I would be surprised if Arak was done by the same mob - tho they may have been sympathisers. What would they gain except bringing the heat down on themselves halfway through a long-planned operation.

Have to say tho, I agree with Roman's observations. The indi 'pioneers' have done their work in south Algeria and many comm operators - including Brits even - are now in place.

They may miss a season but if it ends well (I read German navy jets are in on the search now - have they lost track of them, then?) things may even recover for them, if not for unguided independents.

It must be remembered tho, this is Africa and rules are not rules like they are here. They may not be implemented and anyway, committed indi Saharans will always find a way to do their own thing - and be well equipped for it. And, as we heard from the Krone diaries - this includes an awareness of the likelihood of robberies (of not abductions).

It is well to recall in the mid 80s one was supposed to check out from Izi to Djanet, Djanet to Tam and Tam to IGZ - 'pour votre securité'. It was avoidable - they insisted on giving you too few days - and there was no rigorous check-in at the other end. With the return of tourism they seem not to have bothered with this.

Maybe I said it already but an Italian guy did the standard loop in May - they did not bat an eyelid at Taleb Larbi and no patrols or anything special down the TSH or back up from Djanet.

Until now we've had a good few years of unfettered freedom in Alg while Libya clamped down and the good bits of Niger and Egypt always remained controlled. Amazing really when you think what little they gain from us. I see it more as a privilege than a right and am prepared to change the way I travel in the Sahara to get round it.

Ch


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Author of Sahara Overland and the Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, among other things

http://www.sahara-overland.com

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