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Rosso Travel Guide

Travel to Rosso - Transit Place on the Senegal River

Ratings:
3.5 out of 5 (4 votes)
Reviews:
1   Add your review

On a map Rosso looks like it might be an interesting town to visit.  Hugging the banks of the Senegal River, an airport, linked by tar roads, an evocative name even... Sadly, interesting it isn't - necessary it is.

Particularly for any overlanders or travellers planning to cross between Mauritania and Senegal. It is well-known for one reason only - a ferry service operates here, across the Senegal River. 

Like virtually all West African ferries, this ferry is chaotic, colourful, loud, bureaucratic and potentially very frustrating. That said - for an opportunity to mingle and chat to a wide mix of locals, and get a lift across the river - it works just fine.

Rosso town itself holds little appeal other than some local shops, petrol and a bright pink hotel that we certainly wouldn't recommend after seeing the rooms - the Hotel Al Asmaa.

Attractions in Rosso

The main attraction is the Senegal River.

Relaxing

There are several small cafés and places to eat in town - ask around and you'll find somewhere that'll rustle up some chicken and rice or fish and cous cous if you end up with time to kill in Rosso.

Rosso Reviews

Mike Fox's Photo

Rosso: Well it's certainly the genuine article!

Posted on:
Monday, 7th January 2008
Rating

There's certainly nothing fake or 'touristy' about Rosso and from that point of view it is a fascinating place to wander about and just 'people watch'. The town itself is a classic ramshackle border town, but the focus of the place is the actual ferry port and customs area, which is fenced off, the gate carefully guarded to stop the noisy throng of chancers and 'wanabee border crossers' getting in. It's passports only from here on. Inside the ferry compound there's people having animated arguments with the customs officials, people with bags and trolleys piled high with produce, cars and vans jostling for position and trying to push in the queue for the next ferry, lots of waving, shouting and gesticulating. It's interesting to see the difference in appearance between the Arabic-looking Northern Mauritanians and the Sudanese-looking Senegalese. It's a good job it is a visually interesting place because, if the Customs men are so-inclined, you might be here a while. (Note that like all customs police at all borders, they are not that keen on you taking photos, even of the ferry for some reason, so be cautious with your photography).

Posted by:
Mike Fox
Posted at:
11:04

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Rosso Travel Guide | Travel to Rosso
(1/2) - Rosso, Senegal River ferry (from Nick Anstead)

Why Travel to Rosso?

  • Experiencing the sheer elation of actually getting on a ferry after a seemingly endless wait!
  • Important ferry crossing on the Senegal River between Mauritania and Senegal.
  • Great place for people watching - many local travellers use this crossing point.

Quick Facts

Features of Interest

Natural WorldCultural WorldGreat Lakes & WaterwaysTempting Towns & Cities

Nearest Airport

Nouakchott International Airport