If I were to be asked to sum up Mauritania in five words from my experience up to Nouakchott they would have been:
1. Desert
2. City
3. Iron Ore
4. Railway Line
5. Sand
The country is mainly desert. After receiving my Senegalese visa I was able to leave Nouakchott and continue on the N1 toward Senegal. Riding through the poorer area at night was an experience, excited children in BMX rode by the side, showing off their skills.
However, leaving Nouakchott behind, things changed relatively quickly, the wind changed from a tailwind to a killer crosswind.
The roads got narrower.
It stayed cloudy, better for cycling in the day.
And slowly… There were more trees, greenery and people in the countryside.
Stopping in a village Tegend there were lots of excitable children.
Children of Tegend, Mauritania
Despite being in villages in the south of Mauritania, with no electric or running water, it’s surprising that most younger people are still in Facebook.
Stopping for a break.
Children of Tegend in village meeting point, Mauritania
A freshly slaughtered goat being prepared.
A goat being prepared, nothing’s wasted.
Walking away from the road you could see magnificent sand dunes.
Picture box sand dunes
Some big ones and some amazing views
Slight breeze slowly moving the dunes
Some were taking over the roads and the endless job of reclaiming them from the sand was going on.
Reclaiming the road from the encroaching sand
Multitasking, stopping to buy supplies in a shop, cooking lunch with their stove and resting from the sun.
The owner was very generous, freely giving homemade ice lollies, biscuits, nuts and Weetabix!
Free food from the shop owner
Entering the Diawling National park was magnificent. On entry one guy tried to charge a ‘Park Tax’ but ignoring him and being allowed to continue confirmed it to be a scam. What an ass!
An Ass, 3 or 4?
To see lots of wild animals and birds was refreshing after the Desert.
A bird making a nest.
Weaver Bird building it’s nest in Diawling Park
And Warthogs
Warthogs by the Senegal River
There were two options for crossing into Senegal, Rosso or Diama. Rosso is known for bribes and corruption which was the experience of a guy I was to meet in Senegal. I’d opted for Diama.
The border post to exit Mauritania.
Border post at Diama
As soon as you enter Senegal, the roads improve, there are decent signs and lots of colours a big contrast to the desert countries.
Colour.. It’s been a while…
St Louis a town 32km from the border on the river.
Senegalese fishing boats in St Louis
Full of life and bright colours.
Colourful wares for sale by the road
It used to be the capital of Senegal
Standing room only!
Coming out of St Louis toward the campsite I was staying at, you go through tidal areas.
Coming out of St Louis, Senegal
Walking without a care, despite being in poverty. St Louis is full of children asking for ‘Cadeau’ or gifts and money.
Street Child
My room at Camping 7 Palava, time for a rest, about £12 a day… With wonderful beach and welcoming hosts.
Camping 7 Palava
Will have a few days welcome rest before heading toward Dakar and The Gambia.
