Crossing borders by road in West Africa can be both exciting and daunting, especially if it’s your first time. In this guide, I share my ...
Crossing borders by road in West Africa can be both exciting and daunting, especially if it’s your first time. In this guide, I share my complete experience traveling from Nigeria to Cameroon, including the journey, border formalities, comfort, safety, and everything in between.
Starting the Journey: From Ikom, Nigeria
My journey began in Ikom, a Nigerian border town adjacent to Cameroon. I visited a travel agency called AfriqueCon, which specializes in trips between Nigeria and Cameroon.
This agency has been operating for over a year, serving travelers to major Cameroonian cities like Yaoundé, Douala, and Boya. On the Nigerian side, they cover Abuja and other locations.
The travel days are fixed: for trips from Nigeria to Cameroon, buses depart on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and from Cameroon to Nigeria, they operate on Tuesdays and Fridays. For anyone planning this journey, it’s highly recommended to check their Facebook page for booking details, or to book your ticket a day or two in advance.
I had pre-booked my ticket online the day before, which saved me the stress of lining up. Ticket prices vary depending on your destination—for example, traveling to Boya cost 50,000 CFA.
Boarding and Luggage
Upon arrival at the agency, the next step was to check in and load luggage. Passengers are allowed up to 30 kg without extra charges, and each bag is tagged for the journey. Once luggage was secured, it was time to board the bus.
The buses are spacious and comfortable, with sufficient legroom and charging ports for phones. The travel agency ensures that all logistics, including border formalities, are taken care of. This means passengers can relax while the staff handles immigration checks, document verification, and security protocols.
Comfort and Safety on the Road
Before departure, safety instructions were provided in English. These included reminders to fasten seat belts, respect fellow passengers, avoid excessive noise, and refrain from consuming alcohol onboard.
The journey itself is smooth, and passengers are provided with meals during the trip, which adds to the overall comfort. The agency even manages the security at multiple checkpoints along the route, so travelers don’t have to worry about stopping or handling documents at every station.
Border Crossing Experience
Crossing the Nigeria-Cameroon border was surprisingly stress-free. On the Nigerian side, the agency handled all procedures, including passport checks and stamps. On the Cameroonian side, the process was a bit slower and less organized, but still manageable. I noticed that having valid documents—passport, yellow fever certificate, and visa if required—is crucial to avoid delays or complications.
For anyone traveling this route, being in compliance with all travel documents is essential. As long as you’re in order, the border crossing is smooth and largely stress-free.
Route Conditions and Security
Once inside Cameroon, the journey continued toward Boya. The Southwest region of Cameroon requires extra attention due to occasional security concerns. On this trip, the bus was escorted by the army for safety. While filming and documenting the journey, I was asked to pause recording for security reasons, which is standard procedure in sensitive areas.
The roads in this region, however, are in poor condition. The path to Boya is particularly rough, and I would urge the government to prioritize maintenance on this national route, which connects two countries. Despite these challenges, the journey remained safe and secure thanks to the agency’s careful planning.
Travel Duration and Costs
The trip took longer than anticipated, arriving at my destination around 10 PM. The long travel time was largely due to road conditions.
Although the ticket price of 50,000 CFA may seem high compared to other West African bus routes, the cost is justified when considering comfort, meals, and security measures provided by the agency.
Recommendations for Travelers
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Book in advance – ideally one or two days prior to departure.
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Ensure all documents are valid – passport, visa if required, and yellow fever certificate.
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Check road conditions – some areas may require extra caution.
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Travel with a reputable agency – Afrique W provides both safety and comfort.
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Be prepared for a long journey – allocate extra time for checkpoints and road conditions.
Final Thoughts
Traveling from Nigeria to Cameroon by road can be an exciting adventure, especially when organized through a professional agency. The trip is comfortable, meals are provided, security is prioritized, and the stress of border crossings is minimized.
Despite the challenges of poor road infrastructure in some regions, this journey offers a firsthand experience of West African travel and cross-border logistics. For first-time travelers, following these recommendations ensures a smooth, safe, and enjoyable trip.
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