TLDR;
This video documents a road trip from Lagos, Nigeria, to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, offering practical advice and insights for travelers. It covers essential preparations like passport and yellow fever card, transportation options, border crossing procedures, currency exchange, and accommodation tips. The journey involves navigating various transportation hubs, dealing with unexpected expenses, and understanding local customs.
- Accommodation: Securing budget-friendly lodging in Ouagadougou.
- Transportation: Navigating from Lagos to Ouagadougou, including border crossings.
- Border Formalities: Passport stamping and potential extra costs.
- Currency Exchange: Changing Naira to CFA Francs.
- Local Insights: Tips on transportation and communication in Ouagadougou.
Affordable Accommodation in Ouagadougou [0:51]
The video highlights finding affordable accommodation in Ouagadougou through Airbnb, costing $17 per night (approximately 26-27,000 Naira). This is significantly cheaper than most apartments in the area, which typically range from $70 to over $200 per night. The apartment is described as basic but comfortable, providing essential amenities such as 24/7 electricity and breakfast, making it suitable for budget-conscious travelers who need a place to rest and plan their stay.
Starting the Journey from Lagos to Seme Border [2:38]
The journey begins at a park in Lagos, where travelers can find vehicles heading to the Seme border. It is crucial to have a Nigerian passport and a yellow fever card before embarking on this trip. The video mentions that obtaining a yellow fever card is essential to avoid additional expenses along the way, and a contact number is provided in the description for those needing to acquire one.
Transportation Options and Costs at Badagry Park [3:36]
At Badagry Park, there are two types of vehicles available: cheaper options costing around 2,000 Naira and more expensive ones ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 Naira. The pricier vehicles cater to individuals without passports, offering to handle border crossings using ID cards and settling with border officers. However, for travelers with passports, the 2,000 Naira option is recommended to the Seme border.
Unexpected Expenses and Border Crossing [5:17]
Travelers may encounter unexpected expenses, such as having to pay 200 Naira at multiple stops along the way. The video recounts instances of drivers facing issues with authorities and being extorted for money, highlighting the importance of being prepared for such situations. The narrator advises opting for the 2,000 Naira vehicle to the border and emphasizes the need to follow the correct procedures at the Seme border to avoid confusion.
Passport Stamping and Border Procedures [12:09]
Upon arriving at the Seme border, there are two gates: one for vehicles and another for pedestrians. Travelers are advised to use the pedestrian gate to reach the passport stamping office. It's crucial not to offer money unless required. Stamping the passport costs between 1,000 to 500 Naira on the Nigerian side and 2,000 to 3,000 Naira on the Benin Republic side, with the possibility of bargaining.
Currency Exchange at Seme Border [14:13]
After crossing the border, it is recommended to exchange Naira for CFA francs at Seme border, as it is difficult to do so in Burkina Faso. Alternatively, having a dollar card or Mastercard can be useful for withdrawing CFA francs from Ecobank ATMs. The video includes a negotiation for exchange rates, eventually settling on 370 CFA francs for 1,000 Naira.
Journey to Tokpa Park in Cotonou [16:18]
The narrator regrets not exchanging enough money and advises exchanging up to 400,000 Naira for CFA francs. After exchanging currency, a bike ride from Seme to Tokpa Park or Rainbow Park in Cotonou costs 2,000 CFA francs. These parks offer buses to Burkina Faso, with Tokpa Park having buses that travel overnight.
Exploring Transportation Options at Tokpa Market [18:37]
At Tokpa Market, the video explores various transportation options to Ouagadougou. Buses at Tokpa Market charge 35,000 CFA francs, which was above the narrator's budget. The video shows the search for faster alternatives, eventually leading to Rainbow Transport.
Booking a Bus at Rainbow Park [23:36]
A bus ticket from Rainbow Park to Ouagadougou costs 30,000 CFA francs (approximately 97,000 Naira), excluding border fees and potential bribes. Rainbow Transport operates across West African countries, often requiring passengers to transfer to different vehicles at designated parks. The narrator's bus stopped in Parakou, Benin, for a bus exchange to Ouagadougou.
Border Crossing Issues and Expenses [28:38]
The journey includes crossing the Benin-Togo border at night, where travelers are required to pay for stamping out of Benin Republic. Nigerian passport holders were asked to pay 2,000 CFA francs, while others paid 1,000 CFA francs. Stamping into Togo cost an additional 1,000 CFA francs per person.
Togo-Burkina Faso Border and Sim Card Purchase [29:50]
At the Togo-Burkina Faso border, travelers can purchase a local Burkina Faso sim card, preferably one with the Burkina Faso logo, and ensure it is working before leaving. Stamping into Burkina Faso costs 2,000 CFA francs, and a yellow fever card is required to avoid additional expenses.
Final Expenses and Arrival in Ouagadougou [31:01]
Immediately after crossing into Burkina Faso, travelers must pay 1,000 CFA francs at the first stop and 2,000 CFA francs at the second stop, which is the final payment required before reaching Ouagadougou. The video concludes with the arrival in Ouagadougou at the park, where the narrator seeks transportation to his accommodation, noting that private bikes are common, and taxis are the primary option.