 |
9 Dec 2009
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 5
|
|
|
Info on tracks Western Desert of Egypt
Dear All,
I am planning a trip to the Western Desert of Egypt between 18th January – 1st February 2009. I will be travelling in a Toyota Hilux 2.5 Turbodiesel with Egyptian plate.
I am looking for any information regarding the four following tracks:
1) Siwa - Qara Oasis (Qattara Depression)- Areg Oasis;
2) Bahareya – Gara Cave – Farafra;
3) Darb al-Farafra (the old caravan route east of the asphalt road, between Farafra and Dakhla);
4) Darb al-Tawil/Darb al-Khashabi (the old caravan routes between Dakhla and Manfalut/Asyut).
Any information regarding possible required permits, tracks condition, difficult tracts, GPS points etc. would be much appreciated.
Best Regards,
Francesco Germi
Last edited by Francesco; 9 Dec 2009 at 18:21.
Reason: missing bold title
|
9 Dec 2009
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: East Sussex UK
Posts: 119
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Francesco
Dear All,
I am planning a trip to the Western Desert of Egypt between 18th January – 1st February 2009. I will be travelling in a Toyota Hilux 2.5 Turbodiesel with Egyptian plate.
I am looking for any information regarding the four following tracks:
1) Siwa - Qara Oasis (Qattara Depression)- Areg Oasis;
2) Bahareya – Gara Cave – Farafra;
3) Darb al-Farafra (the old caravan route east of the asphalt road, between Farafra and Dakhla);
4) Darb al-Tawil/Darb al-Khashabi (the old caravan routes between Dakhla and Manfalut/Asyut).
Any information regarding possible required permits, tracks condition, difficult tracts, GPS points etc. would be much appreciated.
Best Regards,
Francesco Germi
|
Hi,
Have done a couple of recent trips through Egypt, Gilf, western desert, Karkur tahl, sand sea etc etc and as far as I am aware:
1: Permissions req for Siwa - Bahariya on the road, so assume more permits required if venturing off road
2: ive only done this on the ashpalt road so not sure about permits but we had to have permissions to travel from Cairo - Dakhla on tarmac
3: Again unsure, but fairly confident that the Egyptian authorities will insist on some sort of permit (more revenue for them) if off road
4: Anywhere south of Dakhla, permit basically required & Army officer escort also.
Be warned that the Egyptian authorities are a bit of a nightmare when it comes to desert travel & permits etc, your best bet is to contact a local agency to help you through the minefield of beauracracy
Having said that I dont know if its any easier in a 'local' car ( i assume thats what you mean when you say 'Egyptian plate'), we've allways been in our own (UK registered) cars, but with Egyptian registrations, and very obviously foriegners!
Andy
|
9 Dec 2009
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 5
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Trumpton
Hi,
Have done a couple of recent trips through Egypt, Gilf, western desert, Karkur tahl, sand sea etc etc and as far as I am aware:
1: Permissions req for Siwa - Bahariya on the road, so assume more permits required if venturing off road
2: ive only done this on the ashpalt road so not sure about permits but we had to have permissions to travel from Cairo - Dakhla on tarmac
3: Again unsure, but fairly confident that the Egyptian authorities will insist on some sort of permit (more revenue for them) if off road
4: Anywhere south of Dakhla, permit basically required & Army officer escort also.
Be warned that the Egyptian authorities are a bit of a nightmare when it comes to desert travel & permits etc, your best bet is to contact a local agency to help you through the minefield of beauracracy
Having said that I dont know if its any easier in a 'local' car ( i assume thats what you mean when you say 'Egyptian plate'), we've allways been in our own (UK registered) cars, but with Egyptian registrations, and very obviously foriegners!
Andy
|
Hi Andy,
As far as I know, no permits are required for any track EAST of the asphalt road.
Yes the car is registered in Egypt, is my car as I live here.
Francesco
|
9 Dec 2009
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Alexandria - Egypt
Posts: 37
|
|
|
hope this will help
HI Francesco,
For information its better to get: western desert of Egypt by Cassandra Vivian, you can find in Cairo or from AUC press through internet, you will find valuable info in this book if you already don’t have it.
Permits: for Egyptian operators we get a quick permit from police to leave bahrya to white desert, and from there, there is no permits needed to do darb fafra or gara cave.
Siwa – arag: permits are a must for this one.
I’m not sure exactly what the situation in your case is, you better double check.
It also depends on check points when asked where are you going? You say going dakhla, and not off road to dakhla!
I have done gara which is a unique cave and a must see, also darb fafra is a pleasant off road drive and special landscape with a fantastic yet steep decent into dakhla depression.
I use hilux too, its super!
Best regards
Mahmoud Mohareb
|
10 Dec 2009
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 5
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by 3M
HI Francesco,
For information its better to get: western desert of Egypt by Cassandra Vivian, you can find in Cairo or from AUC press through internet, you will find valuable info in this book if you already don’t have it.
Permits: for Egyptian operators we get a quick permit from police to leave bahrya to white desert, and from there, there is no permits needed to do darb fafra or gara cave.
Siwa – arag: permits are a must for this one.
I’m not sure exactly what the situation in your case is, you better double check.
It also depends on check points when asked where are you going? You say going dakhla, and not off road to dakhla!
I have done gara which is a unique cave and a must see, also darb fafra is a pleasant off road drive and special landscape with a fantastic yet steep decent into dakhla depression.
I use hilux too, its super!
Best regards
Mahmoud Mohareb
|
Thanks Mahmoud for the useful tips!
Francesco
|
13 Dec 2009
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 5
|
|
|
Hi to All,
If you know anything on the tracks referred to as No. 3) and 4) on my first posting Darb al-Farafra (Farafra to Dakhla) and Darb al-Tawil (Dakhla to Monfalut/Asyut), any information would be extremely helpful.
Many thanks
Francesco
Last edited by Francesco; 13 Dec 2009 at 07:09.
Reason: typing error
|
3 Jan 2010
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: GENT Belgium
Posts: 503
|
|
Just back from a week in the Western Desert, had a great time...
We where recommended the following guide / company, I'm very sure he will help with advice etc... we needed to registar with the police in Bahariya.
Ahmed Abed www.rahala-safari.com
|
4 Jan 2010
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: F
Posts: 856
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by goodwoodweirdo
Just back from a week in the Western Desert, had a great time...
We where recommended the following guide / company, I'm very sure he will help with advice etc... we needed to registar with the police in Bahariya.
Ahmed Abed www.rahala-safari.com |
Hi, I've tried this site: no possible.
Can you tell me if they manage the boring border's crossing from Lybia?
And about their fares ?
RR.
|
20 Mar 2010
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: on the road
Posts: 174
|
|
|
whats the petrol / water situation like? are petrol stations (if any) reliable? what range is required?
travelling on f650 twin but not having abundant sand riding experience i will assume the fuel consumption is higher than asphalt.
thanks in advance
dave
|
20 Mar 2010
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 221
|
|
|
I'll be heading through Egypt towards Sudan mid May and would love to get off the main roads and do a few days off roading in the area (we'll be in a old skool range rover) - if anyone's going to be doing the same and wants to buddy up then do let me know : )
|
25 Mar 2010
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Putney, UK
Posts: 161
|
|
Hi folks
Sorry to hijack the thread, but I have a similar question.
We're in Aswan now and want to come up through the Western Desert to Cairo (on the tar - Luxor, Al Kharga, Bwiti, Cairo, with perhaps a few detours into the desert)
Do we need permits to take this road?
Is it possible to head off the road into the desert without needing permits, if so, where?
What are road blocks like on these routes?
Would anyone suggest taking this road, or is the Red Sea road from Luxor to Cairo better?
We unfortunately have very limited time as we got stuck in Aswan for 2 weeks waiting for our truck to come over on the barge from Sudan. We only have 2 weeks left to get to Jordan, and want to spend at least a few days in Dahab doing some diving, plus a day in Luxor and a day in Cairo seeing the sights (we are in Aswan now, hoping to leave for Luxor this morning)
Can anyone suggest some routes for the Western Desert road? (ie: where to leave the road, where to stay)? We're in a 4x4 overland truck with 1200km range on tar roads and 220l of water, so most things should be possible.
Thanks in advance
Steve
OverAfrica - overland, over Africa
www.overlandcamperforsale.com
Last edited by steve.lorimer; 25 Mar 2010 at 09:09.
Reason: Change a lot!
|
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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)
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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
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!
Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
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.
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.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
