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North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Trans Sahara Routes.

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  #16  
Old 1 Jul 2023
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mauritania fuel price + availability + reference ?

What's the current/avg fuel price in Mauritania? How available is re-fuelling, i plan on going east (sticking to "roads" no off road tracks) towards Nema & also towards Chinguetti. Any tips on getting fuel there? What website would you recommend for me to stay up to date with fuel prices?
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  #17  
Old 1 Jul 2023
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I've been there. While its true that its no where near as visually impressive from the ground, its still interesting. You do need to use your imagination a bit due to the scale, but it does look like _something_ circular.

Here's what it looks like from the inner most ring:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/netlla...7674767220847/

You absolutely don't need a camel to get out there, but its very much a rough track for a long distance, with not much more than nomads here & there.

I'd say its worth it if you've come as far as Oudane. But I wouldn't drive half way across the country just for the Richat.
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  #18  
Old 1 Jul 2023
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dunz View Post
Noted. What about east Mauritania, near Nema and the lot? And for the ieds? Where do they tend to be located?
The eastern border region is supposed to be unofficially off limits, due to concerns about people crossing the border and launching attacks from Mali. Granted its a long long drive that far east, and the "roads" become more of a suggestion than a reality out there.
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  #19  
Old 1 Jul 2023
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Can't comment on prices, but fuel is readily available in most "real" towns. Definitely no issues getting it in Chinguetti, or any points west of there along the main road.
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  #20  
Old 1 Jul 2023
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I can't seem to find the fuel price. No website has it, and to the few who do, the prices are from 2016 or before...
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  #21  
Old 1 Jul 2023
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Mauritania - Gelb er Richat

Guelb er Richat

I agree with most of the comments - but if you are interested in geology, in the center are interesting rocks

https://www.flickr.com/photos/726643...7621650762967/

and video



the pass Thnaye if you drive from the north to the Guelb er Richat (background)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/726643...7621650762967/



Ursula
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  #22  
Old 1 Jul 2023
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Oualata is far east and a bit too close to Mali for comfort.
If it is possible to go there, who knows? Only way is to go that route and talk to the gendarmes and the locals.
Same with the plane - go to Atar and perhaps Zouerat and ask around.
We just turned up in Agounit without notice and were nearly arrested. The startled Polisario captain in charge made a call to hq and then with a smile offered us food and escort to the plane.
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  #23  
Old 1 Jul 2023
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Do you happen to know how much fuel is in Mauritania (95 unleaded)? I can't seem to find that info anywhere!
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  #24  
Old 4 Jul 2023
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Please remember that Mauritania is a very under developed country, and many of the answers you seek are to be found on the road, not on the internet!
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  #25  
Old 4 Jul 2023
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I´ve travelled to Mauritania on my motorcycle last January as part of Sahara Desert Challenge, it started in Portugal and finished in Dakar.

I was riding my '97 Africa Twin which has a tank capacity of 18+5 litres and uses around 5 l/100km on the road, translating into an autonomy of over 400km.

Petrol availability is not guaranteed at regular fuel stations, I could find it only in Nouakchott and Atar. The price per litre was 57 MRU, around 1,50EUR.

Had to then buy petrol from 5l bidons to bridge the gaps at following locations:
Total station at N20° 03.090' W15° 55.274'
Generic shop in Akjoujt at N19° 44.738' W14° 23.089'
Price is subject to negotiation.

An excellent website, regularly updated, is Chris Scott Sahara Overland, see country info.

Piste to Chinguetti, probably my favourite place on this trip:

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  #26  
Old 4 Jul 2023
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Good to see info from someone with recent experience CaBRita

(there was a quite vocal motorcylcing blogger claiming there was no fuel in Atar in Januaray )
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  #27  
Old 5 Jul 2023
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You're the man! Why is the fuel in mauritania damn expensive? How were the roads like there? I see you're on a compact dirt road; are the roads like this everywhere or are there some tarmac roads?
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  #28  
Old 5 Jul 2023
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Fuel prices here: https://sahara-overland.com/mauritania/
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  #29  
Old 5 Jul 2023
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dunz View Post
How were the roads like there?
I see you're on a compact dirt road; are the roads like this everywhere or are there some tarmac roads?
See the excellent Sahara Overland website for specific info on Mauritania here

A bigger version of this map can be found there, my photo was taken on the green dashed line between Atar and Chinguetti:


Regarding fuel availability:
My experience on the ground, and learned from other travellers as well, is that the situation is quite dynamic so fill up whenever you can.
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  #30  
Old 6 Jul 2023
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dunz View Post
I can't seem to find the fuel price. No website has it, and to the few who do, the prices are from 2016 or before...
The price of fuel is what it is. €1.50 per litre or whatever is about the same as the UK. If you want to get mad about anything, try having a go at the ferry costs of crossing the 13-km gap of the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain to Morocco. Absolute daylight robbery.

But as far as Mauritania is concerned, it's a few years since I was there, but even in remote places people seem to have private stocks, just ask around Yes, you might pay 50% premium for filling from a bidon but that's something I'm quite happy to do.

Fill up at every opportunity and consider either buying an expensive fuel bladder or risking using a highly dangerous 1.5-litre plastic water bottle (tip the contents into the tank after 30-40km to lessen the risk).
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