The road from Nema to Tombouctou then onto Mopti
 

I am planning a trip through Morocco into Mauri and on into Mali. I will be travelling in a Landcruiser. I plan to exit Mauri via Nema entering Mali via Niara or Nampala and then will be heading east towards Tombouctou passing through Goundam. Has anyone been along this route recently? What is the road like and is fule available along the route? This route passes through the FCO's no go area. What is the security situation in the area like?

Also what is the road from Tombouctou to Mopti like? What is the security situation on this road? Again the FCO are recommend no go/essential travel only.

thanks

Reinhard

We did this route in December 2005 and the FCO were advising against travel then as well! Details of our trip are on my website:
Sahel 2005
As a first timer, the piste from Nema to Tombouctou seemed rather rough, though with hindsight pretty average; parts in Mali were graded (red) piste. The website has photos of the route as well as some GPS.

From Tombouctou to Mopti is easy. Hardtop from T to river, longish ferry, then graded piste to Goundam, then asphalt all the way to Mopti. It took us a full day in TLC.

If in Nema, take a day to visit Oualata, probably the most interesting saharan town. Also interesting mosque at Bore just after Goundam.

Enjoy your trip and don't let FCO put you off!

Oops!
 

Sorry, for Goundam in my previous post, please read Douentza!

many thanks for your reply. I've seen your website and have found the information there to be useful. Like you, I will be covering the round trip from the UK in around 5 weeks.

cheers

Reinhard