SIM Western Africa - buy ahead of time?
 

Hi, we are planning on participating in the Budapest To Bamako Rally in february 2012. We will likely be using a GSM GPS Tracking service, and as such need to be able to transfer data on regular intervals (i.e. every time we get to a town with coverage). Using our Norwegian service would likely cost us a camel, a goat, and half a harem.

As it is a rally, and as we would like tracking to work also at borders, there won't be many opportunities to look for local SIM cards. We are therefore looking into finding a carrier that covers all or most of the countries, and/or local country specific SIM prepaid calling cards. (Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Senagal and Mali)

More importantly, we would like to purchase these ahead of time and have them shipped to Norway.

Anyone have any input on tips on this one? Preferably something which is cost friendly in terms of data traffic???

I know this is a long shot, but any pointers would be greatly appreciated. Even tips on totally different solutions...

Thanks