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UNIQUE SUV EXPEDITIONS FROM THE SAHARA TO THE HIMALAYAS

OPERATED AND MANAGED by Dusko M DuSwami

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MOROCCO-MAURETANIA-MALI+BURKINA  MAURETANIA-SENEGAL  The BALKANS  EU-MONGOLIA OVERLAND

TURKEY-INDIA OVERLAND   TURKEY-IRAN-WINTER  TR-IRAQ-IRAN-ARMENIA-GEORGIA   IRAN-TURKMEN-UZBEK

 

Western Sahara + MAURETANIA  +   MALI  + (optional) MUSIC FESTIVAL NEAR TIMBUKTU    + BURKINA FASO

Departure: Dec & Jan when the weather is perfect. Christmas in Mauritania, New Year in Mali

Up to 4 SUV’s in our convoy to West Africa!

Arrival in Casablanca, Morroco, then scenic drive through Western Sahara to Mauritania OR.....

Arrival in Atar and we sail away to the Mauretanian Sahara. Atar, UNESCO’s Chinguetti and above all the cool oases (yes, plural) of Terjit and the surroundings. Nice architecture, refreshing gueltas, palm trees and a Saharan swim.


Then Atar to Nouakchott, and continue to Nouakchott, take a look at it, including the fish market on the beach about 10 km out of town, smoke a Tunisian hubble-bubble and enjoy the world’s most stunning beach drive 100 km north of Nouakchott. This is where the Atlantic and the Sahara meet. Gorgeous! On one condition: low tide (ok, no problem) AND no sandstorms. Let’s hope for the best!


Then 3-4 days through the Southern Mauritanian Saharan “organic” countryside to Bamako, the capital city of Mali. The last day is dramatic: from the Sahara to the subtropics of Bamako.


  1. -In Mauretania we stay in a curious but extremely exotic and photogenic mix of hotel, campground and Turkish pansiyon.  Your own sleeping bag required in Mauretania, we provide the super fast 3-second tents. Yes, really 3 seconds. Last but not least: no alcohol in Mauritania.

  2. -Bamako: cool traditional hotel,  cafe au lait, tee du mente, beer and a scenic marketplace with beautiful Malian artisanal stuff.

  3. -Djenné, the oldest known city in sub-Saharan Africa is situated on the floodlands of the Niger and Bani rivers, 354 kilometers southwest of Timbuktu. In addition to its commercial importance, Djenné, was also known as a center of Islamic learning. Its Great Mosque dominates the large market square. In 1988, the old Town of Djenné and its Great Mosque were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What many people hope to find in Timbuktu, is not there. It is here in Djenne: the mystical West African Saharan flair.

  4. -Mopti. Built on three islands connected by dikes, Mopti is the country’s major route intersection. Peoples from many groups call Mopti home, including the Bambara, Songhai, Fula, Moors, Bozos, and Dogon. Once a Bozo fishing village, it has the largest river port in what was the French Sudan and now has about 100,000 people. Pirogues and their larger counterparts, pinasses, carry goods up and down the Bani/Niger River.

  5. -Dogonland: The Dogon are one of the few people in West-Africa that have succeeded in preserving their own culture very well. The reason for that is probably the remote position of their living area. The Dogon-villages, with their granaries of clay, are near or on the Falaise. To this cliff the Dogon have withdrawn themselves centuries ago on their flight from the muslims. The Falaise is one of the most impressive geological and landscape features in West Africa. It consists of red-colored rock. The slopes are steep, but the top, with a width of several kilometres, is quite flat. We stay in Dogonland, Bandiagara and Sevare where good food & live music are the norm. Dogonland can be hopelessly and frustratingly touristy!


  1. -In Mali we stay in cute little African hotels - for many they are a better option than larger hotels; you, however, have the option of staying wherever you want.




  1. -Burkina Faso: tribal North, scenic West with spectacular rock formation in Banfora, chill-out & music in Bobo Dioulasso.



DEPARTURES “anytime” between Dec 15 2011 and Jan 05 2012


A: 16 days (7 days Mauritania, 9 days Mali, no Timbuktu): from 1600€.


B: 21 days (7 days Mauritania, 9 days Mali, 5 days off road to the music festival in Timbuktu) from 2000€.


B1:16 days in Mali & Burkina Faso; from 2000€.


C: 25 days (7 days Mauritania, 7 days Mali, 5 days Burkina Faso, Timbuktu music festival) from 2700€.


D: 30 days (itinerary C + 5 days in Western Sahara) from 3100€.





Price includes:

  1. -local food/drinks

  2. -accommodation in cozy little family-owned hotels, guesthouses or campgrounds with rooms - sometimes these can be exclusive establishments!

  3. -ground transport in sturdy, comfortable, air-conditioned Japan made SUV’s


Price is based on 4 passengers per vehicle + guide/driver. There are however numerous options in terms of accommodation, single/double occupancy, food, etc. - we need to hear from you to finalize the options and the price.


Discover West Africa in the comfort of our comfortable Japan-made SUV’s: Toyota Land cruiser and Nissan Patrol. On board with you: AC, a good sound system and a cool mix of world music, jazz and smooth pop.

Check out AlJazeera’s coverage of the festival in Essakane near Timbuktuju.

SEE ALSO MAURETANIA-SENEGAL-DAKARMorocco-Dakar.html