Good Day – October 28th
The plan for the day was to make it to Guinea. A short route displayed on the Garmin and other mapping apps seemed plausible. Once leaving Guinea-Bissau, the aim was to reach the N1 highway in Guinea, which would likely lead to Conakry the following day. The plan sounded promising, so the journey began.
Crossing the Cordobal River
The road was rough, but the route included crossing the Cordobal River. While not a very tall waterfall, the river drops significantly at the bridge, creating a beautiful sight along the way.
Mampata Stretch
Next, the route led to Mampata, where a turn was required. Going straight would lead to Buba and its national park, though there were no animals to be seen there. The 21-kilometer stretch around Mampata tested driving skills and patience. Traffic was light, but the road was a major artery, requiring slow, careful driving.
Border Route Attempt
At the next intersection, the road to the border looked nearly impassable. Local children repairing motorbikes advised that passage was not possible. An option was offered to scout the last three kilometers by riding on the back of a motorbike to assess the path. The ride was challenging, up and down, with most of the route drivable by car except for the last part, which resembled a wooden walkway with water on both sides.
Locals offered to improve the path for a fee, but there was still no certainty about a border post on the other side. Ultimately, it was decided to turn back rather than risk the crossing.
Returning and Accommodation
The return trip covered 135 kilometers, including the challenging 21-kilometer stretch, navigating bumps and rough terrain. The Cordobal River waterfall was seen a second time. Back in Bafatá, the Apart Hotel Triton provided comfortable accommodation with a restaurant. Darkness approached near arrival, complicating visibility during the drive, which is always a concern.
Reflections on the Day
The day included 135 kilometers of travel with no forward progress into Guinea. The experience highlighted the long routes required to leave Guinea-Bissau and navigate through Guinea, with road conditions unknown until explored. A good night’s sleep prepared for the next leg of the journey.
