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 Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 110
Ferry Aswan/Wadi Halfa damaged and out of order?

Hi,

We just met two travellers who took the Wadi Halfa / Aswan ferry and got stuck with their ferry somewhere close to Aswan (the ferry crashed into a rock, we were told). All the passengers had to be rescued in 12 hours.

Does anyone has accurate information about this incident and does anyone know if this ferry is just being repaired and used again?

We intend to take the ferry from Aswan to Wadi Halfa in 2 weeks, but don't know if this would be possible now. We cannot reach Mr Salah on his mobile (maybe we have a wrong number?).

p.s. we also heard that people did use the road from Egypt to Sudan, although they had to pay USD 1000. Does anyone has more information about this alternative (just in case the ferries stopped their services now).
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 31 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sydney, Aus.
Posts: 230
There's more than one boat working the route so even if it takes time to repair the damaged one you'll probably still be able to take a ferry.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 31 Mar 2012
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
See the story here:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...n-way-58457-14

The road border is apparently due to open by May - "soon!". The road is apparently all finished, the immigration/customs buildings exist, but it is has not been opened yet.... It will apparently be a big ceremony when it does.

+Nobody has been able to provide any information as to the situation with foreigners crossing the road border, will we be allowed, how much?!?+

I'm guessing that the immigration/customs staff aren't permanently in place yet, hence those who apparently crossed had to pay.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 31 Mar 2012
BikingMarco's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Sydney
Posts: 287
Quote:
Originally Posted by misterpaul View Post
There's more than one boat working the route so even if it takes time to repair the damaged one you'll probably still be able to take a ferry.
There is only one passenger boat operating the route. Due to it's repair and investigation into the incident the service was cancelled a few weeks back. But everyone expected it to start again from 26th March. If it really happened - I don't know.
__________________
no risk - no fun
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Apr 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: South Africa
Posts: 138
We are in Khartoum and spoke to mazar yesterday, the ferry will only be operational on the 18th for bigger vehicles with the barge. However he told me there is still a ferry every Wednesday and we can take the bikes on that ferry with us.

Last edited by Chris Scott; 1 Apr 2012 at 10:07.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Apr 2012
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
Hi, you mean to say that the next time a 4x4 can be taken on the ferry/cargo barge to Aswan is April 18th?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Apr 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: South Africa
Posts: 138
yip, that is how we understand it. a Dutch husband and wife is today going around Khartoum arranging for a Saudi visa so that they can ship to Saudi and drive up to Jordan instead of sitting here till the 18th.

Mazar said our two bikes can go on the ferry next Wednesday. But the barge is not going. Also the river is too low for it to off load or load cars and trucks.

He also said due to Syria there's less travellers going North to South and the barge might even travel less due to that.
__________________
12 reasons to follow us www.pikipiki.co.za
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 Apr 2012
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
Mmmm.... or the road across the border is going to open as reported elsewhere :-)

Did he mention anything about that?
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 1 Apr 2012
m2m m2m is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 38
Oh no.

I'm in Ethiopia at the moment but hope to be in Sudan in less than a week.

My plan is to apply for a Saudi transit visa to drive to UAE but everyone tells me I probably will be refused. I will still apply though so we'll see.

Michnus...does the Dutch couple you mention know Saudi transit visas for transit to JORDAN (as far as I know) not granted because of the security situation at border with Jordan? I'd be very interested whether they receive the visa and what there experience is at the Saudi Embassy. Do they have a website or email address?

If I don't receive a Saudi visa it looks like I could be in trouble if I must travel via Egypt as my visa for Sudan is only for 2 weeks...if there's no barge for my car what am I going to do? Can a 2 week Sudan transit visa be extended? Any idea when the next barge will go and if it's likely to be fully booked?
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 1 Apr 2012
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by m2m View Post
If I don't receive a Saudi visa it looks like I could be in trouble if I must travel via Egypt as my visa for Sudan is only for 2 weeks...if there's no barge for my car what am I going to do? Can a 2 week Sudan transit visa be extended? Any idea when the next barge will go and if it's likely to be fully booked?
If there is no barge I'm sure your visa can be extended in Wadi Halfa but it would be better to give it a try in Khartoum. I guess it can be pretty boring to wait for a few weeks in Wadi Halfa

You might also find that two weeks might be a bit short to get the Saudi and UAE visa.
Basically it's people on motorbikes and unmarried couples that have problems getting the Saudi visa. You are alone in a car so it should be possible.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 1 Apr 2012
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
Last week there was back log of vehicles waiting at WH according to these guys ( KIWIS IN AFRICA | London to Cape Town 2012 ), and I know that at least one of these landies is still there now, with the owners in Aswan waiting for over a week... ;-(

Spanish friends last month had to wait 12 days.

It is hit and miss with extensions, a lot depends on your passport, Arabic, dress sense and who you see from what I can gather. Politely, and repeatedly, explain about the ferries and that you have a vehicle (repeat that often also) else they will assume you as a rich tourist can just take a flight out etc.

Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 1 Apr 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: South Africa
Posts: 138
m2m I am not sure how you manage to get a 2 week visa, they normally issue it for two months. That said the Sudanese are not evil people and Iam 99% they will extend it for you in Khartoum without any hassle if you explain to them the issue with the barge.
We were 5 days late with registering in Sudan after we entered which we had to do in 3 days. They had no issue with it.

You will first have to apply and get a Jordan visa in Khartoum, it will take around two days. Then apply for the Saudi visa in Khartoum and obtain a travel permit to Port Sudan. That one is for free and take a few hours.

roamingyak.org, we will speak to mazar tomorrow again, I will get more info then for us.
__________________
12 reasons to follow us www.pikipiki.co.za
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 1 Apr 2012
m2m m2m is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 38
Quote:
Originally Posted by michnus View Post
m2m I am not sure how you manage to get a 2 week visa, they normally issue it for two months.
The reason why my visa for Sudan is only 2 weeks not more is that I made the mistake of applying in Addis Ababa not in Nairobi or elsewhere. The Sudan Embassy in Addis Ababa will issue only transit visas for 2 weeks not tourist visas unless you have booked with a travel agency and have the papers to prove it.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 1 Apr 2012
m2m m2m is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 38
Quote:
Originally Posted by michnus View Post
You will first have to apply and get a Jordan visa in Khartoum, it will take around two days. Then apply for the Saudi visa in Khartoum and obtain a travel permit to Port Sudan. That one is for free and take a few hours.
Yes, I will have to visit the UAE embassy in Khartoum first (I'm heading to UAE then Iran, which I received a visa for in Nairobi) before going to the Saudi Embassy.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 1 Apr 2012
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
"roamingyak.org, we will speak to mazar tomorrow again, I will get more info then for us."

OK, but it seems he will lose a lot of money if and when the road opens for us, so it might be in his best interest to 'fudge' things a little.... ;-)
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


 
 

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

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. 11-15
  • 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 00:10.