In Lonely Plan-it, we take you step by step through how we put together some of the most complicated travel adventures. We asked Juan Martinez to explain how he planned an overland trip across West Africa. 

West Africa can often test your patience in unexpected ways. And it also rewards you with an unmatched adventure. For those willing to step outside their comfort zone, getting on the road here offers a truly gratifying travel experience.

In this region, developing skyscrapers and bustling markets coexist with traditional villages and untouched landscapes. From the labyrinthine markets in Serekunda and Grand Bassam to the nature sanctuaries in The Gambia and the isolated beaches along Sierra Leone’s coastline, West Africa will leave you astonished time and time again.

I embarked on a four-week overland trip with five friends, traveling from Senegal to Côte d’Ivoire. Here are some tricks and tips you might find useful for planning a similarly ambitious overland trip.

Get trusted guidance to the world’s most breathtaking experiences delivered to your inbox weekly with our email newsletter. This is an aerial view of the only road connecting Guinea Bissau and Guinea, the main highway at their shared border © Juan Martinez / Lonely Planet

Step 1: Determine your route

Where do you want to go and how long will you be there?

With 19 different countries to explore, the first step in planning your West African adventure is to decide which ones you want to visit and the duration of your trip. It’s important to consider potential routes and how much time you want to spend in each country. Keep in mind that travel time can vary depending…

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