Wed 18th Manantali – Bamako (Mali Capital)

Despite getting up early we were the last to get away as we helped our Belgium friends Bas and Simon in the Tentoo sponsored car take apart their carburettor which was full of grit. We then drove fast on more dusty roads and then the best tarmac we have been on since the Western Sahara Coast Road. We made great time, despite the need to adjust the gear lever and change a tyre on the Tentoo car. We were the first teams to arrive at the Hotel. Some well deserved luxury after so many nights sleeping rough and unable to wash properly. We were all covered in a thick later of dust which has only just been scrubbed off in the shower. Tomorrow thankfully is a rest day in Bamako which gives us a chance to explore the city a little. In the evening, we are guests of the Mali 2cv club which has 300 members! Today alone, we saw an early Africar, a ratty 2cv and an Ami 8 estate.