Looking for recent feedback on crossing the Sahara and Mauritania in a motorhome

Hello everyone! 👋

First of all, thank you for accepting us into the group. 😊

My name is Gérard, I’m a 77-year-old retiree, and I have a charming young wife of 70 and a sweet little Biewer dog celebrating his first birthday. 🎂🎉

The three of us are planning to leave from Cannes in our motorhome and head to Dakar.

Personally, I know this route very well, having done it three times in a 4x4, the last trip being in 2016.

Regarding Western Sahara, I know it’s not particularly recommended to cross it right now, but I haven’t heard any bad news about it yet.

As for crossing the "no man’s land," I remember it being a very difficult track, impassable with a motorhome. I’ve heard that they’ve recently improved the track and that it might now be possible to cross those 4 km with a motorhome (?)

Actually, I’m reaching out to experienced travelers who could give me their thoughts on crossing at the end of 2025. 🙏

By the way, if other motorhome travelers have the same plan, maybe we could discuss it together? 🤝

As for Mauritania, I know it’s a long stretch of tarmac, and from what I remember—aside from the "Gare du Nord" stop to refuel and enjoy a good tea—you have to switch to "survival mode."

That’s all for my little chat! I hope to gather some useful information.

Thank you all for taking the time to read this, and I wish you a great 14th of July.

Gérard, Martine, and Bahia 🐾

My last trip through there was in 2019... Check with Groschats, who often hangs out in the area and should have more up-to-date info. (He’s often on the Moroccan forum, and on this one too).

Otherwise, in 2019, half of the no man’s land route was paved. The southern part... Along the coast, we didn’t have any issues, even when things were tense near the Polisario. The army controls the entire route. I keep up with the news because I love this region. (5 trips).

Cheers

Hi there, I crossed it at the beginning of 2025 during a trip to Guinea. I drive a 4x4 now, but I used to have a camper van. In my opinion, it's doable if you're careful. In fact, I came across 2 or 3 camper vans that had made the crossing during my trip.

Good luck!

Hello, I’m surprised by what you’re saying since I’ve (you’ve) already taken this route several times. Current danger in Mauritania? (summer 2025). Which ones and what are your sources? The tarmac has advanced toward Mauritania (Guerguerat) — okay, but is it still possible to pass in a motorhome? It was somewhat passable but entirely doable in a motorhome before the tarmac extension. Lots of motorhomes in Senegal before? Those with 4x4s don’t understand the realities of traveling in these areas in a 4x2 or even a motorhome. Sure, motorhomes are heavy even when empty, but they do make it through, even if there’s sometimes a bit of damage (e.g., exhaust pipe occasionally). However, a rugged, semi-equipped van (4x2) with a rear-wheel drive like an Iveco or Mercedes is better. The only "big news" is the bridge at Rosso.

Don’t understand? I can only share information gathered from travelers in motorhomes and other vehicles coming from Senegal. I haven’t noted the various websites or YouTube blogs. I’ve never been to Africa via Mauritania. I’m planning to buy a rugged used vehicle, semi-equipped or not, and head to Casamance to settle there permanently — I’m "used" myself! I live in the Cévennes.

All the best for your project. Best regards.