Hi Guys,

We have just taken a ferry from Mersin to Port Said, details are as follows.

Contact:
Mr Mehmet Gencooglu
Tel: 0324 239 4048 or 0324 239 4088 (remember its in Turkey, I think the international dialing code is +90)
e-mail: mehmet@mnfkibris.com
website: mnfkibris.com

He doesn't speak the best english, but is a prolific user of google translator
He has also said that if you e-mail him, he will use google translator to translate etc

The office is on the main road opposite the Mersin Port entrance. It has a big blue sign which says 'MNF & KIBRIS DENIZCILIK'

We just rocked up at the port, asked around and were eventually taken to his office. I'm not 100% sure on which days the ferry leaves but we had an option of Sat, Mon, Tue and Thu. I get the feeling that the days can change at any time.

We paid $900 in total which is made up as follows:

$200 per person
$500 for a "Jeep" (Our Landy)

Initially he said that it was going to be $700 for the Landy. I told him it was too much, and told him that the length was only 4.5 meters. He hesitated for a while, made a phone call and then told me he would only charge $500 as it was no longer than 4.5m. So I guess you may be able to haggle with the price. When we got on the ferry, there was noone measuring or checking etc.

Anyway, the ticket includes a cabin (which you will need) as well as 3 meals a day. He will write a time on a manual invoice which is not the time the ferry leaves. You must meet him or one of his collegues just outside Gate A at the port which is sign posted on a tree at the time indicated. He will then jump in your car with you and take you to the correct place within the port. They will take your passports and V5 doc. You will not get your passport back until you get to Egypt. Your V5 will be returned immediately.

We were then told that the ferry would only leave at 23:00ish (Bearing in mind we met the agent at the port at 15:00, so its a long wait at a little cafe within the port.)
We eventually got onto the ferry at midnight and went straight to sleep. We woke up the next morning and the ferry hadn't set off yet.

We shared the ferry with 70 lorries and their drivers. It took us 4 nights to get to Port Said. We arrived at Port Said and are now waiting for customs to open. We've been told it is closed due to Ramadan and will be closed for 1 week. We will post regarding getting our vehicle through customs once completed.

Looking back, we would have rather gone through Libya. We would strongly suggest you look into this if you're wanting to get into Africa from Europe. We met a group that have just recently done it, have a look at their website Team Shoebaru - 2012 London to South Africa Charity Drive

Hope this helps,

Bryn and Gemma
2 Do Africa

Hi folks,

I'm planning to take this ferry (on foot) in a couple week and was wondering if anyone has had more reports of successful crossing from Mersin to Port Said. Thanks!

"It took us 4 nights to get to Port Said. We arrived at Port Said and are now waiting for customs to open. We've been told it is closed due to Ramadan and will be closed for 1 week."

4 nights! What a mess! and after you have to wait for customs.

If it is always like that, I prefer to give up this solution...

RR.