From Kissidougou, I continued south toward Nzérékoré, following a route that took me through some of the most varied scenery and road conditions I had encountered in Guinea.

The day would be long, hot and physically demanding, but it also revealed another impressive side of the country.

After spending the night in Dabola, I continued southeast toward the border with Ivory Coast.

The journey began much like the previous days in Guinea, with rough and badly damaged roads slowing progress and demanding constant concentration.

After spending time in Conakry, I finally secured the visas I needed for the next stages of the journey: Ivory Coast and Ghana.

With the paperwork completed, it was time to leave Guinea’s crowded capital and begin the long ride east toward the border with Ivory Coast.

After my difficult introduction to Guinea, I continued south from Labé toward Mamou.

Fortunately, the roads began to improve, and for the first time in a while I could relax slightly and enjoy the ride.

Leaving The Gambia, I continued south toward Guinea, beginning another major stage of the journey across West Africa.

The relatively relaxed atmosphere around Banjul gradually gave way to longer distances, increasingly remote settlements and roads that became noticeably more demanding as I approached the border.