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.

Like Tree28Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Jun 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: france
Posts: 44
mauritania route & other questions

looking for a recommended tried and tested route around mauritania; entering from ws and back through ws. Any places i have to see? If you can point me in the right direction or share any info; thanks in advance!

Last edited by Chris Scott; 9 Jul 2023 at 16:30.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 27 Jun 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: france
Posts: 44
Getting to the richat structure

I'll be crossing over into mauritania from WS and staying there for two weeks before making my way back up North. I'm interested in driving to and back the richat structure. I plan on driving to ouadane, staying there for the night and make an arrangement with a local to guide me the rest of the way. If you've done this, feel free to share your experience or if you're in the know i would appreciate your info too.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 Jun 2023
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,102
I've not done it, but I understand there's little evidence on the ground to reflect what it looks like from great altitude.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live,"
Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Jun 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: france
Posts: 44
That's what i concluded watching itchyboots videos. However, ticking off this area would be a memorable part of the adventure.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 29 Jun 2023
-
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,342
As Tim correctly says- what you will see is.....sand, rocks, sand and more sand.
Unless your moto can fly...
Locals love tourists as they take you NE of Ouadane to and say ' c'est ici'... and take your money!
Then you are left looking at your satnav confused!
A great way to ride in sand and cr+p damaging your travel bike for some 559 kms (could you even ride it...? plus food, water, fuel etc logistics) to see...not a lot! Still, a chacun son truc!
I've linked up the 6 tracks for a clockwise single one to give you a better idea.

Last edited by Toyark; 5 Jul 2023 at 12:50.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 29 Jun 2023
-
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,342
Tons

but in which direction?

Last edited by Toyark; 29 Jun 2023 at 19:13.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Jun 2023
-
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,342
Here is a taster...
The best moto for this stuff is ... not a ktm or a beemer nor a honda but a camel first or if it's too expensive then a donkey.

Last edited by Toyark; 6 Jul 2023 at 17:38.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 30 Jun 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,463
Two cities, Nouadibou and Nouakchott.
You can ride on the beach between the two.
Visit Bank d'Argain national park en route.
Stay in Atar, make day trips to see waterfalls.
The rain cave in Terjit.
Chinguetti the ancient city.
Make an oasis tour, Ouadane with the date festival, Rachid, Tidjidja, Tidjit, Kiffa.
Oualata probably out of reach.
If you have the time, go to see the crashed Avro plane on Polisario territory.
SAAF Avro Shackleton 1716 "Pelican 16"
If you like the desert you could spend a lifetime.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 30 Jun 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,481
Pelican 16 is often limits now afaik, it certainly way at the beginning of the year and I haven't heard the situation has improved
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 30 Jun 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: france
Posts: 44
off limits?
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 30 Jun 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: france
Posts: 44
Oualata out of reach in terms of time and distance or security concerns?
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 30 Jun 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: france
Posts: 44
What areas are a NO GO in western sahara and Mauritania.

We're not talking about mali or algeria here so i don't expect too many no go areas, however, to those of you in the know what areas are really a no go, safety wise?
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 30 Jun 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,481
Anywhere within 30km of the berm for the WS. But if you get too close the military will gently escort you away. Otherwise it’s mostly ok with the normal caveats about mines etc.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 30 Jun 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,481
Quote:
Originally Posted by dunz View Post
off limits?
It’s in the PFZ and not safe anymore with the current friction between Morocco and the Polisario.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 30 Jun 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: france
Posts: 44
Noted. What about east Mauritania, near Nema and the lot? And for the ieds? Where do they tend to be located?
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
adv, advice, fuel availbility, idp, information, mauritainia, mauritania, north africa, richat, route planning, safety tips, wells, western sahara


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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Route North Africa, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Guineas Ultimo Siroco Travellers Seeking Travellers 7 16 Nov 2022 00:20
Route Planning for my Garmin Zumo GPS Erik_G Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 0 27 Dec 2021 09:37
2015 - Heading east from Europe, add your itinerary / plans kim Travellers Seeking Travellers 190 5 Mar 2016 08:38
London to Cape Town, November 2012 Tfoy97603 Travellers Seeking Travellers 56 4 Sep 2012 17:51
Mauritania trip report Jose Brito North Africa 12 10 Jan 2012 14:02

 
 

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.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

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 15:22.