In a daring and adventurous quest, a group of Ghanaian travelers set off on an epic 10,000km overland journey from Accra to London. The idea for this remarkable expedition was conceived in 2018, and after facing numerous challenges and delays, the determined group is finally hitting the road.
The team, led by the visionary behind the journey, Kwabena Peprah have been meticulously planning and preparing for this odyssey for a couple of years.
Initially, they sought sponsorship from local auto marketing companies, envisioning at least a Ghanaian-made expedition vehicles. However, their efforts to secure support were not fruitful, leading them to select vehicles from their own fleet of foreign made cars for the trip.
The expedition was originally scheduled for the summer of 2020, but the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to postpone their plans. Undeterred, the adventurous group embarked on a series of domestic road trips across Ghana to hone their skills and gain valuable experience.
Now, with a committed team of travelers and a fleet of vehicles that includes Land Cruisers, a Raptor, Defender, G63, and an RX350, the intrepid travelers have set their sights on the journey of a lifetime.
Their planned route will take them through several West African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Senegal, and Mauritania, before crossing into Morocco and eventually reaching Europe. Along the way, they anticipate picking up additional passengers in cities like Bamako, Casablanca, and Amsterdam.
The group acknowledges the risks involved in such an ambitious expedition, including the possibility of road accidents, mechanical failures, and potential encounters with bandits or terrorists. Nevertheless, they have conducted thorough risk assessments and prepared mitigation plans to tackle any challenges that come their way.
Despite the uncertainties, the travelers remain resolute and optimistic about their journey. They express gratitude for the support and well-wishes they have received from their fellow Ghanaians and global audience alike.
UPDATES ;
Day 1 – Sunday, 23 July 2023
The adventurous journey of a group of friends began today as they set out from Bouake, Côte d’Ivoire, on a road trip to Dakar, Senegal. The group encountered some challenges on the way, including braking issues with one of their vehicles, which they managed to fix. They crossed borders, facing some extortions at immigration, but eventually reached their first stop, Hotel Mon Afrik in Bouake, where the accommodations were less than ideal but they made do.
Day 2 – Monday, 24 July 2023
Continuing their journey towards Bamako, Mali, the group encountered good road conditions with a few speed bumps. They faced some trouble at the Malian border with thorough searches of their belongings and cars. Despite brake issues on some of the vehicles, they eventually made it to Bamako, where they were graciously received by the Ghanaian Mission and the Consul helped them with accommodations and meals.
Day 3 – Tuesday, 25 July 2023
The group continued their road trip, aiming to reach Kayes, Mali, but faced challenges with fading brakes, and one of the cars also developed a misfire issue. Nevertheless, they managed to arrive safely in Kayes and received assistance from a local mechanic. However, they had to endure subpar accommodations at the hotel they stayed in.
Day 4 – Wednesday, 26 July 2023
The group embarked on a long journey from Kayes, aiming to reach Dakar, Senegal, for a day of rest and a mechanic checkup. The road conditions were challenging due to the wind, dust, and poor roads, but they managed to reach Dakar where they were met by the Ghanaian Consul who provided them with assistance and a warm welcome.
Day 5 – Thursday, 27 July 2023
In Dakar, the group attended to various car issues, including a cracked windscreen and misfire, while they enjoyed the city’s sights and hospitality. They also engaged in a friendly competition with a Maserati on the highway. The day ended with some of the group members enjoying Dakar’s nightlife.
Day 6 – Friday, 28 July 2023
Continuing their journey, the group faced difficulties at the Mauritania border with delays and corrupt officials. Eventually, they managed to cross into Mauritania but encountered hostility and had to deal with finicky border procedures. The experience left them wary but they continued onward.
Day 7 – Saturday, 29 July 2023
The group faced extreme heat, strong winds, and vast distances as they traveled through Western Sahara, now a part of Morocco. The sand-laden winds began to damage their vehicles’ paintwork. They reached Boujdour and found the accommodations to be dismal, leading them to sleep in their cars due to unhygienic conditions.
Day 8 – Sunday, 30 July 2023
The group continued their journey, dropping one of the members at Casablanca airport for a business meeting in Amsterdam. Afterward, they visited the Ghanaian High Commissioner in Rabat and assisted two Ghanaian women who were struggling with difficult circumstances in Morocco.
Day 9 – Monday, 31 July 2023
The group decided to push forward towards Algeciras, Spain, from Casablanca, hoping their Ghanaian-registered cars would be allowed into the country. As they boarded the ferry to Algeciras, the group was eager to see how the journey would unfold.
Source: Akosua Avatar
