Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
New trans-Sahara route: Tindouf (DZ) <–> Zouerate (RIM) New trans-Sahara route: Tindouf (DZ) <–> Zouerate (RIM)
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.

Like Tree132Likes

Reply
Page 5 of 11 1234 5 67891011
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #61  
Old 22 Jan 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
Yeh that would be a challenge for sure

I have only ever seen a few trailers in WA, for good reason.
Like this outfit, in Western Sahara, and then again in Bamako
Reply With Quote
  #62  
Old 26 Jan 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 332
Algeria - Mauritania via Tindouf
I just stumbled over this trip report, in German, from December 2019
Afrika2019-20

Summary (translation):
1. part: Algerien, West coast, Alger - Oran, Region Taghit and Timimoune, Tindouf, border PK 75
04.12. - 27.12.2019
2. part: Mauretanien, from Mauritanian boarder PK 75 (south Tidouf) nach Atar, to army post Ain Ben Tili, Bir Mogrein, Zouérat, Ben Amira (Choum) and Atar
27.12. to 31.12.2019

Yves
__________________
Yves
Reply With Quote
  #63  
Old 26 Jan 2020
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
And all without an agency escort in DZ, plus they even dodged the army escort to Tindouf.
Just like it was for all in the 1980s...

Their Acacia Adventure may be a good contact, as nothing much has come of the agencies I've contacted.

They met the Norwegians who got lost and ended up taken to Ain Ben Tili.
Reply With Quote
  #64  
Old 26 Jan 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,484
great to read another report on the route.

Getting very tempting for me now, maybe 2021
Reply With Quote
  #65  
Old 26 Jan 2020
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Porto, Portugal
Posts: 61
Tindouf Border
Recent Tindouf border passage documented via blog...

Afrika2019-20-2Partie
__________________
Happy Travels,
ww.thegippo.wordpress.com
Reply With Quote
  #66  
Old 30 Jan 2020
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
Gerbert's article
https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2020/01/30...corte-a3988613
Reply With Quote
  #67  
Old 1 Feb 2020
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
Land yachts followed this route, more or less, in 1967.
More here:
https://sahara-overland.com/2020/02/...g-sahara-1967/
Attached Thumbnails
New trans-Sahara route: Tindouf (DZ) <–> Zouerate (RIM)-epucmhkx4amdycq.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #68  
Old 10 May 2020
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 25
Hello, everyone. I am relatively new to trans-African travel, and I am interested in traveling from Spain to West Africa via Algeria next year. All of you who have crossed the Algeria-Mauritania border have apparently done so with your own vehicle. As I do not own a vehicle and plan to travel mostly with public transport and hitchhiking, will this be possible for me? Lots of people hitchhike from Morocco to Mauritania, so I would think it would be possible to hitchhike from Algeria to Mauritania. What do you guys think?
Reply With Quote
  #69  
Old 10 May 2020
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
The problem is to travel in desert Algeria without an escort.
This is usually needed to get your visa, but some get round it.
Then you need to get on a bus to Tindouf without raising alarm.
Then in Tindouf the police normally put foreigners in a hotel for safe keeping.
Foreigners can't just wander around Tindouf, afaik.
It has been a restricted province since the Polisario war, certainly for tourists.

The border crossing itself is 70km away in the desert.
Anything is possible but I can't see hitching being made easy in Alg.
And even less likely a bus service from Tindouf to Zouerate starting up.
So have your ride out of Algeria in to RIM organised in advance.
Or stick to the much easier Atlantic route.

This all assumes borders reopen.
According to published stats, Covid appears to have had a tiny effect in Africa compared to Europe.
In Morocco < 200 dead they say. Similar in Alg.
But we are told this could be the calm before the storm, especially in sub-Sahara.
Last edited by Chris Scott; 10 May 2020 at 14:14.
Reply With Quote
  #70  
Old 10 May 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
Algerian gendarmes wouldn't know what to do with a european hitchhiker for sure
but they would probably find a way

SARS2 does not spread locally in Africa, at least not in warm and certainly not in dry areas
For some reason this is not reported, 'they' like to spread fear in Africa
Nouakchott 8 cases 1 dead - but a curfew every night and the grand marché closed
crazy
Reply With Quote
  #71  
Old 10 May 2020
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 25
Thanks for your input. Although nobody has hitchhiked this route, I'd be willing to give it a try. Another thing to note is that I am a US citizen, whereas most foreigners who travel in this region are Europeans. Would this affect my chances of successfully crossing the border or traveling in Algeria in general?
Last edited by Ccandelario430; 10 May 2020 at 19:30.
Reply With Quote
  #72  
Old 10 May 2020
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
Algeria is not like most other countries: think Iran, N Korea, parts of Myanmar. Tourists can't roam around unescorted.
So it will depend on whether you need/choose to organise an escort/guide in a car, border to border - no problem wherever you're from (bar Israel), but expensive.

Without one, expect delays in Alg, more because the hats fear for their jobs if you get in trouble or are caught where you ought not be, unescorted.
It will help greatly if you speak French or Arabic to talk your way through.

In RIM no probs: get a visa at Hassi 75.

In my experience Americans have an easier time getting visas (in DC) than Brits.
But that was year ago.
Reply With Quote
  #73  
Old 10 May 2020
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 25
This is probably a naive question, but how would the Algerian government know what parts of the country you travel to? I mean, once you're in, you're in, right? I've heard it's really regulated. Can't you just discretely hop on a train or bus and visit just about any city or town you choose? Or are there numerous checkpoints where they ask for your passport? I've been to Morocco and Egypt and have only had to show my passport a couple of times, though I suppose Algeria might be more strict.
Reply With Quote
  #74  
Old 10 May 2020
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
Once you're in you're in is true but as said, Alg is nothing like those countries.
If it was we'd all be bombing around there like in the good old days.

See https://sahara-overland.com/algeria-3/

The proscribed Grand Sud more or less represents what is not the yellow area of the French map below.

There will be roadside checkpoints checking ID and who will turn a foreigner back without an escort, including (in my experience) checking bus passengers.
Sneak by and subsequent checkpoints will nab you.

And Tindouf area is on another level. No one could get there for half a century, unless in a 'peace convoy' with Polisario aid.

Just last week the Algies held a live ammo army exercise near Tindouf - presumably to remind the Moroccans they mean business.

What Algies really don't want is an American hitchhiker being kidnapped/sold by some renegade troupe of jihadis and spirited over the border into nearby Mali.
See: https://sahara-overland.com/kidnappings

That is why the county has reacted so strongly in suppressing independent tourism. It's a shame, but that's the way it is since 2003 or so.
Attached Thumbnails
New trans-Sahara route: Tindouf (DZ) <–> Zouerate (RIM)-alg-map-france-de.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #75  
Old 10 May 2020
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 25
Well, on the bright side, at least it's not overrun with tourists like Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt. The benefit of being strict with regards to tourism means that they should have a purer culture as they haven't resorted to exploiting it for monetary gain.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 5 of 11 1234 5 67891011

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

LinkBacks (?)
LinkBack to this Thread: https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/north-africa/new-trans-sahara-route-tindouf-95755
Posted By For Type Date
Frontière Algérie/Mauritanie - Casa Trotter This thread Refback 9 Mar 2020 10:21

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 4 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 4 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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Finding Freedom...World Wide Ride saralou Ride Tales 3565 3 Weeks Ago 18:23
Complete Central America/Mexico/Colombia Border Crossing Information sellheim Central America and Mexico 30 7 Mar 2023 00:33
Comprehensive Guide To West Africa - Without Carnet Wanted sub-Saharan Africa 48 17 Jan 2020 22:50
Border crossings and bribes West Africa Oneroadoneworld.com Trip Paperwork 0 17 Nov 2017 19:08
HondaVsTheWorld Alaska to Argentina on HOnda C90 SPDilley North America 3 9 Dec 2012 19:04

 
 

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 20:54.

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