Lybia-tour on motorbikes: Do your self or travelagency?
 

Hi There,

Just did a transafrica trip and now planning to go to Lybia on my motorbike early next year to do some real desertbiking.

It seems to be difficult (expensive) to organize it yourself, considering you need a guide and a car for the guide...

Does anyone know any alterniteves, or do I have to go with an organisation? If so, any suggestions for reliable travelorganisations?

Thanx,
Corné

Like you say, DIY for one bike will be expensive, but if you get a group of bikes it will be far less expensive and the guide's car could carry the gear.

Can't think of any orgs who do bike tours in Libya, but I'm sure there are some in Germany.

Ch

Met a group of about 15 bikers in Libya who were being supported by a German company. They had a truck carrying fuel, parts, camping gear kit and food.

From memory they charged about 3000 or 4000 EUR for a two week holiday all in (including ferries etc). It looked to be an excellent set-up. They were all enjoying themselves.

Re tracking them down try Klaus Daer in Munich some of the bikers used the shop.

[This message has been edited by ctc (edited 12 May 2004).]

Corne'

I'm just starting to consider/plan a 3 week trip for early next year. I'm keen to get to the Sebha oasis.
Not sure where you're living, I'm currently based in London, but would be happy to bounce some ideas off you for a joint effort.

Geoff

"...keen to get to the Sebha oasis."

Are you sure? It was no oasis last time I ws there ;-)

He there,

I found some organisations in germany (living in Holland myself), but they all charge about €2500,- for 3 weeks, which is a bit too steep for me. The advantage is that everything is taken care of...

I'd like to do some real dunes, so (parts) without luggage. What would a guide with a car cost? Entyfees for the bikes? Carnets?

Cheers,
Corné

This is true, I was referring to the nearby Lakes circuit featured in your book.
Thank you for the correction.

Corne' , when I went through Libya last year, it cost me 100EU/day for a guide with car/4x4.
POB (Lewis) was telling me that the Libya embassy was telling him that very shortly guides would no longer be needed for the full duration whilst in Libya, so perhaps a guide could be employed from one of the southern towns before heading off piste.
Chris can you comment?

I will dig out all my Libya costs from last year and email them to you over the weekend.

Geoff

If the regs revert to the old way (don't hold your breath) you would still want a guide in the dune lakes (and certainly no baggage on the bikes) + a compulsory [+ useful] guide through the Akakus nat park (fantastic ride).
And if there are a few of you I still think it may be a good idea to hire a baggage guide car and even a cook for the whole trip so you can enjoy the riding. It will be a lot cheaper than joining a European tour and you will have your own group.
A good local cook is a real treat and not expensive.

Chris

Hi Guys,

Just recieved an email from Arkno tours in Lybia. They indeed stated that a guide with car will cost about U$ 100,- a day, which is worth while considering the european prices...

Does any one of you have any experiences with Arkno? Any other guides, cooks and touroperators that can be recommened?

Cheers,
Corné

[QUOTE]...They indeed stated that a guide with car will cost about U$ 100,- a day, which is worth while considering the european prices...

It is a cheap price, of course if related to a good service.

Prices in Libya are uprating day by day , the average for a full services is 110/120 € by day .


Cheers,
]Budrinna

An agency can get a cook easily (they're paid peanuts) The tour agency 'guide' is more of an driver/escort.
When you all get to the lakes and Akakus they will pick up a real local guide.

its also worth asking exactly what vehicle they will use. You may not get a straight answer but there are some right old bangers out there (not just Libya) that can really slow a tour down.

Ch