Western Sahara and Mauritania

[Chris Garden]

Hi there,
I'm planning a trip overland from Morocco to Senegal and beyond, leaving in December this year. I don't have a bike so will be doing it by public transport and hitching as much as I can.

The main focus of my trip is surf exploration and photography (I won't be taking a surfboard). I have heard/seen of considerable potential for surf south of Dakhla and on the Nouadhibou Peninsula.

A couple of questions...
- Are there any towns between Dakhla and the Mauri border where I could stop for a few days, gather supplies and head to the coast (will have a tent)?

- What would the chances be of getting a ride again, if I was to be dropped off along this stretch for a couple of days?

- I have heard that the Nouadhibou Peninsula is heavily mined, and is off-limits around La Gouera. Has anyone managed to get out to the Atlantic coast around here or directly west of the town? Are there many 'safe' tracks?

Many thanks,
Chris

[usl]

Originally Posted by Chris Garden

- Are there any towns between Dakhla and the Mauri border where I could stop for a few days, gather supplies and head to the coast (will have a tent)?

Distance between Dahkla and the last moroccan control point is , ı guess, was around 350 km. and between there were townish places ...

worth staying for a few days? ... hmm...think not..
gather supplies? .... Dahkla is a better location for that

[Chris Scott]

- I have heard that the Nouadhibou Peninsula is heavily mined, and is off-limits around La Gouera. Has anyone managed to get out to the Atlantic coast around here or directly west of the town? Are there many 'safe' tracks?

As maps show the Atlantic side of the NDB peninsula is Moroccan but way off limits AFAIK. Never heard of anyone going there.
Also, I hear that Western Sahara south of Dakhla, is mined (there are roadside warning boards) and that mines can even turn up on the beach. Not knowing this we did camp by the ocean south of Motel Barabas once, but followed clear car tracks. It was actually very interesting.

IMO even in winter exploring the shore south of Dakhla on foot sounds a bit ambitious. The couple of villages/fuel stations along the way will limit your options.
I would have thought you will always get a lift but you may have to pay if they're local.

Ch

[Chris Garden]

Thanks for the info guys. Definitely sounds like a challenging adventure, possibly not feasible but will keep looking into it further.

Does anyone know the exact locations of the villages/fuel stations. Also, would it be possible to hire a car/4WD in Dakhla? That might be a better option, though I wouldn't consider going off clear tracks.

Final question, roughly how hot does it get during the days around Dakhla in winter? I was as far south as Tarfaya in April and it wasn't particularly hot.

Thanks again!

[teflon]

Interesting thread. Was thinking along similar lines, only northwards from Marrakesh (£10 Ryanair from Bristol)

A kind of human version of a homing pigeon.

[AndySabb]

Originally Posted by Chris Garden

Thanks for the info guys. Definitely sounds like a challenging adventure, possibly not feasible but will keep looking into it further.

Does anyone know the exact locations of the villages/fuel stations. Also, would it be possible to hire a car/4WD in Dakhla? That might be a better option, though I wouldn't consider going off clear tracks.

Final question, roughly how hot does it get during the days around Dakhla in winter? I was as far south as Tarfaya in April and it wasn't particularly hot.

Thanks again!

Prepare to be shocked at how cold it can get. At Dakhla we had a gas heater to keep warm at night. Even inot Mauratania. It is at best like a cool english summer.

No way would I try and walk it though - It is a long way from Dakhla to the border.

Andy

[tourdeforce]

Hey Chris,

Check out AfricanSurfer.com I met these boys in Mauritania last year. They could give you loads of surfing advice. Tell them Duncan from Dragoman says hello.

Cheers

[chickcharnie]

Hi Chris

I traveled down to Senegal via Taghazout (got 5m metres at Killer's) and surfed where I could.

The entire coast is pretty daunting for a lone surfer - even traveling independently in a 4x4.

I can't imagine traveling on foot or by local transport.

I know the guys at Surf Maroc were talking about running surf trips further south than Taghazout - you might give Ollie (one of the partners) a call for info etc

Surf Maroc- premier surf camp Morocco & surf school Morocco

I have heared that there is surf on the penisula at Dakhla, but I never went there so don't know first hand.

The best surf is further north in Morocco

good right hander at Sidi Ifni and cheep hotel above the break

I hope I have been of help

regards

John

[TT-Kira]

Try AfricanSurfer.com - 3 guys - friends of a friend of mine in Abidjan; they have driven up the west coast slowly from Cape Town .. might have some surf spots worth looking at.

Kira

Spent 7 months this year in WS and along the Mauri coast till Nouakchott. Ws is just great. Mine are an issue although rapidly getting better. Mines are however no issue for pedestrians, as most mines are anti-tank mines. However, be really carefull. You can go to La Guera easily, but will get a visit quickly by +/- friendly Mauri soldiers. Cap Blans is perfectly OK, but hard to get there on foot. From Dakhla to border there is a number of fishing villages, relatively easily accessible even for hitchikers with basic supllies + plenty of yummy fish of course. On top of that remember that every few kilometres there are a few (3+) soldiers (forces auxilliares-something like reservists, or marine royal) making sure nobody takes a ride for the Canaries (unless they pay and the soldiers look away). So you will always have company from mostly really nice and friendly people who feel really lonely. Even here food etc. no problem. You need time of course, lots of it. Some places are really dangerous for swimming due to strong currents, especially the beaches south of Dagmar (last petrol station before border). Others are just fine. A fishing village called Roque Chico 15 km west of Dagmar, (tarmac road) is highly recommendable.
There is a Brit in Dakhla - Colin (ask for him in hotel Regency) who know the area around Dakhla and beyond intimately and might want to give you a ride in his LR.
In short, your plan i easily doable if you have time.
Maybe I pick you up somewhere after jan 2009, have the tea ready .
Lastly, a stupid question - surfing or windsurfin?
best
moro

[guyeyal]

hello there, we are two guys now in marocco planning to cross mauritania soon through to senegal. we are wondering how it works for you since we seem to have a samiliar plan and will be happy if we can exchange information.
so hope to here from you and have a great trip
guy and eyal