Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(and know how to ride one) you can arrange something by asking at an auto-parts shop or repair yard, or by asking at
the reception of your hotel. You can often be put in touch with someone who doesn't mind earning some extra cash by
renting out their wheels for a day or two. Remember, though, that matters such as insurance will be easily overlooked,
which is fine until you have an accident and find yourself liable for all bills. Also, if you do this, be sure to check out the
motorbike in advance to ensure it's in acceptable mechanical condition.
Driving Licence
To drive a car or ride a motorbike in West Africa you'll need a driving licence and, ideally, an International Driving Per-
mit (IDP). If you intend to hire a car, you will usually need both. IDPs are easy and cheap to get in your home country -
they're usually issued by major motoring associations, such as the AA in Britain - and are useful if you're driving in
countries where your own licence may not be recognised (officially or unofficially). They have the added advantage of
being written in several languages, with a photo and many stamps, and so look more impressive when presented to car-
rental clerks or policemen at road blocks.
Fuel & Spare Parts
The quality, availability and price of fuel (petrol and diesel - called
essence
and
gasoil,
respectively, in the Francophone
countries,
gasolina
and
diesel,
or sometimes
gasóleo,
in former Portuguese colonies) varies greatly throughout the re-
gion. Where taxation, subsidies or currency rates make petrol cheaper in one country than its neighbour, you'll inevit-
ably find traders who've carried large drums across the border to sell 'black market' fuel at the roadside. However,
watch out for fuel sold in plastic bags or small containers along the roadside. While sometimes it's fine, it's often diluted
with water or kerosene. Don't expect to find unleaded petrol beyond major cities and even there it may be scarce.
African mechanics are masters of ingenuity, using endlessly recycled parts to coax life out of ageing machines that
would have long ago been consigned to the scrap heap in the West. That said, they're often unable to help with newer-
model vehicles - for these, either bring your own spare parts, or check with your manufacturer for a list of accredited
parts suppliers in West Africa. Be warned, however, there may be very few (or none at all) of the latter.
