Thirsty...

[Aceras]

Bonjour,
Preparing a trip (by walking) that should begin in October 2007 (I know… it’s still far away !), I’m looking for GPS points of possibly existing wells between the following places:
M’hamid (Morocco) : 29° 46’ 60’’N/5° 43’ 60’’W
Tinfouchy (Algeria) : 28° 52' 45.56" N/ 5° 49' 22.44" W
Chegga (Mauritania) : 25° 22’ 60’’N/5° 46’ 60’’W
Taoudenni (Mali) : 22° 40’ 0’’N/ 3° 58’ 60’’W
Araouane (Mali) : 18° 53’ 60’’N/3° 32’ 60’’W
Un grand merci !
François

[Alistair]

Francois, I have travelled between Tombouctou and Taoudenni (and return) by camel, in the company of a guide. During the journey we called in at wells for water. The wells become less frequent the closer you get to Taoudenni. (During the winter, this route is well travelled by caravans of camels getting salt from Taoudenni.)

I do not actually have the way points for the wells. However, the wells are marked on the IGN maps named TAOUDENNI, and TOMBOUCTOU, so at least you will have some idea of where they are, their names, and roughly how far apart they lie. I suggest that you get the maps if you do not already have them as well as the others which cover the area further north -they are available in Paris at IGN. It should be noted though that the maps date from the 1970's, and that I know of at least one well on the map (over the route that I travelled), which has collapsed and from which no water is available. I also know that the well at Taoudenni itself, although it does have water, is NOT suitable for human consumption. This water is suitable only for camels, and for washing. You will need to know this type of information, as well as knowing where the wells are located.

(I agree with you -it is never too early to start your research into such a journey.)

[Aceras]

Bonjour Alister,
Thanks a lot for your answer.
I know the situation of the wells between Taoudenni and Timbuktu.
I also know that the IGN maps are not up to date and therefore, not reliable. That’s why I’m looking for more recent information: when you are walking, the precision of a well's location is simply a matter of... survival.
More precisely, what I’m looking for is the location of wells more in the north of Taoudenni and, especially, through the Erg Cheech. Say between Tinfouchy and Chegga and then between Chegga and Taoudenni.
As far as I know, the “road” has not been made in caravan (people and camels) since the late 40s. I personally knew an old Berber who did it around 1930 when he was 15 years old. Unfortunately, he was not able to give me precise information about the wells, and he died last year.
It seems that some people did it by cars and bikes a few years ago. Unfortunately, I can’t find their Internet sites if ever they made one.
Thanks again!
François

[Alistair]

Bonjour Francois, I am sorry that I cannot assist with information about the wells north of Taoudenni. I have not been to that part. If you would like any specific information (other than GPS waypoints) about the wells south of Taoudenni, then send me your email address if you wish.
The route has been done more recently that the 1940's though. I tracked down the book Forbidden Sands by Richard Trench, who wrote about travelling from Morocco to Tombouctou (via Taoudenni when the salt mine was worked by prisoners) in about 1974 with camels and a guide. He had a tough time -but one hell of a story. It is well worth a read if you can get a copy. -it is now out of print, but second hand copies are available at abebooks.com

[Aceras]

Bonjour Alistair,
Thanks for this good info!
I'm going to try to find the book you mentionned. And maybe it's even possible to get contact with the author: so many things are feasible through Internet!

I don't really have problems for wells South of Taoudenni: I'm in relation with people from Tessalit who know very well the region. According to the project, they should come and join us at Taoudenni (or even Thrâza, 170km north-west of Taoudenni), and then guide us to Timbuktu. A matter of security in this area which is not "perfectly" secure: better to be with locals here.
Thanks again
Francois