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 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 9 Feb 2008
PJ PJ is offline
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Dublin Ireland
Posts: 42
Can I cross the Sahara with a rented bike?

Hello there all, just wondering if any of you have any idea if it is possible to rent a bike and cross the Sahara? I tour on a Fireblade normally and I'm absolutely certain I'd never make it on that. I'll be riding into Morocco in the early summer and I would love to continue over the Sahara from there.

I have no off road experience either so would that make it totally impossible also?

Any advice any of you have on this would be really appreciated.

PJ.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 9 Feb 2008
Guest2
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
PJ
You can ride the dunes on a hire bike in Morocco; if you are a beginner on the sand go for a light weight bike to start with. A couple of companies in morocco are Wonder wheels and Biker home, there are some others if you do a google I am sure you will find them. These guys also do tours, and they maybe an option for you.

Check out your insurance status when you go off road, you may not have cover.

Steve
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Feb 2008
PJ PJ is offline
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Dublin Ireland
Posts: 42
Thanks a million Steve, I'll look into it.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Feb 2008
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
and I'm absolutely certain I'd never make it on that.

Sure you will. If you want to just say you've 'crossed the Sahara' ride it down the Atlantic Route to Nouakchott in Mori. Every year hoards of bangers do it and more on Plymouth-Banjul Rally. There are only a couple of kms of easy sand and rock track on the Mk-Mori border - all the rest is pretty good tarmac. AFAIK no chance of doing this on a rented bike even if it was available - you need to show the logbook at the border and no rental gives you that.

Otherwise, like Steve says, have a blast around Mk.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 Feb 2008
PJ PJ is offline
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Dublin Ireland
Posts: 42
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott View Post
and I'm absolutely certain I'd never make it on that.

Sure you will. If you want to just say you've 'crossed the Sahara' ride it down the Atlantic Route to Nouakchott in Mori. Every year hoards of bangers do it and more on Plymouth-Banjul Rally. There are only a couple of kms of easy sand and rock track on the Mk-Mori border - all the rest is pretty good tarmac. AFAIK no chance of doing this on a rented bike even if it was available - you need to show the logbook at the border and no rental gives you that.

Otherwise, like Steve says, have a blast around Mk.

Ch
Are you serious? If it's possible I would definately go for it. I really didn't know it was all paved road. Do you have any idea how long that route would take? Is that route also currently safe to travel on? If it is I'm going for it.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 14 Feb 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 184
PJ,

Being that Chris is too modest, I'll plug his book..... Click on the add at the top of this thread.... I've not read his Sahara book but if it's anything like, his other.. "Adventure Motorcycling Handbook" is an absolute must have full of invaluable information, and a great read to boot.

Adventure Motorcycling ~ the website of the Adventure Motorcycling Handbook

Ride safe and long....
__________________
'99 R1100GS - In a suitable shade of black

It's not that life is so short, It's just that we're dead for so long....
"The world is a book, those who do not travel read only one page." ~ Saint Augustin
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 14 Feb 2008
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
Are you serious? If it's possible I would definately go for it.

I'm surprised no one else mentioned it. It will be a laugh; I always fancied it on a 1200 Bandit or smth like, but Fireblade, why not! Only problem might be lowish octane (and no unleaded) fuel at times. Speaking French helps greatly.

I really didn't know it was all paved road.

They only finished the Mori part in 2005 or something - now you can do it on a metalflake skateboard. There may be dirt track diversions if they are repairing the road.

Do you have any idea how long that route would take? Is that route also currently safe to travel on? If it is I'm going for it.

Give it a few minutes and you will be inundated with answers offering suggested durations, waypoints for fuel stations, nice camping spots, where to get your hair done, etc, etc.

Ch

(Thanks Steve)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 14 Feb 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, US
Posts: 646
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott View Post

Do you have any idea how long that route would take? Is that route also currently safe to travel on? If it is I'm going for it.

Give it a few minutes and you will be inundated with answers offering suggested durations, waypoints for fuel stations, nice camping spots, where to get your hair done, etc, etc.

Ch

Ditto...its a breeze...just be a bit careful of crossing the border between Morocco and Mauri...land mines in "no man's land"...

CS's advice is 24carat...

edde
__________________
edde
93 BMW K75s
www.motoedde.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 19 Feb 2008
PJ PJ is offline
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Dublin Ireland
Posts: 42
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott View Post
Are you serious? If it's possible I would definately go for it.

I'm surprised no one else mentioned it. It will be a laugh; I always fancied it on a 1200 Bandit or smth like, but Fireblade, why not! Only problem might be lowish octane (and no unleaded) fuel at times. Speaking French helps greatly.

I really didn't know it was all paved road.

They only finished the Mori part in 2005 or something - now you can do it on a metalflake skateboard. There may be dirt track diversions if they are repairing the road.

Do you have any idea how long that route would take? Is that route also currently safe to travel on? If it is I'm going for it.

Give it a few minutes and you will be inundated with answers offering suggested durations, waypoints for fuel stations, nice camping spots, where to get your hair done, etc, etc.

Ch

(Thanks Steve)
Thanks a million again, gonna take the other advice and check out your book too. Getting quite excited about it all now.
Reply With Quote
Reply


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
What do i need todo to my 1200gsa for a rtw trip Sheikyabooty BMW Tech 34 17 Feb 2009 01:19
Old/New? 1/2 cyls? Which runs hot - What Bike? photographicsafaris Which Bike? 14 5 Mar 2008 20:19
Insuring bike (theft or fire)? pecha72 Trip Paperwork 4 27 Jul 2007 17:35
Bike to bike comms - AR verus FRS pgray007 Communications 2 1 Nov 2006 21:20
UK citizen on Australian bike to NZ & S America ribspare Trip Paperwork 7 11 Mar 2005 15:27

 
 

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!

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 03:16.