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 Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Jan 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
Posts: 48
Lake CHad

Hi!

I am still in the process of figuring out which is the best way to cross from Tunis to Khartoum according to the evolution of the situation.

I just came across the french foreing affairs website & they state that the Lake Chad region should be avoided. Besides, reading the accounts of the two belgian guys in their 2CV, I saw the went through Nigeria to avoid this area.

So what sohould I think of that? Is this region really a no-go place? Are there still people cossing the border there? Any chance to team up with someone (somewhere in march april)? I mean, I'm ready to accept a certain amount of risk, but don't want to head straight into a mouse trap!

What do you advise??

Thanks in advance Séb
__________________
Normal cars go to paradise, 2CV's go everywhere!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Jan 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
Lake Chad isn't that bad - its not that hard a drive although there are lots of wash outs. If one leaves suitable time then its fairly easy, its only harder if one tries to rush it as the tracks don't lend themselves to travelling fast. There didn't seem to be any significant bandit problems. Very few people with guns compared to parts of Niger / other parts of Chad. We did get robbed in Massakory, not a nice place and it has a reputation for it. We got stoned as well by about 100 people. Obviously didn't appreciate a pink landrover. If you do go there and find someone with a massive house then punch them as its probably where my £1000 ended up. Have said that its low level robbery - they grabbed stuff from the truck, we did meet other travellers who had been robbed, one Aussie backpacker was pinned down and robbed whilst he camped in central Chad. One of our team and a Danish traveller were pinned by about 11 guys in Charles De Gaulle Street and robbed but not hurt. Don't wander in Ndjamena where it is quiet. I would definitely drive round Lake Chad again, just allow enough time and try and keep enough supplies to keep out of villages.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 8 Jan 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: harelbeke, belgium
Posts: 97
Hello Seb,


we want to reach Sudan as well at the end of this year (and going on to South Africa).

Have you got any recent information on how to get a Libyan visa? : what about the need of 6 people to get visa? Is it possible to get a visa in Tunis for Libya?
How and where did you get your visa for Sudan and Tchad?

Greetz,

Karel
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 8 Jan 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
Posts: 48
Hi Karel,

I can't give you any info about Libya as this is not a path I have explored (we won't cross this country this time, alas...)

Niger visa vill be obtained in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as the Sudan visa (hopefully: we're only on the start with this administrative stuff, but they say it will be issued without problem) For Chad, we read here & had confirmation by the chadian embassy in Niamey that they would issue it on the spot. We keep our fingers crossed.

I dont' think this is very helpful to you if you travel through lybia, but that's it!

Cheers
Séb
__________________
Normal cars go to paradise, 2CV's go everywhere!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9 Jan 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Alton, Hants, UK
Posts: 2
Quote:
Originally posted by sebch:
Hi!

I am still in the process of figuring out which is the best way to cross from Tunis to Khartoum according to the evolution of the situation.

I just came across the french foreing affairs website & they state that the Lake Chad region should be avoided. Besides, reading the accounts of the two belgian guys in their 2CV, I saw the went through Nigeria to avoid this area.

So what sohould I think of that? Is this region really a no-go place? Are there still people cossing the border there? Any chance to team up with someone (somewhere in march april)? I mean, I'm ready to accept a certain amount of risk, but don't want to head straight into a mouse trap!

What do you advise??

Thanks in advance Séb

Hi Seb,

Travelling around Lake Chad is not too difficult - 2-3 days , although avoid Bol where possible, especially for an overnight stop. Bol is where you may have to complete entry customs and they will want to take advantage of you. We have just completed a similar journey (in reverse)and is documented on our website www.daphneoverland.co.uk. We are happy to answer questions, although we did not experience any hostilities as the previous travellers suggest - check the website.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Jan 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Nottingham, UK
Posts: 180
Hi Seb,

Sandy and I will be travelling down that way too in our Defender, and intend to go around Lake Chad. We are leaving in April, from the UK, probably in convoy with another Land-Rover. I expect we'll be in Chad in May.

This isn't meant to be reassurance - the fact that we are going that way doesn't make it safer! But it might be feasible to travel together?

Regards,

Michael...
__________________
Michael & Sandy
http://www.expeditionoverland.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9 Jan 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
Posts: 48
Michael,

Indeed, I doubt twe landies will ever make any area safer, but at least I would feel a lot more comfy knowing there are backup vehicles driving with me. I'd be very glad to spend some time with you on the way!!

I'm not sure what your plans are. We intend to go at a slower pace, leaving switzerland around mid february, aiming to to be in khartoum around end of may or very early june. We'll be travelling in my beloved Citroen 2CV and this is also a reason for me wanting to team up with people in 4x4, just in case. I'm not yet a hardcore 2WD raider as some guys are (e.g. alone in a 2cv off-piste in mauritania...)

Of course 2WD travel will be slower than yours, esp in this sandy area. We won't be able to do any "paris-dakaring", the car just won't bake it that way. I don't know if this is suitable to you, or nerve-consuming. Let me know and above all pleas keep in touch in case our ways join at some point!

Thanks and hope to hear from you soon, here or by e-mail!

Séb
__________________
Normal cars go to paradise, 2CV's go everywhere!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10 Jan 2003
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 284
Just out of interest, why are you taking the route via Chad to Sudan and not Libya-Egypt?
I am heading from to Tunisia to Khartoum in early March, but via Libya (if thevisa agency I will be using comes through on their promise)

Geoff
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11 Jan 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
Posts: 48
Hi Geoff,

Two reasons why we chose Algeria. Firstly, I don't think we can afford Lybia which seems to be a fairly expensive country. Visas could be OK, but this mandatory guide stopry scares me a bit dollarwise... And you can't bring a third folk in a 2CV. So we'd have to pay for his car or team up with people, which is not guaranteed or could take a while if few people get through the visa process at the moment.

Secondly, Algeria just appeals to us A LOT. It's been ten years since I first wanted to visit. I was always either too young or too broke or too busy, so I have the feeling my time has come. Besides, I'd love to be part of the big family of people who crossed the Sahara in a 2CV: there is always something special between you & your first car and it's precisely my first car I'm going to use. So maybe this second reason has more to do with my own mythology!!

Since you leave in march, you might be in Khartoum end of may, which give us good chances to meet there, probably stuck like many people get there... Let's keep in touch on the board or per e-mail

Have fun planning you rtrip!
Séb
__________________
Normal cars go to paradise, 2CV's go everywhere!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11 Jan 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 142
Having driven around Lake Tchad about 1 month ago on the way to Sudan (we are in Khartoum at the moment), I'd say the difficultys are very exaggerated. We drove with 2 other cars, but not because it was needed. I'd drive around it again alone without hesitation. But, as mentioned above, Bol is a BAD place. Unfortunatly, when coming east, this is where you have to do custums and do the police paperwork that you've already done in Badou, over again! This is a minor hassle, but the main problem is that all the village kids, and I'd say quite a few grown-ups are very agressive. We had rocks thrown at the car, and in the end my wife had to get out and walk behind to keep them from breaking a window. She herself then became the target... No real damage was done, but she got some bruises.
N'djamena is a very dangerous city and 2 couples we met got robbed in broad daylight on Charles De Gaulle avenue. People around just stood there watching.
When driving from Adre in Tchad to El Genina in Sudan, you will look back at the Lake Tchad tracks as an easy highway. The border track to Sudan is much worse. Not to mention that when we got to El Genina, the police told us that 3 cars had been held up that same day and they closed the border after we entered. Some tourists on the Tchad side had to sit and wait while the "goodguys" went "hunting"... Either we passed the bad guys when they were off the road or they passed us when we drove off the road for a break!
Generally speaking, people in Tchad were far more aggressive than any other country we've been through.
More info is being added to our website at the moment and maybe you might find it helpful. Good luck!!!

Erik D.

www.dunia.no


--------------------------------------------

------------------
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.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

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 09:15.