Safety? Road Dakhla-Nouakchott and further to Bamako.

[christiaensluc]

Hello. We are 2 male Belgians now in Essaouira, Maroc, and planning to drive down with our Mitshubishi Jeep to Nouakchott in one weeks time. And then continue along the Senegal border to Kayes and further to Bamako (or to Kiffa and then down to Kayes)
We read on several official sites (e.g.Belgian Diplomatie site) that Mauretanie is disadvised. Especially the eastern part, but also the route Nouadhibou-Nouakchott would be disadviced. Also some friends here in Maroc don't like the idea that much of heading down.
Does anyone has (very) recent first-hand info about the safety on this traject and has done this traject?
Ps: For the moment there is a big congres about terrorism held in Nouakchott.
Thanks very much in advance for all helpfull information!
Best regards.
Luc

[Afrikiya]

Yes, a friend is over there right now; he's the administrator of the forum I link yo below (read jcarrion answers)

TRANSAFRICA POR FIN !!!!

A good translator here Translation in real time - English | Tradukka

[Chris Scott]

Hello Luc,
On the road from Nouadhibou-Nouakchott - only 1 day's drive and all tarmac - you will be fine. The Belgian Diplomatie info can only refer to a kidnapping on this road nearly a year ago, but they are only giving advice (you say) not a rule.

Since then nothing except more army checkpoints who monitor your passage. I suspect they would prefer if you do not camp on this road and just get to NKT. Less hassle for them.

The far east and north or Mori is different, but no one goes there.

Ch

[stef25]

Luc, I'm also a Belgian guy taking a similar route to yours, next year. I'm sure it will be fine. Just stick to the main road and take comfort in the presence of all the check points. Just don't venture in land or camp wild on that "suspicious" route. From what I hear there are 1000's of tourists taking this route every year in jeeps, camper vans, motorbikes - no problems.

You are better off getting advise on various internet forums such as this one, perhaps also the Lonely Planet one, then on our Belgian Govt site

[addax]

Hey,

If you like ,you can read our website from last year to collect some info.

groeten,greeting

Long Way To Ghana

[whiterhino]

Have just completed SA to Morocco, did Mali up as far as Timbuktu, Mauritania up to Nouakchott then NE to Choum and surrounds then put truck on train over to Nouadhibou. Lots of concerned police in both countries emphasing to us need to take care as we travelled through, but absolutely not a problem had anywhere.

[Roger Bruton]

We normally call the check points "Gares de payage"

[christiaensluc]

Hello,
thx for all the helpful info.
I also send a mail to a camping in Nouakchott and they confirmed it is ok to head down to nouakchott.
Nice coincidence: White Rhino who replied to my posting: We met each other last night on the camping in Agadir. We were standing next to each other and only after a while talking, Rhino found out he had replied to this mail. I gave him a few Belgian s to thank him. For the others: just a written thanks a lot &&&
Hasta la vista.
Luc

[langebaan sunset]

Hi folks

Just to let you know we crossed Mauri to Senegal in 2 days beginning of Oct - all tarmac and easy to do. Made two stops (camped N.Bou & Nktt) no issues at all. We entered Senegal via Rosso (see my post) then traveled into Mali via Kayes.

From Bamako, some of the group headed up as far as Segou / Djenne. Advice locally was to avoid Timbuktu but guides were taking people up there as well as to Dogon but that does not imply that the area is safe but as I recall FCO advice also said do not travel north of Mopti (that was backed up by our insurance people).

We decided to avoid mid / North Mali and headed across to B Faso via Sikasso taking to road south from Bamako with no problems at all. Its a shame as we had wanted to explore more of Mauri and Mali.

Police and security where great in Mauri on the main route we took, kind of felt they were looking out for us and no problems at all. Cant comment on the state of play in the rest of the country.

HTH

Nick

[Marocnroller]

Hi Nick
Can I ask did you have a Carnet for Senegal? Any recent info on that?
Also anyone done the Nouckchott - Kiffa - Bamako route recentley.