We’re crossing West Africa all the way to Togo. Is a DPD carnet required, or is an ATA carnet enough? Where can I get one? I’d love some advice from seasoned travelers on this. Thanks

Hey riders (or not) 😉 For those who’ve already done it and know the route, could you tell me where to make stops (hotels, guesthouses) between Laayoune and Nouakchott, for example? And what’s the minimum range needed to get between two gas stations? Thanks and have a great day

Hello fellow travelers, I've made the France-Benin trip several times via the Mali "Route de l'Espoir," and the last journey was pretty tense—2013, 🥵‍🔥 military convoys and all the chaos in Mali from the border to Bamako. 😅 So, I’m planning to take the route again but this time via Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire, with a good old J9 (the mayor’s vehicles I used to travel in… 😎. Though the Mercedes 308 wasn’t bad either). Has anyone done this recently? A friend of mine did it 4 years ago, but things can change pretty quickly. If you’d like to share your latest experiences, I’m all ears! 😊 Have a great weekend! 👋

Hi, I’ve read on several forums and blogs that to enter Senegal by motorcycle, some say you need a CPD, others say an ATA carnet, and others say no carnet at all. What’s the real deal? My bike is over 10 years old. Thanks

I'm looking to print a standard police form because I'm traveling to Senegal in a motorhome in early 2025. I saw on the forum that it's highly requested in Mauritania, Senegal, and even Guinea by police or military on the roads. Thanks for your help.

Hi everyone, I’m looking to connect with the community involved in humanitarian travel in Senegal

The tours offered by tour operators in France don't work for me, except for TUI—its 15-day itinerary is great but too expensive for my budget. I’m planning to travel with my sister in March or April 2025 and would love to find a local agency that offers tours, even in small groups. Thanks for your suggestions! Tanya6675

Tonight on Channel 5 Échappées belles in SENEGAL

https://television.telerama.fr/tele/magazine/echappees-belles,6640,emission162356169.php

Hi there, we're in Faranelli, Gambia. We're at Tandem and only have 7 days left on our passports. Can you tell us if we can leave the country via the east? From the town of Basse Santa Su to Velingara in Senegal. There seems to be a road, but is it a border post? I can't find an answer... Thanks so much in advance! Claude & Liliane

Hello!



I invite you to share our wonderful discovery of Saint-Louis and its surroundings: Djoudj Park and the Langue de Barbarie... Daily life, heritage, landscapes, and wildlife (birds)...

We stayed in Senegal for 10 days in April/May 2018, specifically in Saint-Louis, Senegal, since we were there for the Jazz Festival held every year. But we took the opportunity to explore this country we didn’t know!

In this travel journal, you’ll find: - A short stop in Gorée, which we visited before heading to Saint-Louis - The different faces of Saint-Louis, especially the vibrant fishermen’s district - Djoudj Park, with its many birds - The Langue de Barbarie ... and much more!

Before going to Senegal, I did some research on this forum and others. So many strong opinions about Senegal—you either love it or hate it! If it hadn’t been for the festival, we might not have gone... What a shame that would’ve been, because we loved it!

Of course, I saw poverty, idleness, and litter, especially plastic bags—a global scourge. A bit of harassment from street vendors, especially at first when you don’t know how to deflect it and accidentally encourage it. The privileges of a social class and inequalities, though that’s something you encounter in many poor countries, not just in Africa.

But when I close my eyes and remember our trip, what stays with me is the youth, the beauty of so many boys and girls, the elegance of the women, and the sparkle in their eyes and smiles. The light and colors, the smell of grilled fish, the taste of freshly roasted peanuts and baobab fruit. The honking horns, the call of the muezzins, the music, the bursts of laughter.







To be continued...

Hi everyone. I’m looking to rent a 125cc motorcycle for about ten days in Dakar. This topic was covered a year ago, and the responses weren’t exactly great. Maybe there’s something new since then...?

Thanks in advance for any tips on this rental! Skyfred

PS (Vulvio, if you see this discussion, just know your clip in Sierra Leone with Psquare’s "Danger" as the background music is still a little masterpiece I rewatch on loop almost every day!!!)

Is it possible to rent a motorcycle in Dakar for a medium-term period (5 weeks) to travel to Labé and back? Several guides told me the trip is worth it (max 200 km per day) since the roads in Senegal are paved. If you have experience with this, I’d appreciate any tips!

A few years ago, I went with a group of friends to lend a hand at a small rural school near Thiès, Senegal. It was a relaxed but hardworking atmosphere—hands in the mortar, laughter, exchanges, and everything that a COOPERATION project can bring. Today, the little project is flying on its own.

Wanting to explore Senegal’s riches, we set off for some tourism in the Siné Saloum. One girl in our group fell ill (a malaria attack), and we decided to take her to see a doctor at a large tourist complex nearby. Despite her condition, we had to "show our credentials" (if I may say so) just to get in. She was treated and has been fine since.

This "stop" at a Club Med-style resort with a Teutonic twist—resembling Le Grau-du-Roi but fancier—was a horror show for us: pools, massive artificial basins dyed blue, pink, or green (!!!!), animators shouting around wet T-shirt contests or coconut tree climbing, and sunburned (or sun-pinked) *toubabs*. The entire hotel was surrounded by a huge wall, behind which a small souvenir-seller slum had sprung up, worthy of Dakar’s outer neighborhoods. On leaving, we saw a minibus of guests returning from an "excursion," loaded with masks, fabrics, and djembés—African souvenirs? Maybe those will be *theirs*? What impression did the kids clustered at the hotel gates get? What about the Black servers in "traditional African costumes," serving cocktails and ice cream nonstop?

For me, who experienced Africa very young and in the bush, this remains a haunting image.

On VF, this kind of vacation doesn’t seem to be the norm among users, and that’s exactly why I signed up.

Have you ever experienced this kind of interstellar travel? Do you understand the Martians? Are their motivations peaceful?

Planning two weeks in October to explore off-the-beaten-path Casamance. Looking for tips to prepare for this trip.

HELLO I’m planning to travel to Senegal via Spain, Morocco, Western Sahara, and Mauritania, with Saly by the sea as the final destination (or Dakar if requested). Looking for a male or female co-driver to share the road expenses, including the crossing.

EXPECTED DATE to be agreed (after Christmas 2026 or early January 2027) Vehicle: 2022 Dacia, gray, in good condition, with a valid ATA travel carnet until June 2027. FINAL DESTINATION: SENEGAL If you’re traveling light and easygoing for such a long trip, plan for a minimum of 4 days. Maximum 2 passengers for the journey. You can contact me privately. Best regards,

Hey fellow travelers!

So, a new year has begun. It’s time to reconnect with the VF buddies and wish you all my best for 2026—a year I hope is obviously full of travel, since, as I just made up: "If travel’s good, everything’s good" 😄.

To celebrate, I’m inviting you into my new "travel journal," the one from our latest trip in November 2025, a little two-week adventure.

This time, we headed to The Gambia, a tiny country tucked right in the middle of Senegal, before making our way to Casamance.

The Gambia is English-speaking, Senegal is French-speaking, but the locals? They couldn’t care less—because in this part of the world, they mostly speak Wolof, Fula, Jola, or Mandinka. Hence the title: Senegambia 😉.

As usual, I’m sharing the live updates I sent to friends and family—super casual, of course.

I know this isn’t the kind of destination that draws crowds, but if you love adventure, laughter, and emotion, it might just be your thing 😊.

Hugs 😘

We're leaving by car on January 5th for Saint-Louis, Senegal. On the itinerary: the Aéropostale stopovers, Banc d'Arguin National Park, Diawling Park, and Saint-Louis. We have one seat available for the outbound trip and two for the return around January 25th. Sharing road expenses. If you're interested, leave me a message. Marc

Hi everyone, A well-prepped 4x4, a travel plan across Africa in stages since I’ve got kids to see regularly and work to earn a living. I’m leaving in November for about a month with the goal of reaching Senegal via Mauritania. I’d love to share this trip with someone who wants to discover Mauritania and a bit of Senegal... and also experience life on board a 4x4 in the desert or bush, sometimes sleeping in the vehicle or in hostels/small hotels for comfort. I want to share this rediscovery because two’s better than one! Just traveling, exploring, and living! !

Hi everyone, I’m setting off in my old 4x4 for a north-to-south crossing of Africa this November. I’ll start in Mauritania and make my way to Senegal. My 4x4 is prepped for the journey. Get in touch if you’d like to see if we can set off together. See you soon. Jean Baptiste.

Hi, With a camper van that's less than 3 years old, we're heading from France to Senegal via Mauritania. Our comprehensive insurance covers us for Morocco. However: For Mauritania: - How can we get insurance for 1 week in Mauritania? - Where and which reliable agency should we contact in Morocco? (Not the "guide" at the border) - Darkhla or elsewhere? Please, do you have any contact details? - Is it possible to take out comprehensive insurance, not just third-party liability? - Please, do you have any idea of the rates? For Senegal: - Can we take out comprehensive insurance in Diama or St Louis for 3 weeks or 1 month? - Which reliable agency or company? Please, do you have any contact details? - Please, do you have any idea of the rates? Thanks so much

Hi there,

We’re planning to drive to Senegal by car. We’re a little nervous because it’ll be our first time making the trip with a car that isn’t ours. We’re doing the trip to deliver it to its owner. Has anyone here done this before? What documents will we need?

Thanks in advance for your tips!

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 🐾

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

Hi there,

Last February, I made a trip using "public transport" from France to southern Senegal via Spain, Morocco, Western Sahara, and Mauritania.

It’s a journey of about 5,000 km, where I took trains (as far as Marrakech), ferries (to cross Gibraltar and then to reach Casamance from Dakar), and mostly buses on the long desert straightaways. I hadn’t planned any stops in advance or booked any hotels, except for the very first train to Spain, which left plenty of room for the unexpected. Why travel by land and sea? In recent years, flight-free travel has been gaining popularity. On social media, posts explaining how to cross Europe by train as quickly as possible go viral. Traveling without flying—and making sure people know about it—has become a great way to earn a badge of eco-responsibility: an essential totem for anyone wanting to prove both their dedication to the ecological cause and the wisdom of slow travel. I haven’t flown in years, and this journey to West Africa could easily be filed under "responsible travel." But it wouldn’t be honest to say that: in reality, it wasn’t really my aversion to flying that motivated this long trek. I see overland travel primarily as a way to experience the world’s geography at a grounded, earthly pace—the pace of the locals. Besides, I’ll be flying back, which disqualifies any claim to being a model of sustainability. So no eco-badge, and no adventurer’s badge either: you won’t find any heroic tales of camel rides in lost lands or mineral train wagons in this account (popular with influencers, the Mauritania iron ore train now attracts tourists from all over the world, turning "the experience" into something you "have to do at least once in your life"). This five-part story, written on the road, has no other ambition than to recount a journey through places and people, and to share the thoughts they inspire in me. As simply and, I hope, as humbly as possible.

I’m posting the episodes here, which you can also find on my blog (with more photos) at the following links:

Episode 1: Spain, from Avignon to Algeciras

Episode 2: Morocco, from Tangier to Tarfaya

Episode 3: Western Sahara, from Tarfaya to Guerguerat

Episode 4: Mauritania, from Guerguerat to Nouakchott

Episode 5: Senegal, from Rosso to Saloulou

To help those who might want to make the same trip, I’ve also put together a summary of the route with recommendations—you can read it at the end of the story and on the blog: From France to Senegal Without Flying: Route and Itinerary Recommendations

Happy reading, and safe travels!

Hi everyone...

Looking for travel companions to ride from France to Senegal by motorcycle.

I’m Paul, 37, and I’ve already done a bit of riding in Morocco.

For now, I’m solo, riding a 1998 SUZUKI DR 650 with some basic gear to keep things smooth. I’ll have a tent so we can do a few nights under the stars. We’ll need to coordinate departure dates—"ideally in November."

I’m currently checking out routes to take. Any tips would be welcome! :)

Have a great day, everyone!!!!!

Hi everyone!

I’ve been following this forum for a while to gather some info about the journey I’m currently on. So, this is my first post here.

Here’s the scoop! For over fifteen years, I’ve been connected to Cape Verde by heart and by blood. An uncle of mine settled there about thirty years ago and opened a sailing school on the island of Boavista. Sadly, he passed away and is now buried in Praia, but I still have cousins and many friends in the country. I’ve spent quite a few stays there, some longer than others, and I’m starting to get by in Creole.

A few years ago, I had the urge to travel from France to Cape Verde by road. Not just going from point A to point B by plane, but taking the time to measure the space between my birth country and my adopted one. To see the landscapes, cultures, and people that separate them. I hit the road two weeks ago, heading toward Dakar. Right now, I’m in El Jadida, Morocco, traveling mainly by bus.

But here’s the point of my request: once I’m in Senegal, I plan to find a sailboat or cargo ship heading toward the Cape Verde islands. I expect to be between Saint-Louis and Dakar around mid-August. So, I’m open to any tips for this crossing or to being put in touch with a sailboat planning the trip around that time.

I’m not a sailor, but I’ve got some basic sailing knowledge from my uncle that I’d love to improve. And I can kill time by holding my own on a chessboard!

Cheers,

Bertrand.

PS: I know there are flights from Dakar to Praia, but I’d really prefer not to end my trip in a flying metal cage!

After several years of traveling in former French West Africa (impossible today!), with a Patrol, then a Dacia Duster, and now testing a Ford Maverick 4x4 2.7 TDI in preparation, we’d like to form a small group for a trip in 2027 (around late March? To be decided with those interested).

Interested in: - Eastern Morocco? Then Merzouga / Foum Zguid / Moroccan coast and Western Sahara, - Mauritania: Nouadhibou, Choum, Atar, Tidjikja, Tichitt, and surrounding areas, then possibly heading down to the Senegalese border to see if we can go further.

We’re a retired couple, both 69 years old, passionate about photography, wildlife, and archaeology. Feel free to reach out—suggestions are welcome!

Hi everyone, In February 2027, with a two-wheel-drive vehicle, I plan to leave France and head to Senegal. I’d love to get some info about crossing Mauritania, or if there are people interested in doing it as a convoy from Morocco to Senegal. I plan to stick to the N2 and not stray too far from that route. I’ll only travel during the day and stop at guesthouses or stay with locals for the night. If anyone’s interested, let me know. Thanks for your feedback!