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 papers.

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

Deep in the Sahara the Africa crossing by 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 to 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 go through the Sahel region, the transition between the Sahara and dry savanna, to the sea.

In Dakar the Africa motorcycle expedition organises a large part of the further visas. Between authorities and embassies there is time for service on the enduros. The vibrant 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.

Along lonely tracks the Africa crossing by motorcycle approaches the border to the Ivory Coast. Markets by the roadside provide us with fruit and water. Communication takes place with hands and feet, and each border crossing requires patience and paperwork.

Passing by Yamoussoukro, the TransAfrica Expedition rolls through the interior of the country. The enormous basilica appears unexpectedly among the palm trees. We use the paved section to make up kilometers and to spare the machines for the tracks ahead.

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, the English makes daily life easier, and street food takes care of us on the way.

In Accra the first major phase of this Africa motorcycle expedition ends. For some short-term travellers 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 West Africa rolls through Cotonou, the bustling economic centre. Mopeds swarm by the thousands through the streets. We fill up, buy water and prepare for Nigeria, perhaps the most demanding stage of the entire 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 head quickly towards the Cameroonian border.

At the border post called Out of Nowhere we leave Nigeria. After about 20 kilometers the Africa motorcycle expedition reaches a village hut in Cameroon, recognisable only by a flag. Without an entry stamp we continue on and look for a place to stay for the night.

After tough stages the motorcycle tour Africa reaches Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon set on seven hills. We dry our gear, service the machines and recharge. Before us lies the Congo, the green heart and the halfway point of the expedition.

On 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 highly endangered.

The ferry carries the Africa crossing by motorcycle over the Congo to Kinshasa. The megacity is considered one of the most chaotic in Africa. Formalities, crowds and traffic demand patience. Even the satellite connection is not always reliable here.

The last 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.

At Lubango the TransAfrica Expedition winds its way over the Serra da Leba with its famous hairpin turns. Afterwards it descends into drier land. We approach the Namibian border and prepare documents and machines for the penultimate change of country.

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 our respect, because we are only guests here. 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 appear in the barren landscape. At the border post we leave Namibia behind and know: the goal of the long expedition is within reach.

The TransAfrica Expedition leads into the Cederberg and over the Swartberg. Winding passes and red rock faces demand riding skill one more time. The nights are cool, the vastness immense. We sense that Cape Town and the sea are now very close.

After endless kilometers and hundreds of adventures the motorcycle trip to Cape Town finally reaches its destination. Table Mountain towers over the Rainbow City. At the Cape of Good Hope we celebrate together the arrival at the end of the long West Route through Africa.