefull the nigeria people drive like crazy and you have gost drivers coming towards you on your line all the time. In one situation i saved my live driving into the bushes and the car coming towards me crashed into the car behind me:

Riding the rough west coast through Africa - Transafrika part 3
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Nov 2012
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
Importent!

From Ikok head up to Abuja via Makurdi.

From Abuja head directly west on the A124 through Bida. At Mokwa, turn north west towards New Bussa and from there follow the piste through to the border crossing into Benin near Nikki (and Parakou). Its in Tracks4africa.

AVOID going south in Nigeria, their are hundreds more police checkpoints and hassle. Stay in the middle/north and it is much better. All names above from google maps.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
As yak says, the route through Abuja seems to be the most recommended route, but avoid going too far north.

Anyways, Nigeria is a pretty full on place but not as bad as some of the rumours would have you believe. Like all places, there are some rough characters but also some kind locals.

The biggest pain of the southern route was all the check stops but I seem to recall hearing that the stops along the road to Lagos have mostly been taken down sometime this year. They were there last year in December, not as much of a pain on a bike but in a vehicle, it would make for a lot of stop and go.

Coming from the south, one reason to go to Lagos was for the Burkina visa, which was some crazy amount if you got it at the border. Again there were discussions that they were going to reduce it to a more reasonable level that may have happened this year as well which would negate one of the main reasons to visit. Still, an interesting place to visit for the adventure seeker or if you know someone. Some of the local riders were exceptionally kind to me so I can't say enough good things about them.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Nov 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Southern Africa
Posts: 47
Thanks everyone. I'll update with anything new we find once we're through to Benin.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 29 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 140
It was a couple of years ago, but we took the route roamingyak recommends. It was great. Crazy drivers and a few sections of very potholed roads, but no real issues, and once past Mokwa you are well out in the countryside with friendly people and no hassles.
__________________
Vladivostok - Denmark 2008... Finished.
Denmark - South Africa 2010-2011... Finished.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 227
+1 for the road to New Bussa. Border crossing was a breeze. Avoid the southern road like plague.

Laurent
__________________
2- and 4-wheeled explorer and photographer
Overland Aventure
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 3 Dec 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sweden
Posts: 141
Exclamation

Just crossed East to west a week ago. Not very much mud on the Cameroon side, quite easy. Some asshole demanding money for leting us pass though, which he didn't get.

Good roads to Abuja but ended up in the crossfire of some armed religious militants. With some meters to spare we luckily made it without anyone of us injured. (Just south of Lafia)

We crossed to Benin at Ketou, because we wasnät sure the borders were open. A lot of crazy truck drivers, potholes, many corrupt police but didn't pay a single Niara or cigarette along the way.

There is not diesel at all stations but there's no complete lack of it. But the quality was really bad, completely black! But our Nissan Patrols don't seem to mind at all.
Feel free to google translate and read or blogg from Nigeria: http://www.4x4expedition.se/blogg.html
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 13 Dec 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Abuja
Posts: 14
Quote:
Originally Posted by Landygirl View Post
Hey travellers

We'll be crossing Nigeria from Cameroon (at Ekok-Mfum) n... down towards the coast, skirting Lagos and entering Benin on the main coast road.
Don't know if it's already too late, but i would try to avoid Lagos and the southern main road during this time of the year. Think about using the way though Abeokuta...
I'm travelling next week from Abuja to Ghana, maybe we see on the road
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
Africa Costs: 1x year, 2x people, 1x Land Rover West Vs East coast routes compared langebaan sunset 4 Wheels Travel Reports 3 7 Dec 2012 18:09
Malaysia - shipping from West to East Malaysia Panny West and South Asia 0 30 Sep 2012 02:41
North east Argentina via paraguay to north west Argentina? Mervifwdc SOUTH AMERICA 2 18 Sep 2012 12:08
Europe - West Africa - Cape Town - East Africa - Asia- Europe simonkring Travellers Seeking Travellers 3 18 Nov 2011 23:52
Paperwork? Africa trip, down the west coast and up the east Tgon65 Trip Paperwork 7 4 Nov 2011 12:08

 
 

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 16:14.