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I have traveled from Barcelona to Marrakesh in 2008 overland and it was not excessively difficult, even though I spoke no Arabic and only could make myself understood somewhat in French. It's always been a dream of mine to take it a little (or a lot) further and continue past Marrakesh into the Western Sahara and down to Mauritania. I understand that you can easily get at least as far as Ad Dakhla by bus, but there is no public transportation across the border and for some of the route there is no road, just tracks in the desert. However, I heard that you can hire a 4WD and driver to cross the border into Mauritania.
There no ATMs work and you have to hold your cash. However, it would be fascinating to travel through there, as it is so untrodden. It is also where, I hear, the skin color and appearance of the people changes from North African (white) to Sub-Saharan African (black), though I saw a lot of people who appeared to have Sub-Saharan ancestry as far north as Meknes, Morocco, probably the descendants of the slaves imported there.
Then, to complete the trip, I'd course through the Senegalese border into Senegal and finish it off in Dakar. I'd probably fly back to Barcelona or Paris, whichever is cheaper.
Hurdles for me include a lack of funds (though I could probably save enough money up for this trip over the winter and spring) and a chronic fear of pit toilets.
Hi! I haven't done it but this has always been my dream to do so! I've been three times in Senegal, always by plane, and I would like to return there once again, now overland...
In the 1970s, there wasn't even any reliable transportation between Nouadhibou (on the Sahara border) and Nouakchott. I think it could be done, but I flew because I was short of time. Apparently, a tarred road was recently completed. I met Europeans who had come overland, there is traffic crossing the Sahara Desert all over the place, and it is possible to hitch a ride with trucks and a few cars that are making the crossing. Generally, you would have to pay the driver, and maybe ride on top of the truck, but it can be done. The only limiting factor would be political intrigue at the borders.
There used to be a train from Zouerate, in the Muaritanian interior, carrying iron ore to Nouadhibou, and like all trains in Africa, people just climb on and tie themselves on so they don't fall asleep and roll off. There might not be a road connection from Morocco to Zouerate, only from Algeria, which has been dicey for decades.
Lonely Planet describes the desert crossing as fairly straightforward in your own vehicle, but you'll need to arrange transportation, as there is no public transport.
I have traveled from Barcelona to Marrakesh in 2008 overland and it was not excessively difficult, even though I spoke no Arabic and only could make myself understood somewhat in French. It's always been a dream of mine to take it a little (or a lot) further and continue past Marrakesh into the Western Sahara and down to Mauritania. I understand that you can easily get at least as far as Ad Dakhla by bus, but there is no public transportation across the border and for some of the route there is no road, just tracks in the desert. However, I heard that you can hire a 4WD and driver to cross the border into Mauritania.
There no ATMs work and you have to hold your cash. However, it would be fascinating to travel through there, as it is so untrodden. It is also where, I hear, the skin color and appearance of the people changes from North African (white) to Sub-Saharan African (black), though I saw a lot of people who appeared to have Sub-Saharan ancestry as far north as Meknes, Morocco, probably the descendants of the slaves imported there.
Then, to complete the trip, I'd course through the Senegalese border into Senegal and finish it off in Dakar. I'd probably fly back to Barcelona or Paris, whichever is cheaper.
Hurdles for me include a lack of funds (though I could probably save enough money up for this trip over the winter and spring) and a chronic fear of pit toilets.
Not safe because terrorism, that why Paris-Dakkar is now held in South America.
This is November 2017 were as some of the replies date back to 2012 etc.
People are crossing from Dakar Senegal to Morocco. Recently cars from the the Antwerp Dakar rally arrived and reports no problems.
I know it to be tarmac roads. Have a look at Goole Sat you will see trucks on both sides of the roads
I am just trying to find out about coaches doing this route. Any help gratefully received especially Dakar to Morocco
Thanks from Barry in The Gambia
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