Good day — November 4, 2025
Today we aimed to finally secure the Sierra Leone visa since it wasn’t completed yesterday. First, we needed to pay the $80 fee for each of us. Michael and Freddy walked to a nearby bank to handle the payments while I stayed behind to organize the car. Once we had the visas, we could head to our next destination.
Walking Companions and Their Journey
They plan to walk again after leaving the city, covering about 30 km a day, finding villages to sleep under roofs or tents and paying someone to cook. They have plenty of experience walking through Africa, from South Africa to Switzerland and elsewhere. With their excellent French, they handle interactions easily, and Freddy, especially, always leaves people smiling with his remarks.
Returning for Change and Embassy Visit
When they returned, we realized the bank owed me $20 in change, so we made another trip. Driving across town was much easier than the night before when traffic was at a standstill. At the embassy, the final signature was still pending. Initially asked to return at 4 PM, I convinced them to let us come at 2 PM. I also tried to pick up an NL sticker letter at a post office, but it wasn’t the main branch, so that task was postponed.
Receiving the Visas
At 2 PM we returned to the embassy and finally walked out with our passports and Sierra Leone visas. A huge relief. With visas in hand, we left the city so Michael and Freddy could resume their walking journey.
Fueling Up and Goodbyes
We said our goodbyes at a gas station where I filled both of my 90-liter diesel tanks. I then made my way toward the border, while they continued walking. The N4 highway was smooth, with no potholes, which made the journey much easier.
Border Crossing
The border crossing was straightforward: both sides shared the same building separated by a gate. Even the Carnet de Passage process went smoothly, despite an official being distracted by a soccer game. As long as the exit stamps are correct, I avoid importation tax complications.
Arrival in Kambia
By the time I reached Kambia, it was dark. I found the Kadam Guest House, a small hotel a little out of town. Hungry, I drove into town, where a policeman saw me looking around, hopped into my car, and guided me to a restaurant. He joined me for conversation but refused food. After dropping him back, I returned to the hotel for the night.
Reflection
What a day—visas obtained, good company, smooth roads, and another border successfully crossed. On to tomorrow.
