Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
mauritania route & other questions mauritania route & other questions
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Like Tree28Likes

Reply
Page 3 of 4 12 3 4
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #31  
Old 7 Jul 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: france
Posts: 44
thoughts on fuel bottles vs bladders?
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 7 Jul 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Iceland
Posts: 96
Quote:
Originally Posted by dunz View Post
thoughts on fuel bottles vs bladders?
It depends on how strong the bottles are. Don´t forget fuel smells bad, very very bad. If the bottle, container or whatever you use start leaking or get damaged you don´t want the fuel to spill on your clothes or equipment. So you would have to transport the fuel separate from your other stuff.
A couple of drops of fuel on your clothes is not a big deal but if your clothes get soaking wet you can throw them away.

Don´t ask me how I know
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 7 Jul 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2022
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 30
Quote:
Originally Posted by dunz View Post
thoughts on fuel bottles vs bladders?
I would take a fuel bladder.
I was in Mauritania two weeks ago, and I used sturdy plastic bottles (the type where cleaning liquids are usually stored in). This worked fine. But something I didn't realize is how much petrol can actually expand when it warms up. I opened up the bottles to let some pressure out several times. I wouldn't dare to transport fuel in a less sturdy container (for example water bottles).

Maybe it was more psychological, but I still felt pretty uncomfortable driving around with plastic containers containing fuel, even though they were relatively sturdy. Next time, I will get me a fuel bladder, even if it is just for my mental peace.
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 7 Jul 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: france
Posts: 44
Great point. Something along the lines of 1% for every 15 to 20 ish deg f?. Fuel bladder can be contracted down. I've got my eyes on the desert fox fuel cell.
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 8 Jul 2023
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
Quote:
Originally Posted by dunz View Post
Why is the fuel in Mauritania damn expensive?
Two reasons:

1) Transportation costs. They don't have any refineries that I know of in the country, which means that the finished product (gasoline) rather than the raw ingredient (crude oil) needs to be transported to the country by ship, then overland to the point of sale by road.

2) Sparse population. There's not a heck of a lot of fuel sold in the country, hence, there's not a lot of competition in the industry. The formal fuel stations that exist don't pump huge volumes of fuel, which means that they need to recover their overhead costs in the form of higher price per litre.

€1.50 a litre is not bad, all things considered. That's fractionally less than the average price in continental Europe. Even in Canada, where I live, gasoline sells for about €1.10 a litre (CAD $1.60).

Michael
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 11 Jul 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: france
Posts: 44
Wells in north africa?
Morocco, Ws & Mauritania - how often will i come across wells? If i do, is it safe to drink the water if i put it through a filter? Any well known wells across these areas?
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 11 Jul 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: france
Posts: 44
useful information through flash cards
I've already put together a bunch of mechanical flashcards for my motorbike with valuable information + the bikes manual; now i'm onto the more, if you will, 'survival' aspect of things - let me know any useful information you think is worth having in my rucksack
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 19 Jul 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: france
Posts: 44
Mauritania and IDP
My application for an IDP to the french gov is taking longer than expected. I sent through my application nearly four months ago and there's still some complications and delay time. I'm fine without it for maroc & ws, but what about mauritania?
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 19 Jul 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2022
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 30
Hi,

I am assuming you mean International Driving Permit?

In case you are in the Netherlands at some point: Here you can go to any ANWB shop with a passport photo and just get your IDP on the spot. You can do so with any European driving lisence.

I have no official information, but I have travelled to The Gambia recently (i.e. I went through the countries you are going to by motorcycle), and only in Senegal and The Gambia I was asked for drivers lisence. When I showed them the international one they laughed at me, they only wanted to see the national one (German in my case).
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 20 Jul 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
I have never used or been asked for an IDP in West Africa.
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 22 Jul 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 42
Quote:
Originally Posted by dunz View Post
Morocco, Ws & Mauritania - how often will i come across wells? If i do, is it safe to drink the water if i put it through a filter? Any well known wells across these areas?
There's no single answer. Most wells are on the outskirts of small villages/towns, but you may not know they exist unless you know where to look. Water quality/safety is going to be all over the place. Unless you have a filter that removes pathogens, its a high risk. Bottled water is not that hard to find in most "real" towns. I'd not want to rely on finding wells in a country where water sources are limited & difficult to locate, unless you speak the language.
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 28 Jul 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: france
Posts: 44
Series of questions concerning mauritania
After re provisioning and resting a day or two in Nouakchott I plan on making my way to atar and its surrounding areas. I've got the fuel capacity to make it to atar without needing to re-fuel; if I have the opportunity to refuel before I most certainly will. How accessible is 95 in atar and its surrounding areas?

Once i've travelled through that side of mauri i'll make my way back down to Nouakchott where i'm contemplating travelling east to nema, north to Walatah (if possible) and then west, back to Nouakchott. Safety and fuel availability are my two concerns. I'm willing to accept a certain level of risk; i've read that east mauri isn't the "safest", relative to other places in the country? Quite frankly is this, near 1,000km route (nouakchott to nema) even worth it? Does fuel availability make this route do-able or not?

Thanks, leo.
Reply With Quote
  #43  
Old 29 Jul 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 42
Quote:
Originally Posted by dunz View Post
After re provisioning and resting a day or two in Nouakchott I plan on making my way to atar and its surrounding areas. I've got the fuel capacity to make it to atar without needing to re-fuel; if I have the opportunity to refuel before I most certainly will. How accessible is 95 in atar and its surrounding areas?

Once i've travelled through that side of mauri i'll make my way back down to Nouakchott where i'm contemplating travelling east to nema, north to Walatah (if possible) and then west, back to Nouakchott. Safety and fuel availability are my two concerns. I'm willing to accept a certain level of risk; i've read that east mauri isn't the "safest", relative to other places in the country? Quite frankly is this, near 1,000km route (nouakchott to nema) even worth it? Does fuel availability make this route do-able or not?

Thanks, leo.

That sounds like a fascinating route, and I wish I could join you. That said, I've heard mixed info on whether its viable or possible for a foreigner to go that far east and that deep into the desert. This guy seems to have pulled it off early last year, so maybe?

https://wildmanlife.com/
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 29 Jul 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: france
Posts: 44
Only one way to find out. Will definitely take a look at his work, it's a great resource.
Reply With Quote
  #45  
Old 29 Jul 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
Having a mission can make the trip more interesting.
Like looking for crocodiles in Sahara.
Iirc they have found 79 locations with relict populations of crocs in Mauretania.
Which is astounding since the rivers and lakes where they once thrived have been gone for thousands of years.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/ar...l.pone.0014734
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAYsowaYCV8
Having a croc keyring to show the locals may help you find them
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 3 of 4 12 3 4

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

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

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 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. 11-14
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!

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 07:14.

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