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 24 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Togliatti, Russia
Posts: 261
Timbuktu-Gao

One more question about Mali. I have a plan to visit Timbuktu. But I don`t know how can I get out from there? Is there a road from Timbuktu to Gao along a Niger river? Is it possible for riding? I don`t have a perfect experience like a Dakar racers. And my Africa Twin is too heavy for the extreme off-road.

Alex
__________________
RUBTSOVTRAVEL.COM
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Jun 2008
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
Most people go east a bit and then take the ferry to the south side of the river at Gourma Rarous or Korioume (??) via Douzenta and then the Hombori road to Gao.

Not sure about place names, see: http://www.sahara-overland.com/Sfiles/ian-timbo.htm

Continuing east along the north bank to Bourem would indeed be hard work on a wide and heavy AT.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ireland
Posts: 46
Alex
Here are some photos of the route Timbuktu-Gao to give you some idea. There are some sandy sections - maybe 20% of the overall route could be classed as loose sand - and it is difficult to avoid, because there is heavy bush. As you get close to Bourem there is dune section, then after Bourem it is easier, and the road is being upgraded.
Donncha
Attached Images
    
__________________
--------------------------

Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Jun 2008
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Monaco
Posts: 336
In December 07 we went from Timbuktu to Doentza in a Landrover. This is a hard pist. No problem at all.

Friends we then met in Niamey returned to Timbuktu via Gao in a Landcruiser. Again no problem at all.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 24 Jun 2008
orrin's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Worcester Park
Posts: 174
Another option..

I left my panniers at Mac's place in Sevare, near Mopti. Then headed to Tombouctou.
From mopti it is a 200km tar road until you turn left to Tim on a dirt road for another 200km. The dirt road is VERY BADLY CORRUGATED!! You will experience hell if you are fully loaded. Let me just say that again..VERY BADLY CORRUGATED!!
There are places at the dirt road turn off to stay and leave panniers etc.
Perhaps you could stay at this intersection, unload a load of crap, head to tim and back and you are then on the main road to Goa.
The route you are considering is very sandy.
I hope you really, really want to go to Tombouctou. Dont expect trumpets to sound when you enter.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 24 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Togliatti, Russia
Posts: 261
Gourma

Ok! I looked at the soviet maps. Actually the Nothern bank is sandy from Gourma to Bourem. Gourma is on the South bank. The map show me a ferry there. But I`m not sure does it works today? And what is the road further?

Alex
__________________
RUBTSOVTRAVEL.COM
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 24 Jun 2008
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Monaco
Posts: 336
The road from Timbukto to Gao does not cross the Niger. You will always be north of the river.

The photos of donncha correspond with what I have been told about that road (in December 07). This road should be no big problem on a bike and was easy in a Landcruiser.

To cross the Niger from/to Timbuktu there is a ferry about 15km south of Timbuktu (tar road until the port). The crossing takes more than an hour, because the Niger is wide and maeandering in this area. We took the last ferry southwards at 16h00. I would estimate that there are ca. 2-3 crossings each way per day.
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
Gao to Timbuktu Tunde North Africa 1 10 Feb 2008 20:09
The route to Timbuktu bmw.bec North Africa 5 2 Aug 2006 17:59
To and from Timbuktu JSerpa North Africa 14 24 Mar 2006 23:09
Steve in Timbuktu SaharaDave North Africa 0 1 Oct 2005 04:02
uk to timbuktu chrisue sub-Saharan Africa 1 2 Jul 2005 19:30

 
 

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 03:04.