Code 43a - - Sahel tracks, desert krokodiles and Atlantic from Bamako / Mali to Marrakech / Morocco

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The Sahel, with its diverse landscapes and population, lots of swimming opportunities. In the Sahara, adventure in the world's biggest desert. To the desert crocodiles and through the western foothills of the Sahara in Mauritania. All the way to the Morocco’s most beautiful city – Marrakech.

Our route and highlights

Day 1

Arrival in Bamako (usually in the evening or at night). We will camp at a hotel complex with a swimming pool, wonderful location at the banks of the Niger River

Day 2

Bamako, capital of Mali and the Sahel’s biggest city, in the morning choice of a tour of the city or pirogue ride on the Niger

In the afternoon, we will be leaving Bamako towards Kita.

Days 3 – 4

Manatali Dam in the Bafing Valley, the region surrounding Manatali is among Mali’s most beautiful landscapes

Bafoulabe, where the Bafing and Bakoy rivers meet to form the Senegal River

On a track that is hardly used anymore, past picture-book villages, we will be heading for Kayes

Félou waterfalls. We will be camping directly at the waterfalls. A wonderful place with swimming opportunity.

Day 5

Visit to Fort Tambaoura near Médine – a French fortification from the colonial era.

Kayes, lively city located at the Senegal River and former capital of Mali.

Mauritania

Days 6 - 7

300 km, partly difficult tracks, await us. There is very little traffic on this complicated connection between Mali and Mauritania, since there is a good tarred road 200 kilometres to the east. We will be passing by baobab forests, lots of sand and secluded villages. When we reach Kiffa, we will have made it.

We will be able to enjoy a bit of luxury at the "Le phare du desert" campsite.

Here in Kiffa, a local guide will be joining us.

Days 8 - 9

We will cross the Djoûk pass on the „Route of hope“. Far-reaching views over white dunes, cliff and valley landscapes will take our breath away.

Along a newly-finished tarred road, we will reach the small oasis town of Moudjeria.

To the Guelta of Matmata. Here, Sahara crocodiles live in a gorge-like river valley. They were discovered again only a few years ago. Camp in the valley. The best observation sites are within walking distance.

The following route takes us across the desert to Atâr. In the last few years, there have been periodic safety warnings; we will be checking the current situation diligently when we are there. In addition to on-site information, we will, above all, act in accordance with the statements of the French Foreign Office. These websites provide a far better assessment of the current situation. Their information is much more accurate and to the point as that from websites of the German Foreign Office or public authorities of Anglophone countries.

There are hundreds of thousands of French people living all over West Africa. They rely heavily on security-relevant information – and at the same time, they represent a huge network of informants available to the French public authorities

If there are any concerns, we will travel on the tarred road to Nouakchott and continue towards Morocco. If there are no concerns, we will continue along the planned route.

Days 10 - 13

Tidjikja, the tarred road ends here. 400 km of adventurous desert driving await us. Past a small oasis, secluded wells and the Guelta of Taoujeft to the gallery forest in Oued Rachid. Yellow crescentic dunes on black ground alternate with rock debris landscapes and sandy passages. The meteorite crater of Aoueloul is certainly a highlight of this stretch of our route. Atâr is just a short way from here.

Camp at the beautiful Bab Sahara campsite. We will be staying here for one day / two nights.

Days 14 -15

Atär - Choum. Over the impressive Te-n Zâk pass and through lovely landscapes, we will arrive in Chou

Choum - Boû Lanouâr. 400 km of desert, sand dunes and vast fields of sand must be conquered before we reach the tarred road in the western part of the country.

Morocco

Days 16 - 19

Border crossing Mauritania / Morocco

We will travel almost 1,200 kilometres along the wild, lonesome Atlantic coast towards the north. Sometimes we must hike on adventurous paths down the cliffs to reach the ocean, at other times the vast sandy beach can be reached with our vehicle. Windy – stormy or summery heat. The Atlantic shows itself from all sides. Cities developed here at great distances from one another. Small and sleepy, or evolved into large settlements over the years. It is well worth it to stop for a brief visit and stroll through the streets.

We will travel almost 1,200 kilometres along the wild, lonesome Atlantic coast towards the north. Sometimes we must hike on adventurous paths down the cliffs to reach the ocean, at other times the vast sandy beach can be reached with our vehicle. Windy – stormy or summery heat. The Atlantic shows itself from all sides. Cities developed here at great distances from one another. Small and sleepy, or evolved into large settlements over the years. It is well worth it to stop for a brief visit and stroll through the streets.

* Drive through the former Polisario region

* Tropic of Cancer

* Near El Argoub - ocean lagoons, flamingos, pelicans and camping right at the ocean

* Before Boujdour, possibility to climb down the cliffs to the gorgeous sandy beach, swimming opportunity

* Boujdour, cultivated little town

* Laayoune - modern metropolis

* Tarfaya – small fishing village, the high sand dunes in the area are impressive. The pilot and author Antoine de Saint – Exupéry („The little Prince“) was stationed her for a while

* The thermal springs of Abeinou (40° C), wonderful bathing opportunity!

* Camp at the springs

Day 20

Abeino – Marrakech. We will drive on well-maintained roads and passes through the gorgeous landscapes of the High Atlas.

Marrakech is a myth from 1001 nights turned to stone. This city offers something for everyone. History and culture, lively metropolitan city, busy markets with all imaginable oriental merchandise and goods and quiet gardens and parks.

In the evening, communal meal on the “Place Djamaa el-Fna“, jugglers, storytellers, snake charmers and much more. We have the choice among dozens of little food stalls offering anything your stomach desires. In the evening, the vast square is shrouded in light from thousands of lamps. Here, we will let our trip end on a cosy note.

We will camp at a nice new site with a swimming pool and restaurant. Here, one can also rent sturdy tents (with shower/WC).

Day 21

Day of departure. Depending on your time of departure, you might still be able to go for a tour of the city. There are taxis available at the campsite.

Travel Information:

After booking your trip, we will send you detailed travel information about preparation, equipment, visa, health protection and meeting point.

We are already at the meeting point two days before the beginning of the trip. Thus, you can choose your date of arrival individually.

Please inform us in advance of your date and time of arrival, we - or a trustworthy taxi service – will come and pick you up at the airport (approx. 10,- Euro).

We will be leaving the site on the day after the end of the trip. If you want to stay longer at the site, you can rent a nice sturdy with shower/WC.

The price included:

* All camping fees

* Choice of guided tour of the city in Bamako or pirogue ride on the Niger River

* Fees at the Félou waterfalls

* Fees for the visit to Fort Tambaoura

* Guide in Mauritania

* Entrance fee for the hot springs in Abeinou

* Supper at the “Djamaa el-Fna “ Square in Marrakesch

* 16 x 3 meals per day

* 5 x 2 meals per day. On those days when only two meals are planned from the board kitchen, you are welcome to make yourself a snack from the supplies in our vehicle (cold meats, cheese, tomatoes, depending on the state of supplies)

Not included:

* Flights

* Visa fees

* Border fees

* Taxi fees

* Tipps

* Beverages (soft drinks / alcoholic drinks)