I crossed yesterday and considering the hell hole that Rosso is, I thought that it would be worth posting this.

There is absolutely no good reason to cross at the infamous Rosso border. Contrary to what I had read (possibly here somewhere) the piste to Diama is perfectly passable.

Contrary to what I had read (possibly here too), there is a logical alternative to getting to Diama without going to Rosso and following a very difficult piste (apparently) to Diama.

About 50 kms after Tiguent and 50 kms before Rosso there is a turn off at a town (the name I've forgotten) for Keur-Macene. It's the only turn on the Nouakchott Rosso road so you can't miss it.

There is 35 kms of perfect road before you come onto a 45 km track at Keur-Macane. It's seriously riveted in some patches but there's nowhere for more than half a km that can't be avoided on a bike.

I managed it fine on a bike with the front fairing already almost detached from the front of the bike (I crashed into a baby camel the night before, seriously ).

It takes you through Diawling National Park which is a nice touch where you'll surely see warthogs. Just be careful not to stop if you get between a mother and it's young which is easy to do as they get startled from their watering holes as you pass.

You'll pay 6 euro (in ougiya) as you leave the national park, 6 euro for the toll bridge (in CFA) and another 35/40 euro total for each of police and Douan on each side (I'm not sure if that's official but I tried and failed to get out of it).

It's refreshingly straight forward and entirely without hustlers except for one reasonable guy on the Senegal side who'll sell you insurance if the famous lady isn't there.

Did the same border a couple of weeks ago - similar easy experience. I don't really understand why people bother with Rosso.

Piste through the park is very easy, but watch out for the warthogs that come tearing out of the undergrowth in front of you!

steveo52 - I'm currently in Dakar waiting for a new chain and sprockets. If you're heading this way and fancy a then gimme a shout.

Cheers,
JD

The piste is perfectly doable, but if it has been raining for a few weeks in a row the last 30kms or so before you reach the junction for the the Diama border (where the fee for the national park is paid) can be impassable.

I have been caught out on this road and had to turn back (in a truck, less likely to have to on a bike). It can be a real mess when wet and I have seen people abandon their vehicles. Hopefully that 30km approx stretch will be sorted out with a more solid foundation soon so people can use Diama instead of Rosso all year round. It's a lovely drive when dry enough to get through.

Hi, guys yeah we also did this route in an truck about 6 weeks ago, the piste was in good condition, and the border was nice and straight forward both sides, with no bribes paid
vince

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Valid point. I never considered the rain element of that.

As for not paying bribes? Does that mean you didn't pay 20 euro on the MAuritania side and 15 on the Senegal side are did you pay and consider these official payments?

It depends. I work for an overland company. When I have been on my own without passengers, I have waited it out for hours and not paid anything at all.

When I have passengers and have to get moving, €10 Euros on the Mauri side, they are much harder nosed than the Senegalese. I never pay anything on the Senegal side.

The guy who controls the dam/bridge is hard to negotiate with. For a truck we pay 3,000CFA.....which I suspect is way too much, I'm sure the local truckers who pass through do not pay that much. Not that it is a lot of money, it's the fact that it is more than likely not official. I seriously doubt the 'receipt' he produces is issued by the government!

Thanks. The "waiting it out for hours" sounds good to me. As long as I know that this ca be achieved. I'll go with this policy from now on.

Hi Dave,

Im in Nouakchott was just at embassy to sort visa. As of the 1st May I was told visa cost was dropped. (Australian)
Can I get my visa at the Diama border as they tried to charge me 70 Euro at the embassy even with my print off for the old application that cost 50 euro.
Im thinking about just hitting the border and waiting it out as long as needed.
Will this work?????

Cheers

Patrick

https://www.facebook.com/drcanafrica...homepage_panel

How did you get on Pat? Hopefully they issued it on arrival for free as per the new rules.