I am looking into the possibility of cycling to Niger via Tam. I know that I will need one of these bloody guides for the Algeria section, and that it could cost a bit. I am looking at all sorts of options, including entering from Tunisia or Libya, and travelling with a group of 3 or 4 together to share costs. Can anyone help me me with any of these questions:

1. Are guides required in southern Tunisia or Libya too?
2. Approximately how far is it, and in what conditions are the roads, between the most southerly Tunisian crossing and Tam via a) Bj.-in-Eker, and b) Djanet.
3. Are there any guide companies that offer a guide on a motor-bike, rather than a car?
4. Have you heard of guide companies agreeing to a fixed price, rather than charging per/day?

That's all for now. Hope there's some positive advice out there...

Hi,

>1. Are guides required in southern Tunisia or Libya too?
Tunisia: no, except in the southern military zone south of Remada - Kamour.
Libya: yes

>2. Approximately how far is it, and in what conditions are the roads, between >the most southerly Tunisian crossing and Tam via a) Bj.-in-Eker, and b) >Djanet.
take the distances from a map, ggogle earth etc.
There are seals roads to Djanet and to Tam, even about 100km south of Tam (I don't know the exact end of the sealed road).
From Bordj El Haoues to Tam: piste, you will have to push your bike over long sections of sandy piste (I estimate about 150km of soft piste).

From Tam to Ain Guezzam: over 250km of relatively soft piste, some very sandy sections - lot of pushing.

>3. Are there any guide companies that offer a guide on a motor-bike, rather >than a car?
No, who would carry the supplies, water?

>4. Have you heard of guide companies agreeing to a fixed price, rather than >charging per/day?
That happens, but a fixed price will not make it cheaper because it has to be rather high to take account of very likely delays.

Finally I don't think that the Algerian Authorities will let you travel by bicycle, at least in the south and unless assisted by a 4x4 may be.

Yves

P.S: in some years the sealed road from Tam to Ain Guezzam and further south should be established finally.

__________________
Yves