Overland to West Africa

[Dave Pain]

I am going overland to West Africa (from the UK) heading off around the end of Feb 2002, I have done alot to my vehicle but could use some advice on some of the other issues involved in Overlanding this part of the world, If there is anyone out there who has done this recently and would like to help, if you are in London the best I can offer is Free Beer !! Thanks.

[Remi]

Check your break and clutch fluids as we had problems with ours at about noon, probably because of the heat. When crossing the Mauritanian border if not declaring all the dosh do not keep it in your wallet or next to the drivers seat. You can also take some pens to give away. Locals seem to have liked it. You do not need a guide for the Atlantic route. Get sahara overland coordinates and description and as long as you are in 4X4, there is no problem whatsoever. Off course, the grids were taken in 1996 so the piste does not follow the coordinates in straight lines but it is still easily done. We had no previous experience in the desert and even overtook some of the guided convoys. Also do not forget that you can not really use VISA card in Mauritania apart from the capital. I think there is only one place in Nuakchott were you can get a cash advance. Also whatever happens try to avoid flying from Nuakchott, it is a right pain just getting on the plane.

[Remi]

Nearly forgotten.
We drove overnight in Morroco. Roads are nice and empty and it saves you a lot of time because it gets dark at about 5 to 5-30. The problem is then to find an overnight place in the dark.
Also when you reach Tan-Tan, police will start stopping you to enter your passport details into their books. Before they just let you to go thru the checkpoints.

[This message has been edited by Remi (edited 06 December 2001).]

[Dave Pain]

Thanks Remi, thats usefull info. You got time for a , so i can pick your brains more ??!!