![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
6 Dec 2010
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: County Clare, Ireland
Posts: 128
|
|
Gibraltar to Timbukto - How?
Hi All,
Proposing a trip beginning from Paris and ending in Dakar. We don't necessarily wish or need to follow the Dakar rally route because we also want to go to Timbukto in Mali on route and so the preferred route will be Paris, Gibraltar, Timbukto, Dakar.
Looking on maps it would appear that there are roads of sorts between Timbukto and Dakar but from Gibraltar to Timbukto there is little or nothing - except desert and lots of it!
My questions... - Are there tracks from north Africa southward through the sahara to Timbukto and if so how easy is it to navigate?
- Are there points on route where fuel/food can be got?
- How many days roughly for this leg of the trip (I know it depends on so many factors but if someone could relate their experience)
- I won't open the "what bike" debate except to say that it is going to be purchased for about £1,000 (€1,200) ($1,500) and worked on before the trip, but i'm erring towards a Suzuki DR350/400 or Yamaha XT600...thoughts?
- Any other advice?
__________________
Your Life is Now!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
7 Dec 2010
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: holland
Posts: 129
|
|
hello
I think that what you got in mind is not so easy. The easiest route will be the atlantic route till Nouackchott and then take the road to the east to ayoun el atrous. From there to Bamako and then drive up to timbuctu (Djenne, mopti and dogon are really worth to visit). Then from timbuctu back to bamako and then heading west to Kayes and then further west to Dakar.
Roads directly from Maroc to Mali are not possible. There is a road from Nema (Mauritania) directly going east to timbuctu but not possible alone and because of the safety aspect not wise to do right now. When you want some more off-road you can drive from nouadibhou to choum, chingueti and tidjika. But not easy to drive and need more people (don't know about safety overthere). have never driven the last route myself so can't give you more information about that. Also not about your motorcycle choice.
And I would say mali is more beautifull and more to see then in senegal and you got less border hassle.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
7 Dec 2010
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,112
|
|
Hi Declan
If you're crossing the Med at Gib (prob Algeciras if you're using commercial ferries) you'll be heading south taking the "atlantic route". That's shorthand for riding through Morocco and eventually following the only tarmac road that'll get you to the Western Sahara / Mauritania border. My first suggestion is to search here for "atlantic route" There's a lot of info on hotels / fuel etc that'll answer many of your questions. If you've got an hour or two to waste you can follow the road south on Google Earth and get an idea of what it's like.
It's about five days from the Med to the Mauri border if you don't hang around much for sightseeing. The area from around Tan Tan south is politically sensitive and although there are other roads that you can see on maps they're pretty much off limits at the moment. The route that hugs the coast is the one you'll be on.
The first time I overnighted in the desert is the first time I really wished I had a reliable bike rather than a cheap one. Bear that in mind when it comes to choosing a bike. Fuel and water are available - about 250 miles is about the furthest you'll go between filling stations but having a 251 mile range leaves you with a problem when you arrive and they're out of fuel for the next week.
After Nouakchott the usual route is along the "route d'espoir", a 1500 mile road that ends at Nema. On a map Nema doesn't look that far from Tim - a bit of off road and you'll be there! If you're on your own and it's your first time in the region, don't do it. Go via Bamako and along the road that follows the Niger river, via Segou, Mopti etc. There have been a number of reports here recently saying that due to security concerns there are a lot of checkpoints along the route d'espoir. Find those and have a look through. Security is becoming a serious issue.
The Atlantic route is 1000+ miles of this
This is when you really need the bike to start the next morning
You'll have a few hundred miles of this on the way back from Bamako to Dakar (this is near Kayes)
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
7 Dec 2010
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: County Clare, Ireland
Posts: 128
|
|
Thanks Brend and backofbeyond,
Lots of good information from both of you and thanks for the great pics backofbeyond.
I need to go back to studying my maps and researching the security issues in Marautania. i'll post again soon...
Declan
__________________
Your Life is Now!
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
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!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
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!
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.
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.
|
|
|