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road conditions in Mali, Burkina and Ghana road conditions in Mali, Burkina and Ghana
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Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

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Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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  #1  
Old 17 May 2004
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road conditions in Mali, Burkina and Ghana
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
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  #2  
Old 17 May 2004
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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.
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Old 18 May 2004
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Thanks for the tip Toby!

Cheers,
José
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  #4  
Old 2 Jun 2004
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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
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  #5  
Old 3 Jun 2004
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Thanks for the info Jef.

I'll try the Nioro route then.

Cheers,
José
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  #6  
Old 4 Jul 2004
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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.
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