Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
Mali - Adrar des Iforhas Mali - Adrar des Iforhas
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
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Nov 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: England
Posts: 26
Mali - Adrar des Iforhas
I'm making a 3 week visit to Mali, during which I have a week or so for some desert walking. People have been recommending the Adrar area around Kidal, rather than around Timbuctou, for the best scenery.

Does anybody (Chris or any others) have a bit more detail on this area?

1. Can Kidal be reached by any reasonably regular bush taxi or lorry (Time is going to be the problem - with only a week, we can't hang around waiting a few days at each end for a bush taxi to and from Gao).

2. Is there good scenery actually near Kidal, or will we need to hire a vehicle to take us out to a start point way beyond Kidal? (Or do we not need to even go as far as Kidal - are there other towns from which we should be starting with good scenery nearer to Gao).

3. Does anybody have any contacts for organising camels and guide in this area?

I know a week (maybe we can push it to 8 or 9 days) is rushed for this sort of thing, but that's all we've got and we're just trying to make the most of it - it's just going to be 5 days walking plus a few days to get out from Gao and back.

Simon
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Nov 2003
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
I think you may run out of time in the Kidal region. It's a bit off the map compared to Tim and Tam and so on, but could be rewarding.
It's not Sahara, but there's always the Dogon Bandiagara treks - regularly done buy tourtists.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 18 Nov 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: England
Posts: 26
Chris - Unfortunately you've whetted my appetite. If Adrar is that good, it may be worth chopping something else out to make a bit more space.

Do you know where the good areas are - near to Kidal or far away? If I have the names of a couple of areas that would be good to walk in, preferably not too much further from Gao than Kidal, and a rough idea of where they are is in relation to Kidal, then I can go to the couple of outfits with whom I've been in contact in Mali to see what they can offer.

You are a double-edged sword, Chris - you've shown me the chance of some better walking, but in doing so made my Tim plans less satisfactory. However, I already felt Tim was not ideal - it was just where we were getting off the boat - so I'm glad of your advice on Adrar. - Simon
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 18 Nov 2003
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
Hi Simon, I've never been to Kidal - even 15 years ago it was off limits - all I know is it looks like a more interesting environment than around Tim, etc (albeit without the kudos).
A mate is there at the moment and there is a 'municiple' web site:
http://www.kidal.info/index.php
When he gets back in a week or so I' may know more. There are no particular beauty spots - it's just the Adrar - and you may not get what you asked for or were expecting, but it will be an adventure.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 18 Nov 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 11
Chirs, I'm also interested in hearing from your friend when he returns from Kidal. In particular would like a better sense of how easy it will be to get to Kidal and on to the festival at Essouk without making special arrangements.

Simon, when are you going? Do you know about the festival (Jan 1-3)?

Thanks.
~Gregg
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 19 Nov 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: England
Posts: 26
Thanks Chris - if you can put down a reply to this with any info from your mate along the lines of whether he saw any transport to Kidal and ideas for any decent areas for walking near there that would be great - or mail me direct simon.heginbotham@abbey.com

Greg - I'm up there around Christmas but fly home on 3rd Jan, so please don't go and tell me what an amazing festival I'm going to miss - but hope you enjoy it - Simon

[This message has been edited by SDHEG1 (edited 18 November 2003).]
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 29 Nov 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Holland
Posts: 11
Hi,

I have just been to Kidal. Here some answers:

1. Can Kidal be reached by any reasonably regular bush taxi or lorry (Time is going to be the problem - with only a week, we can't hang around waiting a few days at each end for a bush taxi to and from Gao).

A bus-lorry from Gao once a week. No fixed date. Trucks about every day. Should be about 10 hours driving.

2. Is there good scenery actually near Kidal, or will we need to hire a vehicle to take us out to a start point way beyond Kidal? (Or do we not need to even go as far as Kidal - are there other towns from which we should be starting with good scenery nearer to Gao).

Only near Kidal the landscape starts to get intersting, with big rocks. East of Kidal (Tin Essako) seems also to be interesting. Haven't been there.

3. Does anybody have any contacts for organising camels and guide in this area?
Contact Affala Voyages: 223-6729156. The owner is Cheick ag Baye.

Greetings,
Gerbert

Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 30 Nov 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: England
Posts: 26
Gerbert - This is really helpful - many thanks. Can I check where Affala Voyages are based - are they in Bamako or Gao (or Kidal)? Also, do they have an e-mail - I have found it almost impossible to phone Mali, and would like to make contact before we get there.

Chris - Has your mate returned from the area yet?

Simon

[This message has been edited by SDHEG1 (edited 30 November 2003).]
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 30 Nov 2003
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
Affala are in Kidal, you could contact them via www.kidal.info.

Gerbert is my Kidal connection.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 30 Nov 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Holland
Posts: 11
If you look for affala voyages in google you get their website, with all kinds of details about Kidal and surroundings.

Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 20 Jan 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Posts: 38
Quote:
Originally posted by SDHEG1:
People have been recommending the Adrar area around Kidal, rather than around Timbuctou, for the best scenery.

Does anybody (Chris or any others) have a bit more detail on this area?

2. Is there good scenery actually near Kidal, or will we need to hire a vehicle to take us out to a start point way beyond Kidal?
If you want to know more about Kidal, and the most interesting scenery in the region, try tracking down the book:
Herbert Kaufmann - Reiten durch Iforas
(Available in German and Swedish AFAIK)

Very worthwhile, this guy tracked down many rock drawings and charted the area up to Timmissao and Tessalit in the late 50's, much like Henri Lhote.

More info here:
http://home.t-online.de/home/Petra.Bode/inhalt8.htm

Jan
Reply With Quote
Reply

« 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 01:58.

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