Morocco to Gambia
 

Hey!

Basically I am due to come to the Gambia to do my football license and work with a football club here. The issue is me and my partner have 2 dogs which we need to take with us so flying isn't an option. We're currently living in Malaga, Spain and have been looking at doing the drive from Morocco to Gambia and wondered if anyone had done it recently?

I'm very worried with the Western Sahara leg of it.. Morocco will be fine, I've heard bad things about Mauritania but I've also heard it's not bad at all, people just exaggerate. Generally I'm fine with places as I was warned about the Philippines and found the people amazing and so welcoming there and I imagine that's what its like in Mauritania BUT the Sahara is a different kettle of fish..

Kind Regards

Josh

You should be fine, you'll be on the main road between NBD & NKT (remember to print out & fill in lots of fiches for the trip from just south of Agadir down to NKT!) then the border, where it could get tricky keeping your hands on your money - try via Diama but it's still horrific for corruption!

Enjoy the trip, a lot of sand, wind and fun!

Josh:

Most airlines will accept dogs (in purpose-built aviation kennels) for shipment on the same flight as the owner. The dog goes into the cargo hold of the aircraft. The cargo holds of all modern aircraft are heated and pressurized - have been since the 1960s - so no worries about the dog's comfort.

Although there are some costs involved (buying the container, and paying a surcharge to ship the dog), it still might be less expensive to travel by air (with the dogs) than to do the trip overland. By the time you figure in fuel, insurance fees, carnets (if required), etc., the price for overland travel starts can get pretty high, compared to the cost of buying a couple of kennels and shipping the dogs with you.

Also, for what it's worth, it is starting to get hot as Hades in southern Morocco right now. I'm just outside of Ouarzazate at the moment, and the temperature today between noon and 5 PM was about 35°C -- and likely a bit hotter than that on the roadway. If you plan to make your trip in the summer months, the dogs might not enjoy the overland adventure.

Finally, keep in mind that dogs (as pets) are not always highly regarded in the Islamic countries, hence you might have difficulty finding a hotel that will allow your pets into the room with you.

Michael

Thanks. I've heard positive things from people about most of the journey (apart from the Sahara leg and how much of a ball ache it is in Senegal, especially for corruption!)

I only need a VISA for Mauritania right? I've just read Senegal have got rid of VISA fees and it's now free?

Any help is welcome, first time and probably last doing it!!

EU passport, yes, you need a visa for Mauri & that's it. Senegal is now visa-free again!

The other troublesome border will be Senegal/Gambia too!

Animals travelling in the hold pay almost the same price as an adult ticket, some airlines (Air France for example) will allow you pets in the cabin (but certain restrictions do apply, read up thoroughly!)

Bonne voyage!

Spain to Gambia
 

Hi, I'm sure there will be other on here with more experience but I went from UK to Gambia and back about 6 months ago on a motorbike without major problems. Firstly I'd read the travel section of the GSer site for Morocco, and note what is said for documentation, this will apply to Western Sahara too, particularly the requirement for "fisches". You will be asked for fisches at every checkpoint and there many more in WS than in Morocco proper.

You will need to check on the latest with visas for Mauritania and Senegal. This is changing all the time. I got my visa at the Mauri emnassy in Rabat and this may still be the cheapest option. For Senegal there have been some announcements of a removal of the need for a visa but you should check on the latest. Driving in WS was no issue apart from the fact you are crossing a desert. The road is fine, there frequent checkpoints but polite and no bribes required. Keep petrol topped up as there is one gap of 100miles between petrol statons in WS.

As for Mauritania, well the entry and exit border crossings are problematic. After you leave the WS border post there is a 3 mile no-mans-land to negotiate before getting to the Mauri border post. The ground is rough and rocky and in other places sandy so needs some care. The paperwork at the Mauri border is not too bad but can take some hours, even if you have already a valid visa. Driving in Mauri was OK for me but it is still desert and I would not drive at night. The other issue is that there is only one service station in 300miles between the 2 Mauri cities, and sometimes it does not have petrol, should be OK with diesel though.

The Rosso border crossing between Mauri and Senegal is well documented as the worst in Africa. You are not unsafe there, but it feels it, but it's generally your wallet that gets injured. Have a search around and you'll get a feel for what to expect. Maybe the change in visa rules will improve things but we'll have to see.

The drive through Senegal on main roads should be OK, but some of the roads are in poor condition. May be worth stating on here what vehicle you plan to use. Awayway some thoughts for starters.

EU passport, yes, you need a visa for Mauri & that's it. Senegal is now visa-free again!

The other troublesome border will be Senegal/Gambia too!

Animals travelling in the hold pay almost the same price as an adult ticket, some airlines (Air France for example) will allow you pets in the cabin (but certain restrictions do apply, read up thoroughly!)

Bonne voyage!

I did this journey last month www.john-barrett.uk/africa