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North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Trans Sahara Routes.

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  #1  
Old 27 Sep 2007
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Almeria to Melilla/Nador
Hi there.

Does anyone happen to know whether you can ship a truck-sized vehicle on these routes? The ferry company's web site only allows for vehicles up to 2.8 metres high and my truck is 3.5 high. Sadly my Spanish isn't up to phoning them.
Any help/info gratefully received.

Thanks Q
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  #2  
Old 27 Sep 2007
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did the ferry a couple of days ago. standard size boat so should be ok.

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  #3  
Old 27 Sep 2007
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Cheers Tim. Since found out that there are 3 operators on the route and the one I'd been looking at operates a sea-cat hence the low height.


Q
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Old 1 Oct 2007
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Mellila
Hi Tim, I know this is off topic abit but I'd like to know what the political/ safety aspect of Melilla is, my reason for asking is that my oldest son has just gone out there to work with his gf, i've tryed to contact him via mobile, email but tipical youngsters forgetfull etc(22yr) I've not heard a thing he has a full uk bike licence but was'nt going to get a bike out there, now just a bit concerned...cheers
TDMalcolm
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  #5  
Old 1 Oct 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TDMalcolm View Post
Hi Tim, I know this is off topic abit but I'd like to know what the political/ safety aspect of Melilla is, my reason for asking is that my oldest son has just gone out there to work with his gf, i've tryed to contact him via mobile, email but tipical youngsters forgetfull etc(22yr) I've not heard a thing he has a full uk bike licence but was'nt going to get a bike out there, now just a bit concerned...cheers
TDMalcolm
Melilla is a Spanish enclave and is separated from Morocco by a border fence - three 10ft high fences running parallel to each other. It was put there to keep the subsaharan people from entering the enclave. I've never visited, but there is nothing on the Spanish news about any current or recent unrest in that area that I'm aware of. He's probably just having a good time.

If you have any contact info for him, I can try his number from here in Spain.
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Old 2 Oct 2007
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Originally Posted by Dakota View Post
Melilla is a Spanish enclave and is separated from Morocco by a border fence - three 10ft high fences running parallel to each other. It was put there to keep the subsaharan people from entering the enclave. I've never visited, but there is nothing on the Spanish news about any current or recent unrest in that area that I'm aware of. He's probably just having a good time.

If you have any contact info for him, I can try his number from here in Spain.
Hi Dakota, Many thanks for that info, he has a "seive like a memory" so everything is probably ok...dosn't stop you worrying, "once a parent, allways a parent" if i cant raise him on the number i have i'll let you know, i know he is living some were hear the colasium in the centre of the city / town, cheers for now...TDMalcolm
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Old 3 Oct 2007
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Your truck will be o.k.
Hi Quintin,
you will have no problems of taking your truck. I participate once per year in one of the Africa Motorbike Rallyes, they start in Almeria and end there and we have tons of big Race trucks and support vehicles... You should however book your ticket well in advance as space is limited and sometimes the boats are delayed due to technical problems (to Nador, Marocco). To Mellila everthing is cool and there its totally safe. Be aware that all your stuff will be searched heavily for the drug traffic that exists on this route to Europe as well as the illegal immigrants try to jump on your vehicles...
Have fun
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Old 4 Oct 2007
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Thanks Rasmus that's really useful. Trouble is that as far as I can see boats to Melilla are all fast boats with a height limit so I guess I'm going to have to 'chance it' to Nador. We reckon to be crossing on October 27th so I'll try to book it through chums in Spain tomorrow.

Much appreciated

Q
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Old 13 Oct 2007
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Smile Almeria to Nador
Hi,

We were on the ferry to Nador on September 21st, we bought our tickets at the port, the evening before, cheap Ramadan specials! The ferry was pretty empty, apart from a few Moroccans and a bunch of Red Bull Volkswagen overland trucks heading to the Maroc Rally. You'll have no worries getting any vehicle on the ferry to Nador.

The ferry was delayed about an hour on departure. The crossing took around 6 hours, although the restaurant was closed, perhaps because of Ramadan and the lack of people, there was a cafe open. We only paid for a seat but were given a free cabin, again maybe because it was so quiet.

Immigration was handled on the boat, there was a stack of the white forms and a bloke stamping passports.

On arrival at Nador, the port was hassle free, we just headed to the terminal building on the right of the lanes. If you need insurance you can buy it at the port, or in town (we have the address for this place if you need it). There's an ATM about 250m from the port if you need cash.

Enjoy
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  #10  
Old 13 Oct 2007
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the ferry ships buses and 18 wheeler trucks so there will be no problem.
Mellila is a nice and civilized place. Remember, you're still in Spain.

The border formalities however is a different story. Be prepared to wait. Service can get very slow. I waited once from midnight till 3AM.
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  #11  
Old 13 Oct 2007
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Thanks
Thank you for the info people.

Levitan having just read your latest entry on your web site (will explore the rest later) I'd appreciate the address as I don't particularly want to spend a day hanging around Nador port visiting endless insurance offices.
What was the problem with getting insurance by the way?

Q
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