Marrakech – Dakar by Motorcycle for September 2027 – Tips and Travel Companions

Hi everyone,

I’m starting to plan a motorcycle trip from Marrakech to Dakar for September 2027.

The idea is to cross southern Morocco, then Mauritania, and finally Senegal all the way to Dakar, taking the time to explore the regions we pass through.

I’m especially looking for advice and feedback from people who’ve already done all or part of this route: recommended itinerary, road and track conditions, border crossings, formalities, safety, fuel, accommodations, must-see stops, things to avoid, etc.

I’d also love to hear your thoughts on traveling in September for this trip.

If any motorcyclists want to join the adventure, that’d be great! The idea is to form a small group, each covering their own expenses, and plan the trip together.

All your tips, experiences, and good addresses are welcome!

Thanks in advance for your help.

Khalid Marrakech

Good evening Khalid,

Having made the France-Mauritania route over thirty times, the last one just last year, I can give you one piece of advice: September is the rainy season in Mauritania and Senegal. This means sometimes a lot of rain and road sections or fords underwater, or even parts of the road cut off or damaged (the tarmac in Mauritania is something else, haha). For the itinerary, it depends on whether you take the only road connecting Morocco to Mauritania or if you plan to go off-road. From Mauritania, two options from Nouakchott: either crossing via the Rosso ferry, which many travelers will advise against, or via Diama, which I’d advise against in September due to the risk of muddy tracks and a lot of mud—so it’ll be very tough physically. The best would be to wait until the end of September. This year, Nouakchott was completely flooded... As for Senegal, no idea—I hope you’ll get some answers. The border crossing is very simple: formalities, possibly an inspection of your panniers, but above all, bring plenty of photocopies of your passport for the trip through Mauritania. (I’d love to come as a passenger...) Normally, there’s no problem with fuel supply in Mauritania, unless you plan to take tracks (like the one along the railway line). Are you planning to visit the country or head straight to Dakar? For accommodation, there aren’t many options in Nouadhibou—it depends on what you’re looking for. The *Camping du Lévrier* in the city center has cheap rooms, is close to shops, and is protected by walls and a gate. You’ll find other accommodation options that are a bit more expensive or farther from shops if you need more info—I’m happy to help. In Nouakchott, it’s the same: plenty of accommodation, especially in the Tevragh Zeina district near the embassies. Again, if you need details, I’m here. After that, I don’t know much, since I’ve always been hosted by my Mauritanian friends, at least throughout the country. But if you pass through Atar, I recommend staying with Sid Ahmed at *Camping Imini* (he has a few rooms too). If you’re heading to the Banc d’Arguin, bring extra fuel cans... (I’m guessing your tank doesn’t hold more than 20 liters? I’m thinking of a Honda Tenere 700, which only carries 16 liters). I’m sending you a video of a guy who recently did Dakar-Tangier by motorcycle—at least you’ll have his feedback... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzg4lq9D1E4 Best regards, Christine

Hi Khalid, for accommodations, it depends on your stops... after passing Guelmim, here are my stops: a little moment of happiness at Ksar Tafidnit before Tan Tan (on the right side of the road before the river crossing), Tan Tan Plage (El Ouatia) – camping within an enclosure with rooms, Akhfennir, hostel La Courbine d'Argent (a bit of luxury to treat yourself, but it's worth it), Boujdour: camping within an enclosure with rooms. If you take a detour through Dakhla, there are plenty of hotels and hostels... Many travelers, before crossing Guerguerat (Morocco-Mauritania border), stay at the Barbas Hotel in Bir Gandouz, 90 km from the border. Otherwise, you can also sleep at the border. For Nouakchott, good and easy-to-find places near the main road and in the Tevragh Zeina district: Hotel Samira with motorcycles secured within an enclosure, Sébastien Bouhot’s hostel Le Triskell, also with an enclosure, guesthouse of Salek +222 47 81 55 95, which welcomes Italian motorcyclists... (garage and enclosure).

Good evening Christine, A big thank you for all this information—it’s exactly the kind of firsthand experience I was looking for. Your comment about the rainy season is making me seriously consider pushing back the departure to November, or even early December. I’d rather choose a more favorable time and truly enjoy the trip instead of struggling with rain and mud on certain stretches. A little more detail about our project: we’re 4 work colleagues, and we’re planning this adventure with 2 motorcycles and a support van. The idea is to ride the bikes for most of the route while using the van for logistics, luggage, gear, spare parts, and, of course, a bit more safety in case of issues. Our goal isn’t just to reach Dakar as quickly as possible. We really want to enjoy the journey, explore the regions we cross, and take the time to make some interesting detours, especially in Mauritania. For now, I’m imagining something like: Marrakech → Guelmim → Tan-Tan → Akhfenir → Laâyoune → Dakhla → Bir Gandouz → Guerguerat → Nouadhibou → Nouakchott, then continuing toward Senegal and Dakar. But I’d actually like to use this trip to explore Mauritania more, possibly the Banc d’Arguin and maybe even Atar if time, roads, and conditions allow with our two motorcycles and the van. I’m carefully noting your contacts in Nouadhibou and Nouakchott, as well as your advice about passport photocopies, fuel, and formalities. For the crossing into Senegal, I initially thought of Diama, but after your message, I’ll definitely look into both options—Diama and Rosso—depending on the season and, most importantly, the road conditions for the van. We’re still in the early stages of planning, and that’s exactly why I prefer to build the itinerary step by step, thanks to the experiences of those who really know this route. If you or other travelers have recommendations about must-see stops in Mauritania, routes that are reasonably accessible with our 2 motorcycles + van setup, border formalities, or interesting spots between Nouadhibou, Nouakchott, and Senegal, I’d love to hear them. Thanks again for your help and advice. Khalid

Hi Khalid,

Thanks for your reply—it’s rare for forum members to say thank you! I’m curious to know what type of motorcycle you’re using. Yes, it’s definitely a good idea to have a van for support and extra fuel reserves, especially since Morocco won’t let you through with full jerry cans. I’d recommend bringing some fuel additive—I’ve had a few surprises in Mauritania that weren’t great for the engines. Don’t forget a compressor in case you’re tempted to ride on some sand!

Regarding Banc d’Arguin, if you have a van and it’s not 4x4, take the access via NOUAMGHAR—the road is paved (though rough, haha) and gives you a first glimpse of part of the park. You might be able to sleep in Nouamghar, but note that entry to PNBA is paid (sorry, I’ve never paid because I help with medical caravans for sick children in Mauritania—but it’s not expensive). Here’s the link: https://pnba.mr/nous-visiter/ For sleeping in Nouamghar’s camp: +222 46 40 78 99 If you have any issues, contact NAMI SALIHY, my friend and the PNBA director: +222 36 30 26 77. Mention my name, and with luck, you might even spend the night in the bird observation hut—but it’s very basic, so bring a sleeping bag and cooking gear (stove, etc.).

The road to Atar should be fine for you, unless there’s a flooded ford—but in NOVEMBER, no worries. Rain is rare at that time (unless it’s an exception). You could do the loop Atar–Tidjikja–Rosso, with a stop at Tidjikja’s *Auberge Caravane du Désert* at Cheikh’s place. Here’s the link: https://www.espacevoyages-mr.com/auberge I’ve never stayed there myself since I usually stay with friends in the area.

Another detail: You can now reach Atar via a new paved road that branches off the national highway a few kilometers before or after the PNBA buildings, avoiding Nouakchott entirely. The road leads to AKJOUJT. They’ve started resurfacing a section between Akjoujt and Atar—maybe you’ll get lucky if the pavement holds for a year!

If you love the desert, consider pushing on to Zouerate—it’s interesting, especially since the road has been paved for a few years. You’ll get a closer look at the iron mine dust, but it’s a round trip since after Zouerate, you can only go to Bir Moghreim and Algeria.

From Nouadhibou, don’t hesitate to take a detour to Cansado (the village for SNIM iron ore workers) and Cap Blanc. For Cap Blanc, you’ll need to deflate your tires—there are sandy patches, and the track isn’t well-marked.

Also worth seeing in Nouadhibou: *Baie de l’Étoile* and *Baie du Lévrier*, though everything’s now concreted over—the wild, natural side has disappeared. You can stay at the fishing camp (rooms and a restaurant) for a true Mauritanian welcome. I won’t plug the neighboring place run by a European.

Good luck with your preparations! If you need backup, I’d happily hitch a ride in the van. You won’t feel too out of place—there are plenty of Moroccan grocery stores and restaurants in Nouadhibou and Nouakchott.

Best, Christine

hi again, I forgot to mention, the Tarfaya–Laayoune section isn’t very interesting in terms of landscapes. The coastal road is really beautiful, though, between the ocean and small sea of dunes.. Don’t forget to stop by the Naïla lagoon.. (max 25 km from Akhfenir) The Laayoune–Boujdour section is one long straight line.. There must be a maximum of three turns.. it’s a gravel desert.

For "eating sand" and camping around LAAYOUNE, check out: Safari Camping on the Foum El Oued road or elsewhere:

https://www.campings.ma/camping-a-laayoune-au-maroc-decouvrez-le-sahara-marocain-dans-toute-sa-splendeur/

Hello, It seems that crossing the Senegal border is very complicated with a VEHICLE due to the mass of official documents required. What’s the exact situation?

Good evening, I’ve never crossed the Mauritania-Senegal border myself, but so many friends have done it that I’ve heard plenty of feedback. Back in 2012, I tried to cross at Rosso. I got "cornered" by some guys and a huge crowd of onlookers, so I turned back. It’s better to cross with a Mauritanian or Senegalese "friend."

From what all my friends say, Diama is easier to cross—unless there’s mud (which happened last year; an English guy I met in Nouakchott left his vehicle stuck in the mud, and months later, it was still there).

If you arrive too late, you’ll have to spend the night near the border post.

For French travelers, you’ll need an ATA carnet. If you don’t have one, getting a temporary pass can cost a bit. More info here: https://senegalcommerce.sec.gouv.sn/Documents/DGD/Proc%C3%A9dure/A%20l%27entr%C3%A9e%20au%20S%C3%A9n%C3%A9gal.PDF

You’ll find tons of videos on YouTube— here are a couple of examples: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXwCtc3y7M4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXnCSkXqf7U

I don’t know about requirements for Moroccan travelers.

Thanks a lot.