Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
Mauretania, Mali sefety? Mauretania, Mali sefety?
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Oct 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Poland
Posts: 275
Mauretania, Mali sefety?
Hi folks
Could you tell me about safety of travel in Mauretania:
- first car on a train from Nouadhibou to Choum, then by car Atar, Nouakchot, Kifffa and Nema
- naxt Mali: by land to Bamako, next Niger ferry to Gao and back by land to Bamako, Kayes and Mauretania to Nauadhibou.

What do you think about that plan ??
Thank's for help

Regards
B
__________________
Bartosz
www.wyprawy4x4.com.pl
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Oct 2010
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,991
Plan sounds OK but I think you needlessly complicate it all by taking the train to Choum. It will be quicker to drive there.
In Mali I assume you do not expect to put the car on the boat to Gao, but if you still have a car why not drive there?

Actually, better to give Gao a miss - stay south of the river.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Oct 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Poland
Posts: 275
Thank's Chris for answer.
I have car all the time. I thought that taking car on train is faster than go by piste.
Also I haven't checked about possibility to take car on Niger ferry.
If better is missing Gao, of course I will go by land maximum to Mopti and Bandiagara.

B
__________________
Bartosz
www.wyprawy4x4.com.pl
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Oct 2010
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,991
I dont think anyone puts up with the hassle of the train anymore unless it is free; either they 4x4 it direct or they drive down to NKT and back up to Atar, etc.

Car on train idea is from the days before the new road to NKT.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 20 Oct 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Poland
Posts: 275
I thought about this only like a challenge and interesting point during trip.
Now I know more and I think we will drive equal the railroad.

B
__________________
Bartosz
www.wyprawy4x4.com.pl
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 20 Oct 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Canberra, Australia
Posts: 58
Take care in eastern Mali
The security situation in Eastern and northern Mali has deteriorated over the last 6 - 12 months. I believe that Mopti may be OK, but Timbuktu is looking risky and possibly through to Gao. i would certainly not go to Kidal region. Security anywhere in the region outside Timbuktu is now poor. The Festival of the Desert this year in January was moved from Essakane to Timbuktu, and it was a much smaller affair than usual.

You will not be able to take your vehicle on the bost on the Niger River. The boats are either pinasses or the public ferries- neither of which take cars. If you really want to go on the river, then the car will have to stay behind.

For security updates a useful web site to keep an eye on, is [url=http://www.point-afrique.com]Point-Afrique Voyages : billets d'avion, circuits et s] The Point Afrique charter company rely on security across the region for their business. They recently deleted 5 destinations across Mali, Niger and southern Algeria due to security problems.
Last edited by Alistair; 20 Oct 2010 at 11:27. Reason: truncation problem due to URL
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Oct 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 28
Just completed South Africa to Morocco as of today so recent experience: Did Mali up to Timbuktu, great drive and enjoyed it there. Up Mauritania through Nouckchott then on up to Choum (good challenging piste driving, very rough and lots of floodwater) where I put my truck on the train; hellacious trip across, but I am a train nut so it was worth it to me. Note of caution on the piste route across, it is very isoloted and friends got stuck 9 times in their Landy on crossing and didnt pass another vehicle in 650 km - they are not usually cautious travellers but advised not doing it without another vehicle alongside. Lots of police roadblocks in both countries telling us to be careful on our travels but no need for escort and absolutely no issues encountered anywhere (and did all of Mauritania solo as wife had by then returned to UK).

Enjoy it.

GB
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Hybrid Mode Hybrid Mode

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
Mauretania, Mali, Algeria heidischmidt Route Planning 2 28 Jun 2007 12:37
mauretania -mali AfricaTwin North Africa 0 25 Jun 2005 22:22
Mauretania, Mali youmou Photo Forum 2 8 Aug 2004 03:18
Mauretania - Mali erna North Africa 6 16 Jan 2004 18:06
Mali- Mauretania Belgiantrip North Africa 0 2 Feb 2003 15:27

 
 

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
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



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 19:50.

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