Bridging The Continents

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 ar...

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...

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 encoun...

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 a...

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 th...

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 abo...

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 alo...

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 e...

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...

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...

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...

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 tw...

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 f...

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 fou...

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 fa...

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 th...

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-mi...

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 loca...

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...

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 Yaou...

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 arriv...

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 g...

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...

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,...

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...