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Overlanding West Africa

A blue off-road truck navigates a muddy, rutted path through a lush forest as onlookers stand on a dirt embankment, capturing the thrill of Overlanding West Africa and the spirit of West Africa tours.

Not everyone inclined to overland has the appropriate vehicle, or the time to plan and execute a good trip. Overlanding tours have been around since the first days of recreational travel and once again have seen renewed popularity. They offer the comfort of pre-planned travel, guided by experts who know the land, the people, and the experiences no traveler should miss. Overlanding West Africa is one of a handful of premium tour companies offering the overlanding experience to the everyday adventurer.

Sure, it may not have the romance of building your dream Series I and setting out behind the wheel on your own, but for those inclined to take these tours, they’re actually out there––exploring while others tinker on trucks in the driveway and drag fingers over maps. Is travel by brawny tour bus, any less an adventure? Doesn’t look like it to me.

 

A large blue expedition vehicle with an awning set up for shade is parked on reddish dirt during an Overlanding West Africa journey. Camping gear, chairs, and a cooking area are arranged outside as a person prepares food beside the vehicle.

A blue truck, part of Overlanding West Africa, is ferried across a river on a wooden platform as several people look on. The area is lush with trees, while huts dot the background beneath a bright sky.

A chimpanzee is partially hidden among dense green foliage, holding onto a tree branch and looking outward through the leaves—a captivating sight often encountered during an Overland adventure in West Africa’s lush forests.

A person sits near the edge of a small waterfall surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush green trees, soaking in the sunlight—a tranquil moment reminiscent of overlanding adventures in West Africa.

A blue bus, perhaps on an overlanding journey through West Africa, is stuck in deep mud on a rough, rural dirt road surrounded by green trees. Two people stand nearby, observing the situation under a clear blue sky.

A bustling West African outdoor market scene with vendors, mostly women, selling large bunches of green bananas. Many people in colorful clothing fill the lively space—a vibrant stop for anyone overlanding through the region.

A group of smiling women and children in colorful clothing stand outdoors near an overlanding bus in West Africa, waving at the camera with trees and greenery in the background.

A blue bus with colorful flags, part of Overlanding West Africa, is parked in front of a large white domed basilica under a cloudy sky, with smaller domes flanking the main structure.

overlandingwestafrica.com

Christophe Noel is a journalist from Prescott, Arizona. Born into a family of backcountry enthusiasts, Christophe grew up backpacking the mountains and deserts of the American West. An avid cyclist and bikepacker, he also has a passion for motorcycles, travel, food and overlanding.