Overland Dakar-> Europe in July/August
 

Has anyone ever motorcycled along the Atlantic route North to Europe from Dakar in the middle of summer? How crazy would it be to choose to do that? It seems like the ocean moderates the temperature significantly.

Also most reports I read are always going south, any tricks about going North through there? (I.E I hear you can only get mori visas at Rosso border if not in advance, etc)

My traveling buddy is concerned that there is going to be nothing to enjoy traveling through that area. Would you say the experience itself is enough or am I just fantasizing about how its going to be amazing just because

what are you looking for
 

some questions
have you travelled third world independently
have you done any research
if your friend is thinking the whole thing might be a bit of a bore try finding some one who is excited by the idea
my advice do some research then do the trip I did, but be warned it will not be easy and you will be a changed person when you get back

-Yes
-Yes I have done research on all major choke points, this is really just me trying to get my friend excited about the trip.
This is going to be one leg of a RTW, he says "why are we spending extra money to drive through sahara nothingness in july" and I guess I dont have an answer except that I am drawn to it

I'm doing the same trip too!! I'll be in Dakar on 8 August and probably I'll get in Mauri by mid August. I'm traveling solo and would like it to remain so, but I would really appreciate if you are willing to accompany me exploring Adrar region and maybe Polisario part of WS.

Please answer if this suits you

Cheers

It's an awful long way through rather featureless scenery. The corruption at the borders means I will probably never do this journey again.

In mid summer you'd need to get on the road at first light (0600) before dawn (at 0645) and then stop about 1400 for the night, somewhere there's a pool and ice cold lager. Can't think of many places that match that description.

kren: suggest you do some more research about what is known as the longest minefield in the world.

Yes I am aware of the mines, but according to another user, who did it through Polisario territory, there is a clear way in from Zouerate. Otherwise,I travel alone as I pointed out before so I'm totally flexible with where to go. I know Polisario territory is a bit off limits in the summer, but why shouldn't I just give it a try?

My main goal while in Mauritania is still reaching Adrar which I know will be hard af but still not impossible I suppose. Because it will be summer I'll probably be the only foreigner there, but you know, I'd just like to meet someone to share the thrillness with.

If you dont have a lot of desert experience, going to Polisario territory in August would be foolhardy. Some would say nuts.
To Atar you can take the bus, nothing to it.

Of all the routes in the region, the majority of this has to be the most boring if you're just going to go up the main road ... until you get to Tan Tan when the scenery does start to change!

Don't bother with Rosso, go via Diama, very easy & straightforward, the Parc National de Diawling is wonderful

Thoughts & Travels in West Africa: Long Christmas Day with border troubles