Rafke,

In the mean time I saw your website, seen you've done quite some trips. Hope no offence taken

Generally the western desert is much sandier than what you have encountered before. I can only relate to 4wd, never done any cycling myself. Most people who have a go at the wd with their own known and tested cars find fuel consumption up by 20-40% compared to central saharan pistes - that means soft ground everywhere.

The first route you mention, Baharya - Farafra sounds the most manageable. Between the two depressions the ground is generally chalky rock outcrops, you'd find that manageable. If not, you are always reasonably close to the road to opt out if necessary.

The Farafra - Dakhla bit is not possible without support. With 20l of water you might barely make it in cold weather, but the issue is you HAVE TO make it - no wells or anything else along the route (and lots of sand), and the road makes a big loop away from the direct route.

I'm not familiar with the Ain Amur route, it might be doable, but even the Dakhla - Ain Amur route is long and far from any help if needed. I'm not sure if Ain Amur actually has a well or not these days, most of the old caravan route wells are disused and have been grown over or sanded up - you may have to do a lot of digging.

Regarding permits, in principle you need none as long as you stay to the inner (eastern) side of the oasis road loop.

Email me for more details if needed.



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Happy Travels,
Andras

FJ Expeditions