Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Morocco is not part of the InterRail/Eurail systems, so you will have to buy tickets locally to add the
country onto a European trip.
In Algeciras, the train station is about 10 minutes' walk from the ferry terminals for Morocco. If you ar-
rive during the day you should be able to quickly transfer to the ferries.
Useful resource:
Man in Seat 61
(
www.seat61.com
)
Comprehensive, regularly updated information on getting to Morocco
by train.
Mauritania
The trans-Saharan route via Mauritania is the main route from North Africa into sub-Saharan Africa.
From Dakhla follow the N1 south along the coast for 328km to the border, past Nouâdhibou and south to
the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott.
While this route is generally regarded as safe, check Mauritania safety advice before travelling. Take
plenty of water and food, and set off early in the morning.
This route is entirely paved (apart from a 5km stretch in the no-man's land between the two border posts).
Moroccan border formalities are processed at Guergarat. The border is mined, so stay on the road. From the
border, it's a 41km drive along the peninsula to Nouâdhibou.
Mauritanian currency (ouguiya, UM) is available at the border, and on the black market in no-man's land.
Vehicle searches and requests for a
petit cadeau
(little present) are not uncommon, particularly if the
Mauritanian officials find alcohol on you (illegal in Mauritania)
Prepare a
fiche
(form) or
ordre de mission
(itinerary) for Mauritanian checkpoints. List all your passport
and visa details, occupation, destination and your vehicle's make, colour and registration number. Make
plenty of photocopies.
Useful resources include Horizons Unlimited's
Sahara Travel Forum
(
www.horizonsunlimited.com
) and
Sahara Overland
(
http://saharaoverland.wordpress.com
)
.
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
»
Some stations south of Dakhla may be out of fuel, in particular the last station 50km before the border.
»
As well as getting stamped in by the police, you need to buy a 30-day temporary-vehicle-import form
(€10).
MINIBUS & JEEP
There are ad hoc transport links from Dakhla to the Mauritanian border and beyond. Minibuses and 4WDs
leave from the military checkpoint on the road out of Dakhla. Grands taxis occasionally run to the border
from the main station (Dh220). You'll then need to hitch to get to the Mauritanian checkpoint, as walking
across the border is forbidden. A lift all the way to Nouâdhibou is preferable, or you will likely have to pay
extortionate fees to travel on from the border.
