Chris...you need to hire the service of a ex Para

one that can ride a bike

Also he need's to be good at bike maintenance

Anyone spring to mind

On a serious note , I would be more worried if I were doing this route in a 4x4,rather than on a Motorcycle.

stay safe Chris

Dazzer

I got this reply to an email I sent to a contact who lives in Mauritania:

Quote
Situation is quiet.
Here also a total blackout on the kidnapping.
But for sure security has been reinforced everywhere in the country.
I cant garantee anything but would normally travel. Also all borders are normally opened and there are no restrictions.
Unquote

Chris

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TBS.com

Chris

When you say that you would not do the Mori Border to Choum route alone is this because of security concerns regarding crime and terrorism or because of difficulty?

Hi,

I would not recommend doing R2 alone for both reasons, but especially the piste is hard for a solo rider. Also, I would bet that kidnappers crossed this region to get to Mali. But probably, this could mean that the area is secure for the next times...

Cheers,
José

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Desert Crocodiles of Mauritania: http://cibio.up.pt/crocodilos/en

... crime and terrorism or because of difficulty?

Primarily the difficulty IMO.

The kidnappers would have zipped across R2 somewhere around Ben Amira and cut a corner of the PFZ before heading east for north Mali (or so José and I have speculated). But I doubt there will be much added security along R2. Where would they start?

Regarding difficulty - even if you head for Choum and not direct to Atar (as R2 does) on a bike you have to carry a fair amount of fuel through the low dune sections. Sure you can ride the rubble between the rails to avoid the cordons, but there are 2 trains a day and getting up on the tracks can be tricky. It's all so much easier with someone to help or a 4x4 to carry the gear.

Ch

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Morocco Overland 4 (2025) • Trans Morocco Trail

What with the visa to Mauretania- is it still possibile to get visa at the border after 29 Nov 09?
We going to cross it 03.01.2010.

You couldn't get a visa at the border in the weeks before 29nov. You can't now either: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...border-46171-2

Rabat is the place to go.
HTH
Chris

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If you want to a void the road from road from Nouadhibou to Nouakchott ride across the railway route to Choum, I did it with another guy about 3weeks ago and enjoyed it.

It’s a mixture of piste and railway and getting up on the tracks isn’t a problem it’s getting off them when the train comes because it ain’t stopping!!! Honestly get well clear, I was way to close for comfort the first time. The guy behind keep a mirror up for look out!! We did it loaded up with our gear riding into a 50-60km head wind and the vis went right down with the sand in the air. Ride the train track at the start to get you in as the first section seemed very sandy but it will get better.

But as Chris says make sure you got enough fuel!!!! We sucked loads but managed to get our hands on some dark government stuff at a village after the first day, also riding the sandy piste will use it up and Choum has good fuel! You’ll hit the sand fields during the last section so we rode the railway (be careful around the dead man stops). Wasn’t too much debris on the line as we expected and our main worry while riding was metal bandit strapping laying around slicing into the tyres. Around the track is loose shale and sand. I found the people very friendly, even the soldiers on road check points, so what if he has a gun in one hand? A big smile and firm hand shack works wanders (I found bikers had much less hassle than people on 4 wheels). We stopped by some huts to take shelter from the wind in our tents the first night but the people living there gave us a hut for the night and even brought us food! 5star in the middle of nowhere, happy days. Took another day to reach Choum and bush camped outside of it. The track to Atar is sound, bit sandy in places. Overall it’s not that difficult if you’re anyway happy getting off the road and the lighter you are the better! (I’ve just posted a package from Gambia to the UK).

As for the advice from the FCO, if I ever listened to them I’d still be holding a virgin passport!

Use common sense and don’t get carried away with the wave of panic you read…

Duck

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http://www.travbuddy.com/mrduck
Don’t believe everything you hear! People love to tell a good story...

I have been 12 months in the planning of a motorcycle trip from Ireland to Gambia...

I aint afraid of kidnapping etc, but have serious concerns about insurance implications if the UK gov has put the area "OOB"

I therefore have just binned my travel arrangements and my 12 month arrangements are now 'down the pan'. ( Wifey is pleased )

I do however, plan to ride to Morocco and explore that area in depth..... BUT, this is better stalled until Spring, I am told....

BS