Mauritania
 

Hey all,

We've got an overland trip planned down the west coast leaving in December and were hoping the situation in Mauritania would have cleared up by then. FCO are still advising against all but essential travel. See here:

Mauritania

I know that the Foreign Office are over cautious, so does anyone know if there are actually problems?

Cheers for your help.

You'll be fine...

(but don't quote me on that!).

Sam.

Problems with insurance?
 

How is the F.O. advice likely to impact on the validity of travel insurance? I seem to remember that travelling to a country against F.O. advice was a reason for insurance companies to reject any claims.

If the UK FO gave advice on London - you'd be banned & no travel insurance would cover you!

I'm with #1 - you'll be fine!

Kira

Well we can't get down the west coast without going to Mauri, so that counts as 'essential' doesn't it?!

Insurance companies always look for any reason they can to reject claims, I'll double check with them before we leave.

You could always go via Algeria & Mali; see how they take that!!! :)

Kira

Has anyone on here actually been to Mauri in the last couple of months? Did you have any problems?

Not me but a friend, British from the UK who went overland; just checked my e-mail, he sent one on 27th September (so ?3 weeks ago) from St Louis having just arrived with photos attached. Mentions thoroughly enjoying Mauri & NKT was calm but 'Rosso was hell on wheels'

Kira

Al Jazeera English - Middle East - Mauritanian police break up protest

Oops, just found this protest ... but probably very localised!

Kira

If you're genuinely worried google in French for recent traveller reports and then make up your mind. It's easy to get carried away reading Reuters, Al Jazeera etc.

Personally, driving down the coast or the RDE, I would be more concerned about getting Tatra'd or Yeujin'd than Jihad'd...

We are going anyway
 

We are off to Mali on 6th November and have to go via Mauri. We have checked and yes, travel insurance is not valid due to Foreign office. However our motor insurance, which is a specially arranged one, is OK! We are driving a Landcruiser, first overland trip with it. Planning to be away until Xmas.Let us know if you will be doing the route at that time - we may see you!

Can I ask who you got your vehicle insurance off please? I’m having loads of problems finding cover for a similar trip

I was going to ask the very same question!

Looks like you'll be heading north while we're heading south thestens. You can view our itinerary here. Although it's all very rough at this stage.

You got anywhere we can follow your progress? If you get kidnapped we'll know not to go there! :wink3:

Good luck with the trip.