And then the rally is suddenly in Senegal. Between Mauritania and Senegal lies a road, or rather a dilapidated track. Locals call this road “the dike,” and that perfectly describes what it is. You can try to make your way above or below it, but one way or another, it’s always a bone-jarring ride. And it lasts for 47 kilometers. Hell for shock absorbers and loose fillings. A true off-road enthusiast will absolutely love it.
If you and your vehicle manage to survive this ordeal, you’ll arrive at the border. The phenomenon of pushy sellers offering SIM cards, souvenirs, and currency exchange is a constant here. The tension between striking a good deal and being ripped off is palpable in the air.
The formalities are handled incredibly quickly. The Africa Eco Race organization is responsible for this efficiency. Just like at previous border crossings, the process is much faster than at similar events. Kudos to the strong relationships they maintain with the authorities.
The difference from Mauritania is quickly noticeable. Senegal is clearly more prosperous, greener, and more colorful. While the streets of Atar are still dominated by old Mercedes-Benz diesel cars and many trucks of Chinese origin, here there’s suddenly an abundance of Renaults and other French car and truck brands. Incidentally, in both countries, you also see many Toyotas.
For the first time in the history of the Africa Eco Race, an entire stage was being run on Senegalese soil. An 80-kilometer stretch through forested areas with sandy tracks. Pine trees grow here, and their fallen needles can cause flat tires. During the briefing, the organization warned participants to avoid cutting corners. That’s when the risk becomes greatest. Low-hanging branches could easily cost rally trucks their windshields. This kind of warning was new this rally and showed that riding through Senegal puts something extra to the already varied Africa Eco Race.
