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 Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Dec 2001
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: san francisco
Posts: 144
Sahara for first-timer

My girlfriend and I have just a few hundred miles of offroad experience. The plan is to get some training in Morocco, ride through all the pistes (M1-M6) listed in the book, come back to France and then head for the Big Trip across the Sahara: Tunisia, Hassi Messaoud, HbG, Djanet, Tamanrasset, Arlit, Agadez...

Does it sound sensible or do you - the Sahara veterans - think that we are going to bite more than we can chew? How does Morocco compare with southern Algeria, is it another order of magnitude? What would be a good preparation then?

We would really love to see the Hoggar and the Tassili instead of following the Atlantic route.
__________________
Pierre Saslawsky
http://photobiker.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Dec 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: France and UK
Posts: 156
Hi Pierresas
I have just driven most of Chris Scott's pistes in Morocco (late November 01) and some were definitely more demanding than those in Southern Algeria.
Wadi Ziz, SW of Taous, was a sea of flood debris, soft sand, holes, ruts, rocks and boulders. Wonderful fun!
In a nutshell, Morocco offers as much variety of driving skills as you will need - its just the quantity that differs.
The Hoggar - Tassili route is much more scenic than the Atlantic route, but both offer interest and variety.
I shall be putting up some detailed notes on Morocco on my website in a week or two when the dust has settled. Keep in contact...
Bon Route
Kitmax

html://www.kitmax.com


------------------
Kitmax - Traveller
Desert Pictures at
http://www.kitmax.com/kitmax/kit03ph...velgallery.htm
homepage <A HREF="http://www.kitmax.com
" TARGET=_blank>http://www.kitmax.com
</A>
__________________
Kitmax
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Dec 2001
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,907
I recommend Morocco as a first trip more because it is psychologically and techicnally easier than Algeria and cheaper to get to, although as Kitmax found, floods off the Atlas can make pistes challenging - rarely a problem in Alg.
For Maroc no visa, less culture shock (also more hassle), short piste distances, easier to get home. But going straight into Tunisia and Algeria wont freak you out too much - Tunisia is an easy intro. Algerians are at least as friendly as the Moroccans and no hassle at all. You can drive to Djanet all the way on tarmac (1500km), exploring off road if you like, meet others in town and do the piste to Tam and then on Niger, again with others.
Jump in the deep end - it will be a great adventure.
Morocco is great but it is not the real Sahara - and the Atlantic Route is relatively unsatisfying

Chris S
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.

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 19:16.