Hi Koen,

a visa for Niger takes at least 2 days. If it's possible in Gao - I don't know - Maybe better in Bamako. I did the "road" from Niamey to Goa with a R21 Nevada 10 years before, there was no tarmac for 300km - but no problem, also spare parts for an Opel not a big problem. The "rainy season" is usually not a problem there, the bridges are quit good.

Ferdi

Some pictures from the road between Gao and Asongo (c Ferdi Jan 2007)

http://up.picr.de/2517661.jpg

http://up.picr.de/2517662.jpg

http://up.picr.de/2517663.jpg

Niamey, Gao, Hombori
 

Coming from Niamey we have done it in May 2009. Road Niamey to Gao is good tarmac, border crossing was easy, would rather organise a visa in Bamako. But the Rainy Season threat is real. 4x4 recommended. Think of just waiting, till rain has stopped, the waters retreated. Especially Hombori to Gossi to Gao maybe prone to flooding.
What I consider rather frightening is the kidnapping threat. 2 diplomats abducted in Tilaberi (already in Niger on this very road), Dec 2008, also the music/nomad culture festival 400km east of Gao, 4 or more abductions right about same time. Some where released in April, one as we all followed, Edwin Dyer was killed. So, it puts travelling into a special category. With my 2 kids I would reconsider (and I have been with mine in Mali/Senegal/Bissau). Or at least this threat bothered us in May, but then the signs (Info obtained in Niamey) were good for a short moment, till the killing beginning of June.
Photography and Journey: Legendary Ghana, Togo, Benin, Niger back to Bamako.
But enjoy Mali, is superbly green this time of year.
Rgds Manfred, in Vienna