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.

Like Tree116Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #271  
Old 25 Jul 2015
jasminamiika's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 17
I am just planning my trip to Egypt where I will ship my car back to Europe.
So fixer is not obligatory to get in to Egypt from Sudan?
Greetings from Nairobi, waiting passport to arrive with Ethiopian visa
/jasmin
Reply With Quote
  #272  
Old 27 Jul 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 11
No, a fixer is not obligatory ... he might be helpful if something's wrong with your paperwork but if your paperwork is in order, you really don't need a fixer (on neither side).

When our friends arrived at the border with their car a few weeks back, Mazar was nowhere to be found (for whatever reason) and they managed just fine without being even bothered (after the officials had established that Mazar was MIA ;-)).

All the best with your Ethiopian visa - we were in the same situation a few months back and all went well. Enjoy Ethiopia - we really loved it (divine coffee and food!) but had way too little time to really explore it! If you can - take your time!

How do you plan on shipping your car from Egypt to Europe?

All the best, safe and fun travels! Enjoy!
Reply With Quote
  #273  
Old 2 Sep 2015
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
Recent report from Steffen W

In Aswan I have to track down ‘Kamal’. Kamal also has contact with Mazar on the Sudanese side [contact details in this thread somewhere].

There are two convoys a day to Abu Simbel: one at 4am near the Nubian Museum (for tourist day trips and to catch the first ferry), the second I think at 11am in front of the obelisk. My pre-dawn convoy was formed by many tourists minibuses doing Abu Simbel, with some police cars front and back. Only foreigners need to do the convoy; on the road I saw local cars unescorted.

The speed is high so it takes about three hours to Abu Simbel - average speed about 110-120km/h. Not ideal in the dark on an Egyptian road through the desert on a back-heavy 1200GS with the headlight beam illuminating the stars.

The new road is in a very good condition by Egyptian standards, but give it a few years. When the sun rises about 5:30 you see the fantastic desert landscape light up but you have to ride on.

At Abu Simbel you go straight to the harbour. On the other side you have to drive about 60km to Wadi Halfa, but at the beginning of Abu Simbel there is a fuel-station on the left. We reach Abu Simbel at about 7. Kamal waits there and you need to hurry as the ferry should leave at 7 too.

It takes about one hour to cross the lake to Quastal which is just a ramp in the dust. After that, there's a new road for nearly 30km to the border. To leave Egypt it takes more time then entering, I don't know why. Kamal does it all and I just wait with all the others. It takes more than six hours to enter Sudan but that was not normal, they had a network problem that day. There was no bike-check, nothing. After the border (forget the name, in the middle of nowhere) you ride 30km on a new road to Wadi Halfa.

Mazar is a really nice guy: friendly, fair (from what I could see), you can make jokes with him. He gave me some interesting tips about must-sees and an invitation to his brother’s house in Khartoum. He did the ‘Long Way Down’ crew and owns a BMW found in the desert back in the 90’s near a dead German traveller.

Kamal is just a fixer. A little bit grumpy but does his job. You don't really know exactly what you’re paying for and why in three currencies: this in Euro, that in Dollar, this in EGP. I’m sure I’m paying too, much like all others, but what can you do if you can’t read the documents? With anyone else it would be the same. From Wadi Halfa to Khartoum all sealed, easy riding, if you don't mind 40°C).


Recent report from Steffen W

Last edited by Chris Scott; 5 Oct 2015 at 13:22.
Reply With Quote
  #274  
Old 28 Sep 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 5
Thx Chris - great description.

I heard a dirty rumour over the weekend that the road was now closed as per a few days ago!!! argh!

I find it hard to believe, but goepolitics are strange these days, so wondering if anyone has any current information. My quick google didn't come up with anything, but perhaps I'm missing something?

Please let me know.
Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #275  
Old 28 Sep 2015
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
Not heard anything but I'm sure we will soon if its happened.

(fyi report by Steffan W, not me)
Reply With Quote
  #276  
Old 7 Oct 2015
jasminamiika's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 17
I don't have any personal experience right now since we just made it to Europe. Via sinai and israel. But my friends in egypt told sinai is now closed from 4x4 bit driving else where is ok.
Reply With Quote
  #277  
Old 9 Oct 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 14
Hello!
I'm right now in Egypt and plan to go to the Sinai to take the ferry to Israel. We have a Land Rover defender, an obvious 4x4. Is it forbidden to cross into the Sinai from west Suez (Ahmed Hamri tunnel)? Late August it was possible but I am scared something changed...
Reply With Quote
  #278  
Old 10 Oct 2015
jasminamiika's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 17
Hi Cwuebben!
We did the Sinai in September, was fine. No problem at all. I have heard now from other travellers that is is closed. They are shipping from Alexandria their car. But I read news that it have been closed since August, and yet we did it. I believe if they have closed it, you would not be able to get too far, police will let tell you go back. The Suez canal was not too expensive, was it less than 1 euro.. If you do not find more info, maybe just try.
Reply With Quote
  #279  
Old 11 Oct 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 14
Thank you jasminannika! I think we will just try it, if it works it works.
Reply With Quote
  #280  
Old 12 Oct 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 17
Exclamation Sinai open again for 4x4 since yesterday

Hi everyone, I have just had first hand news that the Suez canal tunnel is open again since yesterday. Good news! Travel via the coastal road to Sharm el Sheikh then North to Dahab / Nuweiba / Taba is possible again. Tunnel is 2 EGP (as always), which is 25 euro cents. Travel to st Catherines is possible from the Sharm side. Border crossings at Nuweiba and Taba are possible.

The white desert has also reopened again according to Peter Wirth of the Baharya hot springs hotel, but only for day trips. Contact him for more information. I don't know if it is possible or advisable to travel to the oases further away (Farafra, Dakhla, Kharga).

Bear in mind that police and army are everywhere and are very "jumpy" in Egypt as they have been the target of many attacks (hundreds of them have died), so have your paperwork in order, stay calm and you will be fine.
Reply With Quote
  #281  
Old 17 Oct 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 14
No 4x4 on the Sinai

The Ahmed hamdy tunnel is closed to 4x4. Other cars are allowed. We were at the tunnel 2 days ago and were denied entry. We tried to get a permit from military intelligence in Cairo but were denied. We tried with a towing truck... But were denied today. Right now there is no way to enter the Sinai with a 4x4.
Reply With Quote
  #282  
Old 17 Oct 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Alexandria
Posts: 426
Quote:
Originally Posted by AfricaWithAutism View Post
Thx Chris - great description.

I heard a dirty rumour over the weekend that the road was now closed as per a few days ago!!! argh!

I find it hard to believe, but goepolitics are strange these days, so wondering if anyone has any current information. My quick google didn't come up with anything, but perhaps I'm missing something?

Please let me know.
Thanks
road is open friends just crossed few days ago , so no worries,
Reply With Quote
  #283  
Old 17 Oct 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Alexandria
Posts: 426
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cwuebben View Post
The Ahmed hamdy tunnel is closed to 4x4. Other cars are allowed. We were at the tunnel 2 days ago and were denied entry. We tried to get a permit from military intelligence in Cairo but were denied. We tried with a towing truck... But were denied today. Right now there is no way to enter the Sinai with a 4x4.
where are you now ? i will try to help but no promises ,
please email me
omarmansourr@hotmail.com
Reply With Quote
  #284  
Old 19 Oct 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 17
Quote:
Originally Posted by omar mansour View Post
road is open friends just crossed few days ago , so no worries,
Hi Omar, It isn't really clear if Sinai is open or not. Friends of mine (foreign and Egyptian) get through sometimes and other days not. Looks like the authorities have not really made up their minds yet, or do you have other news? Would like to know as I normally go kitesurfing in Ras Sudr and this is the info that I am getting from the guys at la Hacienda.

Maa Salama
Bas
Reply With Quote
  #285  
Old 22 Oct 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Germany
Posts: 16
Border Egypt / Sudan (new road) Fixers and Costs

Hi All,
currently, we are in Cairo, but will go down to Sudan soon.
Today, I have contacted a Fixer in Aswan who wants the following sums for his work:
* clearance for the car/road use: 1640 EL (i.e. 193€)
* US$50 for Sudan visa per person (i.e. US$200)
* US$50 per person for his services (i.e. US$200)
...
Does anybody have any experiences?
...
Do we really need a fixer for exiting Egypt and getting the Sudanese visa (we do have an invitation letter from the University of Khartoum)??
...
It would be great to get your suggestions and ideas.
All the best from Cairo,
Juliane, Mischa, Anouk and Sóley
... does anybody have the contact details of a fixer called Mazar?
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
Africa - Best and Worst Awards rupertu Ride Tales 7 20 Jul 2016 10:53
London to Cape Town, November 2012 Tfoy97603 Travellers Seeking Travellers 56 4 Sep 2012 17:51
Fuel on the way Egypt / Sudan achim-in-jordan North Africa 3 27 Jan 2012 00:11
21" tyres in sudan or egypt dogito66 North Africa 2 31 Dec 2011 12:35
South Sudan to Sudan or Ethiopia by car (road or river) possible? m2m sub-Saharan Africa 0 18 Nov 2011 07:03

 
 

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
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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 05:16.