I have received information that the Egyptian Military have withdrawn all permissions (including those already issued) for the deep desert, in the fine traditions of the land without any explanation (and needless to say, without giving the money back...). The grapewine suggests that with the gold discoveries south of the border in Sudan, they do not want competition...

The good news is that for the present it is possible to visit Uweinat from the Sudanese side, we have recently returned from a remarkably hassle and problem free two week trip to the mountain with logistics arranged in Khartoum. I have started working on a trip account and will update it periodically as time permits.

The gold mining activities are located about 20-30 kilometres to the ESE of Uweinat, and for the time being it appears that the mountain itself is left in peace, we found it completely deserted both on the Northern and Southern sides. The (unverified) gossip picked up from Dongola truck drivers who still run the Kufra route is that there is no more Libyan presence at Ain Dua and Ain Ghazal, the border formalities are now completed at Kufra.

Like all other posters on the various threads, I have found Sudan to be incredibly refreshing and pleasant after the various North African experiences, returning for the first time since 1981. The Sudanese are extremely friendly and pleasant to work with. A remarkable aspect of the country is the almost total lack of hassles and harassment to which one had become accustomed and immune to in Egypt. One may walk about anywhere in peace, without being offered anything for sale, asked for any gift or baksheesh, or even being stared at.