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 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 17 Feb 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: nyc
Posts: 3
Taoudenni

I am planning to try to travel to Taoudenni late October/early November '08 by camel-caravan as described in the book. I read somewhere that the route is now closed to tourists beyond Araouane. Does anyone have information pertaining to this? Also if my plans turn out to be impossible what should I do to kill 7 weeeks? Perhaps in such case I should head to Niger and try for the Bilma route? Thank you.

abumeeg
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 17 Feb 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Malmo/Sweden
Posts: 15
Hello.

I was in Arouane 3 weeks ago by car. There is no military on the road from Timbouctou or in Arouane, and no real piste to follow north, so I dont see how they can prevent you from going. But I never travelled north of Arouane so I can not say for sure.....
Here's an e-mailadress to a very nice and helpful tour organizer in Timbouctou that you might contact for information, he's from Arouane. moussa_nomade@yahoo.fr

If you write him greet from Marcus and Shifteh.

Good luck
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 27 Feb 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Canberra, Australia
Posts: 58
Where did you read..........

..........that the route is closed? I travelled by camel from Timbuktu to Taoudenni and back in November 2007, and it was not closed then, but had not heard that it had been closed since then. (A visit to the Chief of Police in Timbuctu did not hint at a suggestion that the route is closed.) Another area to go to could be Lac Faguibine to the west of Timbuktu which could be worth 2 weeks or more by camel -but I have not been that way yet.

I also travelled from Bilma to Agadez in January 2006, but I understand that due to the Tuareg rebellion, that it was very unlikely that it would have been possible to travel that way in the period oct 07-jan 08. (I hope the troubles are sorted out and that travellers can go that way soon.)
Alistair
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Mar 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: nyc
Posts: 3
Taoudenni To Tassalit by camel

Thank you for the information. I that forgot I had posted - I appologise. I was also wondering if anyone knew the possibility of traveling from Taoudenni to the Essouk festival via Tessalit with camels and guide. Thank you again.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Mar 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Canberra, Australia
Posts: 58
I have not been by camel to Tessalit

If you plan to start your trip in Tombouctou, you can probably find a guide who will take you, as long as you agree on the price. Many of the guides know the desert very well, and as long as it is clear to them what you want to do, and you arrange a contract, then it may be possible. I doubt that you will be able to make arrangements to START in Taoudenni though.

I recommend that if you want to find a guide, that you ask for Hamada at the Hotel Bouctou in Tombouctou. (He lives nearby.) Hamada is not a desert guide, but knows of guides who can take you to the desert, and speaks English and French as well as the local languages. Your guide is unlikely to be able to speak English -but may (or may not) know a little French.

The only way to really find out, is to go to Tombouctou and try, but nothing is certain and there is always risk.........

good luck

Alistair
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Mar 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: nyc
Posts: 3
Taoudenni

Thank you both for the information and contacts. i look forward to the adventure.
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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Timbuctou to Taoudenni by camel wiaderko North Africa 9 16 Apr 2007 00:29
To Taoudenni by Camel Alistair North Africa 2 3 Jan 2006 17:06
Timbuctou to Taoudenni by camel fmusser North Africa 1 1 Apr 2005 06:58
Chenguetti to Taoudenni?? RuneDK North Africa 4 6 Nov 2003 23:31
Timbouctou to Taoudenni by camel Ben Hirst Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 1 4 Jul 2001 04:43

 
 

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!

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 02:29.