|
15 Feb 2004
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Johanesburg, South Africa
Posts: 5
|
|
Sudan Chad Libya
Planning to drive by Land Rover from SA to the Sudan into Chan and if possible northbound into Libya. Looking to be in Sudan around mid July. Any advice from someone who has done some or part? What good reference books can you recommend?
Many thanks pcb
------------------
PCBaker
__________________
PCBaker
|
15 Feb 2004
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
|
|
Given the current situation, there are two problems 1) the crossing from Western Sudan in to Chad. In recent months rebel groups have been fighting government forces in the western Sudan region with large numbers of refugees displaced into Chad. This has caused two issues for the trans african traveller, 1) safety in passing through this area 2) difficulty of getting visas. Even if you are willing to chance issue 1, you are unlikely to get past issue 2.
If this situation eases which it may (the sudanese government recently announced that it had won the fighting and all towns were now in their control. The rebels dispute that they have won as they say they are still fighting in the countryside). There is about 1000kms of sand driving where there are no proper tracks or roads in Western Sudan. Most people follow tyre tracks running parrallel to the railway lines.
2) the second problem is that you aren't allowed to drive up in to the tibesti region of northern chad and given there is alot of landmines plus rebel activity from Tubu locals its not particularly desirable for security reasons even if you could get permission. The locals don't even seem to want to go up there. There has been the odd vehicle going through but you also have to enter illegally in to Libya so its a fairly major undertaking. The next route would be to cross from Chad round lake chad into Niger. From there you could head up through Algeria and then Tunesia or alternatively head further West and go up the atlantic route from Mauritania - Western Sahara.
|
17 Feb 2004
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
|
|
Further to the previous post and inspite of positive news reports that the conflict in western Sudan is improving. More significantly the Sudanese govenment has set up Aid corridors for aid convoys to transport aid overland to upto 1 million displaced people in western Sudan. The aid agencies have declined to use these corridors as they feel the threat from bandits attacking the convoys are too high. Given where aid agencies such as MSF and others are prepared to work, its fairly significant that they don't regard it as safe enough to transit through.
|
18 Feb 2004
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Johanesburg, South Africa
Posts: 5
|
|
Thanks for the information. Much appreciated. Are you saying that it is impossible to get from the Sudan into Chad? Wouls it be possible to get from Uganda into Central African Republic, via Juba in Southern Sudan, and thense to N'Djamena, Niger into Libya. A previous posting indicated Niger Libya was possible even if you have to take a full license making workshop! What do you think of the timing, say June to August next year? Thanks for teh advice.
Peter
__________________
PCBaker
|
18 Feb 2004
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
|
|
Anythings possible. Each time a border is listed as closed, there is always some mad german motorcyclist that has managed to get through. However if you are a conventional overland traveller who gets Visas and doesn't drive through war zones then certainly at present, all reports suggest Chad / sudan or vice versa is not a possibility. Southern Sudan may be a possibility but the government doesn't like outsiders going in there, again you probably won't get a visa and CAR is supposedly quite dodgy at the best of times. Another expedition by 2 South Africans turned back from CAR and ended up going down the west coast because of security concerns. I would suggest by far your best bet is to come up the west coast - Angola - DRC - Congo - Gabon - Cameroon. Several expeditions have managed to go through that way in the last year seemingly with minimal problems. As to the timing - I'm guessing thats more of a problem with North Africa, you will be coming through on remote routes (if your going the Niger / Libya route) at the hottest time of the year.
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|