4-6-2011
Leaving Abuja
Today we left Abuja and drove to Makurdi. Some crazy driving, as it has rained the whole day. People drive badly, but at least the cops arent out asking for bribes thanks to the rain!
The roadside is so badly eroded. Lots of cars, minibuses etc lying on their sides or roofs! Another timely reminder to NOT drive at night.
We will stay at a place called the Dolphin Hotel. Nicely priced, but no elecricity. At least we get a bucket shower.
Some of the local guys are very impressed with the truck. They want to know if the snorkel is an exhaust. Also why are we driving down to SA? "For fun." "WHAAAAAAT!!"
Have a good chat, and then retire to the room to watch a movie on the laptop.
5-6-11
Today we'll be driving to Ikom. The weather has cleared up a bit which is nice. But unfortunately that means the police are out in full force. Obviously need to make up for their loss of income yesterday.
Sorry chaps, we're not paying!
There are a few options for accomodation but we decide to head to the Drill Ranch.
Its a natural reserve, where they protect the endangered drill monkey's. They also have this little potto - like a bush baby. Its hands feel like a human's. Poor thing is losing its hair.
There is a nice canopy walk in the forest, and there are some chimps that throw stones at the visitors..!
We have a walk around the place but when we leave we find out we have been charged for a full guided tour. So beware!
6-6-11
Into Cameroon - The notorious Ekok to Mamfe road.
Today we cross the border. The formalities pass by without too much fuss.
We will miss Nigeria, the country and its people have been great. Really really cool place.
We asked throughout the country how good/bad the road was. Most said it would take us a few days to get through! Cameroon ambassador said we had NO CHANCE getting through. The road has obviously had some work done, as we got through easily. Same couldnt be said for many others though. A lot of trucks and sedans(!) and bakkies were stuck. Gives us an opportunity to pull some people out though :)
Into Cameroon - The notorious Ekok to Mamfe road.
Today we cross the border. The formalities pass by without too much fuss.
We will miss Nigeria, the country and its people have been great. Really really cool place.
We asked throughout the country how good/bad the road was. Most said it would take us a few days to get through! Cameroon ambassador said we had NO CHANCE getting through. The road has obviously had some work done, as we got through easily. Same couldnt be said for many others though. A lot of trucks and sedans(!) and bakkies were stuck. Gives us an opportunity to pull some people out though :)
Checked into the Data Hotel.
Had a meal in their restaurant. Grilled chicken and omelette. Delicious.
The place is nice, and we splash out on an air conditioned room... well should have guessed it. The power goes out and so the aircon is pointless.
We are heading to Buea today but first we change the brake pads and give the truck an oil change. While this is happening we notice a guy bashing his dear old banger into shape. This car is obviously the guy's pride an joy. In Europe it would have been on the scrap heap years ago. He is banging the frame with a hammer and the hammer goes through the windscreen.
He is crushed. Poor chap.
So we head to Buea. The road from Mamfe to Kumbe is awful. We will spend the night at the presbyterian mission. Cheap clean rooms and internet too! Have a meal at a restaurant. Try some local dishes. Really tasty.
We head to sleep soon after. Got an early start to get to Yaounde. Mt Cameroon is stunning. Pity we cant spend much time here and have a climb.
Some Co-ords
Drill Ranch, Nigeria N6 18.169 E9 00.100
Data Hotel, Mamfe N5 45.113 E9 19.265
Presbyterian Guest House, Buea N4 09.693 E9 13.981