Overland Travel in West Africa Across 7 Countries (Part 1) with Gunnar Garfors & Jacqui Kunz
Zero To Travel Podcast
Transport Reality: Minibuses and Waits
Gunnar and Jacqui describe set-plus minibuses, waiting to fill, and how that affects planning and pacing.
What happens when you try overland travel in West Africa across seven countries using only local transport?
Gunnar Garfors is a Norwegian traveler, journalist, and author who became the first person to visit every country in the world twice. He is known for seeking out unusual routes and lesser-visited destinations, often traveling far beyond typical tourist paths. Jacqui Kunz is a full-time traveler who has explored more than 100 countries and was named “World’s Most Intrepid Traveler” in 2023, recognizing her commitment to exploring challenging destinations and traveling well off the beaten path.
In this episode, co-hosts Jacqui and Gunnar share stories from the first leg of their West Africa adventure across seven countries, covering Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Guinea.
They talk about what it’s really like to travel overland in West Africa, from chaotic border crossings and broken buses to incredible landscapes, unexpected friendships, and the patience required to move through the region.
If you’ve ever wondered what travel in this part of the world actually feels like on the ground, this conversation gives you a candid look at the challenges, surprises, and rewards of exploring West Africa slowly.
What kind of travel experiences become possible when you stop rushing and embrace the unpredictability of the journey? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.
Tune In To Learn:
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Why traveling overland in West Africa requires a completely different mindset about time and planning
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How local minibuses work, and why you may be waiting a while to get going
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What it’s like traveling upriver in The Gambia to visit River Gambia National Park and see chimpanzees
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Why going inland in The Gambia offers a very different experience from the coastal resort areas
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How to navigate crossings, visas, and illegal stamp fees that travelers are sometimes asked to pay
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What happened when their bus broke down and the driver abandoned it on a remote road
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How unexpected delays led to shared rides, new friendships, and memorable moments with local travelers
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Why Guinea-Bissau ended up being the biggest surprise and favorite country of the trip
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What it’s like traveling through Guinea’s highlands on roads compared to a motocross track
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Why slow, overland travel creates deeper connections with people and places along the way
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And so much more
Resources:
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Gunnar’s website
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Gunnar on Instagram
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Jacqui on Instagram
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