Resources
This page is dedicated to useful resources that will make your journey across the continent smoother. I've included links to apps, maps, and groups here.
iOverlander
This is one of the most useful applications for your journey. It’s great for finding campsites, guesthouses (surprise: many of the best ones are not listed online), embassies, border crossings, and most of the info is extremely up to date.
You do not need to pay for the app but you are limited by accessing one country at a time. You must delete this country before loading another one. If you contribute to the app significantly, you will be automatically awarded a year long premium membership for free.
The app takes some time getting used to and for embassies it tends to be a bit tedious but the information is invaluable and should be a requirement for anyone on this journey.
Maps.Me
Since Google Maps works about 60 percent of the time on this continent and the other 40 percent of the time you have no signal. You will need offline maps. There are a number of options for offline maps but these are some of my favorites.
Maps.Me is probably the most popular offline map app out there. It’s still free for most basic features at the moment though some advanced features are behind a subscription.
Mapy.com
A bit more colorful and detailed than Maps.me, much better at navigation, also fully free. Files tend to be larger for the offline maps. If you can download everything ahead of time and have the space, this is the way to go.
Osmandmaps
Great for offroad navigation, you can easily import most GPX tracks into it and make them yourself. My favorite for GPX tracks on the iPhone. It’s normally accurate to a few meters. If you’ve never used GPX tracks before, they’re incredibly useful for off-road navigation.
If you want to do serious off-roading in Morocco or Mauritania this is a must!
Google Translate
An amazing and absolutely essential app if you do not speak English, French or Portuguese fluently.
Helps clear up misunderstandings quite fast and in general the translation is on point. Download the languages offline before you go since you never know when you’ll be without signal!
Africa Motorcyclists WhatsApp Group
Started by Katherine a year ago, it has now grown to over 180 riders across the continent. It is one of the most active WhatsApp groups in Africa.
We restrict this group to motorcyclists who are starting their trip within the next few months or who are already on the continent. This helps keep the content relevant and incredibly helpful.
Overland Now WhatsApp Group
Everyone else that’s not on a motorbike can join the Africa Overland group headed by Duncan. If you’re in a 4×4 or truck this is the group you want.
There is no link to join, simply send Duncan a message with your full name and ask him to be added to the group. It’s also a very active (400+ members) and well managed group.