Good Day – Breakfast and Surprises in Bafatá
Breakfast at the hotel in Bafatá was included, which is always a nice start to the day. The biggest surprise came when stepping outside: the car, dirty from the previous day, had been washed by the security guards. This was the second time such a gesture had happened. A small payment was expected, but it was a welcome surprise.
Heading to Kundara, Guinea
The journey continued toward Kundara in Guinea, hoping to make it there this time. The road was rough again—patchy asphalt with holes required careful maneuvering alongside the road. Speed was limited and driving demanded constant attention.
Challenging Border Crossing
The area between the two border posts was extremely difficult, almost impossible for large vehicles. Border formalities required two copies of the visa, and some unofficial payment was necessary to avoid being turned back. The cost was about 10,000 Guinean francs (around $15), the price of passing through this challenging border post.
Arrival in Kundara
Kundara was reached before dark. The hotel was centrally located and surrounded by a wall, but parking required leaving the car at a nearby gas station with a security guard, who would also need a small payment the next morning. The hotel itself was unique—four stories tall but without running water, fans, or air conditioning. Bucket showers were required, making it a compromise, but preferable to camping.
Dinner and Local Entertainment
Before registering passports, local children began singing enthusiastically after being asked the right question—a memorable cultural moment captured in photos. Finding a restaurant in the dark was a challenge, and payment had to be made in local currency. A small motorbike ride through town was required to find a money changer who knew the exchange rate, followed by a return to the restaurant to settle the bill.
End of the Day
Despite the rough roads, border difficulties, and navigating a dark town, dinner was secured and accommodation arranged. The day concluded safely, ready for the next leg of the journey.
