nouadhibou to nouakchott

[gs martin]

Hi, I am looking at my michelin 741 map for my ride down to Dakar in September this year (2007). I will use the sealed Atlantic route as far as Nouadhibou but from there I am unsure if it continues to Nouakchott or if I have to go via Atar, could anyone advise me please, thanks.

[YK 55]

It's tarmac all the way to Dakar, the only unsealed bit is about 2km between the borders at Western Sahara/Mauritania. You will need enough fuel for 320 miles between Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. I was there in January, pm me if you want more info.
Andy.

[gs martin]

Sealed road then Andy no need to go via Atar then ?

[YK 55]

Nouadhibou to Atar is mostly unsealed piste, but you can take the train!

[YK 55]

Martin, I got your PM but I can't reply. Send me your email and I'll give you my phone no.
Andy.

[moggy 1968]

if you go through rosso it is all tarmac except the border, but accepted wisdom is this is horrible so use the barrage, which involves about 80km on easy tracks. there are numerous discussions about this elsewhere on the forum. I have done both and would go for the barrage every time!!

Andy
1990 H60 TLC
land rover 101 ambie
eBay UK Shop - Captain Moggy's Surplus Store: The QM's Store -miscellaneous, QM's Store -military Trousers

[gs martin]

hi, thanks for reply and info on rosso. martin

[Dogo]

Thanks for sharing, will be doing it ,north bound on the first week of November this year.
Did I understand that Rosso should not be the best spot to cross the border?
..heard ST louis is much worse;
And,by the way, what is the "barage" ?

Thanks again;

Dogo

[javierCarrion]

>>>Did I understand that Rosso should not be the best spot to cross the >>>border?

Correct./ Rosso is the worst spot to cross the border.


>>>>>..heard ST louis is much worse;

Wrong . St. Luis is a city , not a border . It is definitely hellish place (corrupt policemen , extorsions , etc) but not a border town.

>>>>>And,by the way, what is the "barage" ?

The Barrage tecnically is a raised track , which serves as a contention wall for the lake/river on the right (going to Dakar). In rainy season you can drive on the top , while in dry season you can drive on the "floor"

So people call "The barrage" to the track whcih leads you from Rosso (Mauritania side ) to Diama (small border , WHICH IS THE BORDER YOU WANT TO GO =-believeme= ).
Also , the "barrage track" follows kind of a natural park (quite amusing ) , and Its quite pictorical .

After the mauritanian side of the formalities , you cross a Bridge (which is also called "the Barrage " , and then you enjoy the Senegalese side of the formalities. Police , Douane ( get ready to shell out lots of euros ) and rip-off Insurance by a lovely lady.

you have a good day

[YK 55]

Originally Posted by javierCarrion

Correct./ Rosso is the worst spot to cross the border. I absolutely agree


St. Luis is a city , not a border . It is definitely hellish place (corrupt policemen , extorsions , etc) but not a border town.

I have to disagree. Hellish? No way! The hustlers can be a bit intimidating but I found them to be good-humoured with it.





After the mauritanian side of the formalities , you cross a Bridge (which is also called "the Barrage " , and then you enjoy the Senegalese side of the formalities. Police , Douane ( get ready to shell out lots of euros ) and rip-off Insurance by a lovely lady.

It only cost me 10 Euros or 4000 CFA at the border (it's a toll-bridge) I ignored the insurance sellers and got mine in St Louis , the agent was 'Sonam' and it was about 7 Euros for 10 days cover for a motorcycle.

One thing to be aware of is that you cannot get a Mauritanian entry visa at Diama. You must either get one in Dakar or enter Mauritania via Rosso!