I drove my own vehicle from Tomboctou to Gao in October 2001. Distance is travelled was 320 miles and it took ten hours hard driving.
We took a guide for communication reasons as we were a little worried about banditry. The piste however is fairly obvious and as you are tracking the Niger you cant go too far wrong. It is also fun to drive, and beautiful in places. Left Tomboctou at 6:00am and arrived at Gao at 6:00pm.
Would suggest doing journey in two days. Advice given was that if you do camp then camp at one of the villages on the way rather than in the bush, as then you will then have the security of watchful eyes rather being in an exposed and remote camp. We heard different tales according to who we asked as to whether Bandirty was current or not. Sahara Passion had a guest house in both places so they can provide help and also raise the alarm if you dont appear in Gao within a given timeframe.
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