Bordj Mokhtar-Gao in rainy season?
 

Hello there,
I’m wondering if it is possible to take the route from Bordj Mokhtar to Tessalit and Gao in rainy season (August).
I’ve been told that it gets really tough and I would like to know if somebody here has some experience for this matter.

Cheers.

Nobody? Is the question that silly?

Not really but no one knows I guess.
The old Sahara Handbook used to say that route was impassable in high summer and by the state of it when I last did it (years ago in winter) it looks like it gets pretty cut up in flood.
So if there is a big storm expect to get stuck or stranded. Otherwise, just sweat it out.

Ch

What Rally is that then? Have the organisers (or has anyone?) driven across the Tanezrouft in the summer in Fiat Unos?
When things go wrong along the Atlantic route/across West Africa it won't be much of a drama. But even if you are accustiomed to 45°C heat the Malian Tanezrouft in the wrong car in August may not be such a laugh unless there is a group of you to share the cost/services of an escort/guide in a 4x4. Add that to the cost of the Alg escorts and it will be quite expensive, but summers are quiet so they'll appreciate the work!

I've said it before here: one of these days one of these 'banger rallies' will end in tears and the tabloids wil lap it up!

Ch

Bordj Moktar - Gao
 

I used this road at the end of July 1966 , coming from Bidon V, going to Lagos ans back.
My car, a new one, was a Renault R4.
The road was wet because it uses often the oueds!
But we had no major problem.
However, it is probable that sometimes, about around 15/8, the road is a river for 2 or 3 days, like the border of the Ténéré ( see SAHARAS) or the track from In Gall to Assamaka.(2 days with only the front wheels revolving, the back blocked by mud)


Yves