Hi all
We are planning a trip through Africa next year. Has anyone travelled through Mauritania from Western Sahara and then into Mali recently, as the government advises against all travel through these countries.

Any advice or routes are welcome.
Thanks

I have not heard anything recently that would stop me travelling through the parts of these countries or territories that are accessible to overlanders these last couple of years, that is: the Atlantic Highway in WS, the continuation of that road through western Mauritania, and western and southern Mali.
In particular I would disregard parts of this FCO map (as discussed on this forum before).
Mali I would say is the least secure of the three, as much from corruption as any actual bandit threat which the corruption capitalises on. You may find more news on the sub Sahara forum.

See also Trans Sahara Routes | Sahara Overland

Ch

Hi Chris ,
Thanks for your reassuring reply.just another quick question if you don't mind ,we are off for a practice run to morocco in late September , we purchased your book, along with the Michelin map .will I be able to follow your tracks you have set out or will I need a morocco GPS
Thansk

Hi Jandl, GPS only needed as a back-up with the routes in MO when you think you may have gone wrong.

Plenty more Morocco chat on the Morocco forum.

I don't see it reported anywhere but I know for a fact that the Foreign Legion are engaged in daily fire fights in northern Mali with Algerian based insurgents and have been for the last 60 days.

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THE book you want is ' La Mauritanie au gps' which is very well laid out and informative.

Here you find some links of people who did a transafrica over the west, from 2011 upwards:

Trans-Africa over the west: from 2011 upwards...

So you can watch the latest crossing of Mali, which route, wich experiences the people had.

We did Kiffa-Keyes - what wasnt a good idea at 2012, nor today. There was a Kidnapping near Keyes (Diema) the day before we reach the city.

I suggests to use the normal border to Keyes, then to use the scenic route Keyes to Mahina to Bamako. This way you drive arround of these areas who something happens -recently.

Or doing Mauretania - Senegal - Mali (Kenieba Border) and then the route to Mahina to Bamako - this is the safest way i guess.

Kiffa - Keyes brings you too near to the eastern part, there is less population, less police/military less control (we didnt see any officials there). Too bad, because it is a beautiful drive there!

But the personal risk kalkulation - you only can do for yourself.

Travelling through switzerland is safer and too beautiful

Personaly i would do the senegal/mali route pointed above, without worrying much. Buts thats my personal risk calkulation, shit can happen anytime and anywhere.

Do you want to drive to mali, or do you plan to drive down to the cape?

We did our transafrica over the west - this way:



More detailed maps and our daily based diary you will find in our Blog:

Trans-Africa

Maybe some Informations from our new Blog is too helpful for you.

It is about travelling by car, from Paperwork, Visa, till Equipment and gear
4x4tripping It is in german language, but there is a translate button.

Specially articles what was the most useful equipment - and offroad navigation may be helpful, but there is a lot more :-)

Surfy

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About Overlanding, Travelogues, Equipment
Trans-Africa over the west coast

Hi Guys
Has anybody got an update on the security situation in Mauritania?

The UK travel advice says avoid all essential travel.. but i think they say that about most place.

I will be there within 1 week.
thanks
Seán

Please.
Diema is 300 kms east of Kayes. There was one kidnapping there years ago.
Kiffa-Kayes is as far west as you can get in Mali!
No security issues in western or southern Mali.
Gao is 2000 kms east of Kayes. Has nothing to do with going throigh Kayes region.
Also - no security issues for Mauretania.

There's a recent and detailed thread on the Mori and Senegal borders here:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...too-well-77534

Doesn't look like he had an problems in Mori.

Ch