Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
Sahara Documentary starting tonight on BBC1 Sahara Documentary starting tonight on BBC1
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 Oct 2002
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 284
Sahara Documentary starting tonight on BBC1
Not much use for those outside the UK, and probably a bit late, but just a quick reminder that Michael Palin's documentary on the Sahara starts tonight at 7pm on BBC1.
Geoff
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Oct 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: France and UK
Posts: 156
IMHO...!)
Good programme, well researched, nicely filmed, very people-orientated but rather low on off-roading content.
I admire Palin for embarking on that frightful Zouerat train journey, 25 hours of rattling discomfort. The Chinguetti coverage was rather brief and we got little of the great cultural heritage of that remote Moorish town.
I was sorry there were no serious dune crossings, desert nomads, wild camels (only one or two dead ‘uns) or any real portrait of desert life, as experienced by both travellers and natives.
Entertaining it was, thank you Michael, but desert travel it wasn’t.


------------------
Kitmax - Traveller
Desert Pictures at
http://www.kitmax.com/kitmax/kit03ph...velgallery.htm
homepage http://www.kitmax.com
Chinguetti story at: http://www.kitmax.com/kitmax/kit12tr...htm#chinguetti

[This message has been edited by kitmax (edited 13 October 2002).]
__________________
Kitmax
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Oct 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Hythe, Hampshire, UK
Posts: 35
What border crossing to Mori did he use? Is it a possibility for the resto of us? or did he visit places that the Moroccons would rather not have us go?
Malcolm
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Oct 2002
GWJ GWJ is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 281
Is anyone else a bit confused about the programme? I watched it last night, and wasn't sure about the trip to Smara - Michael Palin and his crew seemed to give the impression that it was in Algeria - immediately after the visit, he said that he'd just crossed back into Western Sahara from DZ. Unless someone's moved the borders, isn't it IN Western Sahara?

Did anyone else pick up on that, or am I just being dumb??

Other than that, not a bad show for mainstream TV.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Oct 2002
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
Didnt see it but sounds like they may have used Bir Mogrein crossing which is not poss for us since 20 years, but is for locals and those with good connections I guess.

CS
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Oct 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Leicestershire,UK, or in my Iveco Daily 4x4
Posts: 474
Anyone video it and if so can I borrow it please......

Email me direct

Ta.



------------------
Rich
LR101 300Tdi Ambi 'Tiggurr'
__________________
Rich

Iveco Turbo Daily 4x4 40-10
Ex Owner LR101 300Tdi Ambi 'Tiggurr'
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 Oct 2002
GWJ GWJ is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 281
I videoed it, was interesting but already have to lend it out to others.
I am sure it will be on video for Christmas

I think the border crossings used are not for normal people.

Rob
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 17 Oct 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: CT, USA
Posts: 43
Certain locations were filmed in a different order than an overlander would normally reach them. Part of this was to be in key places on market day, or during a tribal festival, etc.

When we met up with the crew they had cut short a major destination - Dakar I think- to be in Djenne for Tabaski. They did Bamako to Tomboctou, and then I think they returned to Dakar a couple weeks later to finish there.

I'm sure some of the border crossings were airports, and some were the opposite side of the country from what you'd expect.
Ed
__________________
Ed Messenger
VRAA Expedition Society
www.drivetheglobe.com
www.gpsaccessories.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 22 Oct 2002
GWJ GWJ is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 281
I think the video is out in the shops to buy about now (at least this is what I think it said on the Amazon site).......

....hopefully there'll be a bit more in the way of dunes etc. next Sunday or the Sunday after!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 22 Oct 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
Posts: 4
Saw the Michael Palin video Sahara in Sainsbury's on Sunday, priced at £14.99
__________________
desertman
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 21 Feb 2006
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Quote:
Originally posted by Chris Scott:
Didnt see it but sounds like they may have used Bir Mogrein crossing which is not poss for us since 20 years, but is for locals and those with good connections I guess.

CS
Yes it was in the Bir Mogrein area - they were told by the Polisario reps that they were the first Westerners to use this crossing for many years. I got this info from the website of Palin's Sahara Travels or whatever it's called. Too bad for the rest of us who dont have the influence the BBC has. An interesting programme though.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 21 Feb 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
I did a very similar route (with the exception of Algeria) in a month. It took MP o year as he was doing his trip piece by piece, flyng back home, then resuming for a while, etc. This is not quite other people's idea of seeing the world, but that's how films are made. I haven't seen the video but have read his book. I am not sure if he really enjoyed the experience or if it was for him one of the "things you must do before you die".


------------------
Roman (UK)
www.overlandcruiser.com
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 22 Feb 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
You can get a boxed set of all his travels on DVD from amazon. It is an excelent set and will keep you out of trouble for hours. Himalaya I enjoyed especially, alhtough he tended to look as though it might have been a trip too far!

Andy

landy 101 ambie/camper
TLC H60
1968 Morris minor traveller
www.plymouth-dakar.com
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 23 Mar 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: London
Posts: 8
Sorry people but Palin did not cross that border. He flew back to London. Then flew London to Algiers and went overland giving the IMPRESSION that he had crossed the border.

[This message has been edited by Bazil (edited 23 March 2006).]
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 05:03.

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