Quote:
Originally Posted by PatOnTrip
Thanks for your replies,
Sounds interessting to learn some Wolof???
Doing desert riding alone seems a bit dangerous in case of a problem? Don't you think the same?
Patrick
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Not all African's can speak the language of their former colonial power, so a local language like Wolof can be useful, and personally, I find it respectful if you're going to another country to at least learn the pleasantries. Also, telling a hustler to get lost in their native tongue can be very disarming to them.
That said, pretending not to speak a single word of any other language other than your own can also be useful e.g. responding to 'Cadeaux' requests with a puzzled expression.
Desert riding alone can indeed be dangerous. Travelling on some of the main pistes, you can usually, but not always, expect to see other traffic, the drivers of which will usually help you if you're in trouble. Hopefully your water supplies will last until you can get help. Hopefully if you crash and can't move someone will see you. However, none of this is guarenteed. It's a risk.
I suggest you buy a copy of Chris Scott's Sahara Overland book.
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