Genoa - Tanger - Querzte - W sahara - Mauretania - Dakar

[vlro]

Finlay after a few long years I'm coming back to Western Africa !
My Defender is having extended revamp and hope will be ready next week.

I will be travel thru Europe to board the Ferry in Genoa to Tanger in early December (51 hours journey across Mediterranean ).
Plan is to head towards Quarzazate then Anti Atlas >>>Marrakesh

From Marrakesh cross to Western Sahara - still not sure which way/track to chose (Assa >>>Smara - any suggestions welcome ) than catch Ore train in Mauritania explore the desert and cross to Senegal - that's the rough plan/let's see how it goes - please share any tips and advice /hope to see some of you on the way

[tony johnston]

Is there a specific reason to go from Genoa?Algeciras crossing is only 2 hrs and approx E250

[vlro]

Yeep ..that will be easy .. but car near ukrainian boarder and it will take some driving thru - Genoa seams to be a good option and is aprox £550 .
Any one have experience with GNV ferry ?

[Toyark]

Originally Posted by vlro

Any one have experience with GNV ferry ?

Yes
Bring your own straps, last I used that company, the only tie-downs available were ...oily string.
Bring your own food- VERY expensive on board for VERY little.
Bring your own toilet paper, alcohol and nausea bag- the loos are beyond human tolerances for most after a few hours use... and were never cleaned during the whole trip (from Marseilles though)
Never again.

[vlro]

Upss ... that's not looking very promising !
Hmm .. lets hope I'll have better experience

[mike giles]

Originally Posted by tony johnston

Is there a specific reason to go from Genoa?Algeciras crossing is only 2 hrs and approx E250

Blimey,last time I went it was £60 return...and a walk up and down the ticket booths..
Twas a long time ago though.....

[Toyark]

Originally Posted by vlro

Upss ... that's not looking very promising !
Hmm .. lets hope I'll have better experience

I've always admired an optimist
but don't hold your breath... or rather...DO!
If riding the iron ore train, consider your own food, lots of water, goggles and a shemagh... wet wipes are a life saver too.
Dust galore!
Have a read here

[tony johnston]

Long time since I've worn the best hat on earth...the shemagh