Chapati,
I suspect there are a lot of people on here who haven't got as far as Africa yet, me included. I've been once and that was by plane ! I look forward to hearing of your exploits as you explore that wonderful continent. When you get off the beaten track 2 wheels or 4 we're cut from the same cloth.

...is always something you get the moment after you actually need it!
Sand- well it really depends on your route! are you planning taking your car on the beach etc??
If you stick to tarmac, there are places where the dunes have crept accross the road- When you see those, slow down- if in doubt stop and walk it first!
Steady momentum is what gets you through (too much gets you into trouble too!)
Depth is seldom more than 6 to 8" but enough to catch you out if you're 'dozing'...easy on this deadly dull bit of looooong road.

-The Atlantic route is all tarmac now all the way to NCKT
The only off road bit is the border between Maroc and Mauritania.
Plenty of traffic there so if you get stuck- help isn't far
I've only gone as far as Tombouctou but will gladly share what I have.

Food plenty of goat and camel meat.! Fresh bread in villages in the morning- sellers have trays with delicious fresh bread on trays- carry some Nutella to go with it- delicious
Live what looks like a quail - as long as you don't mind killing it and preparing it; at least you know it's fresh!
Villages often have a couldron on the go- boiled rice and another meat etc- as someone else said- as you get hungry, you care less! but if u have 4 wheels- carrying dry stock isn't an issue is it?
Stay clear of melons though- they do not filter water and any 'bugs' in the water where the melons grow will also be in the melons..... no matter how appealing they are...else....be prepared fro Montezuma's revenge!
IMHO it is wise to carry supplements such as Fibre Force, '10'Vegetable multi-plex and multi vitamins just to maintain your health.
Papayas on the other hand are great- you'll find sellers by the road side on this stretch of road around
N13 06.662 W5 11.497
If you need more info, PM me- will be glad to share

Thanks a lot Bert333. I might send you a message for more information in the upcoming months, thanks for that.