Tonka, sure your advise helps!

I've tried to get the visa upfront but no matter which embassy I try to contact they wouldn't reply or pick up the phone.

I will do as you told -> Get the Mali visa in Nouakchott.

Cheers,
Wauschi

Hej wauschi! Did you ever do the noukchott - Bamako drive? Any thaughts or recommendations?

fvaleur, there was one mistake in my calculation.
I underestimated Morocco!
Following the lonely off-road backcountry tracks of Morocco was so enjoyable, too enjoyable. I spent all time and budget in covering 1/3 of this very country only.
I will (I am forced to) return to Morocco in three weeks from now, properly prepared with a much lighter vehicle, less gear but with Scotts book in my pocket.

I've travelled most of this nice globe, I really know what I am talking about. My advice is not to rush through Morocco.

However, I still have not made it to Mauretania or Mali. That's still on the list. (quality over quantity)

Wauschi

Hi Luc
How are you getting on heading south
I am also thinking of heading to South Africa in stages
Please let us know where you found safe to park up and how you managed with customs when you fly out of the country with no car
Do you have a Carnet
Thanks
Maurice

Hi all,

I've met two different vehicles of Overlanders this week who came down to Mali straight from Mauritania (Ayoun el Atrous to Diema, crossing at Gogui)


One in a VW Polo, the other in a 10 ton box truck (small tires, no 4x4)
Both said road was fine (a little gravel), both said absolutely no problem with security, both said some bribery attempted at the border, but were able to not pay.


So all in all no worries to go that way right now.


-Dan

Hey I am thinking of driving Nouakchott to Bamako via Kiffa & Gogui (Nioro) we will stick to day light driving as we have an old Peugeot 205! Is there any advice you can give us? What to bring where to get visas how to get past police checks points etc?

Also do we need this Laissez Passer Touristique document?

Cheers

Chris

Hey I am thinking of driving Nouakchott to Bamako via Kiffa & Gogui (Nioro) we will stick to day light driving as we have an old Peugeot 205! Is there any advice you can give us? What to bring where to get visas how to get past police checks points etc?

Also do we need this Laissez Passer Touristique document?

Cheers

Chris

Hi Chris

I'll be doing that route in a few weeks as well. My first.

Roughly which week or so do you plan to pick up your Mali visa from Nouakchot and do "route de 'espoire"? You can message me in private. I'd like to pair up with some other cars (I speak french).

Cheers

Jerome

Hi guys, also potentially interested. We are in Morocco at the moment and will be are heading south soon. Would also like to connect. Any thoughts? When are you in Nouakchott?
Cheers
David

I should be in NKT on Christmas Day or thereabouts ... too late for you two I presume?

Anyone else heading that way? I'll be in a van

I speak French, know the region well, hoping to cross at Diama with some official help in NKT if I can get it organised otherwise it'll be Route de l'Espoir

Will be in Noukchott around the 3rd or 4th of January if all goes well, how does that fit with your plans CREER?

Hoping to be back in Cote d'Ivoire by 3rd, 5th at the latest ... fingers crossed! Sorry!

I think I'll be in NKT around the 20th December... Flexible plans here. Let me know anyone who would like to discuss details, by PM.

My way is down.

Mali - Burkina
OR
Mali-Senegal-Guine(Bissau)
OR
Diama-Guine(Bissau) - this depending on not paying cash to the douanes friends at Diama.

My van will be up for sale at the end (plus the wee sweet cute trailer).

J

I did Nouakchott to Gugui a few weeks ago - motorbike. you must get your Mali Visa in Nouakchott as they will not do it t the border (they sent me back). You will also need to carry spare petrol. there are diesel stations but very little petrol. accomadation is difficult but my advise is to go to the police station in any town u get to and they will let you sleep outside. its 1000km. not very interesting but its really the only viable route if your intending to avoid the coastal route or cant get Visa for ghana

Hi Brian,

Irish couple looking to take this route in about 10-14 days in a TLC. Some great advice about the police station and fuel.

Could you shed a little more light on your comment please. Once at the embassy was it straight forward to get the visa via Gugui?

Any security concerns? Did you do it on your own and are there many taking this route? Preferably we would like to do it with another vehicle.

How long did it take to get through the Mauri-Mali border? Was there much hassle? Cheers David