Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Aug 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Poland, Warsaw
Posts: 56
A nice trip :)

Hi all!
My friends and I got an idea to go more or less around Sahara. There are a few different routes. Please advice if this trip is possible and which route is best.
We start from Turkey
idea no 1) Turkey, Syria, (ferry to) Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Mali,
Mauritania, Western Sahara, Marocco.

idea no 2) Turkey, Syria, Jordan, (ferry to) Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria,
Mali, Mauritania, Western Sahara, Marocco.

idea no 3) Turkey, Syria, Jordan, (ferry to) Egypt, Libya, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali,
Senegal, Mauritania, Western Sahara, Marocco.

As a time for it we've chosen winter 2010.
Is it very silly ?

br,
Piotr
__________________
Piotr
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Aug 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ireland
Posts: 46
Pitr

Not silly at all, but it looks like you'll be going through the Sahara, not around it.

A few things to watch for.

#3) Libya-Niger is closed. So is Libya-Algeria. So it must be Libya/Tun/Alg then Niger or Mali.

Libya, Algeria - guide/escort required.

Northern Niger- poor security situtation, military escort required, and border sometimes closed.

Northern Mali - poor security situation.

Apart from that it is ok - #2 looks better than #1, as you will see more of Syria and Jordan, both very enjoyable places.

Your route from there through the Sahara is restricted by border openings. Once you are in Niger or Mali you can decide which countries in W Africa to visit as time/funds allow.

D
__________________
--------------------------

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 Aug 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Poland, Warsaw
Posts: 56
Hi,
thanks, I think route No 2 is better.
Syria and Jordan are not a problem. I was there and it's nice and safe. I have a friend in Syria so all paperwork will be easier. I've been in Libya last Nov and in Tunisia many times.
So far I have no idea how to get into Algeria and Mali. How to get a guide there. Any suggestions ?

br,
Piotr
__________________
Piotr
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10 Aug 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Posts: 360
Hi Piotr,
You should definitely check out Chris Scott's web site
Sahara Overland ~ the book and online resource
In particular the Country Info & Routes tabs at the top

Happy travels
Sam
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10 Aug 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ireland
Posts: 46
Piotr

For Algeria I'd happily recommend Tanezrouft Voyage: Accueil who I used in 2007. I found them very easy to deal with, for us it worked lke this:
- sent some emails describing the approximate route, approximate times and our personal and vehicle details
- they faxed Alg embassy (Paris) who issued visas
- as it got closer to arrival (from Niger) we kept them informed of likely arrival date, and we made contact with others heading for Algeria (partly via this forum)
- we assembled our small group in Agadez and emailed the firm arrival date
- the guide met us at the border, we went to Tam and then planned the itinerary in more detail
- Fantastic trip in S Algeria. Our guide was a great character, and it meant we could relax and take our minds off navigation. Also it eliminated "campsiteophobia" (ie. the fear of setting camp in case there is a better spot 5km ahead)
- we paid in cash at their office in In Salah

D
__________________
--------------------------

Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Aug 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 2
Just curious what the difficulty factor of such a ride would be (intermediate, advanced, extreme or maybe a scale of 1-10)? I have been riding abroad for a few years and have some good off road skill, but the idea of going through the Sahara is intimidating to say the least! I look forwar to your follow up posts to see how you fared.
__________________
I found a great all inclusive cancun vacation package here. You should check it out.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Aug 2009
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
On the Route 2 described you could ride all the way to southern Algeria (Tam) on tarmac and then pick it up from Gao in Mali all the way back to Europe, so technically there's not much to it.

Between Tam to Gao is about 1500km of piste. The Algerian section to Bordj Moktar would be pretty easy even on a big bike - lots of space once you clear the Hoggar. The Malian section - especially in the south where rains cut it up - is a bit rougher. I rode it over 20 years ago (without baggage) and recall it was quite gnarly at times. A KTM Adv would make short work of it today.

From Gao you cross the river to Mopti, etc. Or from Bourem (north of Gao) the north bank track going west to Timbuktu becomes 2 very sandy ruts with bushes either side; hard work on a bike and hot too.

So it's a 1000 miles of piste minimum, or of course as much as you want to pack in in Africa; Libya and Alg being the best places to explore IMO, and well worth the extra cost once you're in there if you have the money and energy to spare.

From Turkey to Spain it would be an epic tour for sure - potentially just about the ultimate see-it-all Saharan itinerary, let alone the Istanbul to Cairo stage which is a trip in itself.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 16 Aug 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Poland, Warsaw
Posts: 56
Hi All,
thanks to all for the opinions and of course I'm waiting for more and more useful hints. Thanks Chris for the above and for your mail. This trip is something realy big for me and it is not easy to plan it and to place it in particular time, therefore I was asking about your trip to Alg in winter.
Regarding to my trip I'm trying hard to colect a right team (4 or 5 cars) and sponsors for us cause it will cost a lot....

br,
Piotr
__________________
Piotr
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Nice to meet everybody here! brantching Welcome to HU 1 9 Mar 2009 11:06
Nice to see I'm not crazy PistolaPete Welcome to HU 9 20 Oct 2008 21:39
wouldn·t it be nice....? Danquart Travellers Seeking Travellers 3 21 Oct 2007 17:47
Nice VX at Frogs with air Chris Scott Equipping the Overland Vehicle 0 19 Dec 2006 10:54
Very nice man at Diama Lamin Sambou sub-Saharan Africa 0 12 May 2006 18:09

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:52.