Maroc-W.Sahara-Mauri-Mali and back in 30 days, doable or not
 

In beginning of august 2004 we're planning this route:

Ceuta to High-Atlas mountains, spend few days around there.
Then down to Western Sahara on the main roads to Mauritania, Nouakchott.
From Nouakchott->Nema to Mali, Bamako->Timbuktu.

From there all the shortest way back to Ceuta, Marocco.

Going twoup with girlfriend on a slightly modifyed streetbike Suzuki GSX600F.

How're the wheather and heat conditions in the middle of August in Western Sahara and Mauritania? And are those main roads doable on a streetbike in around 20 to 30 days?

With the Sun, Margus

Or with 30day timelimit it is better to skip Mali side and spend more time in Mauritania and Marocco?

Whilst technically possible, why. When you say you would return by the shortest possible route to Ceuta, thats pretty much the way you will have gone with the exception of the Atlas mountains. Your not doing a big loop on the way out and then doing a short distance back. You are going to spend pretty much the whole time riding. Now if your really into riding then fair enough and each to there own but you will have next to no time to stop and look at things. It also assumes that you have not problems with your bike throughout the trip. Much as I also want to get out to Timbucktu, (we did a similar route to your suggested one to Bamako but then headed south to the Ivory coast), I wouldn't try it in such a short time period. Have driven ridiculous distances before to get to somewhere cool at the end in Aus and whilst it was great to get there, the whole thing became ardous and difficult rather than enjoyable. However each to there own.

Hello Margus,
Let me begin by saying that everything is possible, if you set your mind to it. But what you have planned is very difficult, even for the most seasoned of Africa enthusiasts. Have you ever ridden your bike in deep sand? In deep sand with a passenger? In deep sand with a passenger in 50 degree heat? What would your girl friend say, if you dropped her into hot sand 15 times within one hour? and this for days. Even though 85% of your planned route is hard surface, there are still long stretches on soft sand to get through, and there is no other way to Timbuctu except through sand. So think again. Are your ready for the challenge? Is your girl friend ready?
Greetings http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/wink.gif

You can do it, but it won't be much fun - which is presumably why you want to go...

Sam.

Thanks a lot for your opinions!

Have the sand experience indeed. But hoping not to spend much on open a sand - trying to use only main routes because streetbike with stickytires is capable but not that stable with luggage and passanger. Gravel roads with potholes is no problem.
Just that i was guessing most of the Marocco-Mauritania highway is paved indeed in the middle of august and hopefully accessible(?)

We have open schedule, so if we think we can't make it that far, we'll just change our plans.

So you're saying that from Bamako to Timbuktu is only a sand road or just some parts of it?

Regards, Margus

[This message has been edited by Margus (edited 10 June 2004).]

From Bamako to Mopti is excellent pavement, but from Mopti to Timbuktu is tricky; sandy ruts for miles on end, where even big trucks get stuck. Sandy sections also when you leave the pavement of the Nouakchott-Nema road. I suggest you play it by ear. If girlfriend says "enough," you will know what to do. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/wink.gif

Nouakchott to Nema is well paved all the way.
No need to come out of the road to avoid potholes (there weren't any last november!).
Just be carefull with the cattle that roams free on the road, or comes out from bushes. Could be a nasty surprise!

Cheers,
José