Bir Mogrein definately closed!
 

Three weeks ago a couple of people crossed from Bir Mogrein in Northern Mauretania into Morrocco. There is no customs post here, merely the Morroccan army berm.

Three weeks ago we tried to cross, and after a few long radio transmissions (by a very courteous Morroccan Para Captain) to Army HQ in Agadir we were refused entry at that post.

Probably due to events in Casablanca.

We drove round to Zouerat, hopped on the iron ore express and then entered Morrocco at Bir Gundouz/Nouadibou. (took us 5 days extra)

The Army said, lots of people come here with this border as being open. It is officially closed, we only allow people in under exceptional cuircumstances. And right now.... NONE!

So unless you have a penchant for seeing the bazaars and welders of fair Bir Mogrein, Might I suggest the more conventional entry point?

Raf
Marakesh 27.5.2003

------------------
<A HREF="http://www.trans-sahara.com
swahilidivers@intafrica.com" TARGET=_blank>www.trans-sahara.com
swahilidivers@intafrica.com</A>

Interesting. The other day I was just wondering about going back that way but I guess I won't bother.

CS

The Morroccan Captain gave me the impression that with pre-obtained permission, it might be possible. Perhaps a letter to The Morroccan Embassy in London might be a wy forward.

I must say, that the northern section of Mauretania was intruiging and certainly more interesting to drive through than Western Sahara Morrocco.

Raf

------------------
<A HREF="http://www.trans-sahara.com
swahilidivers@intafrica.com" TARGET=_blank>www.trans-sahara.com
swahilidivers@intafrica.com</A>

Tell me Raf, did you move between Chegga and Ait Ben Tili to wards Bir Mog?
It was an area I was wondering about (getting to Chegga from Ouadane, etc) but guessed it may be a bit flat and boring and possibly home to wandering Polisario who may be surprised by strangers.

Ch