Originally Posted by
Medevac999
Never had that problem myself with West African ferry flights.............. UAS are a good port of call for clearances. I have used them a couple of times.
I agree - did 4 flights from UK/France to Lagos and never paid a dollar.
BB in CA's advice about a good handling company is key, I would say. We used:
https://www.gekoair.com/ferry.html They speak fluent French, which is invaluable in obtaining clearances etc in the Francophone countries. A good handling company should also be up to date with the security situation along the route, but you should also maintain your own due diligence and awareness, as it can be fluid. e.g. Bamako (Mali) was a common night stop a few years ago, but certainly is not recommended now.
Don't overstretch the planned daily distances unrealistically - there is always scope for delays, and you don't want to find yourself stuck in a location that isn't really suitable to night stop. Even many of the places you do plan to stop at are not places you want to be arriving at in the dark..