thx chris. dont want to hijack this pertinent thread, but would you know where i can get info/confirmation on the Geerewol festival in Ingal late sept? we'd like to time our crossing to be there...
also, just wondering, what if, just what if you show up in Agadez without having taken the military escort from Arlit?

cheers
jerome

Hi Jerome, I wouldn't know about the Geerewol. Like someone suggested elsewhere here, it's not been much of a year for celebration down there so it may not happen. Track down Irma Turtle in Arizona - she used to take groups there and may have a contact.

...what if you show up in Agadez without having taken the military escort from Arlit?

I take you're planning to follow the old trans-Sahara piste from Assamaka down to In Gall (never done it but on bikes I suspect it will get tough) and then the road into Agadez.
If there is no convoy laid on then there is none to take, that would be my line at a bemused Agadez checkpoint. Anyway, if you've come from the Geerewol you'll have a good excuse.
But this region west of Agadez has long been rebel country AFAIK and I suspect, the first govt patrol you meet south of Assamaka may send you on to Arlit or Agadez.

Ch

Chris,

Thanks for that. That was pretty much my understanding but then a friend send me the link to the US website which muddied the water slightly. I have chatted to the tourist office in Agadez and I don't think there will be a problem although they suggested I discuss it with the embassy when I sort out the visas which sounds reasonable.

Tony