Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
Beetle through Algeria - Niger Beetle through Algeria - Niger
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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 29 Oct 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: London
Posts: 6
Beetle through Algeria - Niger
Firstly, thanks for all the useful posts on the Artlit - Agadez Its been very useful.

So in the middle of December me and two friends are taking part in the "Rally Africa" and driving from London to Cameroon in an old beetle. Route is Algeria - Niger - Nigeria - Cameroon. All the visas are being done at the moment. We've got two problems that i would really appreciate some thoughts on.

1.) The safety of doing the Arlit - Agadez route without another group of cars (I think we're the only ones from the rally doing this route!!).

2.) We're very tight on space so was hoping to team up with some others cars towards Tam and share the cost of a guide. Is this common or do we have to have our own?

Ideally, there are some other people on here thinking of doing the same route that would like to join up.

Cheers guys,

Stephen
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 Oct 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 921
Arlit-Agadez is not really a problem. If considered dangerous they'll put you in a convoy - but most likely you'll just drive it in a few uneventful hours.

You need one guide per group, so getting several cars together will save money.

Have a good trip, we're doing the same at very, very end of December.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Nov 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: London
Posts: 6
Thanks,
Shame you're not going a week earlier. We expect to land in Tunisia around the 16/17th December.

What are the chances of finding people (with guides) that are travelling down towards Tam/Arlit etc from the Algerian border when we arrive?

Cheers

Stephen
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 921
If you're prepared to wait a couple of days at the border then very good.

But, you'll already need your visas, which means you'll already have had to pay for a guide - so I don't really see any advantage.

Best plan is to keep active on this forum, but also try to get on the French/Swiss/German and Italian equivalents to see if you can find others there.

Have a great trip.

Sam.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Nov 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: London
Posts: 6
Thanks Sam
I didn't realise having a guide was a prerequisite of getting our visas, as they are currently being processed in the London embassy at the moment.

Cheers

Stephen
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 2 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 921
Hi Stephen,

Sorry, you're right. It's just that normally people do all at the same time (invitiation and guide).

So, hang on in Tozeur and see what happens. Be advised that most people can be a little stressed before entering 'ALGERIA' - and so might be less open to your sharing plans than you might think. You'll also have to negotiate rates with their guide (who will have planned a rate without yourselves).

My advice, get it sorted in advance; or bite the bullet and give Yves a call!

Safe travels, Sam.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 3 Nov 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Spain
Posts: 13
22/10/09 A group try to cross Algeria to Niger. Not permited, returned to Tamamraset.

Border open, but only for locals.

May be Yves could inform you.

Luky,

George.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 3 Nov 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: uk
Posts: 20
Just spent the day in the Algerian embassy at el kef tunisia, trying to get overland to morocco, very friendly and accommodating but even though the guy tried head office veto`d my visa on safety grounds due to the unrest with morocco, the borders are closed they said on the western side of Algeria.I was hoping to take a very northerly route, and even take a ferry from Oran to Almeria Spain, but said they couldn't guarentee safety so NO.
got to get the ferry to Genoa and then from Genoa to tangier unless someone has a better idea ?

All the best with your trek, and i hope the beetle behaves itself.

stu
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 3 Nov 2009
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
due to the unrest with morocco...

I think what he meant was AQIM unrest within NE Alg - nothing much to do with Mk, but either way he was doing you a favour.

unless someone has a better idea..

not really. the only other option is to fly to Mk or go down through the desert via Mori, but if you can't get into Alg....

Just as long as the air filter does not fall off, an airhead Beetle makes a great desert car. In 88 or so we saw one on the south side of Gara Khanfoussa dunes (Tabelbalet well?) which we had struggled thru on a moto and a Troopie. He had some sort of Pinzgauer reduction box, Jaguar tyres and not much else.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 4 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 293
I suppose you maybe have more chance to get Algerian visa in El Kef if you have an invitation from an agency and take a more southern route (doing Taleb Larbi, El Oued, Timimoun, Bechar, Oran for example.) Did you try?
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 10 Nov 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: London
Posts: 6
Change of plan - Due to the lack of people wanting to go on this central route, combined with not having enough room in the beetle for our own guide we have decided to go around the outside...... so its Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Cameroon. I'm hoping to "cut in" as early as possible and find some interesting routes!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott View Post
due to the unrest with morocco...

Just as long as the air filter does not fall off, an airhead Beetle makes a great desert car. In 88 or so we saw one on the south side of Gara Khanfoussa dunes (Tabelbalet well?) which we had struggled thru on a moto and a Troopie. He had some sort of Pinzgauer reduction box, Jaguar tyres and not much else.

Ch
As for Lennon the beetle, he's lost his weedy 1200 engine which is being replaced with a meaty 2.0 litre type four engine, has been suitably lifted a few inches and now stands on some nice big tyres. I have no idea about where i could find a reduction box.... so we'll just have to rely on momentum!

Either way, I'm hoping he'll last a little longer than a Merc 190....

Many thanks,

Stephen
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 12 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
Quote:
Originally Posted by streherne View Post
Change of plan - Due to the lack of people wanting to go on this central route, combined with not having enough room in the beetle for our own guide we have decided to go around the outside...... so its Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Cameroon. I'm hoping to "cut in" as early as possible and find some interesting routes!

Stephen
There, now you made the right decision I think.

Niger border could be open or closed without notice.
If it is closed there are three options, none of them very good
1 - hang around in Tam waiting for border to open
2 - turn around and head back north
3 - go through northern Mali, exciting but not recommended for safety reasons

Now you can relax and have a good journey.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 13 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 332
Actually (mid November 09) the border to Niger at Assamaka is open.
Safety has improved in northern Niger but is not good, criminality is highy, car theft frequent. In Air risk of landmines remains, not all had been removed and worse the floods might have moved remaining ones.
Anyway, Point-Afrique is said to resume flights to Agades end of December with a reduced program.
__________________
Yves
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 13 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
Quote:
Originally Posted by Yves View Post
Actually (mid November 09) the border to Niger at Assamaka is open.
Safety has improved in northern Niger but is not good, criminality is highy, car theft frequent. In Air risk of landmines remains, not all had been removed and worse the floods might have moved remaining ones.
Anyway, Point-Afrique is said to resume flights to Agades end of December with a reduced program.
At least it is open. But with the situation in Niger still fragile, things could change rapidly and then Algeria yet again become a giant cul-de-sac, with only the three above options left.
Let's hope it continues to stabilize.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 18 Nov 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: san diego,ca usa
Posts: 18
hope to do something simular
do you have any pictures of you bug? i,m planning to do something simular in a 74 baja bug. built a 2.5ltr type 4 and built 091 bus tranny. i plan on going from amsterdam to cape town.unfortinetly this year has been hard due to economy, like most. but would like to know more about your trip and car. marko whereismarkonow@hotmail.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
Niger-Algeria-Tunisia gert&veerle Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 0 9 Apr 2009 21:21
Algeria-Niger GD_SPb North Africa 8 14 Jun 2007 21:30
algeria-niger immanuel North Africa 1 15 Oct 2005 19:46
Niger to Algeria mjjking North Africa 1 8 Nov 2003 05:35
From Algeria to Niger RichLees North Africa 4 8 Nov 2002 17:01

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 02:39.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top