New piste to Banc d'Arguin?
 

This summer I want to visit the Banc d'Arguin in Mauritania, travelling in a 2WD. I especially want to visit Ras Tafarist. Does anybody know where I should leave the new highway between Nouadibou and Nouackchott to get there? And what about difficulties on this new track? Do I need to cross the same dunes as on the old piste?

Thanks in advance,

Gerbert


[This message has been edited by gvdaa (edited 10 May 2005).]

Hi,

You can either leave the paved road:
- in the begining of the older piste that goes all the along the coast (aprox. at N21,15.9 W16,55.4)
- in the new road aprox at N20,37.5 and head straight west to the Bir el Gareb wells. From here you can follow the older piste. This way you'll avoid the bumpier and less-scenic sections close to Nouadhibou. However, from the paved road to the Bir el Gareb wells you'll be on your own!

Cheers,
José

Thanks José. But I suppose there's also a more southern approach to Ras Tafarist, I prefer to leave the highway somewhere around N 20,02. Somebody has info?

Gerbert

Hi,

Leaving the paved road at N20,02 should be OK; when you get to the coast, just head north to the cape.
As long as you don't have to cross the Azzefal dunes you'll be fine in a 2WD.
(but given you experience in Chad with Mercs I reckon that you shouldn't have any problem if you need to cross the dunes!!)

Cheers,
José

Hi,

I also think heading east around N 20,02 should be okay. But it would be nice if there's something of a piste. I hope somebody has some waypoints.

In a Mercedes saloon I normally have no problems in the Azzefal dunes. But this time I'm thinking about bringing a mercedes 406 minibus, that might be another story.

What's your next trip? Or no plans for the moment? We just missed each other in Katrun, Dirkou and Bilma, last october.

Greetings,
Gerbert

I haven't decided yet.

It will be either Mauritania (Nouadhibou to Fort Ghallaouya and from there straight to Tichitt) or Libya (the loop from Ghadames to Al Kufra).

Misfortune in Niger. Maybe next time!

Cheers,
José

On the suisse forum I was told the new piste starts at PK 260, which means 260 kilometers from the junction Dakhla/Nouadibou/Nouakchott.