Mauri-Mali Border at Bassikounou-Lere
 

Hi,

does anyone know about the border crossing Mauritania->Mali via Bassikounou and Lere?
Is it passable for a car, or more of a camel track?
Any idea on the petrol situation on that route as well?


Thanks.

Even though it looks like a handy direct route, it's very infrequently done by tourists. Not done it but I but seem to recall hearing or reading no probs in a 4WD but 2WDs struggle in the sands. Route finding may be tricky too (lots of tracks) - a guide being useful though the border crossing may complicate this.

Even before the AQIM era this was thought to be a risky, remote area.
Today I'm not sure if things are better or worse.

The more conventional southern route via Nara may be less stressful.

Seems a little busy near there at the moment.

Mali : cinq morts dans l’attaque d’un camp de l’armée dans le Centre (sources locale et militaire)

جماعات مجهولة تسيطر على “نمبالا” قرب الحدود الموريتانية | الحدث الأزوادي

Thanks for update budric.
The above attack happened in Nampala, on the 'less stressful' Nara route I recommended so yes, quite busy.
Lere area would be deeper in the danger zone. And Timbuktu too I imagine.

More here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-30681908