Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
I hereby declare............. I hereby declare.............
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Oslo, Norway/ Provence, France
Posts: 99
I hereby declare.............
"Sahara Speedway" for opened.
Tarmac all the way from the NDB to NCHT.
It was even blacktop! Last section was finished yesterday. No more gravel or piste.
__________________
Dizzie
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Oct 2005
Sime66's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Wild West (of Crete)
Posts: 283
Fantastic!
Let's have a competition to see who was the last person to fall off and break something there before it opened.
I'll start the bidding with November 5th 2004 (1 collarbone, 2 ribs).

Simon
__________________
Simon

London-Cape Town 2004-06
Buenos Aires-Vancouver 2008-10:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/fitzpatrick
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Oct 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 293
Don't worry. You can still break something on the couple of kilometers piste between the Moroccan and Mauritanian borderposts. At high speed this piste is quite difficult. Somebody knows if they're gona tar this part as well?



[This message has been edited by gvdaa (edited 12 October 2005).]
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Oct 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: France
Posts: 353
Good news for those who love the P&Q of the Banc d'Arguin, now the trucks will be further away.
I'll be leaving the tar to those in a hurry.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 Oct 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: london
Posts: 9
They've obviously been busy down there over the last 3 months. Congrats Mauretania!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 48
Well I am glad I waited a year before taking my trip. I should hit that bit of road around about the 15th - 16th of January 2006. I will be travelling with four children.

How much quick does it make the trip between Nouadibhou and Nouachoutt ( I am not spelling them correctly)? It has to mean you can it at 60kmh all the way.

I have bought a good hi lift jack and some very expensive sand ladders - looks like I won't need them with my Defender.

It is amazing hwo much we are having to organise in these last 10 weeks before we go. One week to a test pack for the Land Rover.

I hope not to break anything on the way - especially bones.

Andy
__________________
I came, I saw. I ran for it.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 17 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Riga, Latvia
Posts: 53
Andy,

you will miss all the fun! Believe me - go old piste, its 2 days relaxed bit of desert, plus nice ride on beach. Or take rollerblades instead of def,

KAspars
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 17 Oct 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: France
Posts: 353
I agree with Kaspars, the road may be an essential part of Mauritania's infrastructure, but it goes through mostly very boring scenery.
Cape Tafarit is seriously worth the detour, the pistes are not difficult (renault 4 has no probs) and the coast along the park is just beautiful.

You're not obliged to do the mad dash against the tide, there are several places where you can turn inland and pick up the road.

The bits of road that we saw last year were good enough to do 120 km/h safely, but IMHO a trip to Africa isn't about hurrying.

Have fun
Luke
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 18 Oct 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Ireland
Posts: 1
Yep..don't stick to the new road..take the old route..it's a better experience

------------------
Pete.
PDC05 5107
__________________
Pete.
PDC05 5107
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 24 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Oslo, Norway/ Provence, France
Posts: 99
Well, since the stretch between NDB and NCT is not most of a scenery, and we were on our way further south and did'nt spend much time exploring the old piste or any thing else really. Did 120km/t between NDB and NCT. Didnt really like MAUI much. The people was the most unfriendly I have met on this trip so far. I bet the countryside is nice etc.... the Sahara Speedway, NCT and NDB is not. The distance between the Maroccan and Mauritanian bordepost is approx 700-900 meter with sand and. no problem for 4WD. Takes a little more concentration on MC and 2 WD. There is this guy who runs/drive around out there in no-mans land. My first instinct was to pay him no attention and tell him to fu#&= off when I got stuck and he wanted to help. Well.... he actually doesent charge you for it, what he wants is just to give you his salespitch on where to stay in NDB. And actually... he knows how to get around the soft sand and should be followed. No need to go in to any haggling on the price of accomodation, since he only takes people to the hotels or campsites and get a commission for it. In my case..... he took me to a combined campsite and brothel. Neither of wich looked particulary good.
__________________
Dizzie
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 27 Oct 2005
Ian Ian is offline
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 443
Anyone know if any fuel stations have sprung up on the new tar road?
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 27 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Oslo, Norway/ Provence, France
Posts: 99
There are no new fuelstations yet, but the there are a few settlements enroute that sell diesel and some also have regular fuel. The sign to look for is normally and old rusty oildrum outside there tent or hut. Tried once nearby Noakchott. No problem. Fair price.
__________________
Dizzie
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 27 Oct 2005
Wheelie's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 658
Sorry for being ignorant, but what is NDB and NCHT short for?
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 27 Oct 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 456
Quote:
Originally posted by Wheelie:
Sorry for being ignorant, but what is NDB and NCHT short for?
Nouadhibu & Nouakchott

It saves remembering how to spell them!
__________________
Pictures, Mauritania 2011
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 27 Oct 2005
Wheelie's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 658
Thanks, I google-earthed it but couldn't find Nouadhibu. Is the spelling correct? Where is it located? Again, sorry for being so ignorant, I'm only just getting into East Africa
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

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. 11-14
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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 05:07.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top