Africa Motorcycle Expedition: TransAfrica GO WEST

The motorcycle trip 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 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 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 organizes a large part of the further visas. There is time for service on the enduros between authorities and embassies. 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.

Through lonely tracks, the Africa crossing 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 Trans Africa Expedition rolls through the interior of the country. The enormous basilica unexpectedly appears among the palm trees. We use the paved section to make up kilometers and to spare 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, 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 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 West Africa rolls through Cotonou, the bustling economic center. Mopeds swarm by the thousands through the streets. We fill up, buy water, and prepare for Nigeria, the perhaps 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 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 look for a place to stay for the night.

After tough stages, the motorcycle tour reaches Africa Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon located 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 transports the Africa crossing 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 it. We stock up, exchange money, and plan the long stages through the south of the country.

In Lubango, the Transafrica Expedition winds its way over the Serra da Leba with its famous hairpin turns. Afterwards, it descends into drier land. We are approaching the Namibian border and preparing documents 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 we are only guests here. In the evenings, 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.