Bridging The Continents

Location: Namibia

Summary:

Today I took another day trip from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay, about 35km south. The drive features flat sand strips to the sea with small communities that look like second homes, each with basic services. The area offers great adventure activities - dune buggy rentals, camel rides, and desert tours for cruise ship visitors. Walvis Bay itself is very industrial with lots of shipping activity. I got lucky and spotted flamingos at the expected location, though not many were there. Beyond the town are fascinating salt fields where they flood areas with...

Location: Namibia

Summary:

Today I made a day trip from Swakopmund to Henties Bay, driving about 70 kilometers north through the desert. The journey took me past various beach stops with amusing South African names like President's Gat, and I noticed a desalination plant that supplies water to the region. The landscape is completely barren - just desert with scattered, mostly boarded-up second homes and no services. In Henties Bay, I visited a university campus where I picked up a fisheries student who needed a ride to the spa. She was incredibly skeptical when I told...

Location: Namibia

Summary:

I started my Monday morning early, leaving Windhoek at quarter to 6 to reach the Toyota dealership in Okahandja by 6:30. I learned from my previous experience in Oshakati that arriving early determines your position in the repair queue. My main concern was replacing the passenger door lock mechanism, which was damaged when I was robbed - the thieves had tried to pry it open with a screwdriver. I also needed the handbrake adjusted properly, as it hadn't been fixed correctly 1,200 km ago, and wanted them to check for a diesel tank leak. After...

Location: Namibia

Summary:

I started my day at Kate's Nest Guest House and picked up my friend Nico for an adventure to Dan Viljoen's Game Reserve, about 25 kilometers from Windhoek. Even though their day services were unexpectedly closed, we could still do the self-drive tour through the reserve. We drove along the track with a regular car and spotted amazing wildlife including birds, zebras, giraffes, and other animals. The experience was absolutely worth it and incredibly fun. We also hiked up to a ridge where there's a water reservoir and another restaurant - it's impressive...

Location: Namabia

Summary:

I'm currently stuck waiting for my emergency passport to arrive, hopefully early next week, which has left me unable to leave the country. While waiting, I tackled some important administrative tasks, particularly renewing my real estate broker fingerprints for Washington State - something required every 6 years that I can't get an extension for. I first tried a modern electronic fingerprinting company called Timeware, then had to visit multiple locations to get the proper fingerprint cards printed on thick stock. At Klein-Wintuuk's police station, despite the usual long lineup, I managed to get...

Location: Namibia

Summary:

On February 2nd, I had to leave Yenneke and Byron's home in Okahontja and travel to Windhoek for an important mission - applying for a new passport. Yenneke was incredibly helpful in preparing all the necessary paperwork. In Windhoek, I found the honorary consul's office at Imurgo Consulting, a company that provides marketing and internet presence consulting across Africa. After submitting my application, I dealt with some back-and-forth with The Hague who had questions about my stolen passport and the visas that were in it. I managed to provide proof of payment...

Location: Namibia

Summary:

I had quite the adventure trying to replace my phone and computer in Windhoek. After finding that Okahandja didn't have what I needed, I traveled to Windhoek where I discovered two iStores in different malls. I managed to purchase a new iPhone and computer, but had to visit both locations to get everything I wanted. The real challenge began when I tried to activate my new phone - I needed to call Apple support on a landline, but the store wouldn't let me use theirs. To make matters worse, I couldn't get...

Location: Windhoek, Namibia

Summary: On January 30th, I focused on recuperating from the previous day’s incident and making my way to Okaukuejo to meet the family who could help me recover from the losses. It was a long drive—around 500–600 kilometers—but I arrived around 3 p.m. and was grateful for their support.We got in touch with the honorary consulate in Windhoek, and they laid out the process for obtaining an emergency passport, which would take about a week. I now had the necessary forms, instructions, and guidance to get started. It was reassuring to have a p...

Location: Oshakati, Namibia to Rundu, Namibia

Summary: On January 29th, I left Oshakati heading toward Rundu and then north toward Botswana. I stopped briefly in Ondangwa for supplies, but about 15 minutes out of town, a car with several men forced me to stop. They attacked me, took my phone, laptop, and my travel documents, including my passport, international driver’s license, and yellow fever card. Thankfully, I wasn’t physically hurt, and the situation de-escalated when one of them decided they had taken enough and left.Shaken, I went back to Ondangwa to report the inci...

Location: Oshakati, Namibia

Summary: On January 28th, I spent the day in Oshakati, northern Namibia, getting my car serviced. I arrived early at the Toyota dealer, and they replaced the rear brake drums and shoes along with performing routine maintenance. Communication with the service staff was frustrating—they didn’t keep me updated, and I had to figure out when the work was done myself.Afterward, I returned to the hotel and met two couples traveling through the region—one from Cape Town and one from Maun, Botswana. We had great conversations about travel and routes...

Location: Angola to Oshakati, Namibia

Summary: On January 27th, I filled up my diesel tanks in Angola, taking advantage of the low price before heading to the border. Crossing into Namibia was relatively smooth, with the proper paperwork processed for Angola, Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa, which should make future border crossings easier.I only had a short drive to Oshakati, where I checked in at the Oshakati Hotel—quiet because it’s low season, but comfortable and well-located. I also arranged an appointment at the Toyota dealer for the next morning, knowing I’d need t...

Location: Lubango, Angola to Onjiva, Angola

Summary: On January 26th, I left the lodge and headed toward Lubango, stopping at an overlook where I could take in a great view of the city. As I continued toward Ondjiva near the border, I enjoyed the drive through relatively green landscapes, though I had to stay alert for cattle crossings, occasional large potholes, and even passed a recent minibus accident.Overall, I felt that Angola stood out for its road quality and general maintenance compared to other countries I had traveled through. By evening, I reached Ondjiva...

Location: Namibe, Angola

Summary: On January 25th, I woke up in an incredible place right on the beach, surrounded by cliffs with the ocean just steps from my room. The lodge is built on the remains of an old fishing site, and I learned from the owners, Rui and Monica, how they developed it over the years into a unique and remote retreat with about 17 guest rooms and a full team of staff working in rotations.I found it fascinating how everything operates there—from the legal setup of land use in Angola to the lo...

Location: Luang Prabang to Banteay Chmar, Angola

Summary: On January 24th, I chose to follow the longer coastal route instead of taking the quicker inland road. Before leaving, I dealt with frustrating payment issues at the hotel, where credit cards weren’t always accepted, so I had to book online day by day while cash withdrawals were expensive.Once on the road, the start was smooth, but I soon hit about 45 kilometers of rough, corrugated dirt road that slowed me down significantly. After that, the pavement returned, and I continued through dry, desert-like terrain that fe...

Location: Lobito, Angola

Summary: On January 23rd, I spent more time working on my classes and managed to log about 13 hours toward the total I need. In the afternoon, Nico arrived after an intense 600 km ride from Luanda on his Yamaha, even finishing the last stretch in the dark. We met up, shared stories, and talked about our travels—it was great connecting with someone from the overlanding community, especially since we both have ties to the Seattle area.At the hotel, I also met Rick, a Canadian working with his country’s High Commission in M...

Location: Angola

Summary: On January 22nd, I spent part of the day taking online classes while traveling, which felt both amazing and frustrating. Although I managed to complete one class, it took much longer than usual due to unreliable conditions, and I realized I needed to stay focused to meet my March 4th deadline.I also explored the Flow Hotel, enjoying its large swimming pool and walking around the area, which I found quite pleasant. During the day, I connected with Nico Leontas, another traveler riding through Africa on a scooter, whom I met through...

Location: Angola

Summary: On January 21st, I left Zunbey after having a decent breakfast at the hotel and set out on the road. The route took me partly along the coast, though the water wasn’t always visible, and often led inland through increasingly dry landscapes. I passed through Lobito, which I later learned more about in connection with the Lobito Corridor and its growing role as a harbor. My destination was Benguela, where I had booked a stay at the Flow Hotel. It’s a modern place, originally built around 2010 for an event and then left unus...

Location: Democratic Republic Of The Congo

Summary: I woke up near the gorillas to a quiet morning and quickly learned a lesson about moisture and matches—after leaving them unsealed overnight, it took nearly a dozen tries to light the gas stove. From there, I packed up and made the 13 km drive back to the main road, navigating narrow tracks, water crossings with unknown depths, and a brief encounter with oncoming vehicles.

Along the way, I picked up Joachim, a 63-year-old father of eight who was heading to Brazzaville to visit his wife in...

Location: Kwanza Lodge, Angola to Benguela, Angola

Summary: What a delightful conversation this was! I loved hearing about this traveler's leisurely journey through Angola, especially that magical moment of spotting a wild monkey right along the roadside - about three feet tall and completely relaxed. There's something so special about those unexpected wildlife encounters when you're not rushing and taking time to notice your surroundings.What really struck me was the thoughtful approach to travel planning and budgeting. The decision to stay at Hotel Mar for 25,000 instead of the beachfront Aurelio Resort at 65,000 was smart...

Location: Luanda, Angola to Barra do Cunha, Angola

Summary: What a contrast this journey through Angola has been! Starting my day navigating Luanda's confusing one-way streets and hunting down ATMs that would actually work with international cards, I was reminded once again how each African country presents its own unique challenges. The city's relaxed atmosphere was such a welcome change after the hectic chaos of the DRC - it's amazing how much calmer everything feels here.The real highlight was discovering Kwanza Lodge near Barra do Cunha, run by this wonderful South African family who...

Location: Luanda, Angola

Summary: What struck me most about this conversation was the revelation that Angola might just be Africa's best-kept secret for budget-conscious travelers. Hearing about diesel at just 45 cents per liter and incredibly affordable lodging and food prices really opened my eyes to how far your money can stretch in this Portuguese-speaking nation. There's something special about experiencing a city on a Sunday when the usual chaos settles down - even the traffic lights weren't working, but somehow that just added to the relaxed atmosphere.The human connections made throughout the day really...

Location: BwanaZongo, Angola to Luanda, Angola

Summary: What struck me most about today's conversation was how travel plans can completely shift when you're on the road in Africa. My guest's journey from BwanaZongo toward Luanda perfectly illustrates this - what started as a plan to stop halfway turned into a full day's drive to the capital when suitable accommodations simply weren't available along the coast. I was fascinated by their observations about the infrastructure development happening in Angola, particularly those massive trucks loaded with construction equipment heading to the DRC, and their concern about how...

Location: Matadi, Democratic Republic of Congo to Mwanza Congo, Angola

Summary: What started as a simple border crossing turned into one of those unexpected travel moments that remind you why I love this journey so much. I found myself trapped in traffic for an hour and a half in Matadi when a funeral procession completely shut down the main street to the border. Instead of getting frustrated, I ended up having coffee with locals who kindly organized it for me, and even watched as a casket was passed by hand through the crowd - a...

Location: Cabinda, Angola to Matadi, Democratic Republic of Congo

Summary: What a day this was! Starting with an early morning wake-up call about my car at Hotel Porto Sol in Cabinda, Angola, I knew this border crossing into the DRC was going to be memorable. The unusual visa verification process had me nervously watching my passport disappear across the border, not knowing if I'd get it back. But the real adventure began after crossing - 30 kilometers of sandy tracks that had me grateful for four-wheel drive, following a small car toward Boma just to make...

Location: Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo to Cabinda, Angola

Summary: What struck me most about today's conversation was how perfectly it captures the unpredictable nature of overland travel through Africa. Starting with that awkward situation at the Guest Wharf hotel in Pointe Noire - you know, when someone washes your car without being asked and then expects payment despite prior agreements - it really highlighted how these small cultural misunderstandings can set the tone for your entire day. The visible damage to the vehicle from the previous day's adventures was a sobering reminder that this...

Location: Lutetia, Congo to Pointe Noire, Congo

Summary: What started as a simple two-hour drive from Lutetia to Pointe Noire turned into one of those travel days that reminds you why I love exploring Africa - it's unpredictable, humbling, and ultimately rewarding. My conversation with my guest about his experience really struck me, especially when he realized at a fuel station that the CFA money he'd carefully set aside never made it from his hotel bed to his wallet. Here's someone who had to navigate three uncooperative banks, ride in his first-ever tuk-tuk, and negotiate...

Location: Brazzaville to Lutetia, Republic of the Congo

Summary: What started as a simple drive from Brazzaville turned into one of the most intense days I've ever experienced on the road. I learned the hard way that trusting GPS for the 'shortest route' isn't always the wisest choice when traveling through remote areas of the Congo. After being assigned an armed guard in Kinkala and picking up two locals who warned me about the deteriorating road conditions ahead, I found myself navigating increasingly treacherous terrain that seemed more suited for foot traffic than vehicles.The...

Location: Brazzaville to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Summary: What started as a reconnaissance mission to check out the ferry from Brazzaville to Kinshasa turned into one of those unexpectedly rich travel days that remind me why I love exploring. I'd already decided against taking this route - the ferry's sketchy safety record over the past 20 years and challenging road conditions from Kinshasa to Matadi had me looking for alternatives through Cabinda instead. But I wanted to see it for myself, you know? Sometimes you need to witness these things firsthand to feel confident...

Location: Ojou to Reserve Natural Guerilla, Gabon

Summary: What started as an early morning drive to make up lost distance turned into one of the most rewarding experiences of my African journey. Acting on a tip from Marek, a fellow motorbike rider I'd met in Cameroon, I decided to seek out a remote gorilla reserve. After a challenging 13-kilometer trek down dirt roads that definitely required four-wheel drive, I found myself at an incredible sanctuary where former zoo gorillas from England now live in a semi-wild state.The experience of crossing water by boat to...

Location: Quesso to Oyo, Republic Of Congo

Summary: What started as a routine travel day from Quesso to Oyo turned into one of those experiences that really makes you reflect on the complexities of overland travel in Central Africa. I picked up Frederic, a military adjudant with fascinating stories about parachuting into Libya and Chad, and together we faced our first test when we encountered a fallen tree blocking the road. While other cars had squeezed past, we made the choice to stop and spend 20 minutes cutting it away - a small act that felt...

Location: Ntangala, Cameroon to Oussou, Republic of Congo

Summary: What a day this was! I found myself navigating one of those border crossings that really tests your patience - you know, the kind where you go from office to office getting various stamps on your passport and Carnet de Passage, hoping you don't miss anything important. The Cameroon side was surprisingly efficient, but then I hit this bizarre ghost town on the Congo side - empty buildings everywhere - before finally reaching the actual border post that was still in operation. Sometimes the infrastructure just...

Location: Yaounde, Cameroon to Netam, Cameroon

Summary: What struck me most about this conversation was the raw reality of overland travel through Central Africa - it's not just about the challenging roads and logistics, but the human connections that emerge along the way. I was fascinated by Stefan, the night receptionist who's been taking taxi rides to work for 25 years, sometimes enduring 90-minute commutes each way. There's something admirable about that kind of resilience and acceptance of life's circumstances.The discussion about corrupt road checkpoints really highlighted one of the darker sides of solo travel...

Location: Cameroon

Summary: What an incredible day this was in Cameroon! Thanks to Professor Joseph Cumming's arrangements, I had the opportunity to dive deep into the country's public health landscape through some fascinating meetings. Starting at the Institute's office, I was struck by the passion of the researchers and PhDs who are doing work they absolutely love - it's exactly the kind of local capacity building that Professor Joseph envisions for Cameroon's future, including his ambitious plans for a private university.The real eye-opener came during my meetings with Dr. Ko Ayisi from the health...

Location: Not specified

Summary: What I love about Sundays on the road is how they reveal a different rhythm of local life. Today was one of those perfect examples - quieter streets made for easier driving, but fewer open businesses reminded me that everyone deserves their day of rest. I found myself wandering and stumbled upon this little street-side shed where locals were enjoying big bottles of beer and incredible roasted pork with amazing sauce. It's these unplanned discoveries that make solo travel so rewarding.The real highlight came when Professor Joseph Cumo reached out...

Location: Yaoundé, Cameroon

Summary: What started as a simple radio interview at CRTV turned into one of those magical travel days that reminds you why authentic connections matter so much. I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Professor Joseph Kamenev, who's doing remarkable work as CEO of the Higher Institute for Scientific Research and head of Public Health at the University of Yaoundé. Through our Bridges to Development partnership, he's tackling neglected tropical diseases despite limited government support - it's that classic scenario where researchers are fighting for funding while making genuine impact th...

Location: Younde, Cameroon

Summary: What struck me most about today's conversation was how travel isn't just about the places you visit, but the practical challenges you navigate and the genuine human connections you make along the way. My guest's experience in Cameroon really highlighted something I think we often overlook - the importance of understanding local financial systems before you arrive. Learning that Cameroon, Congo, and Central African Republic share the same currency was a game-changer for his planning, especially knowing that services like Wise.com wouldn't work in Congo.But beyond the logistics, what...

Location: Cameroon

Summary: What a way to kick off 2026! I found myself in one of those spontaneous travel moments that remind me why I love exploring new places. Stephen, the night clerk at my hotel, invited me to meet his family, and despite some technical hiccups with my internet calling, we managed to connect at a local store. From there, he took me up into the hills where his relatives were gathering for what turned out to be an incredible evening of barbecue, beer, and local music.The most striking part wasn't just the warm...

Location

Douala → Yaoundé, Cameroon

Summary

On the last day of 2025, I continued my drive from Douala toward Yaoundé, only to turn back briefly after realizing I’d left my phone charger at the hotel. That small detour led to meeting François, a fellow traveler whose village stop introduced me to local food, roadside realities, and the stark aftermath of highway accidents. The drive itself demanded patience, with potholes, freight trucks, and reminders of how unforgiving this road can be.

Once in Yaoundé, François helped me find a reasonably priced hotel, an...

Location

Douala → Boumnyebel → Yaoundé, Cameroon

Summary

On December 30, I set out from Douala toward Yaoundé but chose to split the drive into two days for safety and sanity. With heavy freight traffic, narrow roads, and constant overtaking, it was a drive that demanded full attention. I stopped for the night in Boumnyebel, stayed in a very basic hotel, and spent the evening eating grilled meat, drinking beer, and soaking in an intense but authentic slice of Cameroonian life.

Location Douala, Cameroon

Summary December 29 turned into one of those unexpectedly perfect travel days. I started the morning by booking two more nights at the hotel and heading out to service the car. I found a TotalEnergies station about 15 minutes away that also had a little café—espresso and a croissant while my car was being worked on felt like winning the road-trip lottery. Even better, the service bay was open and ready the moment I arrived. Absolute luck.

While the car was being serviced, a tire issue was handled next door, and I learned I h...