Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
Road condition Bamako-Kayes Road condition Bamako-Kayes
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Ulrike Hahnel, Rock Formations on the Lagune Route, Bolivia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ulrike Hahnel,
Rock Formations on the
Lagune Route, Bolivia



Like Tree4Likes
  • 1 Post By impala_dk
  • 1 Post By impala_dk
  • 1 Post By priffe
  • 1 Post By PaulD

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Oct 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Denmark
Posts: 17
Road condition Bamako-Kayes
Any recent updates about the road condition between Bamako and Kayes? Have all sections been tarmaced?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Oct 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: UK
Posts: 23
Just about to hit them in a couple days! Will let you know...

North route/red zone is paved all the way...

'Scenic route' through Bafoulabe/Kita sounds 75% done....Bafouable to Bam is done apparently...so it's just the first bit from Diamou (10k south of Kayes) to Bafoulabe...

Will let you know!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Oct 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Denmark
Posts: 17
Thanks for your answer. I am in Bamako now and heading towards Noukachot, so maybe we will cross.
So far locals have recommended NOT going north to Diema. Therefore I will have to choose between going northwest Kita-Kayes or west Kita-Kenieba entering Senegal. The last route should be tarmaced all the way.
Last edited by impala_dk; 16 Oct 2016 at 14:13.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Oct 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,463
Bamako-Diema is probably the worst part.
But there is no joy on the N1.
Better go over Kita-Bafoulabe along the Black River Bafing.
The paved road is good to Kita, then there is 100 kms of pist to Manantali, but not too bad. In Manantali stay at the Cool Camp with Casper, across the bridge.
From Manantali to Bafoulabe road was paved recently by the Chinese.
There is a ferry at Bafoulabe. And then paved road to Kayes in good shape, but there was a bridge collapse some time ago.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Oct 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Moossou, Grand Bassam, Cote d'Ivoire
Posts: 285
Quote:
Originally Posted by impala_dk View Post
Thanks for your answer. I am in Bamako now and heading north, so maybe we will cross.
So far locals have recommended NOT going north to Diema. Therefore I will have to choose between going northwest Kita-Kayes or west Kita-Kenieba entering Senegal. The last route should be tarmaced all the way.
Thanks for this - I'm presuming they're saying not to go north to Diema due to insurgent activity? Or???

No one ever mentions the route that goes over the border just east of Kedougou, Senegal - is this doable? I was hoping to go via Mauri and cross into Mali but if there are problems it looks like a detour through Senegal will be necessary (in two months time)
Last edited by CREER; 16 Oct 2016 at 11:32. Reason: Senegal extras
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Oct 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Denmark
Posts: 17
I think recent activity in the Segou region is causing the recommendation NOT to go north of Bamako right now:
News from The Associated Press

I will take the road Bamako-Kita-Kenieba-Kedougu. Locals says it should be doable in one day leaving early.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 Oct 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Moossou, Grand Bassam, Cote d'Ivoire
Posts: 285
Quote:
Originally Posted by impala_dk View Post
I think recent activity in the Segou region is causing the recommendation NOT to go north of Bamako right now:
News from The Associated Press

I will take the road Bamako-Kita-Kenieba-Kedougu. Locals says it should be doable in one day leaving early.
Brilliant, thanks for this. Please update about that road when you can, I'll be coming from the other direction with 4 wheels ...

If you're at the Camel, please say hello to P&B for me & wishing you the best of luck with your drive!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 19 Oct 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Denmark
Posts: 17
Did Bamako to Kedougou today. Its a 8 hour ride on nearly perfect tarmac. Easy border crossing. Exit/enter took less than a hour, and all paperwork was done at the borderposts.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 19 Oct 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,463
It is a little strange how this road from Kita to Kenieba is not marked on any map.

When there is a bridge at Bafoulabá and tarmac from Manantali to Kita that road will be the fastest road from Senegal and Kayes to Bamako.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 20 Oct 2016
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Aus. Qld. Mackay
Posts: 474
Mali
We just rode that way from Bamako to Kedougu and was fine. We were also up in Mopti & Segou when those attacks happen so maybe we were a bit lucky. Dogon Country & Djenne is beautiful tho.
__________________
....rather Die Living.....than Live Dying !
www.globetrekkers.net.au
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 20 Oct 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Denmark
Posts: 17
Yes, even Google Map dont show it. I think the road was build from 2008-2012 as part of the southern Dakar Bamako corridor. Fortunately its showed on the OSM map.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 25 Oct 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Germany
Posts: 32
Rode Bamako to Kayes via Diema on an XR650 in July 2015. The road was just fine. All asphalt.
Got bad fuel at the first petrol station on the right hand side in Diema. Engine blew.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

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
Tales from the Saddle klous-1 Ride Tales 88 4 Feb 2016 20:30
Exploring Balkans. Montenegro and Bosnia off-road. Gliga Ride Tales 18 4 Apr 2015 23:53
Road Condition Peru- Inapari to Cuzco B317? FREE SPIRIT SOUTH AMERICA 5 29 Sep 2012 02:27
Road Conditions From Bamako to Ivory Coast Dave The Hat sub-Saharan Africa 2 1 Mar 2012 20:05

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 01:31.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top