Thanks Chris! I will update everyone as I get there and relay any new info as I travel down!
cheers!
dags

Would anyone like to speculate as to when the Egyptian authorities would allow access (with an escort) to the Gilf Kebir area.

I have been wanting to go on a tour for the past three years, but haven't been in luck.

Do you think a lack of a stable Libyan government who can control the borders is the main reason for the current restrictions or is it a more complicated domestic Egyptian bureaucratic issue?

I've just been going to the Sinai desert in the meantime for some trekking and scrambles but long for some proper remote desert..