Mauritania October 2007
 

Hi,

anybody around in Mauritania in October?

We (couple 40 & LC BJ75) would probably team up for some of the more remote dessert routes like Guelb, Tidjikja -Nema

Alternatively:
Can somebody recommend a reliable local worst case backup (Agency, tour operator e.g.)? Who is in “Case of …” reachable by phone / mail, able to locate somebody by a coordinate and have transport available. Of course with a compensation of costs.

Best regards
Bernd

We'll be passing through Mauritania in late October en route to Ghana, but we'll be lumbering along in our Land Rover. Give us a toot as you pass us.
Best of luck
Ian

Your best bet would be Justus of campsite Bab Sahara in Atar. The dutch owner speaks 5 or 6 languages fluently and gets away with a few more. Lots of local knowledge (organises tours all through the country with local guides and drivers). Anything can be organised but keep in mind a recovery of an imobilised vehicle out of a remote sandsee can become expensive or even impossible. They also have a workshop and skilfull mecanics and are wizards in sourcing spareparts or 'making' them.

Another option can be the owners of some of the more popular auberges/hotels, they all know somebody in the neighbourhood, with a good reputation (and maybe used to foreigners), this can be relatives but that doesn't mean they are not good/reliable (but it's not a guarantee either). Take their phonenumbers (from the LP or guide Routarde) with you. Even better would be to get there first, to see if their look and feel suits you.
NKC: Olivia-auberge Menata or auberge Sahara
NDB: Ali-camping Baye Levrier, camping Abba (?).
Tidtjikja&Kiffa: ? (probaply both Phare du Desert auberges).
etc. etc. but there are many more capable and lovely places.
BTW this goes for every country in the region.

enjoy!