Follow an overland truck across Africa

15th December 2005: Making the most of Mauritania

Feeling deserted in some soft sand
"Four days through the desert make you realize how remote and isolated some people are from civilization. There are water rations for us on the truck, drink as much as possible, but think of cooking meals that use minimal water. We use the salt water from the sea to wash our dishes and ourselves.

We see loads of camels trudging through the desert and herdsmen with them and you cannot help but think what are they doing out here and why.We get stopped by locals asking for various things whether it be water, a ride to somewhere or even aspirins as someone has a fever.

As our guide Achmed directs us through, we also ask how does he know where he is going in the desert. When there are no tracks, he will analyze a sand dune and direct Grant over the top, thus putting the 4x4 to the test. Sometimes the sand is just too soft and we find ourselves digging the truck out... whilst hearing Achmed roar with laughter.

Whilst camping by the dunes in the evenings, various games come out. One of the current favourites is all the boys get together trying to think of the best object to use as a sled on the dunes, from floorboards, cardboard boxes to the thermarest. It makes for an entertaining show.

Birds and some large and not so large fish...
We head through the Parc National du Banc D’Arguin where we see bird life. On our drive down the beach, we have water on one side of the truck and sand dunes on the other! We even spot a couple of whales on our journey.

As we stop for some photos, Paul is flags down a small fishing boat with a couple of guys more than willing to sell their fresh catches to us. So fish it is for dinner...

We arrive in the capital for a break for two nights to catch up on bits and bobs, as well as give the truck a clean inside and out. It was about due! A great city with dirt roads where everyone has something for sale. Plus there's the site of thousands of Mauritanian men - wearing man dresses as we have termed them - holding hands with each other and greeting each other affectionately. This definitely makes you realize that you are in another world to that back home.

Different agendas
As we prepare for our trip to Bamako in Mali; a seven day journey through extremely remote areas and no showers, some of the group have decided to have a little side trip. They are popping into Senegal and then anticipating catching the train from Dakar to Bamako to meet us in a week. Jazz bars, beaches and border crossings are all to be part of their journey.

Then there is Neil, whose agenda is a bit different - in a quick five minute dash, he gathers his things and follows a Brazillian or Icelandic backpacker that he just met, we are still not sure where she is from!

We will email you soon to let you know of the various journeys that we have taken. If we don't update beforehand - have a great Christmas and a very happy New Year"

Love Andi and the gang x

Name: Oasis Overland
Address: The Marsh, Henstridge, Somerset, BA8 0TF, UK
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Tel: 0845 344 7546