The Worst Day of My Journey | Ride to Côte d’Ivoire Gone Wrong

Leaving Nzérékoré, I was finally approaching the end of my journey through Guinea and preparing to cross into Ivory Coast. What should have been another demanding but manageable day on the road changed completely when I was involved in an accident on the way out of the city.

The incident was a blunt reminder of how quickly conditions can turn serious when travelling by motorcycle in Africa. Even when the road appears straightforward, the combination of unpredictable traffic, limited infrastructure and the lack of immediate support can transform a single moment into a major problem. The accident affected more than just the ride itself and forced me to deal with the consequences before I could continue the journey.

Eventually, I was able to leave Guinea behind and cross the border into Ivory Coast. Reaching a new country brought some relief, but the accident remained at the front of my mind throughout the ride south. I continued all the way to Yamoussoukro, covering another long distance after an already difficult and emotionally draining experience.

In Yamoussoukro, I visited the city’s famous basilica, one of the most striking buildings I had seen on the journey. Its scale, architecture and carefully maintained surroundings stood in sharp contrast to the difficult roads and uncertainty of the previous days. It offered a moment to stop, reflect and process what had happened.

After visiting the basilica, I sat down to speak openly about the accident and the wider reality of travelling across Africa. Riding here is not a game, and it cannot be treated like an ordinary holiday or a staged adventure. Every decision matters. Traffic, road conditions, fatigue, heat and unfamiliar surroundings must all be taken seriously, because mistakes can have consequences far beyond a damaged motorcycle.

This episode became one of the most sobering chapters of the journey. Reaching Ivory Coast and Yamoussoukro was an important milestone, but the accident changed the tone of the ride. It reinforced a lesson I already understood but now felt more strongly than ever: travelling through Africa requires preparation, humility and constant respect for the road.

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!