From Senegal to The Gambia – A Warm Welcome & Compliments 🇬🇲

Leaving Dakar behind, I continued south through Senegal toward The Gambia, one of the smallest countries on the African continent. After the intensity of the capital, the ride gradually returned to smaller towns, roadside villages and a more open landscape. The traffic eased, but the road remained full of activity, with people, shared taxis, animals and local businesses lining the route.

Crossing the border into The Gambia was another important milestone in the journey. Border crossings in West Africa can often involve delays, paperwork and uncertainty, but this one was defined more by the people I met. Instead of feeling tense or unwelcome, I was greeted with friendliness, curiosity and plenty of compliments about the motorcycle and the journey.

The atmosphere changed almost immediately after entering the country. The Gambia felt compact, lively and personal. People regularly waved, approached me to talk and wanted to know where I had come from and where I was heading. After so many kilometres travelling alone, these brief roadside interactions became an important part of the experience.

What began as a straightforward ride from Senegal became a memorable introduction to a new country. The roads, border procedures and changing scenery were all part of the journey, but it was the reception from the Gambian people that stood out most. The country is often called “The Smiling Coast of Africa,” and from my first encounters there, the name felt entirely appropriate.

I’ll be documenting this adventure along the way — the good, the bad, and everything in between. If you want to ride with me through Africa’s deserts, mountains, chaos, and calm, you can follow the journey on Instagram, and TikTok. I’ll be sharing stories from the road, raw moments, and the reality behind chasing freedom on two wheels.

So, come along for the ride — the long way through Africa.

Peace!