Senegal

[scotta]

I am going to do the Plymouth to Dakar this year.

There are concerns by many of the entrants of the agravation awaiting us at either Rosso or Maka Diama in terms of the hassle from the officials and them wanting lots of cash for the privilege of driving across their country.

Just a thought but is it worth trying to contact a Senegal government official to try and easy access into the country???

If so does anyone have any ideas or a contact person who may be able to help

I have emailed the british embassy in Senegal and the Senegal embassy in London, but have no response yet

Any help appreciated

Ashley

[dave lil]

Originally posted by scotta:
I am going to do the Plymouth to Dakar this year.

There are concerns by many of the entrants of the agravation awaiting us at either Rosso or Maka Diama in terms of the hassle from the officials and them wanting lots of cash for the privilege of driving across their country.

Just a thought but is it worth trying to contact a Senegal government official to try and easy access into the country???

If so does anyone have any ideas or a contact person who may be able to help

I have emailed the british embassy in Senegal and the Senegal embassy in London, but have no response yet

Any help appreciated

Ashley

Hi Scotta
We did PDC last year Had no problems leaving IRM, but had protracted negotiations(8hrs) to reduce the cost per vehicle from 200 euros to 48.
The organisers had contacted the Senegal government regarding our crossing but Djarma is a long way from London and, as with any border crossing in africa a law unto themselves.
I think you should rely on your own initiative to negotiate the best deal you can at the time of crossing and do not rely on any prior arrangements or agreements made
elsewhere.
I am not sure about the 5 year ruling on cars, it may have changed since last year. Someone else who has done the crossing more recently may be able to advise you.
Best of luck
Dave

[dave lil]

Originally posted by dave lil:
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="">quote:</font><HR><font face="" size="2">Originally posted by scotta:
I am going to do the Plymouth to Dakar this year.

There are concerns by many of the entrants of the agravation awaiting us at either Rosso or Maka Diama in terms of the hassle from the officials and them wanting lots of cash for the privilege of driving across their country.

Just a thought but is it worth trying to contact a Senegal government official to try and easy access into the country???

If so does anyone have any ideas or a contact person who may be able to help

I have emailed the british embassy in Senegal and the Senegal embassy in London, but have no response yet

Any help appreciated

Ashley

Hi Scotta
We did PDC last year Had no problems leaving IRM, but had protracted negotiations(8hrs) to reduce the cost per vehicle from 200 euros to 48.
The organisers had contacted the Senegal government regarding our crossing but Djarma is a long way from London and, as with any border crossing in africa a law unto themselves.
I think you should rely on your own initiative to negotiate the best deal you can at the time of crossing and do not rely on any prior arrangements or agreements made
elsewhere.
I am not sure about the 5 year ruling on cars, it may have changed since last year. Someone else who has done the crossing more recently may be able to advise you.
Best of luck
Dave</font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

PS the 48 euros per vehicle was for the escorted convoy across Senegal

[moggy 1968]

We ran through Rosso independently of guides using the advice comtained on Chris Scott's website detailing the procedure for getting through. It cost us half as much as those that crossed at the Barrage and took half as long to get through. It was hairy though and a french speaker is definately handy.

If you want to read a book on last years event, including traveling independently off road and through Rosso, check out www.plymouth-dakar.com