Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Dec 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 1
Mauretania - Mali

Hi,

I am planning on crossing from Mauretania to Mali with a Mercedes 200D (normal car, no 4x4) in February. Is this attempt feasible (haven´t done it yet). Is Nema - Nara the best piste or what would you suggest? Thanks for any information,

erna
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Dec 2003
Robbert's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Gent, Belgium
Posts: 523
Hé,

There are plenty of 2WD's heading into Mali these days (some of them because they can't enter Senegal, and prices are better in Mali then in Mauri)

Nema - Nara is probalbly the best piste. We saw three peugot 406-es in Nara a week ago, and they took this piste.

We took the the Timbedra - Nara piste (can provide way points if you wish) with a LR Disco. The piste itself was deaply rutted, but most of the time you can drive on the side.

good luck,

Rob
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Dec 2003
ydv ydv is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bialystok, Poland
Posts: 89
Quote:
Originally posted by Robbert:
(...) We took the the Timbedra - Nara piste (...) The piste itself was deaply rutted (...).
Rob
I've took this route in Sep. 2003. Although it was public transport (Toyota LC pckup), it didn't get through to the destination. After the rains some stretches of the road were flooded and very muddy, definitely not passable for 2wds. Finally somewhere in Mali we were stucked in a little lake. The last 40 km I've covered on feet, sometimes strolling knee-level water.
In a dry season it can be completely different anyway.

------------------
Janusz
www.yahodeville.com
__________________
Janusz
www.yahodeville.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Dec 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 142
I'd have to agree with Janusz. When we took this route in october 2003 there was still a lot of mud in some places, and where there wasn't, it was heavy going in the sandy tracks. Outside the tracks, the most of the surface was definatly not solid enough for a 2wd.
I've heard that the Nema-Nara road is relativly good, and ok for 2wd.

Erik D.

www.dunia.no


------------------
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Dec 2003
Robbert's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Gent, Belgium
Posts: 523
The mud dried up by now. I'm pretty confident it's doable in 2WD though Nema - Nara is the default choise for 2WD. We had no probs what so ever. It was dusty though.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 29 Dec 2003
109 109 is offline
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 6
Hi, am thinking of taking the route from Mauritania to Mali in the first days of february (to avoid the carnet needed in Senagal). Does anyone know about the security in eastern Mauritania and northern Mali? And the condition of the road from Nouakchott to Nema and from Nema to Nara?
/Stefan
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 Jan 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Posts: 93
According to the Dutch and German foreign ministries' websites there is a risk of kidnapping in the border region between Mauritania and Mali. Does anyone have any comforting advice re security along the Nouakchott - Nema - Bamako road?

Not sure that I want to go through the aggravation of driving an old Merc through Senegal to get to Mali...

cheers,
Camiel


[This message has been edited by camiel (edited 16 January 2004).]
Reply With Quote
Reply


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


 
 

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

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. 11-15
  • 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!

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 15:20.