Getting lifts on the Atlantic Route
 

Thinking about taking the Atlantic Route to Senegal/Mali (and possibly back a few weeks later) with two friends in July. We don't have a vehicle so will be hitching and using public transport. Just wondering how long it takes to get lifts at that time of the year? How much do people ask for? Also, as people new to this game, what questions should you ask a potential lift to check they are safe and know what they are doing?

Many thanks,
Tom.

Hi I had freindas who did this one way in Febuary. The hooked up with a couplke of German cars.

Post in travellers seeking travellers as well.

The problem is that alot of overlander traffic sensibly sticks to the winter months across this part of the route as the heat is bad in the summer.

So you may find that there are very few lifts to be had that time of year. If 3 of you are travelling together you may find it hard to get a vehicle all together but people tend to team vehicles up anyway.

So goodluck

I get the impression that local traffic at least continues year round as it's an easy route and in summer not as hot as the interior,.

"...what questions should you ask a potential lift..."
I've never heard of tourists being robbed or dying of thirst on this route if that's what you mean - but like anywhere else and until you get a feel for the scene, stick to paying for buses and bush taxis rather than private individuals in old bangers who will want paying anyway and may have a more fatalistic attitude towards their ETA.

Chris S

Thank you, that's very helpful. Can I ask, how much would you pay for a taxi/bus ride - a ballpark figure, say from Atar to Nouakchott or from Laayoune to Dakhla? Do you hire the vehicle or pay per head?

Tom.