road conditions in Mali, Burkina and Ghana - Horizons Unlimited

**Jose Brito** · #1 17 May 2004

Hi,

Can any one tell me about the state of the following roads in late October and November (i.e. after the rainy season):

Mali: Bamako – Kita – Kayes;

Mali: Bamako – Nara – Nioro – Kayes;

Burkina-Faso: piste between Bobo-Dioulasso and the Ghana border in Hamale (top NW corner of Ghana);

Ghana: Bolgatanga – Bawku – Yendi - ~Badou – Accra (descending along the Togo border)

Ghana: Cape Coast – Kumasi – Wa – Hamale (upwards, along the Ivory Cosast border, heading to Burkina-Faso)

Any particular information?
Security issue?

Thanks,
José

**Toby2** · #2 17 May 2004

Accra to Yendi was a good dirt road two years ago when we went up it. It was fine for a two wheel drive and you don't need extra clearance for it.

**Jose Brito** · #3 18 May 2004

Thanks for the tip Toby!

Cheers,
José

**Jef Imans** · #4 2 Jun 2004

Forget about Bamako - Kita - Kayes after rainy season, unless you are highly experienced in very difficult conditions.

The northern route from Bamako to Kayes is being redone for the moment, however no need to pass via Nioro. Not a very difficult road, but very tiring due to heavy washboard, some wads to cross. Last 200 km to Kayes is almost entirely new tarmac road.

When you are with the bike I would suggest to take the train, it might be a pain in the ass to get things arranged, but in my honest opinion it's worth it.

Good luck,

jef

**Jose Brito** · #5 3 Jun 2004

Thanks for the info Jef.

I'll try the Nioro route then.

Cheers,
José

**rickx** · #6 4 Jul 2004

I just did the Nioro route (missing out Nioro) and am in Segou, east of Bamako. It's just as Jef describes. So far the rain hasn't made any difference to the conditions. I stayed of the 'washboard' and rode along the old which runs parallel and is easier on your bones.