 3Likes
 |
|
4 Oct 2011
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Salisbury
Posts: 20
|
|
|
Oh, what fun and games...
So whats the news at the moment? I'm planning on the Syria route (for lack for a better alternative) around mid November (leaving 6 weeks to get to Kenya...oh dear). Is anybody planning on doing it at a similar time? It seems those trying at the moment are having mixed luck...
|
4 Oct 2011
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: LocaL Bar
Posts: 60
|
|
|
We were planning late november but have postponed till december to team up with 3 other vehicles running on a later schedule.
Ferry is still off. You need to take the risk or buddy up. More the better in my opinion. We are also hearing that Laptops, GPS and Sat Phones are being turned away. We are checking on this. I would advise you wait till we have official response. I have today written to the Syrian Embassy UK and will have an answer to the "equipment issue" soon. I will post here with the official response.
pm if you need more info but we need all to agree to more in the convoy.
|
9 Oct 2011
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Alexandria - Egypt
Posts: 37
|
|
|
Take care
Syria , it is quite possible there is a war very soon there , in this case this war will include Israel , Turkey , NATO , USA backed up with oil money against Syria , Iran , part of Lebanon ,
If this bloody scenario develops into reality I would suggest planning an alternative route .
The Middle East is changing and maybe im wrong but thought to give a news feedback from native point of view
Mahmoud Mohareb
|
11 Oct 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: On the road somewhere in Africa
Posts: 104
|
|
|
I hope 3M's views don't materialise - but I can understand why you see things this way.
Due to the Syria situation we are looking at shipping to South Africa and doing the trip in reverse - this way if in 18 months everything has settled down we will visit Syria, if not we can exit via Haifa - or if everything has gone to pot as predicted by 3M then we can do a loop back South again!
Ian
|
11 Oct 2011
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: LocaL Bar
Posts: 60
|
|
|
sorry to see thats what you are doing Ian. We might now have another UK tag along in a Merc 814. Going to talk about this later in the week when i go to see them. Sure you can't be persuaded.......?
|
27 Nov 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sweden
Posts: 141
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by emmaLF
Hi all,
Sorry for the radio silence on this. We finally got our car in Alexandria, and then had to race down to Aswan to make our ferry to Sudan. In the end, the car came in fine - not a scratch - but we did have a couple of things stolen from the cabin (our fault for not being able to fit everything in the back to lock it up) and it did take a lot of time and money to get the car through customs.
Here's the lowdown:
Total delay (accounting for reloading from the original Grimaldi ship, whose stop at Alex was cancelled, plus delay of the replacement ship) = 6 days.
Total time and cost taken to get through customs, etc = 4 days, around 500 euros:
Day 1: delivery order (E£467) and letter from the Egyptian Automobile club E£300
Day 2: access passes for the port (free)
Day 3: ship arrives and unloads, wait and do nothing
Day 4: customs and traffic police. All in all took 5 hours, which apparently is "quick" (some other overlander friends of ours took the whole day). We paid (all E£): 535 for the carnet stamp/customs, 160 for mandatory insurance, 240 for storage of the car (in our case only a day so this quickly adds up), 100 for Egyptian license plates. We paid our fixer EUR 300 for his services. If you are unlucky you have to buy a fire extinguisher too (even if you already carry several...).
Every step is accompanied by lots and lots of waiting, handshaking, handing out tips, endless inspections of the car and its contents... and an incredible amount of photo copies of passports, carnets, etc.
All in all, we are now just relieved to have the car in one piece. It took a while to get there but the process is not that complicated if you are patient, are willing to pay and can lock away all that is in the car. If you're on a tight budget and tight for time, this may not be the best option for you.
Hope this helps!
Good luck, and let me know if you need more specific info.
Emma
|
Haven't heard of the need of a letter from the Egyptian Automobile club before, how do I get this the easiest way?
|
28 Nov 2011
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Salisbury
Posts: 20
|
|
|
Um, don't ship is the short answer...
I've had a similar experience to Emma's ... We were meant to be going with Neill through Syria and don't we wish we did, but retrospect is a fine thing. At the time it wasn't going to take a long time to do the shipping and we couldn't affor being turned away at the Syrian border...
We also went with Grimaldi Lines, through a handler in Athens. If i'd know this I'd not have taken this route, they didn't tell me it was Grimaldi. Anyway, we've now been in Egypt for 2 weeks. We've missed one Aswan ferry and it looks as though we're going to miss the next and therefore miss christmas with family and friends in Nairobi.
All I can say is, if possible, DO NOT SHIP, unless you have a crazy amount of time on your hands.
As far as paperwork goes (so far) we've had similar experiences. So far we've had to pay $300 and we haven't even entered the port! We've also had to arrange a special permit for me, as the registered keeper, but foreigner to enter the port - yet more dosh and time.
We didn't get a letter, but it seems that our handlers here in egypt took it upon themselves to send the carnet to the Automobile club in Cairo the day before a public holiday and two days before the two day long elections. In all this is an extremely bad time to be dealing with port customs and formalities, workers in the port and the shippers are stopping at 3pm due to the protests, many don't come in for work and the elections are taking up valuable days.
If we do end up getting out car by Wednesday (In shallah, but this is not the first time I have said that! - Last week!), can any body recommend the quickest way to Aswan? I was going to go the Nile route, but I have been suggested going down the red sea on a quicker road and cutting in to Luxor.
Thanks, Ed
Neill, how are you getting along? I trust you've had much more luck than we have?
|
28 Nov 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sweden
Posts: 141
|
|
That doesn't sound good at all! 
But if we get refused at the Syrian border we will have no other option. 
|
28 Nov 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: East Sussex UK
Posts: 119
|
|
|
Well,
After my last time shipping into Alex, hopefully I wont be doing it again this time, I say hopefully as I am researching the driving options to cross Libya in Jan / feb
From experience, even with the Sollum border 'dance', taken into account, its much, much easier than containering into Alex
So far the Libyan embassy in London has been giving me positive feedback!
Lets hope it continues as I know from my Libyan contacts there are still pockets of trouble there
Andy
|
29 Nov 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
|
|
|
That is a real headache, as a major tour of Africa can get screwed up before it even began.
I would think Libya, if you can get the visas, is the best bet, as their civil war is mostly over, whereas in Syria it it slowly getting worser.
|
29 Nov 2011
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
|
|
|
Why not start in South Africa and head north as far as you can.
Maybe buy bikes in South Africa to save on shipping and just leave, sell or even store them in the North until things settle down.
Starting in South Africa is a nice introduction to a fabulous continent where arriving in Egypt is usually a head ache which gets many off on the wrong foot.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
29 Nov 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sweden
Posts: 141
|
|
Yes, it's a big headache only two days before departure.
We've tried to get Libyan visas without any luck. Was told they don't issue tourist visas right now and a business visa was not possible for a group(?).
But it's a good idea to contact them again and see if anything changed in the last weeks.
To start from South Africa is sadly not an option because I'm organizing this to a group and each one will participate on different parts of the trip. Not possible to reverse it. But if it were only me it would have been a great idea. Or I would circled Africa anticlockwise instead.
|
29 Nov 2011
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronnie79
Yes, it's a big headache only two days before departure.
We've tried to get Libyan visas without any luck. Was told they don't issue tourist visas right now and a business visa was not possible for a group(?).
But it's a good idea to contact them again and see if anything changed in the last weeks.
To start from South Africa is sadly not an option because I'm organizing this to a group and each one will participate on different parts of the trip. Not possible to reverse it. But if it were only me it would have been a great idea. Or I would circled Africa anticlockwise instead. |
Fly into Khartoum perhaps ??
It certainly isn't easy to get into Africa at the moment. It's crazy how fast things changed. Only a year ago it was all very easy and Africa was calm.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
1 Dec 2011
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 38
|
|
|
It's almost beyond belief that there was only one car ferry from Europe and Turkey to Egypt.
I'll be heading north by car from South Africa in a few weeks...hope things improve in Syria or that restart the ferry to/from Egypt.
Anyone looked at going by ferry from Israel to Cyprus then to Greece?
|
5 Dec 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 280
|
|
|
M2M - We arrived in Salerno this morning having taken the Grimaldi freighter from Israel. It was fine. 365 euro each for us, 385 euro for the car. The crossing took 5 days. Ensuite double cabins, ridiculous amounts of free food (3 courses for both lunch and dinner) even free wine (!). Car was fully accessible at all times, crew very pleasant though kept to themselves.
We were on the the Euro Med line, which stops at Turkey, Cyprus and Greece on the way to Israel, not from - the only stop after Israel was Alex but we weren't allowed off.
Having had to renew our car papers at Alex port back in September I wouldn't recommend anyone importing a car there if there is any alternative. Compared to Aswan and Nuweiba (which are the only other borders of Egypt I've crossed in a car) it was horrendous from a corruption point of view.
NB Getting into Israel in a car wasn't much fun - you have to take out everything in the car and have it individually scanned ... took 8 hours.
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
