Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 Apr 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Dakar
Posts: 7
Need help getting from Dakar to Casablanca

Hello, I'm in Dakar right now and I need to get to Spain in May. I was thinking I would go overland through Mauritania, Western Sahara and Morocco. I am a 21 year old American girl and I will be travelling by myself. I went to the Mauritanian embassy in Dakar and they wanted to charge me $160 for the visa. They said it was a fixed price, but I'm not sure about that. So the questions I have are:
Is it better/even possible to just go to the Senegal-Mauritania border for the visa?
I know it's hard to get through the southern part of Western Sahara because there's no public transport. What is the best way to deal with that? Should I go to Nouadhibou and look for people going north who have an extra seat? Or should I start looking in Nouakchott? Will it be hard to find someone who's going north?
Also, just so my mom doesn't worry too much, do you think it's safe for a young girl to be traveling alone in this region. I speak French and Arabic (but not African Arabic) and I've traveled a lot, but I've heard some bad stories about bandits! Any information you have would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Lisa
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 Apr 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 456
Never entered Mauri from that direction but $160 seems hugely excessive!

As for heading North, many overlanders are now missing out Nouadibhou altogether so I would say your best bet for a lift is to tour the campsites in Nouakchott.

Tourist overland traffic in May will be low, but my guess is still findable. Once over the border into the WS, the campsite on the road into Dahkla (everyone know's it, but the name escapes me (EDIT: see TT-Kira's post below!) will be a good place for another lift North if you need it.

Waiting for a lift at the border might be uncomfortable - I wouldn't recommend it. Away from the borders, safety in Mauri has never struck me as a concern.

Good luck!
__________________
Pictures, Mauritania 2011

Last edited by Richard K; 29 Apr 2007 at 22:27. Reason: (got Dahkla and Layoune mixed up, duh)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 29 Apr 2007
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Limoux, France
Posts: 352
US Citizens could (last year) get a visa on the border - I know that for sure, it was 20euros; now that the govt's changed I'm not sure if this is still the case. I'd suggest to go and ask at somewhere like Zebrabar outside St. Louis or Via Via in Yoff, Dakar where other travellers are and will probably have more up to date info.

Going north:
If you're in NKT, then try:
Camping Menata, Auberge de Sahara, Auberge des Nomades. I reckon your best bet would be the first of those and go directly to the top and ask them what they know about their guests movements.

In NBD try:
La Baie du Levrier (ask Ali - he's the owner and very helpful - managed to me a lift north with some Germans in LandCruisers). Camping Imal & Camping Abba. Alternatively, get yourself out to the police post by the T-junction where the road splits north to Dahkla & south to NKT, be nice to the police and see if you can't get a taxi from there (a lot cheaper than getting one from town) - If you're lucky Ali will write you a note to give to the police

When you get to Dahkla, the camping place is Camping Moussafir, it's about 300m north of the last police barrage of town. Very handy for getting lifts normally - you should be OK at this time of year - I planned it wrong and everyone was heading south.

Remember, if you don't ask you don't get! But keep your eyes peeled!

Bonne chance

Kira
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 29 Apr 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 456
Just to add to TT-Kira's list of places in Nouakchott, The Nouvelle Auberge (opened last year, hence the 'Nouvelle') is another good place to try, very helpful owners. Opposite the Ministry of Energy building.
__________________
Pictures, Mauritania 2011
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Apr 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Calgary, AB.
Posts: 22
Just read all about it in TT-Kira, you see her links there, a couple up from this post. She did all that and more(and even put up with some "man", if we can call him that, tagging along) so you'll do fine, just be mindfull thats all.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Apr 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Northumberland, England
Posts: 1
Im a traveller from England and in a similar situation to the American lady in Dakar- Im in Bamako, Mali, I dont have my own vehicle and trying to get to Morocco (as quick as possible to meet my friend) via the western sahara route, thus all the responses to her queries have been very useful. However, most people seemed to be talking just about getting lifts with overland tourists. I was wondering if anyone can comment on the feasibility of just trying to hitch on the Northward road out of Nouadhibou, is there any Northward traffic, freight lorries, irregular "public" transport etc?
Also;
does anyone know about visas at the border for British citizens?

The rough guide (2003) says there is public transport from South from Morocco to Dakhla. This surely implies that there should be public transport North to Morocco from Dakhla. Can anyone confirm or refute this?

And finally, TT-Kira seems to be suggesting that you can take a taxi from North of Nouadhibou to Dakhla. Is this not fabulously expensive?
Thanks .
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Apr 2007
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Limoux, France
Posts: 352
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kakapo_Samuel View Post
Im a traveller from England and in a similar situation to the American lady in Dakar- Im in Bamako, Mali, I dont have my own vehicle and trying to get to Morocco (as quick as possible to meet my friend) via the western sahara route, thus all the responses to her queries have been very useful. However, most people seemed to be talking just about getting lifts with overland tourists. I was wondering if anyone can comment on the feasibility of just trying to hitch on the Northward road out of Nouadhibou, is there any Northward traffic, freight lorries, irregular "public" transport etc?
Also;
does anyone know about visas at the border for British citizens?

The rough guide (2003) says there is public transport from South from Morocco to Dakhla. This surely implies that there should be public transport North to Morocco from Dakhla. Can anyone confirm or refute this?

And finally, TT-Kira seems to be suggesting that you can take a taxi from North of Nouadhibou to Dakhla. Is this not fabulously expensive?
Thanks .
Right; I'll have a bash at this.

Going north there are mercedes, Jan 2006 it was 8,500UM to go from NBD to Dahkla ... if you picked up the same transport from the police post north of NBD it was around 6,000UM mark if you are trying to save money. However it seems (mysteriously) that there isn't (wasn't) as much going north as coming south.

There's NO 'public' transport yet, although CTM were meant to have started a service apparently it's not up and running as they had a financial loss earlier last year. So it's 1. Overlanders 2. Taxi brousse 3. Anything with wheels!

As for being British, (I'm Irish) I'm pretty sure you'd be OK, I've crossed with an Aussie, Italian, American & met a variety of nationalities who've done that border without getting a visa in advance. But do check it as the govt's just changed! Also DON'T pay the border guards as you'll make it harder for the rest of us, they're quite crafty at times!!!

Be careful of the border times, I know a few people who've slept there. You want to be on the road by 10am at the latest as the Moroccans close for ?2hrs for lunch ...the border shut at 7pm (or 7.30pm) last year!

Kira
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 30 Apr 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 456
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kakapo_Samuel View Post
does anyone know about visas at the border for British citizens?
I'd check this as they are apparently now only giving short transit visas at the Northern border (see earlier thread). Might be safer to get your visa in advance .
__________________
Pictures, Mauritania 2011
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Shipping car from Dakar? cost? TwinPlanet sub-Saharan Africa 1 8 Feb 2006 17:42
classic Dakar Freek Motorcycle Events around the world 2 20 Jan 2006 01:29
bmw prototype 1040 cc paris dakar and large tank(s) for r80/ vincent danna TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 3 28 Jun 2005 02:36
public transportation from Casablanca or Marrakesh to Dakar? Blue_Girl North Africa 6 12 May 2004 21:31

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:21.