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 Danielle Murdoch, riding to Uganda - Kenya border

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Danielle Murdoch,
riding to Uganda - Kenya border



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 17 Feb 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Hereford, England
Posts: 13
Yaounde Accomodation Warning

I regrete that, what appears to be the cheapest camp spot in Yaounde, Can also be a serious risk to your health. Im talking about The Presbeterian mission (Foyer International de I'Eglaise Presbyterienne) (Not part of the church by the way)

We stayed a couple of nights and met a Germany couple who had been stelth charged water at the price of 200 CFA a bucket. There was no running water at the time and if you wanted to go inside to use the loo after 8pm... well forget it.

It got a bit more serious though when they tried to over charge us and refused to give back part of our hefty deposit already paid to them. We decided to leave and they refused to give back our possesions that were locked in one of their rooms. In My attempt to to take them back the old french man held a knife at me and then when another member of the family held the door closed on me, the French mans Cameroonian wife (they are the owners) tried to attack me with a machettee. She would have succeeded had she not been held back by other family members but did manage to rip my shirt.

The police were called and then her higher contacts manged to turn an assult case against me. Thank God for the British High Commision, who have been very helpful. They have had other complaints form other Brits staying at the same place though they did not tell me the detaails. I ended up being treated like a criminal and it took a while to get our bikes back.

So, it may not end up being the cheapest place you stay at or even worse it might end up costing you considerably to stay there.

We ended up staying at the ideal hotel down the road. A nice place at 8000 CFA / room regardless of how many people stay.
__________________
www.africaorbital.wordpress.com F650gs Dakar
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 17 Feb 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
Hey Darren,

Sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience, glad that you got out mostly unscathed.

I stayed there last year, wasn't too bad but it was rainy season so we stayed in the dorms. They definitely didn't take too kindly though to normal overlander habits of using the flat dry spots to work on your bike or staying out later than eight to have a couple of s. Reading your story, glad that I didn't encounter any really contentious issues that needed to be resolved.

Ride safe.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 18 Feb 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Hereford, England
Posts: 13
seems so far that all the people weve met that have stayed there have left early or just been glad to get out of there. Just an unpleasent atmosphere. When we got down to the Ideal there were more overlanders there also. They had heard bad stories themselves. Its a shame really. With different owners could have been an good place. Take it easy. Darren
__________________
www.africaorbital.wordpress.com F650gs Dakar
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 18 Feb 2011
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
Yip, the old Swiss guy has been there about 2 years now apparently and is a right old sod. All the people that I stayed there with had similar problems.

Clearly they don't want people staying there and to have the place to themselves. But it is supposed to be the guesthouse of the mission isn't it?

So, lets complain collectively as we all need this place if passing through, and many overlanders have enjoyed it previously.

Can somebody French speaking figure who to complain too? What does "Foyer International de I'Eglaise Presbyterienne' mean and is there a contact in France or somewhere internationally??

EVERYBODY WHO HAD PROBLEMS PLEASE LEAVE A SHORT MESSAGE BELOW:
__________________
Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 18 Feb 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London
Posts: 542
I was staying in a room inside, and they certainly didn't appreciate me turning up at 1am after a few s several nights running.

In fairness to them, they mentioned the doors to the house are locked at 8pm, but I hadn't taken too much notice at the time.

However I think there is a general disconnect here between our expectations and those of the proprieters. This is a church run mission house, so overlanders shouldn't expect it to be run like a commercial campground with a bar etc. If they set rules that we don't like, we always have the option of going somewhere else.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 18 Feb 2011
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
Agreed Matt, turning up at 3am and vomiting over the carpet is never appreciated ;-)

But in the case of those who I stayed with they were adding on charges when it came to paying and a variety of dishonest practises like this from some very well behaved overlanders. They made over 80 euros per night when we were all there. Even after 5 days there I wasn't allowed to have 5 litres of water from the tap without paying.

For many years beforehand it had been an overlanders haven where we were welcome. That is what churchs are supposed to be like, the door is always open etc.

Since this new guy has come in it has become full of stories like those above.

It is a great location near the embassies and great bakery! ;-)

For those of use with vehicles it is perhaps the only good option etc.

So maybe a letter in the right direction makes it better for everybody - the old Swiss guy is clearly not happy either ;-)
__________________
Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 24 Feb 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 102
I was continually locked out despite being back at the hostel before their 'locked doors' time. The final time I had real difficulty getting someone to open up for me and the security guard said I should sleep outside (all my gear being inside as I was staying in the dorm). I banged louder on the door and eventually got an answer - I was shouted at and told they lock up for my own security because it is not safe in the area at night (but they were happy to lock me out!). I said they clearly must lock up for their own security, not mine. After a long argument I told them I would leave and they could lock the door behind me. So I collected my bags and wheeled my bike out of the door at 11pm in the pissing rain. The only thing they were concerned about was that they would not be responsible for anything that might happen to me if I left.

(I went to a bar and when it shut, the kind waitress took me to her home... on the way a guy flagged down our taxi and tried to steal the waitresses handbag - she bit him and the driver sped off, she still had her handbag! Eventful night!)

Having said that, the Swiss guy was pretty helpful when it came to trying to fix my bike and had seemed ok (in daylight hours). The problems were with the women mainly. I was there Sept '10.
__________________
Helen's Take On...
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 8 Mar 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Hereford, England
Posts: 13
Seems like the news have travelled quickly through Africa. I would like to point out that there is another option in Yaounde being the Benadictine mission. not sure where it is but if someone has some info then post here.
__________________
www.africaorbital.wordpress.com F650gs Dakar
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 16 Mar 2011
Jeny
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Hi, it seems to me as if you didn't had that good experience with the place but as you said the police were quite helpful to you and yes we always need to be careful while going to a new place otherwise quite strange and unexpected things happen.
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
Anyone in Yaounde? takeonafrica sub-Saharan Africa 3 14 Aug 2010 14:00
Michael Rose in Yaounde? IanC sub-Saharan Africa 3 20 May 2010 20:05
Route Abuja to Yaounde? IanC sub-Saharan Africa 20 6 May 2010 09:12
Yaounde - Brazzaville: How many days? Scholle sub-Saharan Africa 5 14 Mar 2010 18:41
Yaounde to Ouesso Moadl sub-Saharan Africa 0 1 Mar 2006 23:56

 
 

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 Insuranceā„¢ 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 09:36.