This is really a fantastic web-site. Thanks to everybody for all the information.
Another question:
I just found a Mitsubischi L200 with a demountable cabin. I know it is not that romantic as a Landcruiser or Defender with roofrack ..., but wath are the opinions about doing the trip with a vehicle like this?
Anyway it safes a lot of money ...

Hi Ka,

Me and my friend are planning to do the same route, but we have got only 3-4 weeks to do this so we have decided to take out Senegal and hit staright for Timbuktu from Mauritania. Like you, we have no idea about transportaion and logistics. We are planning this for next year around Oct-Nov period.

If you have any information on logistics please do share, and I will do likewise. Who knows our path might cross!

Bert333,

Your information based on research here, or experience on the ground?

Sam.

Hi all,

I'm currently in S-Spain, on my way to Afrika, anyone also about to cross over to Marocco in the next few days? I'll be cruising around W-Afrika for 3 a 4 months, alone with an old landcruiser bj75.

>The Carnet de Passage en Douane IS mandatory >for Mauritanie, Senegal and Mali.
>Check with the Embassies rules change!
>21/9/05

Once again ... thats wrong. You can enter Mauri ,Senegal AND Mali without a carnet.Embassies know jack shit about the real situation at their homeland borders.

I am now in Dakar - look at the IP- and got here without a carnet. Not just once ? but up to 3 times this year.Had to pay this time only 50 euros at diama -nearly impassable road thou-

Mali has never ever requeswted carnets and up to day you can enter with whichever vehicle you drive.no probllems no hassle neither

Mauritania was trouble free -no cadeaux requests at all- and Morocco is getting better by the ,minute.For a start ,they have built a new border post ( kilometrees south of Guergarrat brand new, with computers ,etc

now gergarrat is only a forgotten fort which serves as a taxi station

excuse the typos;Its a French keyboard

Javier

Javier,
The Lonely Planet indicates you must drive around NDB getting customs forms/insurance/registering with the police etc - is that still mandatory? We're looking at a minimum time in NDB before getting Malian visas in NKCT and then hauling ass out of the country. Any ideas?
Dave

I believe the LP's info is long out of date. All the stuff is now done at the new Mori border post and there's no need to visit NKT at all unless you want some shopping.

Ch

Hi chris,

I am reading your book "Sahara Overland" right now. Very impressive account! I am planning to do Morocco-Mauritania-Mali (Timbuktu) overland in 4-5 weeks, in your experience is this possible? Please note I won't be driving and relying on the local transport means etc.

The Moroccan buildings on the way to Mauri looked ready to move into when I was there in May, nice to hear they're in action now.

How is Mauri, now it's under new rule? Still friendly to vehicle travellers/ worth moving as quickly as possible; organising onward visas before Mauri to save time in Nouakchott/ hints of hassles to foreigners at all?

I do agree completely..

Last year we did all the paperwork at the border of Mauri. From Nema we went to Bamako without any problem. Even the British car, who left Mauri with us and did not find the customs to stamp the carnet while leaving Mauri had no problem... In Mali they put some stamps, signatures, took some Euro's and told that everything was OK.
On our way back we did not find the customs office on the piste between Kiffa and Kayes.
While leaving Mauri then again in Western Sahara... we only got a "Bye and hope to see you again"

So no worries about visas, carnets and insurance for these countries.... allthough the ambasseys and consulats in Belgium told us otherwise...

[This message has been edited by ***Mark*** (edited 12 December 2005).]

[This message has been edited by ***Mark*** (edited 12 December 2005).]

hi there:>
in january/ feb i'm goin' overland by atlantic route to mali, and maybe to burkina also and niger;
i'd like to ask you about carnet in burkina and niger? is that required to enter burkina and niger?
what about insurance on all the way from mauritania to niger (through mali and burkina)?
is that necessery to buy an international insurance?
thank u for answers
slawek

Hi ! .

Carnet is not required to enter Neither Burkina not Niger.

Javier