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 Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 Nov 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Salisbury
Posts: 20
Alexandria - Luxor & Wadi Half - Khartoum

Hi all

We're in trouble thanks to the protests and elections...We've now got very very little time to get down to a) Aswan for the ferry (3rd time lucky) and b) Nairobi!!!

Can anyone tell me the quickest way from Alexandria to Aswan? I was going to go down the Nile, missing out Cairo, to Beni Suef and downwards but I've been suggested that the Red Sea route is faster, longer, but has better roads etc. Can anyone advise?

Secondly, any ideas on the best, and by this I unfortunately mean fastest, route from Wadi Halfa to Khartoum? I've heard that south to Dongola is now paved, then across east to Marawi and Atbara and down to Khartoum is also paved.

Many thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 28 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sydney, Aus.
Posts: 230
I think the quickest way from Wadi Halfa to Khartoum would avoid Atbara and go something like Wadi Halfa - Dongola - Marawi - Korti - Omdurman - Khartoum. It's also paved and might save a day or 2 over going via Atbara.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 239
Red Sea Route

Hi,

I cannot say for sure, as I've not done the Nile route all the way, but almost certainly the red sea route is faster.

While the Asyut desert road is now quite good dual carriageway, I think it will get messy after that. Anything along the nile involves a lot of traffic, towns donkeys etc.

From Alex to Cairo to Hurghada could be done in a day if you're lucky, then Hurghada to Aswan via Luxor.

Coming into Cairo from Alex you'd take the new elevated road towards Maadi and Moneib bridge, continue on the ring road anti clockwise to the new Ain Sukhna toll road, hit the sea 100 km later and turn South. Dual carriageway all the way from Alex to Hurghada.

Hope this helps and good luck.
__________________
JT http://leeandjames2013.blogspot.hk/
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Nov 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Geneva
Posts: 199
Red Sea Road to Marsa Alam then to Edfu

Fully agree with JT, but would also strongly recommend to keep driving South while reaching Hurgada to Marsa Alam, and then take the road West to Edfu and down to Aswan. I drove it a couple of weeks ago, very good road, few cars/trucks only. Careful of course in curves as rocks/sand usually falls on the road from overloaded trucks, it could potentially become problem, otherwise most of the ride is a straight line. There's a lot less traffic between Marsa Alam and Edfu than between Al Qusair and Luxor. In addition the road to Edfu brings you closer to your destination, half way between Luxor and Aswan, thus limiting exposure to checkpoints, road jams, microbuses, tractors and whatever else can be found. Safer, truly. Ride well, enjoy! /C
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Nov 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Salisbury
Posts: 20
Seriously useful comments, thanks guys. Its a shame not to be driving down the Nile, but we'll see it at Aswan and on the Ferry I guess (im sure we'll get more than our fill on the ferry in fact!) I'll put a post up on how it all goes. Salaams.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 239
Username Pronunciation

I have to say, I've a feeling that I'm not pronouncing your username quite right.

Let us know if you need anything on the way through Cairo.

Good luck.
__________________
JT http://leeandjames2013.blogspot.hk/
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Nov 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Salisbury
Posts: 20
Yeh, I get that a lot... I'm just such an innocent soul I didn't realise. honest guv.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
alexandria, aswan, khartoum, wadi halfa


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
Khartoum to Ethiopia Birdy Ride Tales 2 26 Oct 2011 22:32

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

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. 11-15
  • 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 19:26.