Sorry to start a new thread - could have joined a few others but thought might get more notice seperately and answer the questions that I need/may need answering. Apologies and thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

I am planning a trip down to South Africa by small motorcycle (Honda XR125L - bought today)- leaving a.s.a.p. - had to give up a cycle ride down, as my knee gave up 2000km into it. (Should mention that have been riding motorcycles for 32 years incuding a spell as a courier back in the early 80's when you could make money at it.)

Trying to plan a route through Africa. Ideally would like to travel across from Morocco to Eygpt then down the well worn Eastern route.

Anyone know about Algeria? - is it still possible to cross from Spain? and get a visa? to journey into Tunisia - this would involve some backtacking from Morroco - as I understand this was the only route in previously - still the case?
I also thought it was possible to get a 7 day 'transit' visa across Libya - is this still possible? especially from Tunisia?
Also heard that the Ethiopians are getting a bit stropy over issuing visa's in Cario - true or false?
Just saw a piece on BBC news about Somalia settling down - investors moving back in setting up tourist infrastructure- is this the case? Any possibility of travelling that way or still too risky?
Suppose I will need to contact the Embassies in London rather than getting visa's on the way - which means less flexibilty.
Do you think letters of support from the FAI - international airsports organisation- and UK airsports orginasiations which have the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as patrons will help or hinder in gaining visas/passage?

Thanks again for any help you can give.