Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
Is this achievable? London Mali bomako 3weeks Is this achievable? London Mali bomako 3weeks
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 8 Dec 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 21
Is this achievable? London Mali bomako 3weeks
hello all

I am planning a trip for July/august2011. The aim is not really a sightseeing one but an adventure travel and an experience. The plan is to leave London head through to morocco, into western sahara Mauritania and finish in Mali sell the cars and head home on the plane

I'm finding it hard to get an idea of a realistic itinerary. Is this route possible in 3 weeks, anyone with some experience who can help me out here? I don't really want the trip to be longer than 3 weeks but can do if people think this is not a possibility.

Thanks in advance!!

Dan
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Dec 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
it's a bit warm that time of year. I did bamako to barcelona in 6 days, and then (once fixing the fecking bike) barcelona to london in 2 days. so, yeah, 3 weeks is tourist pace...

but, frankly, what's the point ? to say you've done it ? it'll be expensive and frustrating (border/police hold ups), and if you don't plan on touristing ?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 9 Dec 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 21
Well the point, as with most desert crossings is for the experience. I had initially planned on visiting a few locations on route but was worried the pace might not allow for it, from what your saying it wont be a problem to reach that destination and take in some sights which means i can do some great sightseeing, and camp up in the sahara for awhile.

I realise time of year is going to be pretty horrendous but again its part of the experience i wanted. I'll be kitting out the car with some modifications to better cope with the weather out there and the route largely sticks to the coastal road where it is marginally cooler
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 9 Dec 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 90
Desert travel?
It is certainly achievable, but you won't see and experience much other than the road.

As for desert crossing - unless you plan to go take some detours e.g. Atar following the railway track route (R ? see Chris Scott's book) you will only see tarmac.

If you do plan off roading to get some desert travel you will have to spend long hours on the tarmac to give yourself the time.

If you are going to stick to the main roads I wouldn't bother doing any mods on the vehicle - you could do it in a mini

Cheers

John
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9 Dec 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 21
Thanks for that comment

A couple of Key places id like to visit are Fez Marrakesh in morroco, Naukchutt in Mauritania, Atar Via the rail road that you mentioned and then high tail it to Mali via the atlantic route and across the north of Senegal (without corssing into senegal) to Bomako in Mali. But im still trying to piece together a realistic itinery based on the feedback i get here.

How long does the route along the railroad to atar usually take? Im hoping with 3 weeks it should be possible to visit these key places.

Thanks again!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Dec 2010
Titbird's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Back in Europe
Posts: 181
I'm in Bamako now and I think 3 weeks will be very hard.
Through Morocco and Mauri no problem. But at the border of Senegal, they are going to send you to Dakar for a stamp or if it's an old car charge you for an escort. Then Mali, we just drove to Bamako in 3 days, but there is a lot of piste, which will shake your car to bits. From Kita to Bamako is asfalt.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
Quote:
Originally Posted by RexPearson View Post

How long does the route along the railroad to atar usually take? Im hoping with 3 weeks it should be possible to visit these key places.
When I was on the train it took about 14hrs of actual travelling from Nouhadibou to Choum - about 250 miles according to my gps at the time. It then took another day to ride to Atar (I'm useless off road!).

Arranging to get on the train in the first place also took a couple of days.

I have read recently that the train option is no more - since the new road opened. Certainly if you just wanted to visit Atar rather than go along the train route for its own sake the quickest way would be to drive to Nouakchott on the new road and Atar is about 6hrs from there.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 9 Dec 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 90
I agree Titbird

I don't think Senegal is a good route to go. Miserable border crossings and the road to the Mali border is appalling in places (unless they have improved it in the last 18 months).

Better to stay within Mauri and head to Nioro for the border crossing (security allowing).

An earlier point - that of the temp. The route to Atar could be awfully hot that time of year. Your car will have to be able to work hard in the sand without overheating - and if you do get stuck water could be an issue.

Last time I did that route was Dec 2008. It took us (there were 4 vehicles) 2 long days. I would caution you against travelling alone. 4WD is highly desirable for that route I think, though I have no doubt the locals travel it in ordinary cars.

The road back from Atar to Nouakchott is tarmac, but you will of course be retracing your route a bit.

Hope this helps

Cheers

John
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 9 Dec 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 21
Smile
Thanks for such great feedback guys, it's really helping get my head doing this trip.

I should probably mention my mode of transport as I I'll be doing this trip with a friend in 2 4x4 probably Mitsubishi shoguns or similar. And intend to camp pretty much all the way to Mali from London

Are there any rules about camping in the desert I should know about. I am assuming it's pretty safe to drive a mile off the main road and set up camp for the night. But as my experience is a bit limited any help on this would be great!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 10 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: After Africa and a bit of Asia, now in the Americas.
Posts: 150
Btw it is a great journey to go down by car to Bamako
I have done it 5 time or so
3 weeks is enough and all worth the experience
Photography and Journey: Toulouse to Morocco to Mali, Bamako end 2008.
I'll be going again shortly ;-)
__________________
Manfred
www.thisfabtrek.com
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 12 Dec 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Oxford
Posts: 22
Easy in 3 weeks. I have done it 3 times in less time over the last 18 months.
Good prices for 4x4 in Bamako.
Stay in Mauritania to Nioro and forget Senegal. Great route and easy camping. I'll be doing the same route again next month.
Have fun.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 14 Feb 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Limerick
Posts: 31
hi lads
im heading that way on a motorbike around the same time, just as inexperienced and on my own would love to meet up 4 a bit as im planning a trip to capetown in 2012
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 15 Feb 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: France
Posts: 88
Did Tanger to Banjul last month.

Nights 1 & 2 Rabat (36 hrs to get the Mauritania visa).
Night 3 Mirleft.
Night 4 Campsite just north of Laayoune.
Night 5 border.
Night 6 Nouakchott.
Nights 7 & 8 St Louis, Senegal.
Night 9 Farafenni, Gambia.
Night 10 Banjul.

You could probably do it quicker, but I wouldn't want to personally.

Roger
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
NEW Achievable Dream: The Motorcycle Adventure Travel Guide DVD series! Grant Johnson Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 26 11 Mar 2013 22:26
The Achievable Dream And Motosyberia for sale Punkbiker TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 16 Dec 2009 16:24

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:13.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top