Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
Tunesia in October Tunesia in October
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 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 30 Jul 2011
mj's Avatar
mj mj is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 303
Tunisia in October
We're planning to travel around Tunesia in October. Last week I've learned that apparantly the presidential elections are set to take place in mid October so we've started wondering whether or not it's a wise choice to be around during the elections.

What's the current situation in Tunesia, anybody been there recently? What does the collective HU intelligence think about this, is it going to be safe during the elections or not?
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"
Last edited by mj; 3 Sep 2011 at 15:04. Reason: typos
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Aug 2011
mj's Avatar
mj mj is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 303
310 hits and no opinions?
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Aug 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Antwerpen, Belgium
Posts: 23
Hi,

Planning myself an Easter 2012 trip, so I am already following the situation in Tunesia with a close eye (and do have an opinion on it, mr. mj)

As far as I see: don't go in the election period: biggest risk for upsets and protesters turning wild. Check for instance the websites of the Belgian, Dutch and British Foreign Afairs and you will see a 3/6 risk factor, which is relatively high.

Furtermore: are you aware of the fact that we need written permission to drive anywhere south of Tataouine, being the biggest place of interest for a spot of dune hopping?

- One car is not allowed, you must be with two vehicles;
- written permission being had on board;
- More cars = guide obliged;
- No guide and no taxes(?) paid, no go! (how do they control the desert?)
(the above info comes from a Belgian Land Rover forum member and seems to be genuine; can anyone confirm this?)

As far as I am concerned now on this very moment: on 3/6 risk scale I am not going. When it drops and I can find a solution for the guide/taxes/group problem, then I am off!

HTH

Roel
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Aug 2011
mj's Avatar
mj mj is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 303
Thanks for your answer Roel. I keep checking various foreign affairs websites but can't find anything too daunting. Maybe it's because I don't consider a 3/6 to be too dangerous but more of a normal 'be careful as usual' situation. The German one states everything is ok, the situation has stabilized and one should simply be on the watch for pickpockets but that's always been the case. I'm also aware of the Tataouine thing but it's not a problem since we're not planning on doing any dune hopping anyway. We're going two-up with my wife and full luggage so dunes will not be our friends
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 Aug 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Antwerpen, Belgium
Posts: 23
@ MJ (and others off course!):

Taken from the Dutch Foreing Affairs website for Tunesia travel Advice:

1: no problem
2: be vigilant
3: unsafe areas
4: unnecessary travels (pleasure) not advisable
5: really business travels should only be undertaken
6: no go

What a difference in advice then between various countries: long live united Europe?

HTH

Roel
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Aug 2011
mj's Avatar
mj mj is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 303
I see. They're not so different after all. 3/6 means unsafe areas - there are obviously unsafe areas south of Tatouine, near the Libyen and Algerian border, that are better avoided. But the rest of the country is supposedly fine, at least according to the German foreign ministry.
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2 Sep 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Antwerpen, Belgium
Posts: 23
For what it's worth: The Netherlands (Holland) has dropped the risk scale for travelers from 3/6 tot 2/6, which is already better!

Furthermore: can anyone confirm that I can drive tot Ksar Ghilane and the two routes from Chris' book on ONE vehicle and having just written to the chefs in Tataouine?

Reading somewhere on a French LR website revealed just that; so nothing to pay and no guides to come with you, as long a you stay north of Tataouine.

Thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2 Sep 2011
mj's Avatar
mj mj is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 303
Thanks Roel, that's good news indeed. We're about to book our ferry ticket from Genua to Tunis any day now. The current situation seems stable enough for us to give it a shot.

The Ksar Ghilane thing I will be able to tell you in November, when I'm back
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"
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
Knobbies in Tunesia mj North Africa 8 12 Mar 2011 12:21
Tunesia-Libya-Egypt FreeCaRveR North Africa 1 26 Dec 2010 21:50
Tunesia Bir-Roman beba North Africa 6 8 Dec 2010 10:43
algirian visa in tunesia Fuchur North Africa 0 1 Nov 2002 00:07
Morroco-Algeria-Tunesia? steven m. North Africa 2 20 Sep 2001 23:53

 
 

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!

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 01:47.

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