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North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
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  #1  
Old 28 May 2002
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water supply
Hi all,

We are planning to drive to Ghana along the Western route via Choum. We suppose that water (and food) is readily available in any town along the route. Is that right?
Can anybody tell us whether it is necessary to bring a water filter or can we just rely on bottled water? (Or would a filter save us a lot of money?)

Thanks

Roy & Doede
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Old 28 May 2002
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Quote:
Originally posted by Roy&Doede:
Hi all,

We are planning to drive to Ghana along the Western route via Choum. We suppose that water (and food) is readily available in any town along the route. Is that right?
Can anybody tell us whether it is necessary to bring a water filter or can we just rely on bottled water? (Or would a filter save us a lot of money?)

Thanks

Roy & Doede
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  #3  
Old 28 May 2002
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Hi,

You'll find bottled water in Nouadhibou and Choum, and in some minor villages along the route. Food may not be widely available along the route, bur certainly in Nouadhibou and Atar.

Bottled water is a bit expensive, but then you don't have to worry about water filters, etc.

Good luck,
José
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  #4  
Old 30 May 2002
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Not sure what vehicle you're travelling in, but in my Defender 110 Station Wagon I've got a 45 litre water tank (long box shape) wedged under the second row seats plumbed into a Brownchurch filter. I've extended the outlet from the filter with a long piece of plastic hose so I can fill water bottles, kettles etc, outside the vehicle. Expensive outlay up front, but it'll save money in the long term and ensures clean drinking water every time.

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Alnwick to Botswana
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  #5  
Old 31 May 2002
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Given that your trip is of relatively short duration, if money is tight(ish) then just take Micropur. Enough pills will cost you about £15 (given that you'll be wanting to buy bottled water whatever you use (nice taste/coldness etc.).

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  #6  
Old 31 May 2002
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We have just returned from Ghana and drove Morocco Mori Mali Cote D'Ivoire Ghana. We had and I would definitely recommend a water filter. There is no shortage of water (except in Cape Coast) but much of the water comes from wells often close to toilets, especially in Ghana, and is of questionable quality. There is a shortage of shops especially in Mori and Mali that sell anything let alone bottled water. But then it may depend on the route you take.

Malcolm Woodruff
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  #7  
Old 31 May 2002
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why should you drink other (better?) water than million of people drink daily? their water is already treated so you don't have to worry. be part of the population and don't come there overprotected, as an alien.
I personally never had problems with water, in the 3 years I was there in all West Africa, and the people will appreciate when you drink what they drink and don't drink white men's water...
cheers, Ties
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Old 31 May 2002
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I think the point is that the water is not always treated. Even where it has been treated, the route from plant to consumer is not always to a safe standard.

I would describe indescriminate use of untreated water to be foolhardy (and unnecessary), but perhaps that's just me?

Finally, all those millions of bottles of water that you can buy everywhere - only for the tourists? I think not.

Sam.

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  #9  
Old 31 May 2002
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I totally agree with Sam.

I live in West Africa since many years. I have seen locals and expats getting seriously sick because of drinking the wrong water. There is a reason why Cape Coast ( water shortage ) is reporting a Cholera Outbreak.

I just drove Marokko, Mauretania, Mali, Burkina, CI, Ghana. just buy a few cartons of bottled water in Marokko. Then again in Nouadhibou and so on. As long as you stay on the main routes you will find water.

And please be careful with what you drink.
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