Africa Motorcycle Expedition: TransAfrica GO WEST

The motorcycle trip through West Africa dives into the Western Sahara. For kilometers, only the Atlantic is on our left and the desert on our right. Headwinds and sand challenge both rider and machine. We pass control posts with patience and the prepared documents.

The last section of the Western Sahara brings us to the notorious border area. Between the posts lies a mine-laden no man's land track. This Africa motorcycle expedition demands full attention here before we reach Mauritanian soil.

Deep in the Sahara, the Africa crossing motorcycle demands everything. Soft sand, dune fields, and corrugated iron force constant line choice. Those who fall are lifted up by the group. In the evening, every sip of water counts in the lonely desert camp.

We cross the border into Senegal. The motorcycle trip through West Africa leads to Saint-Louis, a charming colonial city at the mouth of the Senegal River. After that, we travel through the Sahel zone, the transition between the Sahara and dry savanna, to the sea.

In Dakar, the Africa Motorcycle Expedition organizes most of the further visas. Between authorities and embassies, there is time for service on the enduros. The pulsating capital at the westernmost point of Africa is an important hub of the route.

The motorcycle expedition Africa reaches Guinea. Red laterite tracks wind through green hills and villages. After the desert stages, the change is enormous: mud replaces sand, and sudden downpours turn paths into slippery challenges.

The motorcycle crossing through Africa approaches the border to Ivory Coast along lonely tracks. Markets by the roadside provide us with fruit and water. Communication happens with hands and feet, and every border crossing requires patience and papers.

Past Yamoussoukro, the Transafrica Expedition rolls through the interior of the country. The huge basilica surprisingly appears among the palms. We use the paved stretch to make up kilometers and to preserve the machines for upcoming tracks.

After crossing the border, the motorcycle tour Africa follows the Ghanaian coastal road. Old slave forts like Cape Coast remind us of a dark history. The people are warm-hearted, the English makes everyday life easier, and street food provides us along the way.

In Accra, the first major phase of this Africa motorcycle expedition ends. For some short-term travelers, Ghana is the destination, while others prepare for the second stage. We thoroughly check machines and papers before continuing towards the equator.

In Benin, the motorcycle journey through West Africa rolls through Cotonou, the bustling economic center. Mopeds swarm through the streets by the thousands. We refuel, buy water, and prepare for Nigeria, perhaps the most challenging stage of the whole trip.

The motorcycle expedition Africa makes its way through Nigeria's dense interior. Traffic, checkpoints, and heat test our nerves. We keep the group closely together and follow the previously discussed route to quickly head towards the Cameroonian border.

At the border post "Out of Nowhere," we leave Nigeria. After about 20 kilometers, the Africa Motorcycle Expedition reaches a village hut in Cameroon, recognizable only by a flag. Without an entry stamp, we continue on and search for a place to stay for the night.

After hard stages, the motorcycle tour reaches Africa Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon located on seven hills. We dry equipment, service the machines, and recharge our strength. Ahead of us lies the Congo, the green heart and the halfway point of the expedition.

By good roads, the Africa motorcycle expedition reaches a camp in the rainforest. From here, we set off on a gorilla tour, a rare experience, as only a few silverbacks still live in this region. Their population is critically endangered.

The ferry crosses the Congo with the Africa crossing motorcycle to Kinshasa. The megacity is considered one of the most chaotic in Africa. Formalities, crowds, and traffic demand patience. Here, even the satellite connection is not always reliable.

The final section of the DR Congo brings the Enduro journey Africa to the border with Angola. The landscape slowly opens up, savanna replaces the dense forest. After the tough jungle days, everyone looks forward to drier tracks and firmer ground.

On the coast, the Africa Motorcycle Expedition reaches Luanda, the expensive and bustling capital of Angola. Skyscrapers stand next to markets, the Atlantic sparkles behind them. We stock up, exchange money, and plan the long stages through the south of the country.

In Lubango, the Transafrica Expedition winds over the Serra da Leba with its famous serpentine roads. Then it goes down into drier land. We are approaching the Namibian border and preparing papers and machines for the penultimate border crossing.

On the edge of the Etosha area, the Africa Motorcycle Expedition experiences Namibia's wildlife. Elephants, zebras, and antelopes cross the tracks. We keep our distance and respect, because here we are only guests. In the evening, the salt pan glows in warm light.

The motorcycle trip to Cape Town approaches the Orange River, the border to South Africa. Vineyards and farms emerge in the barren landscape. At the border post, we leave Namibia behind and know: The goal of the long expedition is within reach.