Interview with Guillaume: Burkina Faso & Togo Motorcycle Specialist

From Burkina Faso to Togo, Benin, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali, Guillaume has been shaping motorized journeys in West Africa since 1999. His approach is simple: ride close to the ground, stay close to people, and let the “real” Africa reveal itself—one village track at a time. We asked him what makes these destinations so powerful on two wheels, and how he builds rides that feel free without ever being careless.

Meet Guillaume

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

First name: Guillaume
Destinations: Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali
Agency founded: 1999

Why did you choose to settle here?

I’ve been drawn to this continent since childhood. West Africa is an open door to adventure: raids, big spaces, and above all, encounters. It’s a place where travel still feels direct—less filtered, less staged.

What makes your agency different from others in the region?

We’re the only structure in Burkina Faso focused on adventure tourism with real time spent with local communities. The goal is not to “pass through” a country—it’s to ride through it with respect, curiosity, and enough time to understand what you’re crossing.

Why motorized travel changes everything here

What’s your story—how did you come to motorized travel?

I’ve been passionate about motorcycles since I was a kid. For me, discovering Africa without a bike doesn’t make sense. Two wheels are the best way to break away from the main roads and take those small, forgotten tracks that lead to places you’d never reach otherwise.

Meeting Gilles—an adventurer and rider—helped us launch a motorcycle activity inside the agency. Since then, many groups have ridden across our West African landscapes.

What bikes do travelers ride with you and Planet Ride?

We use Suzuki DR 350 SE. For Africa, it’s a strong choice: reliable, pleasant to ride, and tough.

In your view, what makes travel in these destinations unmissable?

It’s immersion in an authentic Africa, with real freedom—because the motorcycle gives you mobility without disconnecting you from people. And yes, the encounters are extraordinary. Many riders arrive with clichés; they leave with faces, names, and invitations they didn’t expect.

What’s the real difference between a “simple” trip and a motorized trip?

The freedom of two wheels is incomparable. You choose your rhythm, you can stop fast, change direction, take a small track toward a village, and you’re immediately “in” the country—not outside of it.

What’s the biggest advantage of a motorized trip in your countries?

Sub-Saharan West Africa is unique. What you see here doesn’t exist elsewhere.

Guillaume’s favorites (and why they matter)

Your favorite place?

Dogon Country in Mali, with its legendary cliff.

Your best ride memory?

Taking a chance in Sénoufo Country in Burkina Faso, riding through villages. That feeling of being far from “routes,” yet completely welcomed—this is what stays with you.

How we keep rides realistic on the ground

West Africa rewards riders who accept that the road is not always a “road.” To keep the experience smooth and safe, a few concrete truths matter:

• Driving time vs. distance: on village tracks, laterite, or broken tarmac, you plan by hours more than kilometers. A “short” stage can still take 6–8 real riding hours.
• Heat management: in the dry season, midday can drain focus fast. Starting earlier and protecting hydration isn’t comfort—it’s safety.
• River crossings and seasonal changes: what is a shallow crossing one month can become a hard stop another month. Timing matters.
• Fuel discipline: you don’t wait for the “next big town” to refuel. You top up whenever you can, especially before pushing into rural areas.
• Offline readiness: network coverage can drop suddenly outside cities. Having maps available offline and a simple backup plan avoids stress.

Planet Ride pro tip: we build stages to reduce fatigue accumulation. In practice, that means avoiding back-to-back “long days” on mixed surfaces. One demanding day is fine; two in a row is where mistakes happen—especially when heat and surprise road conditions stack up.

2026 travel note (what to check before you ride)

Because this interview reflects Guillaume’s long-term approach rather than a dated event, the essentials still hold—but traveling well in 2026 also means being current on the practical side:

• Entry formalities: visa rules can change quickly—confirm requirements for each border you plan to cross (Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali).
• Insurance & documents: verify what is required for riding (license validity, local insurance, and any cross-border paperwork).
• Connectivity tools: riders increasingly rely on eSIM options and offline navigation—set this up before landing to save time on arrival.

Mini-FAQ (rider questions we hear often)

Do I need a special motorcycle license to ride in West Africa?

You’ll need a valid motorcycle license recognized for travel, and you must ensure your insurance and documents match the bike you ride. Requirements can vary by country and border.

When is the best season for a motorcycle roadtrip in Burkina Faso and Togo?

Most riders favor the drier months for easier tracks and more predictable conditions. Always match the season to the type of terrain you want to ride.

Is it possible to ride “far from everything” without taking unnecessary risks?

Yes—if stages are well paced, fuel and water planning is disciplined, and the route is designed with local reality in mind (surface, daylight, and contingency options).