Senegal, Diama without carnet
 

When using the diama border, with a car of more than 8 years old, they are asking for a minimum of 250 euro's for a passavant now. Motorbikes and newer cars no problem, just the official 2500 CFA (4 euro). The passavant usually is valid from 2 to 5 says, and can be prolonged twice for 15 days at st Louis or Dakar.
I know this is a scam, and like anything in Africa it can be negotiated, but I didn't want to pay, and just stayed in mauritania. The older than 8 years rule normally only applies to importing cars, and not tourists, but this is the situation now.
I heard that when coming from Mali, it is different (easier).

I think it has been this way for quite a while. I didn't have time to negotiate the cost at Diama, but managed to get seven days rather than the three they wanted to give, plus permission to go to Dakar.
Exiting at the Mali border, which is totally relaxed compared to Diama/Rosso, they didn't even check the date (I was one day late).
Kenieba more relaxed then Kidira, where all the trucks for Mali pass through.

They are developing Rosso and Diama, and building new border posts at Podor and Dagana. Hopefully the project includes education.
https://www.iom.int/news/iom-partner...-posts-senegal

I agree with Priffe.

I have entered Senegal from Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mali and Gambia and have never had any issues before.

It's only at the Senegal-Mauritania border posts at Rosso and Diama that you'll have this issue.

Agreed, after a marathon 5h argument I gave in - on Christmas day!!! ... however there is a way to do this at 150€, need to hunt down the guy's info and will pass it on. You will need to contact him before arriving at Diama, at least a day or so!

Just got into Senegal via Kidira, Mali and paid 4 euro for a 10 day passavant. Came from Mauritania, Kiffa to Kayes. Kiffa to Kankossa is asfalt, got checked out of Mauritania in Hamoud, but no customs there. Entry stamp into Mali in Aourou, again no customs. Piste is very sandy and technical. Went to customs in Kayes, but they don't issue passavants. Solution came when they granted me permission to drive straight to the Kidira border without passavant. They phoned the border and I went straight through. Felt like a V. I. P.

Diama crossing:

If anybody wants an extra day, you can sleep 12km from the border at the wildlife/natural reserve where they ask you for the 2000MRO fee. They have rooms with showers and toilet and also tents.

...

If you are looking for a change for the route from Nouakchott to Diama, I meet a local at Zebrabar and he told me you can ride on the beach from KM 28 south of Nouakchott toward Diama. Just watch for the tide if by car.

...

I shopped for motorcycle insurance in St-Louis to help a guy from Finland. He forgot to buy insurance at the border. I found out that motorcycle insurance was about 30 to 40% cheaper in St-Louis. If travelling in a groups it makes even more sense to buy it in St-Louis. The lady said that you could send her your info and she would email/fax you copies of the insurance. Then you would just have to pick up the original in St-Louis.

Patrick

If I had the time, I would also go from Mauretania to Senegal over Mali, just to avoid Rosso and Diama. It would take two days extra, but a lovely route, over Kankossa or Selibaby.

Priffe: do you know road conditions for that route via Mali? Would be riding a GS 1150 so keen to avoid too technical or sandy a route.

Thanks

Simon

It is an easy crossing, there are a few oueds to pass. The largest one at the Melgue border crossing. But it is otherwise all flat and not very sandy. Doable even with a 2wd or a GS1150.
Haven't tried it in the rainy season.

Priffe - I'm travelling with Simon, if we want to avoid Rosso and Diama, do we have to go into Mali or is there another Mauritania/Senagal border crossing at Seilbaby to Bakel for instance?

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Nothing between Rosso and Kayes - I have looked.
But they are about to open a new crossing at Boghe
don't know when
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...uritania-90412

Just answered this question in Mali Nigeria Crossing thread.

Diama crossing into Senegal was a bit of a hassle but beautiful riding and if you can't get out of the bridge toll, it's not expensive. Don't not go through there for fear of the hassle. It's harmless. We didn't have a carnet for the motorcycles.




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Big thanks to Revit Sport, Enduristan, Rally Raid and Scott Oiler for their support.

Sorry to reopen an old thread,
Creer did you ever find the contact information?
I am planning to cross at Diama next January.

Just passed the Diama border yesterday with a 20 years old Jeep, no carnet.

The crossing is pretty harmless and quiet.

You'll need a special authorization for the customs to admit your vehicle.

Ask for Zargane. Price ranges from 150-350 euros depending if you're in a group or alone.

EDIT: I got a 10 days passavant renewable twice for 15 days each at no extra cost. The passavant is also valid for reentry.

cheers for the reply
did you have to prepay the Passavant, the information I have is that you can get it for 100 euro if you apply before you arrive.