Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
Track Info? Nema - Tombouctou - Gao ? Track Info? Nema - Tombouctou - Gao ?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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 1 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: hiding from the feds... deep in my woods...
Posts: 56
Track Info? Nema - Tombouctou - Gao ?
Just mulling over some possibilities for our little excursion this Christmas, tis the season to be jolly after all

Has anyone recently done any of the tracks from Nema across to Timbuktu, either down via Nampala or more directly across toward Ras el Ma? What are these tracks like (very sandy?) for a high riding 2WD merc 300d with an industrial sump guard?
Also interested in the track going on to Gao on the north side of the river, anyone done this recently?

All amusing anecdotes enjoyed.


Scamp
Last edited by ManxScamp; 1 Nov 2007 at 02:52. Reason: more info
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Lisbon
Posts: 68
Check this link:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...mbouctou-18256

P
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,907
Also interested in the track going on to Gao on the north side of the river


I dont think you will manage this in a high riding 2WD merc 300d - very sandy ruts and bushes/trees trapping you in the ruts on the eastern half - a bad combination.

I believe one goes as far as a ferry over to Gourma on the south side which runs down to the Hombori highway then east to Gao ferry.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: F
Posts: 856
Nema-Tombouctou
May there is an other problem to do this route : I've heard this area (between Nema and Tombouctou ) not very safe . Any info about that ?
RR.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: hiding from the feds... deep in my woods...
Posts: 56
oo er misses
Hey, thanks for the replies, it sounded like they were all going to have a crack at it last year so I should probably just pm some of them to see how it went
Lots of sand doesn't sound so good for us, so we maybe better to head south from Nema then back up via Lere.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Nov 2007
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,907
Top tip
I saw an interestring documentary the other night and it claimed in the soft stuff old Mercs go a lot better in the soft stuff if you remove the doors, boot lid, seats, rad grill, etc. Shooting the floor pan helps too, for river crossings

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Posts: 91
Top Gear
Yep saw that too Chris but was pretty unimpressed by the way the BBC allowed the Top Gear crew to abuse that part of the world.

I've travelled through Botswana extensively and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are one of the most isolated awesome places I've been lucky enough to visit, especially Kubu Island which is a very sacred place for the Setwanan people.

They did have a good time and it did make good TV but just can't understand why they had the smash the crap out of the cars and then burn the parts?

Boys being boys I suppose....just respect the country you're in, the environment you pass through and the people whose lands you lucky enough to visiting or you'll give the rest of us a bad name!

Sorry to whinge,

Ben
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 6 Nov 2007
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,907
...abuse that part of the world

I must say that was my instinctive reaction too - but i assume they anticipated many viewers will see it the same way and it was all done for show (ie, they cleaned up afterwards).

And what is 'the spine of Africa' anyway??

My impression is a lot of those TG challenges right back to the Hilux are 'creatively edited' to fine tune the jeopardy/suspense - (not least that arctic one the other week) but it's still fun telly.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 7 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: hiding from the feds... deep in my woods...
Posts: 56
Lightweight spec e class
Unfortunatly I missed that (probably something to do with not having a telly!), I'll have to see if I can down load it.
Certainly sounds like our old Maud is already prep'd, with technical weight reducing ventilation holes & bits missing, ready to go!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 8 Nov 2007
gregor's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: rzeszow, poland
Posts: 38
tyres
hi Chris.

pls let me know:
tyres for car nissan terrano1 2,7td 4x4 : 205x16fulda AT will be ok for route in algieria or should i change it for any 235x16 bfgoodrichMT?
is many stones on the toad around tamm but the rest it's a good conditions.
route ghardaia-djanet-tamm-arlit?


Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott View Post
Also interested in the track going on to Gao on the north side of the river


I dont think you will manage this in a high riding 2WD merc 300d - very sandy ruts and bushes/trees trapping you in the ruts on the eastern half - a bad combination.

I believe one goes as far as a ferry over to Gourma on the south side which runs down to the Hombori highway then east to Gao ferry.

Ch
__________________
GZ
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
Sudan border crossing info required Matt Roach Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 3 13 Oct 2010 10:35
Panama City Contact Info brennan Central America and Mexico 11 12 Nov 2008 02:17
Some Mauritanian info: armadillo North Africa 18 13 Oct 2007 13:36
Bike Missionary need help! overseas info needed! TresMon Trip Transport 1 1 Mar 2005 06:19

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 19:17.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top