Location: Quesso to Oyo, Republic Of Congo

Summary: What started as a routine travel day from Quesso to Oyo turned into one of those experiences that really makes you reflect on the complexities of overland travel in Central Africa. I picked up Frederic, a military adjudant with fascinating stories about parachuting into Libya and Chad, and together we faced our first test when we encountered a fallen tree blocking the road. While other cars had squeezed past, we made the choice to stop and spend 20 minutes cutting it away - a small act that felt significant in the moment.The day took a more sobering turn when I gave a ride to Nature and her granddaughter, who were heading to Brazzaville with some kind of police document. At a checkpoint, their papers were found to be missing a crucial number, requiring a 20,000 CFA payment they couldn't afford. I had the money but we'd barely spoken during the ride, and they never asked. Watching them gather their belongings and stay behind while I continued on really highlighted the precarious situations people navigate daily, and the complex dynamics of when and how to offer help as a traveler passing through.

Location: Ntangala, Cameroon to Oussou, Republic of Congo

Summary: What a day this was! I found myself navigating one of those border crossings that really tests your patience - you know, the kind where you go from office to office getting various stamps on your passport and Carnet de Passage, hoping you don't miss anything important. The Cameroon side was surprisingly efficient, but then I hit this bizarre ghost town on the Congo side - empty buildings everywhere - before finally reaching the actual border post that was still in operation. Sometimes the infrastructure just doesn't match the reality on the ground!Once I finally made it through all the bureaucracy (and yes, they definitely checked for that yellow fever vaccination - don't travel without it!), the journey to Oussou was absolutely worth it. The scenery was breathtaking - those rolling green hills just absorbed me completely. Sure, I had to dodge some serious potholes and share the road with massive logging trucks racing along at breakneck speeds, but that's all part of the adventure. Ending up in this remote outpost where you can catch ferries to even more distant parts of the Republic of Congo really drove home just how far off the beaten path I'd ventured. Sometimes the most basic accommodations in the most remote places give you the most authentic travel experiences.

Location: Yaounde, Cameroon to Netam, Cameroon

Summary: What struck me most about this conversation was the raw reality of overland travel through Central Africa - it's not just about the challenging roads and logistics, but the human connections that emerge along the way. I was fascinated by Stefan, the night receptionist who's been taking taxi rides to work for 25 years, sometimes enduring 90-minute commutes each way. There's something admirable about that kind of resilience and acceptance of life's circumstances.The discussion about corrupt road checkpoints really highlighted one of the darker sides of solo travel in this region. Those orange-vested officials who photograph you crossing some 'imaginary line' and hold your driver's license hostage until you pay up - it's extortion, plain and simple. But what can you do when you're alone on a remote road? Sometimes you just have to pay the bribe and move on, even though it leaves a bitter taste. The contrast between these predatory encounters and the genuine hospitality of people like the iron ore workers who needed a ride really shows you the full spectrum of human nature you encounter on the road.

Location: Cameroon

Summary: What an incredible day this was in Cameroon! Thanks to Professor Joseph Cumming's arrangements, I had the opportunity to dive deep into the country's public health landscape through some fascinating meetings. Starting at the Institute's office, I was struck by the passion of the researchers and PhDs who are doing work they absolutely love - it's exactly the kind of local capacity building that Professor Joseph envisions for Cameroon's future, including his ambitious plans for a private university.The real eye-opener came during my meetings with Dr. Ko Ayisi from the health department and Dr. Mapaba Mincket Theophelus Mistral, who runs Cameroon's National Onchocerciasis Control Program. Learning about river blindness - a disease affecting 20 million people worldwide with a significant impact in Cameroon - really put things in perspective. The fact that Dr. Mbabi and his team of just 10 people are tackling such a massive challenge, focusing on eliminating the black flies that transmit this gradual but potentially deadly disease, shows the incredible dedication of local health professionals. It reminded me that sometimes the most important conversations happen when you're simply building bridges between people and sharing knowledge - even something as simple as discussing Insect Shield clothing can become part of a larger solution.

Location: Not specified

Summary: What I love about Sundays on the road is how they reveal a different rhythm of local life. Today was one of those perfect examples - quieter streets made for easier driving, but fewer open businesses reminded me that everyone deserves their day of rest. I found myself wandering and stumbled upon this little street-side shed where locals were enjoying big bottles of beer and incredible roasted pork with amazing sauce. It's these unplanned discoveries that make solo travel so rewarding.The real highlight came when Professor Joseph Cumo reached out again. He hadn't forgotten about wanting to share proper roasted fish with me, and I'm so glad he followed through on that idea. Watching him navigate local customs - dealing with security guards, negotiating fish prices - while we caught some Africa Cup soccer was like getting a masterclass in cultural adaptation. Now I'm looking ahead to the exciting challenge of coordinating with my nephew Gerjan to meet up in Namibia in a few weeks, which means navigating through some serious territory: Brazzaville, Kinshasa, and Angola. The logistics are complex, but that's all part of the adventure.

Location: Yaoundé, Cameroon

Summary: What started as a simple radio interview at CRTV turned into one of those magical travel days that reminds you why authentic connections matter so much. I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Professor Joseph Kamenev, who's doing remarkable work as CEO of the Higher Institute for Scientific Research and head of Public Health at the University of Yaoundé. Through our Bridges to Development partnership, he's tackling neglected tropical diseases despite limited government support - it's that classic scenario where researchers are fighting for funding while making genuine impact that benefits everyone.But here's what really struck me: after showing me around his research facilities and explaining the challenges of conducting vital health research in a system that prioritizes immediate treatment over long-term solutions, Professor Kamenev invited me into his home. His wife prepared an amazing dinner, and I got to meet four of their six children - each pursuing their own inspiring path, including one daughter who's learning to teach people who cannot speak, using sign language herself. Sitting in their self-built home, sharing stories and food, I was reminded that the most meaningful travel experiences happen when we move beyond the surface and connect with the real lives and dreams of the people we meet.

Location: Younde, Cameroon

Summary: What struck me most about today's conversation was how travel isn't just about the places you visit, but the practical challenges you navigate and the genuine human connections you make along the way. My guest's experience in Cameroon really highlighted something I think we often overlook - the importance of understanding local financial systems before you arrive. Learning that Cameroon, Congo, and Central African Republic share the same currency was a game-changer for his planning, especially knowing that services like Wise.com wouldn't work in Congo.But beyond the logistics, what really moved me was the story of being invited into a local family's home near Younde. There's something so beautifully authentic about how this family has been building their house since 2004, growing it organically as their family expanded from no children to four kids. Meeting people like this - where the oldest daughter is studying mechanical engineering and hoping to continue her studies in France - reminds me that we truly live in a connected, worldly community. These spontaneous invitations and genuine hospitality are what make travel meaningful, turning what could have been just another day of banking and logistics into a memorable human experience.

Location: Cameroon

Summary: What a way to kick off 2026! I found myself in one of those spontaneous travel moments that remind me why I love exploring new places. Stephen, the night clerk at my hotel, invited me to meet his family, and despite some technical hiccups with my internet calling, we managed to connect at a local store. From there, he took me up into the hills where his relatives were gathering for what turned out to be an incredible evening of barbecue, beer, and local music.The most striking part wasn't just the warm hospitality or trying ajjaj for the first time (still can't quite describe that taste!), but witnessing how interconnected our world really is. Here I was, sitting in someone's home in Cameroon, meeting Stephen's brothers - Christian, a tomato farmer traveling 380 kilometers to visit with his almost eight children, and Simon, working as a security guard. Then suddenly, a family member calls from Belgium, speaking fluent Flemish, and it hits you how these global connections weave through every family story. It's moments like these that make solo travel so rewarding - you never know when a simple hotel interaction will turn into a hillside family gathering that gives you a whole new perspective on community and connection.

Location

Douala → Yaoundé, Cameroon

Summary

On the last day of 2025, I continued my drive from Douala toward Yaoundé, only to turn back briefly after realizing I’d left my phone charger at the hotel. That small detour led to meeting François, a fellow traveler whose village stop introduced me to local food, roadside realities, and the stark aftermath of highway accidents. The drive itself demanded patience, with potholes, freight trucks, and reminders of how unforgiving this road can be.

Once in Yaoundé, François helped me find a reasonably priced hotel, and my day unfolded into a series of spontaneous connections — coffee conversations with government workers, a lively evening at the bar below the hotel, and even the chance meeting of a journalist from CRTV who suggested an interview. It was an intense, human, and deeply Cameroonian way to close out the year — full of caution, kindness, and the kind of unexpected moments that make travel unforgettable.

Happy New Year, and thanks for coming along.

Location

Douala → Boumnyebel → Yaoundé, Cameroon

Summary

On December 30, I set out from Douala toward Yaoundé but chose to split the drive into two days for safety and sanity. With heavy freight traffic, narrow roads, and constant overtaking, it was a drive that demanded full attention. I stopped for the night in Boumnyebel, stayed in a very basic hotel, and spent the evening eating grilled meat, drinking beer, and soaking in an intense but authentic slice of Cameroonian life.