October 26 2025 - Crossing Borders and Potholes: The Long Road to Bissau

📍 Location

Banjul, The Gambia → Bissau, Guinea-Bissau

📝 Episode Notes

On October 26th, I set out with the goal of reaching Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau. It was an ambitious travel day—283 kilometers and three border crossings: leaving The Gambia, entering Senegal, and finally entering Guinea-Bissau.

The early part of the journey went smoothly. The Gambian roads were passable, my Garmin helped (mostly), and the first border crossing was a breeze. Senegal brought the usual rhythm of police and gendarmerie stops, but with patience and a good attitude, the interactions stayed friendly—even when one officer insisted on inspecting my medical kit.

Everything changed once we crossed into Guinea-Bissau. I’d heard the roads were rough, but nothing prepared me for the reality: massive ...