Haven't been to RIM/Mali/Tim since 2003/4, but as Chris mentions the route east of Tidjikja to Nema is pretty remote. As effective as Op Serval has been, history has taught us that any remnants of AQIM are very probably splintered just out of reach of the Mali forces. The fact that the French asked for and got US drone assets last year for reconnaissance means that AQIM were pushed a long way out from Gao/ Tessalit/ Kidal/ Ifoghas. How much of a problem they are and if you would bump into them East of Nema and across into West Mali is anyone's guess, but running into these guys will cost you your vehicle or worse, they are always looking for new vehicles.
I think Chris's suggestion of Atar - Tidjikja, given the quite recent insurgent activity in Mali is realistic, this was one of the best parts of our trip. The other thing to do is to get to Tidjikja and get a feeling for the situation while you are there on the ground. As Chris says, don't underestimate that route, when you get 600+ kms away from the nearest village where the only transport is an old donkey you start to feel quite small!
Endless checkpoints are the norm in RIM, if you haven't been there before get used to it. Make sure you visit Ben Amera and Guelb er Richat en route.
Do you have a Blog or website for this trip ?
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