Niger - April 2019

In 2010 I planned to visit Mt Bangaz in Niger, but it turned out to be $3000.  At that stage I reluctantly had to cancel my plans.  9 Years later it turned out to be $9950!  I knew getting to the mountain basically meant a tremendous amount of planning, military escort and a lot of money. You only live once!  I grabbed the opportunity with both hands (and an extended bond :-)).  I planned on going during winter but was forced to go 3 months later because of a shoulder operation.

Two little girls in the village

Niamey:  After spending a relaxing evening in Niamey, I was taken to the airport to catch a flight to Agadez.  The check in was done manually and I thought that it was rather cute! It took 5 minutes to check in each passenger and every piece of luggage received a very neatly handwritten tag.

I was having my first Nescafe and Nido when the pilots walked past. An hour later, whilst enjoying my second cup of coffee, I noticed that there were only 15 passengers waiting patiently to board the plane with me. 

60 divide by 5 equals 12. Yep, it made sense. There was only 15 minutes left before departure and half of the passengers were still in the check in queue - all was well in Africa.

Nido with nescafe!

Flight to Agadez:  Finally each and every passenger was manually checked in, and two small buses was waiting at the exit.  A physically disabled guy in a wheelchair was waiting patiently to be assisted at the one bus. Another passenger signaled that I should follow him and we boarded the small VIP bus. In the distance I saw our luggage disappearing and after the first bus followed, I got worried. 'Agadez?', I asked the guy who dragged me along and was very relieved when he nodded, confirming that I was in the correct place.  It was not long before we joined the rest, and I was allocated the only empty seat - next to another female traveler.

A "barf bag" was brought to a lady sitting 4 rows from me and I decided it was about time to start meditating again. An hour later I considered asking for one as well when we hit turbulence and the cabin member came flying down the aisle with his coffee trolley. But I relaxed after noticing that every second passenger was praying.

Agadez:  In sweltering heat I was taken to a charming hotel where I had a quick shower before setting off for the market with Abbaya (the tourism guy) and Malik (the interpreter).  Of course, the mosque was first on the list and even though I have been to lots of them before (and I am not into history), I enjoyed the company. When it came to ordering my  lunch confusion reigned. I hated this part. I think in total there are only 50 different kinds of food that I eat.  We settled on tomato salad, bread and hard boiled eggs - delivered to my room. The tomato salad went untouched since it was drenched in oil. Tick! and note to myself - no more salad, in future only ask for a tomato! 

After a siesta it was time for another walk through the town where we visited several families and drank tea. So far the locals have been friendly with great senses of humor.  Abbaya are still amazed by my eating habits but he said that I am an easy customer who loves the children. I guess it's a huge compliment. I seldom feel like a tourist whilst travelling through Africa.

After a good night's sleep (and polishing half of my snacks) breakfast arrived. Malik arrived on time and then we were off to Abbaya’s house where we waited for the military guys until 11:00. I was pleasantly surprised when only 4 arrived.  At the price I paid I was expecting at least 20 of them but at least everyone was wearing a different colorful turban.  Abbaya seemed to found me amusing and every now and again he gives a chuckle, shakes his head and says “Karen!”.  Once I was introduced to the cook and Malik had to translate that I don't eat onions, garlic, meat, fish, oil etc. Abbey gave another chuckle and said it is now between me and Bubukar, the cook.

The team

We stopped in the middle of nowhere for lunch and I was given a nice colorful salad and bread. Bubukar definitely had an inclination of my strange eating habits. Along the way we stopped at the police station. Expecting a hostile reception, I was pleasantly surprised to be escorted to the General who welcomed me with open arms. Once we got to our camping spot, my cook immediately started preparing the next meal whilst I showed Malik how to pitch the tent. The wind was howling but I used sand to tighten the outside flap. After a fantastic meal, I crept into bed, quite content.

Day 1. Woke up at 6 and had omelette for breakfast. Visited market where I got an orange turban and got complimented by the soldiers who reckoned it suited me better than the navy one. Then we were off to where they were digging for gold and what a sight. Young boys were working in the dust and doing everything manually. 

My nice colourful lunch

The boys work in dust the whole day

After watching them, we moved to a section where things were done half manually before moving to the big boys. I was busy taking a video when I spotted a gendarme 2m from me. I immediately put my camera away expecting to be shouted at.  I soon realised that it was Ali, my bodyguard. Everyone was friendly and as a South African, I was considered to be an expert on gold. Finally, we left and stopped at Tobar where we had lunch and the locals had a siesta.

At 15:00, they finally started to pack and load up luggage on the donkeys.  My heart just could not take it.  When we crossed a dry riverbed one donkeys’ load sagged whilst another one slipped on the rocks.  I just broke into tears.  It was the end of the journey as I planned. I offered to go up the mountain on my own but after a two hours’ deliberation it was decided that we would leave most of the fancy cooking gadgets and food behind, get a fourth donkey and leave the next morning at 5:00 instead. 

The donkeys

I could not have been happier and really did not mind at all that I would now have to forfeit a visit or two to more villages on top. So here we were - except for the 2 hour walking around the mine and 2-hours driving, I have been sitting on my bum reading. Being afraid of dehydration whilst going up the mountain, I have polished 3 liters of water. 

Day 2:  Breakfast was served at 6:00 sharp and the donkeys were all packed and loaded.

Clearing the path for the donkeys

  By 6:30 I was told to start walking, because they didn't want me to sabotage the expedition again!  We were progressing slowly and I noticed that the one army guy was clearing the path for the donkeys. I immediately started to help.  I had stepped into a piece of glass just before I left South Africa and could feel it as soon as I started hiking.   After 30 minutes my foot was on fire but if you count slowly to 100, it takes your mind off the pain. Once on top we waited for about an hour before the donkeys and the rest of the expedition arrived.

After lunch we got a visit from an old man. His hand was rotting and I gave him some Bactroban. I also gave his son some Panados for a headache. Pretty soon I found myself surrounded by villagers who wanted to say hello, sell me something or ask for medicine. I only had tablets for allergy, stomach cramps and nausea left. It would have to do. The lady with the eye infection got Allergex. The guy with the toothache got stuff for cramps. Then my gendarme came to my rescue and the crowd was dispersed. When I asked Malik what the boys put on their face he told me it was plain dirt. 

A visit from the locals in the village

You can never be sure of anything in Africa.  Because of the fact that I delayed the expedition, it was decided that we would travel further with motorbikes whilst the donkeys rested.  Two hours later I was told that it would be best to go with a 4x4.  I was told that the mountain was still too far but nobody was able to tell me how far was far.

The first stretch up the mountain

Day 3: It took us 3 bumpy hours to get to the bottom of the mountain and after an hours scramble to the top, I hauled out the South African flag.  Everyone was ecstatic and ten hours after leaving the camp, we were back – dead tired but all smiles.  There were absolutely no way I would have been able to hike all the way from our initial camping spot to the top of the mountain and back – and neither would the donkeys - so all was well in Africa.

On top of Niger's highest mountain

In Agadez I was welcomed back by the Sultan who gave me too many gifts.  Even the flies were polite – they would leave you alone and only land on your food.  This was truly one amazing trip and I found the Tourag people extremely friendly with a great sense of humour! 

With the sultan 

Our map to the top of the mountain

Agadez

I  doubt if there were bullets in this gun

Children fetching water at the spring

Comoros - December 2018

The top of the crater

There is very little information available on the Internet about the Comoros.  I knew that there was a mountain that I wanted to climb, and whales to watch.  Unfortunately, it was not the time for whale watching and the boat trips were very unreliable.  I tried to phone the embassy of Comoros to find out about a visa, but seemingly they have disappeared off the face of the earth...

I phoned two travel agencies and was told that "no one goes to Comoros".  I phoned a visa agency and the lady had to do quite a bit of searching since they’ve never tried to get anyone a visa to enter Comoros.  Finally I was told that I could get one at the airport.  Voila!

I started to question if this is such a "touristy" place and googled again.  Politically it was  unstable and in 35 years there were 25 wars.  The fact that there was a volcano to climb convinced me to proceed!

25^th December:  I was packed and ready 7 hours before my flight.  I then bit into an ice lolly - causing my front tooth's crown to come loose!  Thank goodness this was not going to be a romantic getaway!  At the airport I got a nasty surprise.  Because it is Christmas, all the exchange agencies are closed, resulting in a very knotted stomach!  

Maurice and Maddy

26^th December: After a 14-hour flight, I arrived in Moroni.  To my horror I discover that there was no ATM at the airport.  I was "Euro"-less, toothless and the heat was unbearable.  I was definitely the ONLY tourist at the airport.  Fortunately a NGO worker offered to borrow me the 30 Euros, but her hotel was too far from mine..  The next moment a miracle happened!  The hotel management has sent a driver and I was able to borrow the money from him.

We stop at an ATM on our way to the hotel and my driver tried to cheat me.  I learned what the exchange rates were, so I considered myself to be very streetwise.  The driver told me that his friend would take me to Moheli  for the day.  Since my plans were to stay in Comoros for 6 days, it seemed like a grand idea and I took down his number.

But at the hotel I am told that he overcharged me for the taxi, and that it was impossible to travel to Moheli and back in one day!  I felt rather disappointed and fell into - thank goodness for an aircon!  At 23h00 there was a knock on the door - the manager brought me a huge plate of cooked chips, raw pasta, vegetables and eggs to take on the hike the following day. 

27^th December:  My driver arrived 10 minutes early.  There was no other choice but to take the heave plate of food with.  I was only given 1,5 litres of water but decided to take another one just in case.  At the drop-off point, there was no sign of my guide.  The driver  had no airtime to contact him!  Miraculously, he appeared 30 minutes later.  I handed him the heavy plate of food and explained that it was with compliments from the hotel manager.  I was pretty unfit and it was past humid!  After an hour my guide offered to carry my 3 litres of water, and I regretted not taking more.  I declined his offer to carry my backpack – I needed the exercise!

Life saving water

We reached the camp after a 3-hour hike and after hiding our gear, we were off to the highest peak.  If it was not for the fact that we did not have enough water with us, I would have insisted on hiking to the top the next day.  According to him, we were lucky to get a clear sky day without rain.  I was pleasantly surprised when we finally reached the top.  I hauled out the South-African flag and tried my best to smile without showing the gap in my teeth!  I felt like "Jane" when I swung through some trees in order to reach the crater below!

After 6 hours, we finally got back to the camp and I pitched my tent - whilst Maddy and a friend enjoyed the huge plate of food. I was extremely worried about the water situation and I asked Maddy's friend if he had spare water.  I thought that if I got lucky and he had water I would just need to boil it first.  Much to my surprise he presented me with a fresh 1.5 litre bottle - By now I was extremely worried about the water situation and asked his friend if he did not have any spare water – expecting to boil it!  Much to my surprise he pulled out a 1.5 l bottled water and I quickly gulped down at least half of it!

The campsite

28^th December:  I was all packed by 5:00 and after enjoying a cup of coffee, we started our hike.  The mountain was very littered and I decided to return again to clean up.  I badly needed to rest so we only picked up litter from the camp going down.  When we reached the village, there was no driver waiting and Maddy's phone battery was dead.  We walked to Maddy's house where his wife kindly forced me to eat some very dry cake, which I washed down with the water I had left.  She got hold of the hotel manager and they sent a driver to pick me up.  After a rejuvenating shower, I collected boiled water from the restaurant so that I could prepare myself a nice cup of coffee - fortunately I always have my coffee mix with me, everywhere I go!

Maddy having lunch

29^th December:  I did absolutely nothing all day, except for a bit of reading and playing cellphone games. 

30^th of December:  Because we were not going to spend the evening on top of the mountain, Maurice (a guy that I met the day before) and I set off for the mountains by 2:50.  This time I gave all my luggage to Maddy to carry.  I picked up litter whilst Maddy and Maurice went down the crater.  During our hike we picked up 5 large bags of litter.  Strangely, it took the same amount of time going up the mountain as descending. 

On top of the highest peak

We followed "Jeep" tracks filled with scree the entire way.  After 12 hours, I was back in my air conditioned room.  This was definitely not the most exciting hike ever and my feet hurt like crazy! 

It broke my heart to leave this kitten behind but at least his mom was there

Sao Tome - June 2018

It was a rush against time to get on board the plane

Day 1: After the terrible time we had in Equatorial Guinea, I was looking forward to the forests of Sao Tome.  Neither the two day stay in Cameroon, nor the camping out at the airport in Libreville could dim my spirit.  We were waiting patiently to be called to board the plane.  We suddenly heard a loud shout!  The security guys have forgotten about us, and it was a race against time to board .

To climb the Pico de Sao Tome takes 2 days and you need to be physically fit to do this. Luckily I was - but being stranded  in Equatorial Guinea did not leave us with the luxury of perfect planning, and we did not have 2 days left.  

We quickly dropped our luggage at the Airbnb before setting off to a little village closer to the mountain on motorbikes. 

It was a steep. rushed climb to the top 

Day 2: We started our hike at 3 o'clock and just about raced to the top, which we reached at 13:00.  The humidity factor was extremely high and I can’t remember ever being so tired!! But we had no choice.  The paths were slippery and at one stage, we crossed a narrow winding path with vertical drops to our sides.  

We also ran out of water and were grateful when we got to a farm where we could pick some tomatoes. 

By 20: 00, we still had 5 km to walk to our hotel but luckily we were able to get some water at a village and it was a miracle when we got a lift from one of the villagers back to the hotel.  

It was also a miracle that no one got injured since we all had a fall or two going down. After a nice hot shower, I fell asleep – too tired to even eat lunch.

The beautiful forest

The life saving roots of the plants

Don't let the smile fool you.  I was dead tired

On our way back to the capital

Equitorial Guinea - June 2018

It was a nightmare obtaining a visa for Equatorial Guinea.  My plan of action was to fly to Malabo, drive to the top of the mountain and afterwards fly to Sao Tome.

Entering Equatorial Guinea

We have entered Gabon without having our passports stamped, so my nerves were already shot at the Gabon border - but it was nothing compared to the Equatorial Guinea border! Our luggage were searched thoroughly.  E G’s Minister strived to make "his" country a paradise for tourists, so I was more relaxed when we were across the border.  It gave me a very false sense of security though.

Bush meat

Francis (busy taking a selfie) almost got run over by a guy in a makeshift wheelchair and we were told that the taking of photos were forbidden!  By this time I was exhausted and fortunately I missed the bush meat market (Yep, some pangolins).  We were lucky to get a flight from Bata to Malabo – for only $200.  So far, so good!  

But the next day Francis got back with some more bad news!  After spending hours at the Minister of Tourism and Head of Security’s offices, he was told that we were not allowed on the mountain AND we needed permits to drive around the island ($30 each), BUT it would only be available after 2 days!

So much for the president’s vision to make E G a tourist friendly place!  We did the next best thing – we took a taxi to as close as possible to the mountain.   The next day we waited patiently at the airport – just to be told that there won’t be any flights to Sao Tome that day. 

The Ceiba office at the airport referred us to the main office in town where we learned that all flights to Sao Tome have been stopped a month ago!!!!!!  It was only in Sao tome that we learned that the airline has been blacklisted.  The good news was that we bumped into an electrician working at the top of the mountain and soon we were driving up the mountain with a friend of his.  YES, YES, YES!!!!!  At the police barrier, the car overheated and we had to turn back.  By then I was very close to tears. 

Our vehicle overheated

Never fear!  Francis stopped at the village and arranged anoth

er lift for the next morning. He also discovered a flight to Sao Tome via Cameroon via Gabon that costed an arm and a leg but we wanted to get out of E G as soon as possible.  Unfortunately, the Internet connection in Malabo was so bad that we could not book online. 

The next morning we arrived at the police barrier at 7:30 just to be told that the arranged transport left an hour ago.  I started to cry.  Every time I got my hopes up, something else happened.  I did not understand one word of what was being said – but soon money changed hands and off we went.  It was quite a steep road to the top – but I dared not to  get too excited.  

And then we stopped at a newly build church – intended (I presumed) for tourists!  Going further without being shot by the military was a slight challenge, so 130m from the top, we reluctantly turned back.  

I gave up the idea of flying to Sao Tome but Francis insisted that, on a previous occasion he arrived at the airport only 15 minutes prior to take-off.  We stopped at the Internet cafe and I almost had my third nervous breakdown on the trip.  The flight bookings were closed, so luckily we had 3 more days to spend in E G.  

Chinese Windows

In the office of the Minister of Tourism

We bought the expensive tickets (Yes – Ceiba flies to Cameroon).  We then went to the Minister of Tourism’s office, and tried to arrange for another permit to drive around the island.  After waiting 3 hours Francis well asleep, and so was the secretary!

When returning to our host, we were informed that Ceiba’s flight is now scheduled for one day EARLIER!!  We forfeited the $60 we paid for the trip around the island and arrived at the airport very early!  I was feeling ecstatic after checking in our luggage but I felt only truly relaxed after the plane took off.

Yebo Yes!

Getting a visa for Equitorial Guinea - June 2018

50 Days before my trip and I was told that I only needed an itinerary and R750 to get a visa for Equatorial Guinea (E G).  I tried to get hold of the Embassy numerous times - whilst getting visas for 3 other Central African Countries.  After getting nowhere telephonically, I paid the embassy a visit.  I met a forlorn security guard and he informed me that it was a public.

After numerous fruitless phone calls, I finally got hold of one "Maria".  She told me to phone later and she would, in the meantime, find out which documents and forms were needed to apply.  After a few more calls, she acknowledged that she still had no idea of which forms were needed as she is not employed in the visa department.

I rushed off to the embassy again and met "Mavis".  She was the receptionist and cleaner.  She informed me that I needed a police clearance certificate.  Time was running out and I rushed around like a headless chicken trying to obtain it.  I was told that it normally took 8 weeks...  I was so desperate and it felt so hopeless.  After 10 days, a lot of running around swearing, praying, daily visits to the police, and a bunch of "Urbanols", I was presented with my police clearance certificate.  Everyone in the police office cheered as I was about to leave and I was asked to come back and show them photos after I return from E G.

I rushed off with my police clearance certificate a bit relieved.  Mavis was almost as excited as I was!  Another 7 days and I should have my visa...  To ensure I got it, I booked a hotel room for a week - standard procedure when applying for a visa - because you merely cancel it afterwards.  In Equatorial Guinea, the cheapest room I could got was R2 000 per day - I needed to stay 9 days...

I visited Mavis twice during the 7 day period, hoping to get my visa before the time.  On the day I had to fly to Cameroon, I walked into the Equatorial Guinea’s Embassy.  "Hi Mavis, where is my visa?".  I was very close to tears when she told me that Maria took my passport, and would be sending it to E G.  I explained about the R18 000 hotel booking loss since they won’t refund me, the flight ticket was paid for....  She phoned someone and told me to return in an hour.   

I was desperate!!  Maria phoned me and I guess she could hear that I was kind of hysterical.  How could this even be happening??  She told me that their procedures changed since April 2018.  Yea right!  And for 50 days I have not been able to see anyone working in the visa department!  I literally begged her to try and arrange a visa maybe somewhere in Libreville.  When she finally phoned me back by 15:00, she also sounded very close to tears...  she said that there was nothing further that she could do...  

Just before boarding my flight to Cameroon, I rushed to pick up my passport, at this stage just grateful that it hasn’t been send to E G yet.  

In Cameroon we tried in vain to get a visa at the Equatorial Guinea embassy.  According to them, it was almost impossible to get one and I clung onto the idea that I might get one in Gabon or Sao Tome. 

And then one "Emmanuel" phoned me.  For CAF 400 000 he could get me a visa.  After an hour, the price was increased to CAF 450 000 (R11 000).  I was more than willing to pay. 

I almost had a heart attack when it was mentioned that it might be cheaper if we try in Gabon.  If it should fail, I could send my passport back to Cameroon via a taxi and then Emmanuel would get the visa.

Shortly afterwards I met Emmanuel and he seemed like an honest person.  He scrutinized my documents (clearly knowing what papers would be needed before leaving).  I spent the next two days frantically waiting for news, and prayed that he managed to get a visa for me.  

Miraculously, on the last evening, he handed me my passport with the "golden" visa inside!

I was so grateful and relieved... all was well in Africa.