Mauretania crossing with 2 CV
 

I am "2cv fanatic", advanturist and still student. With my friend we have some litlle expiriance with Sahara. Last year we went from Maribor (Slovenie) to Bamaco (Mali) and all the way back (selling the Dyane is no option). Crossing two times Sahara we fell in love in it. For 2003/04 we are planing trip in Mauretania and Mali. Plan is to cross from Zouerat - Tourine - El Mreiti - Agaratkem - Taoudeni - Araoune - Tombouctou to Gao.
My quastions: - anybody maked this trail? - petrol stops on a way? - crossing border between Mauretania and Mali (Agaratkem)?
Thanks for reply
gregor

No one's done it in a 2CV that's for sure. People do it once every few years. In case you don't know, along with the Libyan Desert , it is the most desolate region in the Sahara so bring something good to read.

In my opinion unless you are as experienced as Cyril Ribas, your mission is foolhardy.

Chris S

Hi - it is, like Chris said, rather risky.
But also Cyril was a beginner once...
Do you know his book?
http://www.takla-makane.com/pages/livre01.htm

Hi Cris & Sula!

On this trail i was expecting difficultys.
I am not so stupid to go with head through the wall if i can climb it.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/eek.gif Plan B is from Zouerat - Oudane - Chinguetti - Tidjikja - Oulata - Nema - Tombouctou to Gao.

One of my rules is that is more inportant to go on a trip then wich path do you take to finish the trip. But you must have some basic plan to which you can find alternativ.
Of course i know Cyril Ribas and his book, but unfortunately i did not read it (i do not know French, only 30-40 words, which i put together without any gramatic http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/redface.gif ). He is my idol, how to feel and be one with nature on four wheels, to feel free with 2 WD. I and my friend Aleš (with golden fingers for everything around 2CV; Any questions for him, just ask!) we are perhaps less experienced from Cyril but we are full motivated.
My questions are the same like first time, just: - is Cyril Ribas book available in English?

adio gregor

Hello again
I am afraid you have to learn french anyhow...Cyrils book has two parts for each chapter: First only GPS points and then further explications in french.
Your plan B is not bad: We did it from Timbuktu to Nouakchott and from Ouadane/Chinguetti/Tichitt to Oualata. The only hot spot was between Bassikounou - Goundam (bandits).
The problems with plan A are water, petrol and the soft sand around Foum Alba. There is no piste/track at all in the dunes.
I wish you good luck with plan A or B!
Ursula

Hallo!
It is finally started… we are on the rout to Africa, Sahara, Mauritania. Two prepared Citroen Dyane (2cv) with three members on board yesterday went from Slovenia. We will be in Morocco one week from now and who knows when we will put our bolides on the train to Chum. And then Chum – Atar – Tidjikja – Tichit – Aratene – Oualata – Nema – … plan is to drive all the way to Niger, and then we will see.
If any one want to join us is welcome.

g.

These belgium guys drove to capetown through Algeria/Niger/Chad/Suden > down the usualroute

http://www.brussels-capetown.com/

they also wrote a book;

http://www.reisboeken.be/2003/eend.htm

Why don't you drive from Ndb to Choum? It will take you about 2 days, and will give you some dune driving skills.

Rgds,
Dennis
http://community.webshots.com/user/lamminga