Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania + ?
 

I'm a British National living in Portugal planning to travel with my Austrian partner next January down the western part of North Africa on my GS 1150 before maybe heading inland to Timbuctoo and then north again through Algeria and home.
Reason for the trip is as a well earned break after a couple of year's hard work and we'd like to do some, (heavens above!) birdwatching on the way, probably in northern Mauritania.
I'd welcome any tips on visa requirements, routes to travel, (or avoid), preparation etc etc.
We wouldn't be averse to traveling with someone else if anyone wants to join us, but we're tied to the dates of departure, 4th Jan, and return, 4th Feb, from/to southern Portugal.
Our ages are 50 and 38 if that makes a difference; I've been riding all my life, (ex despatch rider), but this'll be the first real trip for my lovely lass. Between us we speak English, German, Portuguese and French.
That's enough for now!
Ciao,
Frank

Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania
 

First, click on the ad at the top of the page, Morocco Overland...order the Chris Scott book, a fabulous read and you will get more out of your trip, helps you in the planning and preparation, as the devil is always in the detail...next get Sahara Overland also by Chris Scott... dont leave home without it.

After that, buy Michelin 741 and 742 maps.... an dyou are in bussines

The best bird watching I found was on the Senegal River on the border between Mauri and Senegal. The Diamma piste was bird watcher's heaven.

As you speak/(and I suppose) read French, the guides from Gandini are also good companions.

You can find those guides at http://www.extrem-sud.com/guides.html

Also great bird life in Djoudj National Park about 60 km North from St-Louis. November to April is the best time. More flamingos than you could wave a stick at.:thumbup1: Unfortunately you will have to experience the joys of the St-Louis police to get there - it's written about here on other threads. :(

Cheers and Cool Bananas all round!
 

Thanks for all the feedback, books in the post, (how long will that take?!), and now I know about the birds, well, all I want is a battlefield or two and we're off and running!
Cheers!:thumbup1:

For birds, try Park d'Arguin to! Amazing landscapes, amazing sunsets on the shore off Atlantic, you can camp in the desert.

There's a bunch of us heading down to Dakar leaving Marbella on the 3rd Jan with motoadventours, so might see you on the road. Look out for a load of GS's and an Africa twin.
Mine is the GS Adventure with the Scottish flag's on.
Say hi !

i'm arriving 2 january in ouarzazat. My bike is already there. Maybe i'll see you guy's! :thumbup1:

Good birdwatching in the Sine Saloum delta of Senegal, near the border with Gambia.

On security, the route from Timbiktu north to Algeria is dangerous, kidnappings etc. It seems that kidnapping tourists is becoming an interesting way of making money for gangsters in the area. On a big bike you'll stick out like a sore thumb.

Any updates?
Hope you are well, guys.
Keep us informed.
mircea