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 25 Aug 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Amsterdam
Posts: 6
Safety Mauretania

Hello.

Me and a friend are Planning on crossing Mauretania form Westren Sahara directly into Mali mid Sept (2 wheel drive Car). Has anyone been through lately? What is the situation?
- Is the road paved and visible?
- Are border crossings ok?
- Is a convoi advisable?
- Is a guid advisable?
- has the 'coupe d'etat' changed anything so far?

All tips are most appreciated.

regards.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 26 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Denmark
Posts: 140
Hey Obiahman.

I did that route in December '07. So I cant realy comment on the current situation. But...

1. Apart from nomansland at the border between WesternSahara/Morocco and Mauritania (a two-three kilometer stretch with NO roads. Just sand and rocky tracks. Stay on the tracks because of mines!), there is pretty good tar road all the way. You may encounter a detour or two, but those detours will usually be good enough for a regular two wheel drive to drive on. Mali's main roads are pretty good tar also. So apart from no mans land Morocco-Mauri the drive should cause you no problems.

The rest of your questions require recent knowledge about the coup, which I unfortunately don't have. But I am sure someone else here has.

Best regards

Torsten
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Aug 2008
NCR NCR is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Lisboa, Portugal
Posts: 116
Hi,

Assuming you're refering to the "regular" route through Fort Guerguerat - Nouak - Mali (and not directly from the eastern border to Timbouctou or TAoudeni):

Quote:
Originally Posted by obiahman View Post
- Is the road paved and visible?
McThor already replied.

Quote:
Originally Posted by obiahman View Post
- Are border crossings ok?
Yes

Quote:
Originally Posted by obiahman View Post
- Is a convoi advisable?
No

Quote:
Originally Posted by obiahman View Post
- Is a guid advisable?
No, unless you dont own a GPS receiver.
__________________
Regards,

NCR
Lisboa, Portugal
http://ncr2006.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Aug 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Amsterdam
Posts: 6
Thank you McThor and NCR for your reply.

yes, Indeed. Through Mauriania.
Planning on doing NouaKchott - Kiffa - Áyoun- Nioro- Bamako (judging from Michelin 741 (2007)). All Other suggestions welcome offcourse.

Departing 6 Sept. I guess We'll find out the hard way to see if the coup has any implications on such a crossing.

I'll keep news posted here. Otherwise, planning on putting highlights on my blog. Obiahman Endeavours
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
Safety in Uganda cornepol sub-Saharan Africa 5 19 Mar 2010 15:41
Guatemala - Safety? Not The Motorcycle Diaries Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 21 14 Jun 2007 10:11
Safety riding Olesia Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 4 11 Jan 2007 07:52
Safety First chipompom Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 0 30 Oct 2006 15:45
safety gassa Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 1 26 Dec 2003 00:53

 
 

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 09:30.